What is Xeomin?

Xeomin, developed by Merz Pharmaceuticals, is a versatile botulinum toxin product used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. It contains incobotulinumtoxinA, a type of botulinum toxin type A, which is highly effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements, such as crow’s feet around the eyes, forehead lines, and glabellar lines. Additionally, Xeomin can treat medical conditions like blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid twitching), cervical dystonia (abnormal neck positioning and muscle activity), chronic drooling, and upper limb spasticity. Known for its "pure" form, Xeomin is free of preservative proteins, allowing for quicker results and reducing the likelihood of patients developing resistance to the treatment over time.

Botox injections vs. Xeomin

Botox and Xeomin are both botulinum toxin products that share many similarities with a few key differences. Botox, a well-known brand, contains the active ingredient onabotulinumtoxinA and is the most recognized neuromodulator available today. Both Botox and Xeomin work by blocking neuromuscular signals at the injection site, which relaxes the muscles to help address cosmetic concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as certain medical conditions.Both Botox and Xeomin are FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:

• Frown Lines
• Cervical dystonia
• Blepharospasm
• Upper lip spasticity

In addition to these cosmetic concerns and medical conditions, Botox is also FDA-approved to address:

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Chronic migraines
• Strabismus (abnormal alignment of eyelid muscles)
• Primary axillary hyperhidrosis

Xeomin is also uniquely FDA-approved to treat chronic drooling.

The primary difference between Botox and Xeomin lies in their composition: Botox contains preservative proteins, while Xeomin does not. Over time, some patients who receive repeated Botox injections may develop antibody resistance to these preservative proteins, reducing the effectiveness of Botox. For such patients, Xeomin offers a viable alternative for continued treatment. Additionally, the absence of preservative proteins in Xeomin allows for quicker visible results, with full effects typically seen in just five days, compared to 7-14 days for Botox. Another advantage of Xeomin is that it does not require refrigeration, making it a more convenient and accessible option.

Where can Xeomin be injected?

The most common areas affected by dynamic wrinkles, which all neurotoxins may treat, are:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Laugh lines
• Crow’s feet
• Forehead lines
• Necklines

What is Xeomin used for?

Xeomin is a versatile treatment used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Cosmetically, Xeomin is particularly effective in reducing frown lines and other dynamic wrinkles on the face. Dynamic wrinkles are fine lines or wrinkles that result from muscle movement, such as the lines that appear around your mouth and eyes when you smile. Over time, these repeated movements cause the wrinkles to become more pronounced. Xeomin works by relaxing the muscles responsible for these wrinkles, helping to smooth out dynamic fine lines without affecting your facial expressions.

Xeomin is FDA-approved for treating various medical conditions by relaxing the muscles at the injection site, making it ideal for addressing several muscle spasm disorders. Specifically, Xeomin has received FDA approval for treating upper limb spasticity, including blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid spasms), cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms and abnormal neck positioning), and upper limb spasticity. While Botox is also FDA-approved for these upper limb spasticity conditions, Xeomin has the unique approval to treat sialorrhea (chronic drooling) in both children and adults.

What is Botox used for?

Botox and Xeomin are both FDA-approved to treat similar conditions, but each has specific areas where it excels. Cosmetically, both Botox and Xeomin are approved to treat frown lines, or glabellar lines, which appear between the eyebrows. Additionally, Botox is FDA-approved for treating forehead lines and crow’s feet, the fine lines that form at the corners of the eyes. Both treatments are effective at reducing dynamic wrinkles that result from muscle activity on the face.

Xeomin and Botox are both approved to treat upper limb spasticity conditions, such as blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid spasms), cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms and abnormal neck positioning), and upper limb spasticity. Botox, however, has unique approvals for treating several additional medical conditions. It is particularly effective for chronic migraines, strabismus (misalignment of the eye muscles), overactive bladder, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Xeomin for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by uncontrollable excessive sweating, which can be linked to genetics, anxiety, neurological conditions, hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalances, menopause, or certain medications. The hands, feet, and underarms are the most commonly affected areas. While sweating is a crucial bodily function for toxin excretion and temperature regulation, individuals with hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating without triggers like heat, exercise, or stress, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. Xeomin, renowned for treating dynamic fine lines and wrinkles from repetitive facial expressions, can also be an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis in the underarms, hands, and feet.

Amanda uses Xeomin and other injectable neurotoxins to treat hyperhidrosis by injecting them into the affected areas to target and block the nerve signals responsible for the activation of sweat glands. The overactive nerves become “frozen,” thus preventing the nerves from signaling sweat glands. Current research shows that injectable neurotoxin treatment is 80 to 90 percent effective in relieving the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, with most patients finding that it is an excellent non-invasive method to provide long-lasting relief from excessive sweating. If you are frustrated by the negative impacts of excessive sweating, Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida, is here to help.

What is the process for Xeomin treatment?

Patients start their treatment by scheduling a consultation with Amanda. During this appointment, Amanda will assess the treatment area to determine the necessary scope of treatment. It is important to disclose any prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter medications you are taking during the consultation so that Amanda can create a safe and effective treatment plan.

Before your Xeomin appointment, Amanda advises against taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve, Aspirin, blood thinners, fish oil, or multivitamins. These medications can increase the risk of bruising after the treatment. Additionally, it is recommended to arrive at the appointment with a clean face, free from makeup.

Xeomin is a treatment that requires no downtime or recovery period. After the treatment, you can immediately resume your regular daily activities as planned. You are free to wash your face and apply makeup right after the treatment if you wish. Amanda prefers to see her patients two weeks after the initial injection to ensure the treatment results are satisfactory and to perform any necessary touch-ups at that time.

How Xeomin treatment works

Xeomin and Botox both function similarly to treat dynamic fine lines, wrinkles, and various medical conditions. Both are neurotoxins derived from Botulinum toxin type A. When injected into the muscle, they work to “freeze” the muscle, preventing it from contracting. This process involves blocking the neurotransmitters at the injection site, causing muscle relaxation. For cosmetic purposes, this muscle relaxation smooths out the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

When it comes to treating medical conditions, blocking neurotransmitters and relaxing the muscles is beneficial in various ways. Conditions like blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, and upper limb spasticity involve abnormal and unpredictable muscle contractions, causing discomfort and distressing twitching or limb positioning. Injecting Xeomin into the treatment site freezes the muscles responsible for the spasms, eliminating abnormal muscle activity. For conditions like hyperhidrosis, characterized by excessive sweating, Botox blocks the neurotransmitters in the areas with severe sweating, such as the underarms, hands, and feet. This disables the sweat glands, preventing excessive sweating.

Xeomin vs. Dysport vs. Botox vs. Revance Daxi

Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and Daxi all contain Botulinum toxin type A, derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This neurotoxin works by blocking neuromuscular signals to relax targeted muscles at the injection site. Since these neurotoxins function similarly, they produce comparable cosmetic results. Besides Botox, many other options are now available for cosmetic injections. Both physicians and patients may have preferences for one type over another. All these treatments have a similar duration, although Revance Daxi tends to last a bit longer, and they share a similar side effect profile.

What is the cost of Xeomin?

The cost of Xeomin varies based on the amount of neurotoxin injected and the experience of the cosmetic injector. The size and scope of the treatment area determine the number of units needed for treatment. The more units required or the more treatment areas involved, the higher the cost of the procedure. The facility where you receive the treatment also affects the price. For example, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist may charge more than a nurse injector at a clinic or spa. To achieve the best cosmetic results with minimal side effects, it's always best to consult an expert like Amanda. During your initial consultation with Amanda, you'll determine which areas to treat with Xeomin to meet your cosmetic goals. After this assessment, Amanda's office will provide a more accurate estimate of your treatment cost.

How long for Xeomin to work?

Patients often wonder, “When does Xeomin kick in?” After the Xeomin injection procedure, the effects can start to appear as soon as five days following the injections. The onset of Xeomin's effects is quicker than that of Botox, which typically takes 7 to 14 days to show full effect. This is due to the absence of preservative proteins in Xeomin. The pure form of Botulinum toxin in Xeomin allows it to interact with the muscles immediately. With Botox, however, the body needs to break down the preservative proteins before the treatment can take effect.

How long does Xeomin last?

Clinical trials have shown that Xeomin can last longer than Botox. While Botox effects typically last three to four months, Xeomin can be effective for up to six months. Although Xeomin has a longer duration, the Journal of Dermatology Surgery published a study indicating that both treatments are similarly effective during their active periods.

Xeomin and Botox treatments can be repeated approximately every 3 to 6 months as their effects begin to wear off. However, some patients develop immunity to the preservative proteins in Botox, reducing its effectiveness over time. This is not the case with Xeomin, as it contains no preservative proteins, preventing the body from building immunity to the treatment. Therefore, Xeomin is an excellent option for patients who have developed immunity to Botox. Not only does Xeomin offer longer-lasting effects, but it can also be repeated for a longer duration than Botox.

How many units of Xeomin do I need?

The number of vials of Xeomin required depends on the specific cosmetic or medical concern being addressed and the size and scope of the treatment area. The number of units needed will also vary based on the individual patient's needs and aesthetic goals. Generally, you can refer to this list of standard units for Botox as a comparative guide, along with an additional Xeomin-specific guide below:

• Forehead: 10- 30 units
• Canthal Lines (“Crow’s feet”): 5-15 units
• Glabellar Lines (“11” lines): 10-20 units; Typically, 20 units are recommended for glabellar lines in a session, then divided into five intramuscular injections of 4 units each.

When determining how many units of Xeomin are best for you, it is critical to consult with an experienced healthcare provider like Amanda in Leesburg, Florida.

What is the difference between Botox and Xeomin?

While both Xeomin and Botox are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, including forehead lines, crow’s feet, and severe frown lines, Botox can sometimes lose effectiveness in some patients after multiple applications due to antibody resistance amplified by accessory proteins. Additionally, Xeomin typically shows results sooner and lasts longer than Botox, although sometimes this difference in longevity is only a few weeks.

Is Xeomin the same as Botox?

Xeomin and Botox both use botulinum toxin as their active ingredient but differ in their formulas and some uses. Botox, produced by Allergan, has been FDA-approved since 2002 and contains accessory proteins that are unnecessary for the function of the active ingredient. These accessory proteins can lead to variations in use and overall effectiveness.

Does Xeomin last as long as Botox?

Botox and Xeomin each produce results that last approximately 3 to 4 months, with some studies suggesting that Xeomin's effects may last even longer. Amanda typically recommends that patients schedule touch-up appointments two to three times a year to maintain the treatment's results. Due to the preservative proteins in Botox injections, there is a risk that Botox may lose effectiveness over time. In such cases, Amanda can use Xeomin to achieve the same effects.

How long does Xeomin last after reconstitution?

Reconstitution is the process of adding a diluent to the Xeomin solution to prepare it for injection. Once reconstitution has occurred, the Xeomin solution must be used within 24 hours. If the reconstituted solution is not injected into the treatment area immediately, the vial must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours.

Is Xeomin as good as Botox?

The answer is not straightforward when patients ask whether Xeomin is better than Botox. Both Xeomin and Botox are highly effective treatments for reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on the face and treating various medical conditions, such as muscle spasticity. Neither treatment is inherently "better" than the other, but one may be more suitable for your specific needs depending on the condition or cosmetic concern.

For treating fine lines and wrinkles on the face, both Xeomin and Botox are FDA-approved for treating frown lines between the eyes and other dynamic facial wrinkles. Botox is also specifically FDA-approved for treating forehead lines and crow’s feet, while Xeomin can be used off-label for these wrinkles. Although both treatments are highly effective, Xeomin acts faster and lasts longer than Botox. Additionally, some patients may develop immunity to the preservative proteins in Botox, making it less effective over time. For these patients, Xeomin is a better option for long-term treatment.

Medically, both Xeomin and Botox are approved to treat muscle spasms in the neck, eyelids, and upper lip. However, there are certain conditions for which each is uniquely approved. Xeomin is FDA-approved to treat excessive drooling in adults and children, while Botox is not. For patients with this condition, Xeomin is the better option. On the other hand, Botox is uniquely FDA-approved to treat overactive bladder, chronic migraines, and excessive sweating, making it the preferred treatment for these conditions.

During your initial consultation with Amanda, she will determine which treatment option is best for you. After examining the treatment area and discussing your medical history, Amanda can recommend either Botox or Xeomin based on your unique treatment needs.

Side effects of Xeomin cosmetic injections

Due to the nature of neurotoxins, some common possible side effects can occur, which is why it is essential to read the medication guide for Xeomin before beginning treatment. Common side effects of Xeomin are temporary and include:

• Redness from injection
• Bruising at the site of injection
• Swelling
• Temporary eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelids) or asymmetry

More uncommon side effects of Xeomin treatment that occur in 2-7% of patients include:

• Dry Eyes
• Dry Mouth
• Headache
• Muscle Weakness
• Respiratory Tract Infection
• Trouble Swallowing
• Vision Impairment

More serious side effects of Xeomin can include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, double vision, and allergic reactions. It’s crucial to provide up-to-date medical history information to your healthcare provider when considering cosmetic injectable treatments like Xeomin. If you experience breathing problems, wheezing, hoarseness, changes in or loss of voice, loss of muscle strength, loss of bladder control, or a severe rash, seek medical advice immediately. Difficulty breathing can be the first sign of an allergic reaction, and immediate medical help is necessary. For complete prescribing information, refer to Xeomin Aesthetics.

Furthermore, you should alert your doctor if your medical history includes any of the following:

• Bleeding problems
• Breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or a history of pneumonia
• Diabetes
• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
• Eye problems (such as glaucoma) or recent eye surgery
• Inability to urinate
• Muscle or nerve disorders, such as Lambert-Eaton syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS), or myasthenia gravis
• Treatment with any other neuromodulator products within the last four months

Side effects in medical indications for Xeomin

Certain side effects depend on the type of treatment being administered. Generally, cosmetic Xeomin treatments have far fewer potential side effects compared to medical treatments, and these side effects are usually related to the injection site.

• For those dealing with chronic sialorrhea (excessive drooling), there is a risk of necessary dental extraction, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.
• For those treating upper limb spasticity, there is a risk of nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, and seizure.
• For those facing cervical dystonia, treatment may have side effects such as difficulty swallowing, injection site pain, muscle weakness, and neck pain.
• For those treating blepharospasm, common side effects include drooping of the eyelid, dry eye, and vision problems.

In rare instances, botulinum toxin can cause severe adverse effects if it spreads from the injection site, including paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death. Due to these risks, it is crucial to rely on a medical professional for proper injection and accurate dosage.

Is Xeomin safe?

Xeomin is a safe and effective treatment for eliminating glabellar lines and improving symptoms of various medical conditions characterized by muscle spasms and abnormalities. Xeomin can offer much-needed relief from these conditions while providing the youthful, smooth skin you desire. The treatment is safe for patients and typically results in mild side effects that resolve quickly on their own, such as bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site.

The risk of developing more serious side effects increases when treatment is administered by a less experienced practitioner. Although Xeomin treatment is quick and easy to perform, it requires precision to prevent the Botulinum toxin from spreading to other areas of the body. Severe side effects can include vision impairment, difficulty breathing, loss of bladder control, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, it is essential to receive Xeomin treatment from an expert, experienced, board-certified professional like Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida. Seeking treatment from an expert greatly reduces the risk of serious side effects.

Is it Safe to Use Xeomin while Pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using Xeomin or any other botulinum neurotoxin product, as it is unknown whether Xeomin passes through the placenta or breast milk. If you are pregnant or nursing and seeking treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, or a medical condition, be sure to disclose this information to Amanda during your initial consultation.

Drug Interactions with Xeomin

Xeomin does have interactions with certain medications, including but not limited to:

• Aminoglycosides, which are a variety of antibiotic
• Anticholinergics, which inhibit abnormal nerve impulses
• Anticoagulants, which prevent blood clots
• Alzheimer’s disease drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Myasthenia gravis drugs
• Quinidine, which is used to prevent irregular heartbeats

If you are taking any of the above medications, consult your internist before receiving any Xeomin treatments. Additionally, if you have any active infections, it is best to postpone Xeomin injections until the infection at the proposed injection site has resolved.

Is Xeomin FDA-approved?

Xeomin is FDA-approved for treating the following cosmetic concerns and medical conditions:

• Frown lines
• Cervical dystonia
• Upper lip spasticity
• Blepharospasm
• Chronic drooling in children and adults

How much Xeomin do I need for frown lines?

The number of units required depends on several factors, including the severity of the dynamic wrinkles and the size and scope of the treatment area. On average, patients need between 25 to 50 units of Xeomin to treat frown lines. After examining the treatment area and discussing your aesthetic goals, Amanda will provide you with a more accurate estimate of the number of units needed.

How many units of Xeomin for the forehead?

Typically, patients require between 10 and 30 units of Xeomin to treat dynamic wrinkles in the forehead. The number of units needed depends on several factors, including the size of the patient's forehead and muscles and the severity of the wrinkles. During your initial consultation, Amanda will assess the treatment area and provide a clearer estimate of the number of units necessary for the treatment.

How much is Xeomin per unit?

The cost of Xeomin per unit depends on several factors, including geographic location and the type of institution where you receive treatment. While the number of units needed for treatment is essential for calculating the total cost, many other variables contribute to the overall price. During your consultation with Amanda, you will receive the price for Xeomin for your desired treatment area.

How to pronounce Xeomin?

Determining how to pronounce Xeomin can be challenging based on its spelling. In this case, the "X" in "Xeomin" is pronounced as if the word started with a "Z," and all the vowels in the word are pronounced. Therefore, it is pronounced "Zee-OH-min."

What are Xeomin injections?

If you’re wondering, “what is a Xeomin injection,” you are not alone. Xeomin has been inspired by innovations in cosmetic dermatology, like Botox, over the last several decades. Unlike Botox, however, Xeomin injections are free of additives. The active ingredient in Xeomin is botulinum toxin type A; the inactive ingredients are human albumin and sucrose. During manufacturing, the accessory proteins are removed from Xeomin, making it a pure form of the toxin. The most common side effects of Xeomin injections include mild swelling and bruising at or near the injection sites. Extremely rare side effects can be life-threatening, so it is crucial to have neurotoxin injections administered by an experienced board-certified professional, such as Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is an injectable neurotoxin derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. This neurotoxin “freezes” muscles by causing targeted muscle paralysis and interfering with the release of neurotransmitters. The effects of Botulinum toxin injections typically last for three months. Botulinum toxin has numerous medical and cosmetic applications. It can effectively manage symptoms of medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, migraines, and hyperhidrosis. It is also considered the gold standard cosmetic treatment for reducing the appearance of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles. As a poisonous substance, Botulinum toxin should only be injected by an experienced and knowledgeable professional, such as Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida. When administered by an expert injector like Amanda, the treatment is well-tolerated with few potential side effects.

Who makes Xeomin?

The company that makes Xeomin is Merz Pharmaceuticals. Xeomin, like Botox, is an injectable neurotoxin used to treat dynamic fine lines and wrinkles. Botox and Xeomin can essentially be used interchangeably. However, sometimes a patient may develop antibodies to a particular strain of the injectable. If this occurs, the injectable becomes ineffective, and patients may notice that the effects of their injections don't last as long as they used to or should. Xeomin should not be used on patients under 18 years of age.

Is Xeomin safer than Botox?

Although Xeomin and Botox are made with slightly different ingredients, both are safe and effective cosmetic injectables. Both Xeomin and Botox are derived from botulinum toxin type A. However, Xeomin is a purified form, while Botox contains a complex mixture of accessory proteins. Xeomin and Botox can treat the same cosmetic concerns and medical conditions. Allergic reactions to either neurotoxin are extremely rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to an injectable neurotoxin like Xeomin or Botox may include hives, itching, wheezing, and swelling. While there aren’t comparative studies, some claim that Xeomin may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction than Botox.

The most important safety consideration when having neurotoxin injections, whether for cosmetic purposes or to treat a medical condition, is to have treatment with an experienced injector. Serious side effects can include muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and blurred vision. The risk of such side effects greatly increases when an inexperienced injector provides the treatment. To ensure the best cosmetic results and prevent unwanted side effects, neurotoxins should always be injected by an expert professional like Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida.

Amanda is an expert injector with extensive experience. When you consult with Amanda regarding your cosmetic injections, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that includes the safe and effective neurotoxin treatment best suited to your facial anatomy, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals.

Is Xeomin better than Botox?

Xeomin and Botox have many similar properties and overlapping uses, and while they differ slightly in composition, neither is inherently “better” than the other. Both injectable treatments are composed of the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A and can be used cosmetically to treat dynamic wrinkles that develop on the face. Botox and Xeomin are FDA-approved for treating frown lines, and Botox is also approved to treat forehead lines and crow’s feet, though Xeomin can be effectively used off-label for these areas of the face. Medically, both Botox and Xeomin are FDA-approved to treat cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and upper lip spasticity. Additionally, Botox is uniquely approved to treat chronic migraines, overactive bladder, hyperhidrosis, and strabismus, while Xeomin is uniquely approved to treat chronic drooling.

Xeomin has certain advantages over Botox, as it is a purer form of botulinum toxin. This purity means that Xeomin produces faster results, and patients are less likely to have an allergic reaction or develop antibodies that resist the effects of Xeomin. Xeomin can also last longer than Botox—up to six months compared to 3-4 months. During your initial consultation with Amanda, you will discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals, and she will determine the best treatment to meet your needs.

How do I get started with Xeomin treatment today?

If you are beginning to notice fine lines and wrinkles from repeated facial expressions or want to prevent wrinkles from forming, Xeomin or Botox could be the perfect cosmetic solution for you. Selecting the right injector for your Xeomin or Botox injections is crucial to ensure satisfactory results and that the procedure is performed correctly and safely. Amanda at Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida, is an experienced professional who will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation.

Amanda is a highly regarded provider with extensive experience in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including Xeomin and Botox. Her dedication to her patients and expertise in the field make her a top choice for individuals seeking the best in cosmetic treatments. Amanda takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy for facial rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to include a combination of cosmetic treatments and specially formulated skincare products suited to their specific concerns and aesthetic goals. To learn more about non-invasive pan-facial rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with Amanda by calling 352-901-6582.