Aging is a fact of life that comes with unwanted lines and wrinkles. If a more youthful-looking face is something you desire, injectable neurotoxins are one of the easiest and quickest ways to eliminate the look of lines and wrinkles while improving your self-confidence. All types of neurotoxins work towards the same goal of smoother-looking skin, but when deciding between Xeomin vs. Botox, choosing between the two can be difficult, so understanding the pros and cons of each is essential in finding the right treatment for you.
How Xeomin Works
Xeomin is formulated from the same purified protein as Botox and works the same way. However, Xeomin lacks the extra proteins found in Botox, making Xeomin a more purified neurotoxin.
Like Botox, Xeomin, which was FDA-approved in 2010, works by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals that cause the facial muscles to contract. Since Xeomin is an injectable muscle relaxant, it halts communication between the nerves that signal facial muscles to contract, leading to less visible skin wrinkling. While Xeomin is an effective wrinkle reducer, it is not a permanent solution, so you must maintain your results with repeat injections once the effects wear off.
How Botox Works
Botox is one of the most widely studied and tested aesthetic treatments and by far the most popular injectable neurotoxin. Like Xeomin, it, too, works to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by stopping the communication between the nerves and facial muscles. With no signal from the nerves telling the muscles to contract, expression-related lines and wrinkles seemingly disappear (albeit temporarily).
FDA-approved Botox has several on-label uses, but it has many off-label uses as well. Some of the more commonly injected areas with Botox include the frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, the neck, and the bunny lines on the side of the nose.
Critical Differences Between Xeomin and Botox
The biggest difference between Xeomin vs. Botox is the accessory proteins that Botox contains. These proteins can, over time, lead to Botox resistance due to the development of antibodies, which can impact the overall results. Because Xeomin is a purified injectable formulated without the extra proteins, it’s less likely (and virtually impossible) for those protein antibodies to form. Xeomin also does not need to be refrigerated, extending its shelf life.
One reason some people choose Xeomin over Botox is its highly purified formulation, which doesn’t contain additives. This makes Xeomin a more natural and purer type of neurotoxin, which also reduces the chance of allergies.
Still, because of the differences in formulations, less of one injectable may be used than the other. While this may affect the dose needed to give the skin a smoothing effect, it may not change the overall price of treatment.
Effectiveness and Results Comparison
The physical results from both treatments are the same: relaxed muscle movement improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by repeated movement. However, there could be a small difference in the duration of the results.
Xeomin results can take effect faster, and in some patients, the results may be noticeable as early as one day after treatment. Botox takes three to five days, if not longer, to take effect. Your choice between Botox vs. Xeomin may be swayed depending on how quickly you want or need the impact to be noticeable.
Safety and Side Effects Comparison
Both Xeomin and Botox have undergone rigorous clinical studies to prove their effectiveness and safety. While rare yet mild and temporary side effects can occur with both treatments, such as injection site pain and muscle weakness are common, severe side effects are uncommon.
Though Xeomin may lead to fewer allergic reactions than Botox, post-treatment side effects can still happen for both. Both injectables can potentially cause:
Bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site
Bleeding
Pain
Itching
Headaches
It’s always best to undergo a full consultation with your injector to determine the best treatment for you.
Considerations When Choosing Between Xeomin and Botox
It may seem like a tough decision to choose between Xeomin and Botox, but your injector’s preference for one toxin over the other will make it easier. Different injectables may be used to treat different areas of the face. You’ll also want to consider your history of allergies, past experiences with neurotoxins, your budget, and your personal preference. A consultation with our team is best to help make your decision easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Xeomin and Botox?
The most significant difference between Botox and Xeomin is that Xeomin is formulated as a purer version of Botulinum toxin Type A, which reduces the risk of allergies. Botox contains more proteins than Xeomin, which can cause allergies.
How do the effectiveness and results of Xeomin compare to Botox?
The results of both can last up to four months. While each patient is different, and the results vary for each person, it’s essential to stay up to date with your maintenance appointments so that your results stay intact without interruption.
Are there any specific advantages or disadvantages of choosing Xeomin over Botox, or vice versa?
Both Botox and Xeomin are effective treatments, but if you have a known allergy to neurotoxins, you may want to try Xeomin over Botox. Some data shows that Xeomin may last a little longer than Botox, but some people don’t find that their results last longer with Xeomin.
How can I decide which neurotoxin treatment is best for my needs?
These are a few things to consider when choosing the right neurotoxin for you. We always recommend a consultation first so that our team can help you determine the best treatment for you based on your previous experience, goals, and considerations.
What should I discuss with my provider before choosing between Xeomin and Botox?
When weighing Xeomin vs. Botox, you should discuss a few things with your provider. You’ll want to talk to them about your goals and objectives, budget, medical background and history, the look you are going for, specific areas where you want to tackle wrinkles, your budget, and your commitment to the treatment.
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