BOTOX® is the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure, used to alleviate fine lines and wrinkles that are indicative of aging. Now, the FDA has approved Xeomin®—an injectable that uses the same active ingredient as Botox® for a face that’s younger, smoother, and more aesthetically pleasing. Xeomin®’s results can last as long as six months and some doctors and patients prefer it over Botox® injections. Read on to learn more about Xeomin® pros, cons, side effects, and more.
Botulinum For Wrinkle Reduction
Botulinum toxin A has been FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles since 2002. A powerful neurotoxin, botulinum works by relaxing wrinkle-causing muscle contractions through injections. The popularity of botulinum has skyrocketed due to its efficiency and virtually no recovery time. Patients prefer it to superficial cosmetic treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels because while they may be useful at fading minor fine lines, botulinum gets to the root of the problem and releases wrinkles for months at a time. On the other hand, botulinum injections do not require the same commitment, price, and recovery time as going under the knife for a major surgery like a facelift or brow lift.
Of course, there are other dermal injectables on the market that don’t contain botulinum. Restylane and Juvederm are both dermal fillers that use a solution to “fill out” wrinkles rather than relax the underlying muscles. While these other injectables are quite popular, botulinum remains at the top of the game because of its widespread availability and patient success. Until now, Botox® and Dysport® were the only botulinum options available. Xeomin® offers the benefits of botulinum in a slightly new way.
Xeomin®: The Naked Injectable
Xeomin® contains just one ingredient: botulinum toxin A. Unlike its competitors, Xeomin® is a “naked injectable,” meaning that it does not contain any additives. The major benefit of a pure-form injectable is that the human body is less likely to become resistant to Xeomin® because there are simply less ingredients in the solution. Some patients have developed antibodies to Botox® and Dysport®, leading their bodies to reject the treatments.
More About Xeomin®
Aside from its pure form, Xeomin® is quite comparable to Botox®. It is measured in the same units as Botox®, so aestheticians and doctors won’t have as much as a learning curve for administering the injectable. Some experts have found that Xeomin® does have the ability to last slightly longer than Botox®—up to six months. With treatments prices ranging between $400 and $600, Xeomin® costs about the same as Botox®. Side effects are also similar due to the same active ingredient: minor swelling, bruising, headache, and soreness is considered normal immediately after treatment and should fade within a few days.
Xeomin® has been used extensively across Europe to diminish wrinkles and give patients a younger, refreshed look. Its FDA approval in the United States will open a new door for the company and give those interested in cosmetic treatments an additional option when it comes to wrinkle removal and anti-aging procedures.