Wrinkles and lines are a fact of life. If you long for a youthful-looking face that doesn’t bear the common signs of aging, injectable neurotoxins like Xeomin and Botox are quick and easy go-to solutions to erase unwanted wrinkles and lines while boosting your self-confidence. All injectable toxins work to smooth out the skin, but deciding if Xeomin vs. Botox is right for you can be difficult, so it’s essential to understand the differences between the two. This way, you can determine the best option that fits your needs.
How Xeomin Works
Xeomin works to reduce muscle contractions in the face, eliminating the look of bothersome lines and wrinkles. The injectable neurotoxin is made from the same purified protein as Botox and works the same. However, what sets Xeomin apart from Botox is that it lacks the extra proteins that Botox has. Instead, Xeomin is a more purified injectable neurotoxin because it is formulated without accessory proteins, meaning there is less chance of developing antibodies and, therefore, reactions and resistance. That’s why Xeomin is often called the “naked injectable.”
Xeomin helps to smooth out lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. Some of the more common treatment areas include the frown lines between the eyebrows, the forehead, and the crow’s feet, leading to wrinkle-free skin.
How Botox Works
Like Xeomin, Botox injections create smoother, wrinkle- and line-free skin. The main component in Botox is a protein derived from botulinum toxin Type A. Injecting certain expression-related muscle groups with Botox relaxes them, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving way to smoother-looking skin.
Botox is the most widely studied and tested injectable neurotoxin and the most popular one. Since Botox temporarily stops communication between the nerves and facial muscles, it creates a smoothing effect on the skin, temporarily reducing the appearance of expression-related fine lines and wrinkles. With no signal from the nerves telling the muscles to contract, expression-related lines and wrinkles disappear.
FDA-approved Botox has several on-label uses and many off-label uses as well. The more commonly injected areas include the frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, the neck, and the bunny lines on the side of the nose.
The Differences Between Xeomin and Botox
The most significant difference to note when weighing Xeomin vs. Botox and deciding which one is right for you is the composition of each. Botox contains accessory proteins, yet Xeomin does not, so antibodies are less likely to form. Xeomin also does not need to be refrigerated, extending its shelf life.
Despite the lack of proteins in Xeomin, many people still gravitate towards Botox over Xeomin. That’s because Botox is heavily studied, and there is far more research and science behind it. It has also been FDA-approved for longer, giving it a better track record. Botox remains the gold standard treatment for reducing wrinkles so that you look and feel younger.
Xeomin vs. Botox: The Results
Neither Botox nor Xeomin provides instant results, but the goal achieved is the same: relaxed muscle movement to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by repeated expressions. However, there could be a small difference in the duration of the results.
Xeomin results may anecdotally take hold faster in some people, but there is no scientific data that proves it. Botox takes three to five days, if not longer, to take effect. When choosing between Botox and Xeomin, how quickly you want or need the results to be noticeable may sway your decision to choose one injectable over another.
A few days after your injections, you’ll see smoother-looking skin with fewer wrinkles. The results tend to last the same when comparing Xeomin vs. Botox, although some people find that Botox gives a more natural-looking result. Over time, with both options, the muscles regain communication with the nerves, and movement returns, so some wrinkles will reappear, meaning it is time for another treatment. The more on top of your maintenance appointments, the better your results will be because there will be less lapse in treatment time, leaving the skin looking smoother.
Aftercare and Side Effects
Botox and Xeomin require minimal aftercare to make the most of the treatment. After your injections, try not to touch or massage the areas. Touching or massaging the treatment areas may shift the neurotoxin to another part of your face. This movement can cause unwanted side effects.
Avoid exercising and other strenuous work for at least 24 hours after treatment. The added movement and sweat the skin produces can displace the injectable, reducing its impact. Alcohol, sun exposure, and tanning can also cause bruising, so avoid drinking and exposing your skin to the sun for at least 24 hours.
Considerations When Choosing Between Xeomin and Botox
When deciding between Xeomin and Botox, consider their formulation and how your body responds to the accessory proteins. Xeomin’s “nakedness” may appeal to those who seek a purer form of treatment or have a known allergy to Botox.
While the physical results from the treatments work towards relaxing muscle movement to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, there can be a difference in the duration of the results and their naturalness. Personal preference and what your injector feels most comfortable using are often the deciding factors when choosing the right treatment for you. At Serenity Med Spa, we prefer to inject Botox over Xeomin and always take a personalized approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the effectiveness and results of Xeomin compare to Botox?
Xeomin and Botox are both effective options for improving the appearance of wrinkles, offering similar results. Many patients feel more comfortable with Botox injections than Xeomin. However, the results of both treatments can last up to three or four months. Remember that each patient is different, and the results vary for each person.
Can you use Xeomin and Botox together?
There is no need to combine Xeomin and Botox, nor should they be used together. Combining them is risky and can result in serious side effects. It’s best to stick with just one injectable neurotoxin.
Are there any specific advantages or disadvantages of choosing Xeomin over Botox, or vice versa?
Some studies show that Xeomin may last longer than Botox. However, other studies show that both have similar efficacy in the same areas. Botox and Xeomin are effective, but if you have a known allergy to neurotoxins, you may want to try Xeomin over Botox.
How can I decide which neurotoxin treatment is best for my needs?
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. Most of the time, our patients find that Botox is the right option for them and are very happy with their results.
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 about your goals and objectives, budget, medical background and history, past experiences with injectable neurotoxins, the look you are going for, specific areas where you want to tackle wrinkles, your budget, and your commitment to the treatment.
Start Your Botox Journey Today!
Begin your transformation to a more youthful-looking you and get ready to embrace a more confident version of yourself at Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized Botox treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.
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