Advanced cosmetic surgery today uses different forms of injectables to promote smoother, younger-looking skin and eliminate crow’s feet and frown lines. After these treatments, commonly, you will have a more youthful and healthy appearance and look years younger.
Xeomin and Botox are both injectable products that are very commonly used to eliminate these signs of aging.
Although Xeomin and Botox both contain botulinum toxin type A, they have definitive differences in how they are administered and chemically formulated.
The neurotoxin produced by the bacterial species Clostridium botulinum works by blocking neuromuscular signals to relax specific muscles at the injection site.
The difference between Xeomin and Botox is that Xeomin contains the “naked” form of the botulinum toxin. Botox, on the other hand, contains accessory proteins.
Xeomin is chemically designed to deliver the botulinum toxin without any protein additives that commonly exist in Botox. Xeomin is a more purified chemical structure, and due to this difference, it may help prevent antibody resistance. Antibody resistance is a problem that has been noted with some injections that are administered over time.
Also, Xeomin can be stored at room temperature and kept in a refrigerator or freezer before its use. Botox injectable must be stored in a fridge before its use.
Another less significant difference is that Botox treatments commonly last between 3 to 4 months. After this time, you may see the treatment effects begin to wear off. Xeomin treatments typically last approximately three months, but some patients have seen continued results right up to 6 months.
It’s important to note that all patients respond differently to injectable treatments, and you need to obtain all the information you need. Therefore, you should consult with a qualified, professional Wellesley cosmetic surgeon to ensure you are getting the correct treatment. Discussing your specific medical history and what you expect from the treatment will allow your cosmetic surgeon to provide you with the best possible results.
Are There Other Conditions Treated by Botox and Xeomin?
Botox is a successful and commonly used drug, initially approved by the FDA in 1985. It’s very widely used today as a cosmetic treatment, as well as conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and excessive sweating. It’s also used to treat headaches and migraines. Both Xeomin and Botox are sometimes used to treat muscle spasms and abnormal contractions of the limbs, neck, and eyelids.
Xeomin is the newer of the two drugs and was approved by the FDA in 2010. Initially, it was formulated to treat glabellar lines (or fine facial lines, etc.) and various other conditions.
When used as an injectable cosmetic treatment, Xeomin temporarily removes frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Xeomin is also used to treat excessive drooling and salivation (chronic sialorrhea), and in some cases, abnormal muscle contractions of the neck (cervical dystonia), eyelids (blepharospasm), or limbs (limb spasticity).
Both injectables can provide you with dramatic and almost immediate positive effects on your skin, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Your knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon will talk with you, determine your needs, and help you decide on how to obtain the results you desire both safely and effectively.
Which May Be More Effective for Me; Botox or Xeomin?
It’s always important to note that every patient differs in treatment, and your experienced cosmetic surgeon will take all your medical history into account when evaluating your specific treatment.
When used for cosmetic purposes, both Xeomin and Botox are effective treatments. Both have a proven history of safety, convenience, and ease of use compared with most other medicines used to obtain the results you are looking for.
Both Xeomin and Botox start working rapidly after being injected into the muscle. However, their aesthetic value may not be fully seen for seven to fourteen days after treatment.
Some studies suggest that Xeomin may work faster and last longer than Botox. These studies also indicate that more women experienced more significant effects than men.
Commonly though, most studies show that both toxin injections showed similar effectiveness after four months. Aside from the fact that these injections work in almost identical ways, your Wellesley cosmetic surgeon, experienced in using these treatments, is always the best person to consult to determine which option is better for you.
What May I Expect When Treated Using Botox or Xeomin?
Both products, Botox or Xeomin, are used to treat facial lines and folds, and both work in the same manner, but they’re not formulated the same.
Botox is commonly used to treat facial folds and lines for cosmetic purposes, and the results usually last for three to six months.
The usual facial areas Botox is used to treat include:
- Forehead lines and wrinkles that are caused by frowning.
- Frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Xeomin is a different formulation of l botulinum that initially was designed to treat “glabellar lines,” or the frown lines that form between the eyebrows. Xeomin is highly effective in treating moderate to severe facial lines, providing a softening appearance, or removing them altogether.
Most patients can safely use Botox or Xeomin, but there are situations in which these treatments should be avoided. For example, if you have a skin infection at or near planned injection sites, your cosmetic surgeon will always wait for it to clear up before providing injectable treatments.
Since both these treatments have essentially the same cosmetic effect, the advice and guidance of your Wellesley cosmetic surgeon and their team are paramount in deciding which treatment is best for your specific safety and desired result.
I Do Want Botox or Xeomin Treatment, How Should I Proceed?
There are a lot of injectable formulations on the market that you and your knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon can choose from. Botox and Xeomin are only two of them. You need to know the difference between all these treatments and follow the valuable advice of your cosmetic surgical team.
The doctors at Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery have twenty-plus years of treating Wellesley and Boston patients with these formulations. Consult with them first, and with their experience and knowledge of these treatments, they will help you achieve the new and more youthful look you desire.