Does XEOMIN^® get rid of wrinkles? What is XEOMIN^® best for? These are the types of questions you might have if you’re researching treatments like XEOMIN^® in 2024. Expression wrinkles and other signs of aging that occur on the face are associated with our smallest, habitual facial movements like blinking, squinting, frowning, pursing our lips, and smiling. The skin that’s attached to these facial muscles stretches with each expression, and when it loses elasticity over time due to aging, it can’t easily snap back into position. As the muscles between the eyebrows contract, the skin folds and furrows. Deeper wrinkles eventually start to show on the forehead and around the eyes.
XEOMIN^® is designed to treat the lines between the eyebrows by acting on the nerve endings to stop muscle fibers from contracting. In terms of its cosmetic uses, XEOMIN^® is FDA-approved to reduce or improve the appearance of moderate to severe vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines or “11s”) on adults.

How Does XEOMIN^® Work?

Like other wrinkle relaxers, XEOMIN^® contains small doses of botulinum toxin type A as its primary active ingredient. It is used to temporarily relax the muscles that cause facial wrinkles to form in the treatment area. The injectable works by blocking the contraction causing signals sent from the nerves to the muscles. Since the muscles are unable to contract, wrinkles can no longer form, and the face looks more youthful. Even though all neuromodulators work the same way, they aren’t interchangeable.

The main difference between them is their molecular structure. XEOMIN^® only contains one active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A. Other options contain additives that make your body more likely to develop antibodies. This makes XEOMIN^® an ideal option for any patient who has developed a resistance to another wrinkle relaxer. Since it’s a pure form of botulinum toxin type A, it is sometimes called a “naked” or “clean” version of the injectable. Another aspect that sets this injectable apart from its counterparts is that fewer units may be needed to achieve the desired result.

Which one is better: XEOMIN^® or BOTOX^®? Much like XEOMIN^®, BOTOX^® targets expression wrinkles linked to repetitive facial expressions. XEOMIN^® and BOTOX^® are very comparable, especially in terms of how they work and how they’re administered. However, there are still some clear differences. XEOMIN^® does not contain the additional proteins that are found in BOTOX^® and other similar neuromodulators. BOTOX^® has long been used to reduce dynamic or expression wrinkles, but the injectable may not work well for all patients because of the accessory proteins it contains. Some people can also develop an antibody resistance to the product after repeated injections, so it won’t be as effective for them. XEOMIN^® is an alternative that doesn’t contain additives and may work better for people who want to tame dynamic wrinkles but find that the most commonly applied option doesn’t quite work for them.

Prior to having this treatment, you should talk to us about all of your medical conditions, including any diseases that affect your muscles and nerves, any allergies you have had to any botulinum toxin product, or any side effects you have experienced due to botulinum toxin products in the past. Tell us about your medical history along with any medications you take, such as prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It’s particularly important to tell us about any botulinum toxin type treatments you have had within the last four months or before that, including specific information about the exact type of product or products you received and when you were treated with them.

Botulinum toxin type A wrinkle relaxer treatments are simple and straightforward. Since this product doesn’t contain complexing proteins, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated and is stored at room temperature, making injections more comfortable for patients. We may also be able to use a smaller number of units to achieve the results a patient is hoping for. A treatment session usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes on average.
During this time, the product is injected into certain muscles in the forehead area that cause frown lines. Anesthesia is not required, but we provide a topical anesthetic to reduce any discomfort.

If you’re thinking about trying injectable treatments, you might have questions such as, “Does XEOMIN^® work on everyone?” or “Who should not use XEOMIN^®?” The best neuromodulator injection for you depends on your needs and aesthetic goals. If your body has stopped responding to other wrinkle relaxers, you could be considered a good candidate for XEOMIN^®, but the only way to find out is by having a consultation with an experienced injector.

If you are an adult with moderate to severe glabellar lines, there’s a good chance that this treatment may be a good option for you. This treatment may not be suitable for patients who have a history of allergic reactions to botulinum injections, breathing difficulties, respiratory illnesses, problems with swallowing, or nerve or muscle disorders, or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Since it contains fewer ingredients, this injectable is less likely to cause allergic reactions. If you have had an allergic reaction to another botulinum toxin product or an active skin infection in the planned injection site, then this treatment may not be right for you.

Some temporary side effects—such as mild discomfort, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, and bleeding—may occur. Ice or cold compresses can be used to reduce the redness, swelling, and tenderness. No recovery time is necessary, and patients can resume their usual activities right away. It’s recommended that patients avoid touching or excessive movement of the treated area and sleep in an elevated position.

This treatment starts working as soon as it has been injected into the facial muscles, although the results may not be noticeable until five to seven days after injection.

The results of this treatment are temporary and last for roughly three to four months on average. Depending on the individual and the treatment, it’s likely that maintenance injections will be needed every three to four months.

Beyond neuromodulators, Dr. Ellen Turner’s Dallas-based dermatology office provides a wide variety of non-surgical, injectable anti-aging treatments. For some people, the best solution to restoring a more youthful look may be with fillers rather than botulinum toxin injections like BOTOX^® and its counterparts.

There are several types of hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvéderm^®, Restylane^® Lyft, and RHA^®, as well as non-hyaluronic acid biostimulatory fillers including Bellafill for Body, Radiesse^®, and Sculptra^®. Fillers work differently from neuromodulators. Rather than prevent muscle contractions, fillers add volume or fullness when injected to address areas where volume has been depleted. Fillers can add fullness to define the lips or cheeks or reduce static wrinkles.