What is Xeomin® and how is it different from Botox®?

Have you been looking for ways to smooth wrinkles, crow’s feet, or fine lines? They happen to the best of us. Thankfully, there are ways to get more youthful-looking skin in just minutes!

One of the most popular ways is through an anti-wrinkle botulinum toxin treatment such as Xeomin® (zee-yo-min) and Botox®.

If you’re considering an anti-wrinkle treatment for yourself, you deserve to know more about the options available to you. Today, we’re going to cover Xeomin® in-depth and compare it to Botox® to help you make the most informed decision for your goals.

Before we get into that, though, let’s start by covering the science behind wrinkles. 

How do wrinkles form in the first place? 

Wrinkles form due to a number of reasons that are within and outside of our control. According to the Mayo Clinic, wrinkles can result from a combination of factors including all or some of the following: 

• Age: Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin, which increases the likelihood for wrinkles to develop. 

• UV Light: A little bit of sunshine is good for everyone, but too much of a good thing can be bad. Long periods of UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin fibers, reducing the skin's strength and flexibility.

• Smoking: Smoking has an effect on advancing the aging process. If you are a former or current smoker, this can potentially affect the collagen in your skin and lead to a higher chance of wrinkles. 

• Repeated Facial Expressions: We love your smile and those funny faces you make when your friend cracks a joke … but every time you move a facial muscle to make an expression, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. As skin ages, these grooves can become permanent features on your face.

• Genetics: Simply put, some people may be more genetically predisposed to develop wrinkles at a younger age.

• Environment: Environmental factors like pollution and exposure to some chemicals can also contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Similar to smoking, this can have an effect on advancing the aging process. 

• Nutrition: Eating the rainbow not only makes you feel your best, but can make you look your best, too! A diet full of essential nutrients positively impacts the skin's health, which helps to prevent premature aging and wrinkles.

• Dehydration: Drink up! Not staying regularly hydrated can lead to drier skin, which may be more prone to wrinkling. Aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses (so, 64 ounces total) of water throughout the day to keep your skin looking its best. 

How does Xeomin® help with wrinkles? 

Xeomin® is a type of injectable treatment known as a neuromodulator, which helps relax certain facial muscles. The main ingredient in Xeomin® is botulinum toxin type A, which is also the same active ingredient used in other popular treatments like Botox®.

When we smile, frown, or squint, our facial muscles contract, creating lines and wrinkles over time. Xeomin® is precisely injected into these specific muscles and gently interrupts the signal from the nerves to the muscles, causing them to relax.

Think of it as putting those overactive muscles on a little vacation. When they relax, the skin above them smooths out, reducing the appearance of those pesky lines and wrinkles.

Xeomin® works by targeting just the muscles that cause wrinkles while allowing the rest of your face to move naturally. So, you can still express all your emotions freely – just without the deep lines!

One of the perks of Xeomin® is that it's considered a "smart" neurotoxin. This means it doesn't have any additives, which can be a plus for people who have more sensitive skin or are concerned about developing resistance to treatment.

In what ways is Xeomin® different from Botox®? 

The main difference between Xeomin® and Botox®  is in their formulation. As we mentioned earlier, Xeomin® is often referred to as a “naked” or “cleaner” neurotoxin because it's purely botulinum toxin type A without any added proteins or additives.

This stripped-down formula means that there's a potentially lower risk of developing resistance or allergic reactions over time. This makes Xeomin® a good choice for anyone who has had reactions to other botulinum products in the past or who might be receiving treatments over an extended period of time.

Botox®, on the other hand, contains a few extra proteins that surround the botulinum toxin. These proteins don't affect the neuromodulator’s ability to relax muscles but can potentially lead to the body developing resistance for some patients.

In terms of results and duration, both Xeomin® and Botox® offer similar outcomes, with effects typically becoming noticeable within a few days and lasting around four months or more.

However, something that’s been generating plenty of buzz around Xeomin® is how natural it feels! As our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Benjamin Wood, MD, MDA, FACS reports, “Anecdotally, Chapter patients report Xeomin® kicking in as quickly as Botox®, and feeling less frozen—lighter and more natural—with the same reduction in wrinkle appearance and perhaps better improvement in skin quality compared to alternatives.”

Deciding between the two often comes down to individual patient needs, preferences, and past experiences with similar treatments.

How does the Xeomin® injection process work? 

At Chapter Aesthetic Studio, the process starts with a free skin assessment. We use advanced Visia technology to get a holistic picture of your skin's health on and below the surface. During this consult, you can explain to your provider any concerns you might have about the treatment, ask questions and share more about your skin.

From there, a targeted treatment plan is created just for you. Your provider will discuss where the Xeomin® injections can be placed and how this will help you achieve your desired results while still maintaining a natural look.

Depending on your appointment, you’ll either get the treatment the same day or can book a separate appointment for your injection treatment. If you are concerned about the pain of the needle (which you needn't be, it feels like a tiny pinch!), you can also ask about any topical numbing products beforehand that could help dull the slight pricking sensation.

By using a very fine needle, your provider injects small amounts of Xeomin® in the targeted areas. The entire process only takes about 30 minutes to complete, and you are able to go home right away after the session. However, be sure to follow aftercare instructions to help achieve your desired outcome during the healing process.

Keep in mind that the treatment doesn’t produce instant results. You will need to wait a few days, potentially up to a week, to start seeing the changes.

Now, how long does Xeomin® last?

Each Xeomin® treatment will last about four (4) to six (6) months. If you want to maintain a consistent appearance, consider scheduling follow-up treatments with your provider on a recurring schedule. 

Experience the difference: Get a Xeomin® treatment near you 

As you’re looking for ways to enhance the youthfulness of your skin, you deserve to know as much as you can about all of the treatment options available to you. If Xeomin® sounds like the right choice for achieving your goals, begin by scheduling a consultation with a provider near you.

At Chapter, we provide client-tailored Xeomin® injection treatments across multiple locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin. Find the nearest aesthetic studio near you, or contact us anytime to learn more!