Xeomin: What is Xeomin, and how does it compare to Botox & Dysport?Â
Xeomin (pronounced Zio-min), produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals, is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia or blepharospasm and moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. In short, Xeomin is a neuromodulator with similar traits to both Botox and Dysport, with a few differences. It’s typically used to treat lines and wrinkles in the face, but there are many more uses that we’ll describe below. Botox®, Xeomin, Jeuveau, & Dysport are very similar – neurotoxins formed from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. From a scientific perspective, all are neurotoxins. Botox®’s scientific name is onabotulinumtoxin A, Xeomin’s is IncobotulinumtoxinA, and Dysport’s is abobtulinumtoxin A. Even though they are similar, each has different functions and different specialties.Â
We can determine whether Xeomin, Jeaveau, or Dysport is best for you during your free consultation with Dr. Janowski.Â
How does Xeomin work?Â
Botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful neurotoxins known to man and has proven to be an incredibly successful and valuable therapeutic protein. It can be injected into humans in small doses, and works by preventing muscles from receiving signals from nerve cells – either paralyzing or weakening them. Botox®, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Dysport all help to prevent the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that attaches to muscle cells and causes them to contract. Because they prevent this from happening, the muscles become less stiff and essentially “soften” in the treated area(s). When the pull of the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin generally flattens out – thus reducing wrinkles and/or creases. Basically, Xeomin prevents muscle fibers from contracting and creating folds in the skin.Â
How is Xeomin different from Botox?Â
Xeomin is the first neuromodulator that does not need to be refrigerated before use, which may simplify distribution. Xeomin is also has no additives, just botulinum toxin type A. This may mean that there is less risk of developing antibodies against Xeomin than other available neurotoxins. The body develops antibodies in response to a foreign invader and attacks. In theory, antibodies could prevent a neurotoxin from having its desired effects. The effects of Xeomin occur within one week, and the results last from three to six months, making it comparable to Botox in terms of both onset and duration of action. Xeomin should not be used interchangeably with other botulinum products. Whether one is better than the other is debatable – which is why we offer many different alternatives so we can choose which product is right for you and only you!Â
What can Xeomin be used for?
Facial expression lines develop from the action of the underlying muscles on the skin. Although these lines help us to convey to others a range of emotional states, some facial expression lines always seem to express fatigue or anger, even if those appearances do not represent how we are feeling.
This is especially true of the lines of the forehead and between the eyebrows. Other lines, such as crow’s feet, may make us appear older than our chronological age. Botox®, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau are used to block the nerve impulses that tell those muscles to move, revealing a fresh, healthy look. Essentially they are used to treat wrinkles that are found when you make facial expressions, giving you a younger, natural-looking face!
There are a host of other uses including hyperhydrosis, migraines, and urinary incontinence. While Xeomin has not been officially approved by the FDA for some of these applications, there have been many studies done with great results.Â
FAQS about Xeomin
Xeomin works by relaxing the muscles around the injection point. As we age, our skin becomes more lax and more susceptible to wrinkles. Typically, wrinkles are caused when the muscles contract and "fold" the skin over itself. Neurotoxins like Xeomin work to calm those muscles down, which allows the skin to smooth out.Â
Xeomin was proven effective in two randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trials of 547 healthy, adult patients. The average age of patients in the study was 46 years. Patients received 20 Units of XEOMIN® and were classified as responders if they had a 2-grade improvement on a 4-point scale as assessed by the physician and patient. Using these criteria, treatment success was higher with XEOMIN® than placebo on Day 30 in both studies (60% and 48% vs. 0% for placebo in both studies). Based on these trials, XEOMIN® received FDA approval for use in glabellar lines in 2011.
As with any neuromodulator, the most commonly reported side effects can include headache, eyelid drooping, upper respiratory tract infection and increased white blood cell count. No serious drug-related adverse events were observed in the clinical studies of Xeomin.
Within 48 hours after treatment, reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after treatment the maximal benefit is attained and continues for a few months.
Dysport and Botox results can last for 3 to 6 months, and Xeomin is similar. When the effects wears off or diminish, and the muscles that contribute to these facial expression lines again become active, treatment can again be administered.
As with most medical aesthetic treatments, it depends – on the area treated, how many units, desired results, etc. We do offer specials for new patients, so call or email us and we can set you up with a free consultation to see what is best for you!
If you are becoming to resistant to other neurotoxins like Botox, Jeuveau, or Dysport, or are a first time patient looking for great results – maybe Xeomin is right for you! Give us a call at 303.469.0064 or send us an email to set up an appointment with Dr. Janowski. We look forward to helping you live your best life!
What can Xeomin be used to treat?Â
Facial expression lines develop from the action of the underlying muscles on the skin. Although these lines help us to convey to others a range of emotional states, some facial expression lines always seem to express fatigue or anger, even if those appearances do not represent how we are feeling. Â
This is especially true of the lines of the forehead and between the eyebrows. Other lines, such as crow’s feet, may make us appear older than our chronological age. Botox® and Dysport are used to block the nerve impulses that tell those muscles to move, revealing a fresh, healthy look. Dysport is used to treat wrinkles that are found when you make facial expressions, giving you a younger, natural-looking face!
- Crows feet
- Glabellar lines – “11’s” between the brow
- Frown lines
- Pebble chin
- Correcting a gummy smile
- Softening of the neck bands
- Excessive sweating – hyperhydrosis
- Chronic muscle pain
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic headaches / migraines
- Slimming of the jaw
- Crossed eyes
*Results may vary from patient to patient