Botox and Xeomin are two (2) of the most popular neuromodulators, or fillers, in today’s cosmetic medicine industry. This industry has popularized injectable usage by promoting smoother and younger-looking skin. Being injectable treatments, Botox and Xeomin are commonly used in reducing the unwanted appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Both Botox and Xeomin contain the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A, produced by the Clostridium botulinum, a known bacterial species. This particular neurotoxin blocks neuromuscular signals and relaxes targeted muscles during the injection. Although Botox and Xeomin contain a common active ingredient, these two treatments also have some differences in their usage, formulation, and longevity of effectiveness. Let’s find out everything in today’s article.
Botox and Xeomin: What These Are
Sharing the commonality of having botulinum toxin type A, Botox and Xeomin are two (2) types of injections approved by the FDA. As similar as they seem because both fillers belong to the same injection class and work by reducing the contraction of muscles in targeted areas, Botox and Xeomin have a few slight differences in consideration depending on what you look for in a neuromodulator treatment.
What is Botox?
OnabotulinumtoxinA, popularly known as Botox, was first approved because of particular medical uses in 1989. The FDA approved its cosmetic purposes in 2002 and, consequently, for chronic migraine in 2010. As for aesthetic usage, Botox injections are commonly called Botox Cosmetics. This treatment caters to various conditions concerning fine lines and wrinkles, while Xeomin is a treatment for frown lines only.
What is Xeomin?
In 2010, the first IncobotulinumtoxinA, or Xeomin, was approved by the FDA. Like Botox, Xeomin injections promote temporary relaxation in the activity of muscles being targeted.
Botox and Xeomin: Similarities and Differences
As mentioned earlier, Botox and Xeomin both contain botulinum toxin type A. These treatments work similarly through the temporary relaxation of specific muscles in the treated area. Both Botox and Xeomin start to work within a week. Ideally, results also persist over three (3) to six (6) months before needing to have follow-up injections.
However, despite the similarities, Botox and Xeomin are not recommended to be used interchangeably. Doctors or healthcare providers will help you decide which of these botulinum injections work best for your medical needs or aesthetic goals. They will also give appropriate recommendations if needed.
Among these two (2) botulinum injections, a primary difference is that Xeomin contains no additives that increase any risk of your body developing antibodies that work against it. This factor could mean that, compared to other injections, your body will not become resistant to Xeomin, thereby having chances of getting the effects you’re looking for higher than others.
Additionally, Botox requires refrigeration while Xeomin does not. Although refrigeration of products alone does not make one better than the other, this idea could mean that Xeomin is more accessible than Botox.
Botox and Xeomin: A Good Candidate
Doctors and healthcare providers help determine whether botulinum injections such as Botox and Xeomin are suitable options for your conditions that need to be treated. It’s also crucial to know that there are a few age requirements for particular therapeutic uses of injections consisting of botulinum toxin. Botox and Xeomin may not be suitable for those with a history of:
- allergic reactions to these botulinum injections
- breathing difficulties
- muscle or nerve disorders
- problems with swallowing
- respiratory illnesses like asthma
Both Botox and Xeomin are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women because of unknown risks they might have for babies.
Botox and Xeomin: How They Are Given
Both Botox and Xeomin are injections used in targeted muscles. Their exact dosages and number of injections will vary based on the condition being treated. In addition, although effects wear off over a few months, results per individual may vary. The need for repeat treatments may be sooner for some and later or not for others.
Botox and Xeomin: Side Effects
As with any injectables, Botox and Xeomin may cause the following temporary after-effects:
- bleeding
- bruising
- itching
- pain
- redness
- swelling
Botox and Xeomin: Potential Risks
All botulinum injections types, such as Botox and Xeomin, carry the risk of spreading to other body parts, potentially resulting in serious complications.
Differences in side effects were also reported for Botox and Xeomin, depending on what they are used to treat. Xeomin has been associated with breathing, swallowing, and speaking concerns, which may happen for weeks since receiving injections.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any particular medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed; you need to take before or after having these injections. Botulinum toxin can have interactions with:
- allergy medications
- antibiotics
- cold medications
- muscle relaxants
- sleep medications
Botox and Xeomin: Which is More Effective and Work Faster?
When it comes to their cosmetic purposes, both Botox and Xeomin are effective treatments. Both are relatively convenient treatments in terms of administration, unlike plastic surgery and other invasive procedures.
Both Botox and Xeomin start to work after being injected into the muscle. In terms of aesthetic usage, the full effect of this treatment may not become noticeable until after a week (7 days) to 14 days since the injection or even longer.
One randomized, double-blind study found Xeomin to work faster and last longer than Botox. This study assessed 180 people for six (6) months and found that more women got more excellent effects, unlike the men.
It was administered by the Journal of Dermatology Surgery, a double-blind clinical trial comparing the active ingredients of Botox and Xeomin. The problem studied 250 women who were either recipients of 20 units of Botox or 20 units of Xeomin. This particular study indicated both toxin injections showed similar effectiveness over four (4) months.
In addition to the identical ways these injections work, they must also be delivered by medical doctors like dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or licensed providers. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to help you determine which neuromodulator option is better for you.
Botox and Xeomin: The Bottom Line
Both Botox and Xeomin contain botulinum type A forms, injected and used for similar conditions, with Botox providing slightly more FDA–approved uses than Xeomin. Still, the decision depends on what treatment you’re looking for and your doctor’s recommendations. Although serious side effects are rare for both Botox and Xeomin, it’s still important to discuss with experts all the risks before undergoing treatment.
Are you satisfied with what you’ve learned today about Botox and Xeomin and want to experience these treatments yourself? Our great friends at Aesthetically Savvy can help you get started today. Visit them now! https://aestheticallysavy.com/