In the ever-changing world of skin rejuvenation, Xeomin injections stand out because they contain only the active neurotoxin without extra proteins. This makes Xeomin unique when you think about facial rejuvenation, especially when Botox is another option.
The most sensible choice may vary from one person to another, but it can be tricky to know what would work for you. This piece will help you make that decision by showing you how they’re alike and different.
What is Xeomin, and How is It Used?
Xeomin is a pure form of botulinum toxin type A that doctors use for medical and cosmetic treatments. Known officially as incobotulinumtoxinA, this injectable blocks nerve signals to muscles temporarily, reducing muscle activity and creating therapeutic effects.
How Xeomin Fits Into Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
Xeomin blocks nerve signals that make muscles contract after injection into specific facial muscles. This makes the skin look smoother with fewer wrinkles. The treatment works best on dynamic wrinkles—the ones you get from facial expressions—rather than static wrinkles that aren’t from muscle movement.
Most people need a new treatment every three to four months. The good news is that the time between treatments often gets longer with regular use, sometimes up to six months. This means fewer treatments over time for people who want long-term results.
Clinical research backs up Xeomin’s safety and how well it works. A phase three study with 730 adults showed Xeomin worked much better than placebos for all upper facial areas. Side effects were usually mild to moderate, and researchers didn’t find any serious treatment-related problems.
How Xeomin and Botox are Similar
Xeomin and Botox share fundamental similarities that make them close relatives in facial rejuvenation treatments. A clear understanding of these commonalities shows why both products remain popular choices for patients who want wrinkle reduction and treatment for certain medical conditions.
Shared ingredient: botulinum toxin type A
Both Xeomin injections and Botox’s active ingredients are similar. Each product employs botulinum toxin type A as its main therapeutic component. This shared foundation explains their similar clinical effects on patients.
These products work by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions. Both products “freeze” the targeted muscles and prevent full contraction. This mechanism creates the smooth skin that patients want for wrinkle reduction.
Notwithstanding that, the formulation around this active ingredient is different between products. Xeomin has only the pure neurotoxin without accessory proteins.
Similar Treatment Areas and Effects
The FDA has approved both Xeomin and Botox for overlapping cosmetic and medical applications. These products excel at treating dynamic wrinkles, which develop from repeated muscle movements. Common treatment areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines (lines between eyebrows)
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
Medical conditions that both products can treat include:
- Cervical dystonia (abnormal head position and neck pain)
- Blepharospasm (eyelid twitching)
- Upper limb spasticity
Research shows that Xeomin and Botox have comparable efficacy and safety profiles. Also, results appear within about one week after injection with either product and last between three to six months before patients need follow-up treatments. Each patient’s response may vary based on metabolism, treatment area, and dosage.
The Main Difference Between Botox and Xeomin
Looking at facial rejuvenation options, you should know the key difference between Xeomin and Botox to make better decisions about your treatment plan. Both products contain botulinum toxin type A, but their molecular makeup is different in one significant way.
Xeomin Ingredients: No Added Proteins
Xeomin stands out in facial rejuvenation because of its unique “naked” formula. The formula contains just the active neurotoxin without any extra proteins, unlike Botox.
What This Means for Long-term Use
Patients who get repeated treatments might benefit from Xeomin’s lack of accessory proteins. Its pure form can help prevent resistance buildup over time, which occurs in a small percentage of Botox users as their bodies’ immune systems develop neutralizing antibodies that fight the foreign proteins and block the toxin’s effects.
The lower “protein load” in Xeomin could reduce your chances of developing neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies can block the toxin’s effects, making treatments less effective as time goes on. Your body’s immune system naturally fights foreign proteins, leading to this resistance.
The purer formula might also mean fewer allergic reactions. Your body has fewer components to react against without those extra proteins as preservatives.
Is Xeomin Really More Natural Than Botox?
Xeomin’s marketing explains its “naked” formulation, and many patients ask if this really means a more natural option for facial rejuvenation treatments.
Injectable neurotoxins are not “more natural” in the sense that they come directly from nature, but rather that they lack the unnecessary additives that are present in products like Botox.
What to Know Before Choosing Between Them
Talk to your Beauty Vault provider about your specific needs and concerns. They will guide your decision to get the best results from your facial rejuvenation treatment.
How to Talk to Your Beauty Vault Provider About Options
Book a consultation with your provider and prepare a list of specific questions about your treatment goals and concerns. Your discussion about Botox and Xeomin differences should include reviewing before-and-after photos of their previous patients. Share your complete medical history with your Beauty Vault provider, including current medications and supplements that could affect your results.
Factors That May Affect Your Results
Your body’s response to either neurotoxin depends on several personal factors:
- Muscle thickness: Patients with thicker facial muscles need more product to achieve desired effects
- Treatment location: Muscles that you use often, like those around the eyes, break down neurotoxins faster
- Physical activity level: Athletes might see shorter-lasting effects due to higher metabolic rates
- Treatment consistency: Results last longer with regular treatments as targeted muscles weaken over time
Why Switching Products Should Be Guided by a Professional
Don’t assume that you can easily switch between Xeomin and Botox to get the best of both. Medical experts don’t recommend using them interchangeably, except perhaps for patients who develop resistance to one product, which can happen with repeated exposure. Let your Beauty Vault provider decide if switching makes sense.
Botulinum toxin products rarely cause serious hypersensitivity reactions. Each product’s unique formulation means you need professional guidance to safely switch between them. Your Beauty Vault provider will review your treatment response and adjust your dosage or frequency as needed.
Ask the Beauty Vault Team If You Should Try Xeomin
Although Xeomin and Botox share many similarities, there are enough differences to warrant careful consideration. The fact that Xeomin is more “naked” than Botox doesn’t mean you should use it. The right choice for you would depend on numerous factors that the team at Beauty Vault in West Hollywood can help you figure out. To schedule a consultation, call them today at (323) 800-6770 or fill out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. How does Xeomin differ from Botox in terms of its formulation?
Xeomin contains only the pure botulinum toxin without additional proteins, while Botox includes complexing proteins. This “naked” formulation of Xeomin may reduce the risk of developing antibodies that could decrease treatment effectiveness over time.
Q2. Are the results of Xeomin more natural-looking compared to Botox?
Both Xeomin and Botox can provide natural-looking results. However, Xeomin’s pure formulation may contribute to a smoother, more subtle appearance in some patients.
Q3. What are the FDA-approved uses for Xeomin?
Xeomin is FDA-approved for various uses, including treating upper facial lines (forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet), chronic sialorrhea, upper limb spasticity, cervical dystonia, and blepharospasm in adults. It’s also approved for certain conditions in pediatric patients.
Q4. How long do the effects of Xeomin typically last?
The effects of Xeomin usually last 3 to 4 months before another treatment becomes necessary. With repeated treatments, the time between injections may increase, sometimes extending up to 6 months.
Q5. Should I switch between Xeomin and Botox for my treatments?
Switching between Xeomin and Botox should be guided by a medical professional. Each product has different formulations, and a qualified provider can help determine if switching might be beneficial based on your individual response to treatment and any potential resistance developed over time.
