Botox And Xeomin For Timeless Beauty

Have you started to notice that Botox isn’t performing quite as well for you as it has over the years? If so it could be that your body has built up a resistance to Botox and the treatment is no longer as effective as it was. Don’t worry. There is an alternative injectable treatment that goes by the name of Xeomin that produces similar results. This post discusses the differences between Botox and Xeomin and how they can be used to combat the aging process. 

What is Botox®?

Botox® ranks among the most sought-after non-invasive injection treatments in the United States. According to Statista, there were 3,651,233 Botox procedures in 2021 in the US alone. It helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the injected area. By interrupting the signals from nerves to muscles, the injected muscles can't contract, which makes wrinkles relax and soften.

Beyond its cosmetic role, Botox® effectively addresses conditions like chronic migraines, excessive underarm sweating, and overactive bladder. Developed by Allergan, Botox® is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA, derived from the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin originating from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Initially FDA-approved for medical use in 1989, it gained approval for cosmetic applications in 2002.

What exactly is Botox® resistance?

Botox resistance occurs when the body becomes immune to its effects, which can happen for a few reasons. One common cause is the body making antibodies that stop Botox from working before it gets a chance to do its job. When this happens, Botox can't attach to the nerve endings in the muscles, so the muscles and wrinkles stay active. This is more likely to happen in people who get Botox a lot or in high doses, as their immune systems might get used to it.

Some people also break down Botox faster than others, which can affect how well it works. And there's a rare chance that some people are just naturally resistant to Botox because they have higher levels of a chemical called acetylcholine, which Botox blocks.

What is Xeomin® and how does it work?

Xeomin is an injectable treatment made from a different type of botulinum toxin called incobotulinumtoxinA. Created by Merz Pharmaceuticals, Xeomin gained approval for cosmetic use in 2010. For cosmetic purposes, it's particularly effective for treating forehead lines (known as glabellar lines), frown lines, and crow’s feet. Besides its cosmetic use, Xeomin is FDA-approved for treating excessive drooling and other conditions like blepharospasm and cervical dystonia.

What sets Xeomin apart from other forms of botulinum toxin A is its lack of preservative proteins. This makes it a purer form of the toxin, which doesn't trigger the body to produce antibodies. Consequently, the body doesn't become resistant to the treatment over time.

Because of these differences, if your body starts to get immune to Botox® and it's not working as well anymore, you can try Xeomin® instead. Since Xeomin® uses a purer form of a slightly different toxin, your body won't react the same way it did to Botox®.

Another difference between Xeomin and Botox is how quickly they work. Botox takes a bit longer to show results than Xeomin. That's because Botox needs time for the body to break down its extra proteins before it starts working. So, Botox usually takes about one to two weeks to kick in, while Xeomin usually starts working in about five days after treatment.

What can Xeomin® treat and what are its benefits?

Xeomin® serves the same purposes as Botox®, such as:

• Reducing wrinkles on the forehead
• Softening lines around the eyes
• Smoothing frown lines between the eyebrows
• Improving nasal squint lines

It also offers the same benefits as Botox® including:

• No downtime required 
• Quick outcomes 
• Minimally invasive 
• Results that endure 
• Natural appearance

Xeomin® is a suitable option for individuals who have developed resistance to Botox® or those with allergies to Botox®. However, it's crucial to consult with a qualified skin health professional before undergoing either injectable treat

What about aftercare for Botox and Xeomin?

Because Botox and Xeomin are both minimally invasive treatments there is no downtime or recovery period. However, to avoid spreading the neurotoxin to other parts of the body, it is recommended not to lie down on the treated area or massage the injection site following treatment.

However, you can wash your face and apply makeup immediately after the treatment if you wish. Offering remarkable results without any downtime, Botox or Xeomin serve as excellent choices for patients who prefer non-invasive options over procedures like plastic surgery for anti-aging treatment.

Are there any side effects with either injectable treatment?

Common side effects associated with Botox and Xeomin include swelling, redness and bruising at the site of the injection. However, these symptoms should disappear within a few days. 

Can Botox and Xeomin be mixed?

Botulinum toxin treatments should not be combined since they both contain different formulas. However, if you’re not sure which to choose, you can always try one injectable and try the other after an allotted time. 

While you shouldn’t combine Botox and Xeomin, you can combine either of them with dermal fillers to enhance your anti-aging treatments and provide volume and lift in other non-invasive ways. 

Let us help with your anti-aging journey

When you attend an initial consultation with Gilded Leaf, we will discuss your treatment needs and esthetic goals. Our Visia Skin analysis service can determine the right treatment plan for you, which may include a variety of treatment options. Why not schedule a visit to Gilded Leaf MedSpa today