As you age and your skin loses its elasticity, you’ll inevitably notice fine lines and wrinkles appear near your mouth and eyebrows—and not just when you frown or furrow your eyebrows. They linger long after, and soon become a constant sight in the mirror. When this occurs, you may be looking to turn back time, turning to fillers and injectables to naturally fill in those lines. One such option that has recently grown in popularity is Xeomin.
According to its official website, Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is defined as “a prescription medication injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults. Xeomin contains botulinum toxin type A, a protein purified from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.”
Prior to your treatment, it’s important to understand the benefits of Xeomin, the best candidates to receive it, and more.
Benefits of Xeomin
FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines in 2011, Xeomin offers multiple benefits for its users, including:
- Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows, around the eyes, on the forehead, and/or around the mouth
- Prevents further wrinkling
- Quick treatment and recovery times
- Lacks additional fillers that often lead to allergic reactions
- Less likely to lead to desensitization
Xeomin proved to be successful in multiple randomized, double-bline, placebo-controlled clinical trials of more than 500 adults, states its aforementioned site.
Difference Between Xeomin, Botox & Dysport
Although all three—Xeomin, Botox, and Dysport—are botulinum toxin A and attach to the same muscle receptor, they are not interchangeable. Each varies in the amount that must be administered to achieve a specific desired result, and the length of time the effects last.
Beauty content platform Byrdie states Xeomin is “often called ‘naked Botox’ due to the purity of the product itself.” Some surgeons worry that years of Botox, which is injected with associated proteins, may lead to desensitization similar to what occurs when receiving allergy shots. Because Xeomin lacks these proteins, surgeons believe this is less likely to occur.
How to Prepare for Xeomin Treatment
If you’re interested in receiving Xeomin injections, it’s important to prepare by conducting research. Understand the treatment, its uses, and possible side effects. Next, find a qualified provider, which is typically a board-certified plastic surgeon. They have the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively place the injectable. A surgeon without the proper education can do so improperly, causing patients to lose the ability to show expression.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as how many years they’ve performed the procedure, if they taught injection techniques, or what products they use. During your consultation, advise your surgeon of your complete medical history and any allergies you’ve had to botulinum toxin products in the past. Ensure you schedule your appointment at least two weeks prior to a special event. Cease the use of retinol products two days prior, and after treatment.
What Does a Treatment Entail?
A Xeomin treatment takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired results. Your surgeon will inject Xeomin into the muscles in your forehead that cause frown lines, or those near your mouth causing the surrounding wrinkles. The active ingredient in Xeomin, botulinum toxin type A, prevents the contraction of muscle fibers. You may feel a prick, similar to any injection, however, your surgeon may use a topical anesthetic or cold compress to reduce discomfort.
What Are Possible Side Effects?
Although rare, Xeomin injectables can cause potential side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Allergic Reaction
- Muscle Weakness
- Blurred Vision
- Drooping Eyelids
For more information, view the official site’s list of possible side effects here.
Aftercare
Xeomin treatment recovery is quick and easy. All you have to do is keep your hands off your face for approximately three hours. Stay away from strenuous activity for four to six hours. Patients will see results three to seven days after treatment, and they’ll typically last for two to three months.
