Botox and Xeomin are two types of injectable neurotoxins that the Food and Drug Administration has approved. It’s reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Most of us think that Botox and Xeomin are the same. However, both injectables have differences.
So, what is the right injectable to treat your skin woes? Is it Xeomin or Botox?
COSMETIC WAYS TO TREAT WRINKLES
Wrinkles are folds in your skin. As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin. Wrinkles make it thinner and less resistant to damage. It is a natural part of getting old, and it's not a significant threat to your health. But then, some people want to slow down the signs of aging, so they would look for ways to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in their faces.
Among these many ways are Xeomin or Botox. They both use wrinkle-busting chemicals known as neuromodulators. Still, it doesn’t mean that they’re the same. So, what are the similarities and differences between Xeomin and botox?
WHAT IS XEOMIN?
This injectable is used in facial aesthetics, which temporarily improves moderate to severe frown lines. By blocking the neurotransmitter, which stimulates the muscles to contract, Xeomin softens the muscle activity in the treated area.
The injectable allows treatment and prevention of facial wrinkles. It works well in treating crow's feet and creases that develop in the eyebrows.
HOW DOES XEOMIN WORK?
Since this injectable stimulates muscle contraction, Xeomin's mechanism also improves the appearance of existing wrinkles on the face. Xeomin is placed directly placed into the facial muscles that are being treated. The procedure is relatively painless, and it only takes a few minutes to perform.
BENEFITS OF USING XEOMIN
● Addresses the fine lines in your skin: Xeomin is used to minimize the fine lines in your upper face. It is best suited to handle the furrows on your forehead and the wrinkles that appear around your eyes' outer edges. This injectable contains botulinum toxin type A, which paralyzes the muscles beneath the skin.
● Short treatment time: Treating your wrinkles with Xeomin only takes about 10-20 minutes without the use of anesthetics during the procedure. Your dermatologist may use numbing cream to minimize your discomfort during the treatment.
● Prevents wrinkles: Studies have shown that botulinum toxin injections can be used as a preventive measure to maintain smooth skin. Xeomin can be used to keep your wrinkles from forming by reducing excess movement when making facial expressions.
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox is a drug that doctors have used to treat wrinkles and creases for years. It is a brand name of a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
Botox blocks signals of the nerves and the muscles, which makes wrinkles relax and soften. It is also used to reduce forehead lines and frown lines caused by harmful UV rays.
BENEFITS OF USING BOTOX
Botox injections are famous for their ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. This is also used in treating conditions such as:
● neck spasms
● excessive sweating
● overactive bladder
● lazy eye
Aside from these, Botox is also used to:
● Treat a dropping brow: Brow Ptosis can cause patients to look unhappy even though they’re awake and happy. There are also some biological reasons why your brow is a bit droopy. Your doctor might advise you to exercise your facial muscles, and undergo Botox treatment.
● Reduce migraine pain: Aside from being a cosmetic injectable, Botox also relieves migraine pain. Some patients use this as a treatment for this condition alone. Botox doesn't stop your migraine, but it reduces many significant symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.
●A remedy for Bells Palsy: Botox can also be used to treat patients who have Bells Palsy. Administering Botox on the paralyzed side of the patient's face helps relax the facial muscles, and it can also prevent unwanted facial tics.
XEOMIN OR BOTOX? WHAT ARE THEIR SIMILARITIES
Undeniably, both cosmetic injectables share some similarities. These treatments effectively eliminate frown lines and wrinkles that occur due to repetitious muscle contractions involved in your everyday facial movements.
These neurotoxins address lines and wrinkles by relaxing the facial muscles. Once these neuromodulators are injected into your facial muscle, it temporarily blocks the nerve impulses needed for contraction. Relaxed muscles and a decrease in movement lessens the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area.
The results of both synthetic injectables are only temporary. After some time, it will wear off. The contractions and wrinkles will begin to appear again. This is why both treatments require monthly maintenance.
COSMETIC DIFFERENCES
The main difference between Xeomin and Botox is the formulation. Xeomin is a "naked" neurotoxin containing an ingredient called botulinum toxin A, while Botox includes protective proteins clustered around the active molecule. Because Xeomin is pure in form, users have a lower chance of developing resistance to antibodies, limiting its desired effects.
Another significant difference between Botox and Xeomin is the results. While the effects of both treatments last for about 3-6 months, Xeomin requires four days for the results to form fully. Botox, on the other hand, typically requires about 72 hours.
The other feature which makes Xeomin different from Botox is the fact that Xeomin does not contain additional additives. The injectable does not have to be refrigerated before use. This makes it more desirable than Botox in some clinical practices.
Both cosmetic injectables contain botulinum type A. These injections are used for similar purposes, and the FDA approves Botox for use. If you ever decide on getting Xeomin or Botox treatment to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face, it’s best if you seek a medical opinion of a doctor or a professional from clinics like Prim Rose Reno who has performed this procedure.
Only a licensed provider can analyze your current facial features and health history to determine the best course of treatment aligned with your desired result. Side effects are rare, but it's still important to discuss all the risks with your doctor before undergoing the treatment.
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