Botox or Xeomin: Which Is Best For You?
Botox vs Xeomin
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what Botox is and why is everyone talking about it? Botox is a Neurotoxin injection that uses onobotulinumtoxinA to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving (ie. facial expressions that then create unwanted wrinkles on our face). This toxin is naturally produced by a bacterial organism that causes a condition called "botulism", a type of food poisoning. Although that may sound scary, Botox is a perfectly safe treatment that has a long history of clinical use.
A little history for you - Back in the early 1970s, the toxin was successfully used in treating eye muscle problems in monkeys and was later approved for human use for eye muscle conditions and later for eyelid muscle spasms. In early 2000, the FDA approved Botox for use in reducing wrinkles in the mid-eyebrow region. Since then, the drug has been used to treat other conditions such as migraines, overactive bladder, and other cosmetic indications.
Is Botox the only type of Neurotoxin injection?
No, Botox was the first drug to use botulinum toxin. Now, there are a lot of products available for cosmetic and medical use including Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). Each is a little different, particularly when it comes to dosage units. However they are all used for the same purpose, and that is to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The most commonly used Neurotoxin injections are Botox and Xeomin.
Is Xeomin similar to Botox? Why do I not hear of Xeomin as often as Botox?
Xeomin was approved for use in 2010 and, as such, is somewhat newer to the market but works similarly to Botox in its effectiveness and side effects. Dosing, however, can be different when switching from one neurotoxin to another.
The reason you haven’t really heard of Xeomin as frequently as Botox is because Botox has done a wonderful job of branding itself! Let me give you an example: Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi. Which do you think stands out more? You might have thought of Coca-Cola despite the products being very similar to one another. Regardless, the same analogy goes for Botox vs. Xeomin. Just because you hear Botox more often does not necessarily mean that one is better than the other. It all comes down to preference!
How will I know which one is better for me?
Again, personal preference is the most common reason for patients preferring one drug over the other. Often, when the provider has achieved a successful result with one drug, patients will associate the results with that drug. There is no harm in trying both to know which one you end up liking better, however, the key to the effectiveness of the injection is often technique. The advantage of Botox is that it’s the pioneer of Neurotoxin injections, and some patients claim that they feel a tighter face effect over Xeomin. Whereas Xeomin, which came later, has more natural ingredients and the cost per unit is typically less than that of Botox.
Do they both work and last the same?
Both work the same. Neurotoxins in general will remain in the body for an average of three to six months. However, the reduction in appearances of wrinkles will last on average only four months, although effects can vary by the individual. Typically, toxins will take 24-72 hours to take effect for first-time users or in individuals who have allowed the neurotoxin to wear off completely.
Will I achieve the same results at any Med Spa I go to?
The effectiveness of treatment is often dependent on the skill of the provider performing the injection and their ability to achieve desired results based on their knowledge of muscle anatomy and function. Many patients new to Neurotoxin injections may st
art out on a recommended dose, but a follow-up is often required to make any adjustment injections 7-10 days after the first treatment. Once the desired result is achieved, the provider will know the necessary dose and location of injections to provide consistent results and look for that individual.
You’re probably thinking, why is it that results can differ from injector to injector? It's because technique and skill play an important role. Similarly to when you want to get your hair colored or cut by a hairdresser, you look for someone skilled at achieving your desired results. Sure most hairdressers can apply hair color and cut hair, but do they all provide the same results? No, they vary. The same concept applies to injectors. It is important to find a clinician experienced in achieving the results you want from your treatment.
Am I too young to start Botox/Xeomin or is it too late for me to start Botox/Xeomin?
This question varies from person to person. The use of neurotoxins to treat early signs of wrinkles can help minimize deeper wrinkles from developing over time. So, if you’re in your early 20s and start noticing wrinkles, it may be a good time to start getting Botox or Xeomin injections as a way to prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. Once deep wrinkles form, Botox or Xeomin injections can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. However, they may require additional use of certain dermal fillers, like Juvederm, or deep skin resurfacing procedures to achieve desired results.
Overall why should I consider Botox or Xeomin?
Wrinkles give the appearance of being tired or growing older in appearance. Many people today are seeking solutions to reduce such appearances and neurotoxins are a terrific solution. With all the options on the market today, call our team of the experienced clinicians at Beauty Lounge Med Spa to find what works best for you.
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