Cosmetic medicine has popularized the use of injectables for promoting smoother, younger looking skin. Xeomin and Botox are two injectable treatments that are commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Xeomin and Botox contain a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A. This neurotoxin works by blocking neuromuscular signals to relax targeted muscles at the injection site. Despite the fact that these treatments contain the same active ingredient, they have some differences in how they are used and formulated.
What’s The Difference?
Botox is simply a brand name of the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin Type A for cosmetic use. Botox is so commonplace these days that you hardly ever hear about other brand names for botulinum toxin type A. Yet, it’s not the only one on the market.
Botox is used to treat facial folds and lines, and treatment results last for three to six months. The facial areas Botox can treat include:
- Forehead lines and wrinkles caused by frowning
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet lines and wrinkles around the eyes
Xeomin (pronounced zeo-min) is another powerful botulinum type A drug on the market. It was FDA-approved in 2010 and explicitly targeted frown lines. Xeomin is a special botulinum formulation that’s specifically for the treatment of glabellar lines. These are the frown lines that form between the eyebrows. Xeomin can treat moderate to severe lines, softening their appearance or even removing them altogether.
The most significant difference in Botox vs Xeomin is that Xeomin is formulated to be purely botulinum Type A. This formulation reduces the chances of allergies. Botox contains other proteins that can cause allergies.The lack of additives means you are less likely to develop antibodies against the injectable, which may reduce its effectiveness. This can happen with Botox.
How Long Does It Last?
With both, you will see results within a week. Botox should last between 3 to 4 months. After that time, you should see the effects of treatment begin to wear off. Xeomin will also last roughly three months. However, some patients have seen continued results right up to 6 months.
Over time, the muscles begin to respond again, and some wrinkles will reappear. This is a sign you’ll need another session of Xeomin or Botox.
But, one major benefit of these treatments is the wrinkles won’t fully return to the way they were before your first session. So, you get both immediate and long term benefits.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want to treat crow’s feet or forehead lines, Botox will be your go-to, as Xeomin isn’t effective for these kinds of lines.
If you want to treat frown lines, both Xeomin and Botox are suitable. Which is right for you depends on factors such as cost and treatment availability.
If you’ve been thinking of experiencing the anti aging benefits of injectibles, schedule an appointment today!
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