Fighting wrinkles with injectables
Now, it’s time to compare Botox vs Xeomin. As we age, there’s often nothing we can do to get rid of those pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other problem areas of our face. But for some of us, these wrinkles come on fast and with a vengeance. So much so that more and more people are reaching out for help to keep their skin looking young and in check.
In fact, 50% of young women are concerned about wrinkles, particularly with age. There are many skin care products and treatments that can help. One of which is Botox or Xeomin.
The thing is, Botox is not the only long-term wrinkle treatment on the market. Xeomin – that flies under the radar. However, it’s just as effective. Xeomin is an injectable that can provide excellent results. But is it better than Botox?
All about botulinum toxin type A injectables (Including Botox and Xeomin)
There’s nothing to say about the immense success and uses of Botox. It’s a protein derived from botulinum toxin Type A. Exposure to large amounts can weaken or paralyze muscles and can even be deadly. However, injected in small, controlled doses, the protein can gently relax muscles in a particular area, which can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Doses of the protein will be injected in strategic parts of the face to reduce wrinkles and improve the overall appearance. Botulinum type A also has several different medical uses other than for aesthetics.
Botox is simply a brand name of the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin Type A for cosmetic use. Today, it’s almost as popular as other brand names like Coke, Kleenex, or Post-its. Yet, it’s not the only one on the market. At Sakura Skin, we may also suggest another brand, Xeomin.
Have you heard about Xeomin?
Xeomin (pronounced zeo-min) is another powerful botulinum type A drug on the market. It was FDA-approved in 2010 and explicitly targeted frown lines. Frown lines are those wrinkles and folds that form on the forehead and between the eyebrows (called glabellar lines which can look like an ’11’) due to constant squinting or frowning. These wrinkles often extend to the eyes and are called Crow’s Feet. By injecting a set amount of Xeomin around these areas, women and men alike can enjoy smoother, wrinkle-free skin for several months.
Xeomin is also approved to treat non-cosmetic conditions like migraines and excessive sweating. Speak with us at Sakura Skin for any off-brand or non-cosmetic use.
The “naked” injectable
We love Xeomin at Sakura Skin because of its FDA approval for on-label and off-label use. In addition, we’ve seen studies show that Xeomin provides similar success rates to Botox and Dysport. The company that distributes the protein, Merz Pharmaceuticals, designed Xeomin to be one of the purest forms of botulinum type A, which is why it’s sometimes called the naked injectable.
How do you use these injectables?
Using botulinum type A injectables like Xeomin and Botox happens in a non-invasive procedure, and the process itself takes just a few minutes and is often called a ‘lunchtime procedure.’
There is minimal pain and no downtime!
At Sakura Skin, our process starts with a consultation, where we’ll review your problem areas, medical history, and skin goals. The criteria that will make you eligible for Xeomin or Botox include:
- You should be in generally good health.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- There are no known allergies or side effects to the injectable
- You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not have any pre-existing nerve or muscular disease.
If you’re a candidate for an injectable, you may come in for your procedure at your earliest convenience. The botulinum toxin is injected into specific areas. And that’s it. After a few days, you’ll begin to see improvements in your skin’s appearance. Then, after two weeks, you should see the full wrinkle-busting effects of Xeomin and Botox.
Where Xeomin and Botox are similar
Both Botox and Xeomin in these forms have several benefits:
- Both contain botulinum toxin Type A, which can relax muscles in specific areas. This means reducing your wrinkles for a set period.
- Both will feel like they’ve added much-needed youth back to your face. The anti-aging properties of Botox and Xeomin are outstanding, making you look and feel much younger.
- When patients use them over time, both injectables can reduce the nerve signals, further preventing wrinkles.
- Most patients see results for longer over time.
- You can get the injectables in just a few minutes.
- Both aren’t covered by insurance plans, including Medicare.
- There are uncommon side effects.
These similarities should make patients comfortable with using both to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox vs Xeomin: Where they differ
While these share many similarities, there are just as many differences, meaning these injectables are not interchangeable. Before visiting Sakura skin, these are some of the differences you should know:
- The most significant difference in Botox vs Xeomin is that Xeomin is formulated to be purely botulinum Type A. This formulation reduces the chances of allergies. Botox contains other proteins that can cause allergies.
- The lack of additives means you are less likely to develop antibodies against the injectable, which may reduce its effectiveness. This can happen with Botox.
- A lack of additives means that Xeomin may not need to be refrigerated, which can extend its shelf life.
- Xeomin is primarily used for minor to moderate wrinkles in the forehead and near the eyebrows and eyes. Botox will work here as well.
How long does Botox vs Xeomin last?
After your procedure, you won’t see any results at first. Then you’ll start to see results after a few days. Toxin should last between 3 to 4 months. After that time, you should see the effects of treatment begin to wear off. Over time, the muscles begin to respond again, and some wrinkles will reappear. However, the wrinkles won’t fully return to the way they were before your first session. This is a sign you’ll need another session of Xeomin or Botox.
We suggest follow-up appointments in advance to keep up with the regimen. We also offer Xeomin subscriptions – pay one low monthly fee and come in 3 times per year for treatment! Xeomin subscriptions start at $99/month! See our website for details (www.sakuraskinbeauty.com) – or call us at (810) 394-2187.
Aftercare and side effects
Both Botox and Xeomin need special care to get the most out of the procedure. Right after you leave our office, try not to touch or massage the injection areas. Touching or massaging the areas could move the botulinum toxin to another part of your face. This movement can cause unwanted side effects.
It would help if you also avoid exercise and other strenuous work for at least 48 hours after treatment. Like massage, the added movement and sweating can displace your injectable, reducing its impact. Alcohol, sun exposure, and tanning could also cause bruising, so avoid drinking and sun exposure for at least 48 hours as well.
Most Botox and Xeomin patients experience no side effects in addition to the bruising and swelling. However, with any procedure, there is an associated risk. These include:
- Muscle weakness or stiffness at the injection site.
- An unknown allergy to botulinum toxin type A
- Headaches, neck pain, or back pain
- Rash, itching, dry eyes, and mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory infections
If you notice some strange side effects lasting several days, call us immediately. We will formulate a plan to reduce the side effects. However, if you’re having trouble breathing, speaking, or vision problems, seek emergency help.
The bottom line
When it comes to Botox vs Xeomin, there are similarities and differences to each. Botox has the advantage of being around longer, making it a trusted brand. This means that most patients interested in injectables would opt for Botox. However, Xeomin is just as effective at reducing wrinkles in areas like eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes. Xeomin also had the advantage of being ‘naked,’ meaning it’s formulated to be potent while reducing the chances of unwanted reactions. Botox tends to be a more versatile product but can still be used together with Xeomin.
Best of all, both can help to reduce the signs of wrinkles for several months on end. There is still a debate on the effectiveness of each injectable. Some studies show that Xeomin can last longer than Botox (reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789632/). However, other studies show both have similar efficacy for the same areas.
Get an injector you can trust
Botox vs Xeomin only works as well as the injector administering the injectable.
Both come in a powdered form and must be formulated before use. The wrong dosage of injectable in the wrong area can cause unwanted side effects or undesirable results. Further, keep in mind – if the Botox or Xeomin is priced very low – it may be over-diluted and will not be as effective.
If you’re looking to keep your wrinkles in check and have had difficulty doing so for some time, let us help. At Sakura Skin, we have helped hundreds of patients with injectables. In just one short session, we can help you look and feel years younger.
To schedule a Xeomin or Botox consultation, there are a few ways you can connect with us:
- We have locations in Flint and Fenton, Michigan
- Book here: https://calendly.com/sakuraskin directly on our website (www.sakuraskinbeauty.com).
- We offer Free consultations
- Call us at (810) 349-2187
Now that you understand the difference, it’s essential to choose not only the right injectable but the right clinic. We can’t wait to help you keep those wrinkles at bay.
Sakura Skin
(810) 394-2187
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