Xeomin Treatments

Xeomin is an injectable treatment used to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles – an alternative to Botox and Dysport. All three cosmetic injectables work the same way to paralyze muscles and smooth wrinkles. Specifically, the mechanism of action is Botulinum Toxin A, which blocks nerve signals to the muscle to temporarily paralyze it. As a result, the muscle relaxes, which causes the skin that rests over the muscle to soften.

Our faces are meant to be expressive. Unfortunately, as we age, our expressions can become fixed on our face. We lose the spontaneity of movement and action that’s a hallmark of youth. Cosmetic injectables works to weaken the contraction of these facial muscles, which can soften, reduce or eliminate the resulting lines, dynamic wrinkles and furrows. It works by blocking nerve activity in the muscles, relaxing the frown and smoothing out lines, creases and wrinkles.

It can be used effectively on horizontal and vertical (called “The Elevens”) brow lines, as well as for crow’s feet, eyebrow lift and nasal squint lines. As a medical application, it is commonly used for cervical dystonia (severe neck spasms).

Cosmetic Injectables, including Botox (Allergan), Dysport (Medicis) and/or Xeomin (Merz), all include a purified form of botulinum toxin. This active ingredient is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which means that it is derived from a bacteria. While Botulinum Toxin can cause botulism, it’s important to note that all three injectables are FDA-approved to safely reduce frown lines, when used by a licensed practitioner in small doses.

Merz Aesthetics, a division of Merz Pharmaceuticals in the USA, makes Xeomin Cosmetic Injectable. They received FDA-approval for cosmetic application on moderate to severe frown lines in 2010. Xeomin is used in 14 countries and under the name Bocouture in Europe.

They all share the identical active ingredient – Botulinum Toxin A. The difference is that Botox and Dysport have an accompanying protein, but Xeomin is “naked”. What this means is that it does not contain additives. It’s sole ingredient is Botulinum Toxin A. This may offer a slight clinical advantage, because, as a pure form injectable, patients are less likely to become resistant to it. In addition, it’s is the only cosmetic injectable that does not require refrigeration before use.  

Xeomin injections typically last between four to five months, although individual results may vary and depend on the area treated. Specifically, forehead wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes will appear smoother. Eyebrows will appear more lifted and eyes more open. In general, your appearance will be more relaxed, alert and awake. Additional injections after four to five months are required to maintain these results.

The choice to get a cosmetic injectable depends on many factors, including genetics, aging, lifestyle choices, as well as personal skin concerns. As a general rule, we see clients getting injectable treatments in their 20’s to prevent aging. Xeomin in your 30’s works to smooth newly formed wrinkles. It’s when clients reach their 40’s and 50’s that these injectables are used as a corrective measure. For example, the 40’s is the time when our faces typically begin to show visible signs of aging. Specifically, lines on the face become deeper, and we experience skin laxity for the first time. Additionally, we begin to lose volume and elasticity in the face, due to a decrease in collagen production, cellular turnover, as well as  loss of fat, bone and muscle. In our 50’s, the aging process starts to accelerate, due to hormonal shifts.

Botox and Xeomin both offer the same long-lasting results, because they are bioequivalent. As with any skin treatment, individual results may vary.

The side effects of both injectables are similar. In general, Botox and Xeomin risks, bad results and problems are less common than a cosmetic surgery. Severe symptoms are rare, particularly when administered in tiny amounts by a licensed professional. However, minor swelling and bruising can occur temporarily at the injection site. Injection complications happen occasionally, including rash symptoms. The most common adverse reaction is a slight unevenness of the face. However, a “touch-up”injection generally works as a corrective measure.

This cosmetic is injected into the area by our on-staff medical doctor and expert injector, who is highly trained and experienced. Xeomin is a safe, quick 10-20 minute procedure, which requires no incisions and utilizes super-fine needles. As a minimally-invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery, it requires no downtime and patients can return to normal activity immediately following treatment. Pain is uncommon; however, individual responses to pain do vary.

Basically, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin all use the same active ingredient in different formulations. There are some distinct differences between the three injectables. However, physicians and scientists have yet to come to any definitive conclusions about how these differences impact application and efficacy:

• Xeomin contains just one ingredient: Botulinum Toxin A, while Botox and Dysport contain protective proteins that surround the active ingredient.
• A potential benefit of Xeomin being a “naked injectable” is that there’s less of a likelihood of clinical resistance to the product. Although extremely rare, antibodies can develop to both Botox and Dysport.
• Average units of Xeomin and Botox are 20, while Dysport typically uses 40 units.
• The onset of Xeomin may be the slowest.
• Botox and Dysport have a heavier molecular weight, which means they may migrate more slowly than Xeomin.

Xeomin dosing is measured by units. How many units needed depends on the area treated, as well as the correction desired. For example, how many units of for crow’s feet will be different from the amount of units for the forehead. The bottom line is that it’s best to come in for a consultation to find out the price of Xeomin vs. Botox or Dysport.

Comparing injectable product to find out what’s right for you is important. But it’s equally important to find the right doctor to administer the injectable. You want a provider with a proven track record of working with cosmetic injectables on many patients.

Smooth Synergy’s Medical Director, Dr. George Liakeas, has over 15 years experience administering injectables on thousands of women and men. He’s not only a trusted medical physician, but has a keen eye for aesthetics. He has an unparalleled understanding of the face, which means he knows both where in the face to place product and how much product you will need to look your best.  

At Smooth Synergy, we believe that each person’s skin is as individual as they are. That’s why we offer a comprehensive menu of beauty and skincare treatments that can be customized to meet your needs. Call Smooth Synergy at 212-397-0111 to schedule a private consultation to find out more about cosmetic injectables. Our experts in beauty will help you figure out which one is right for you, and determine if any of our other treatments will complement your injectable procedure.