Botox vs. Xeomin: Which Injectable Is Right for Me?

Aging is a natural process that everyone undergoes. But do you know there are some cosmetic processes that can defy the signs of aging? Yes, we are talking about cosmetic injectables like Botox and Xeomin. With the passing of time, our skin undergoes a lot of change and starts to show signs of aging, like crow’s feet, wrinkles on the forehead, frown lines, etc.

With advancements in cosmetic treatments, we now have a way to delay and control the onset of these wrinkles. In this blog, we give you insights into the uses and treatment mechanisms of Botox and Xeomin and how to choose the one suitable to you.

What is Botox cosmetic?

Botox is an injectable cosmetic that works to get rid of facial wrinkles and fine lines. It uses Botulinum Type A, namely onabotulinumtoxin, to control the muscle responsible for the formation of wrinkles. It is a neuromodulator.

How Botox treatment works

The neurotoxins present in Botox disrupt the signals sent to the nerve that otherwise stimulates the contraction of muscles. This is a temporary process whereby the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes is slowed down.

As we age, the muscles contract, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. This is due to the chemical called acetylcholine released by the nerves. Botox hampers the release of this chemical and thus prevents wrinkles.

Botox is administered using a thin needle. Though it is a minimally invasive and painless procedure, topical anaesthesia may be given if the patient is concerned about pain. The number of injections of Botulinum Type A depends on your requirement as diagnosed by the cosmetic specialist. The procedure can be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Uses of Botox cosmetic

Botox is used to treat a variety of cosmetic and medical concerns. Some of them are:

• Crow’s feet
• Smile lines
• Frown lines
• Creases on the forehead
• Cobblestone skin on the chin
• Enlarged masseter muscles
• Brow furrows
• Hyperhidrosis

Botox injection is one of the popular treatments approved by the FDA for controlling lines and wrinkles. Many people prefer this treatment as it is minimally invasive and can produce results in a short span of time.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is also an injectable cosmetic medication that is used to prevent the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also called incobotulinumtoxin A and is derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, similar to Botox.

It is a neurotoxin approved by the FDA and is used to block the action of neurotransmitters causing age-related wrinkles and lines. Other than wrinkles, Xeomin, in controlled doses, is also used to treat arm and neck spasms, eye twitching, and drooling.

How Xeomin works

The action of Xeomin is very similar to that of Botox. The signal sent from the nerves to the muscles is temporarily stopped by injecting Xeomin in specific facial or other muscles, as required. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, it delays the formation of wrinkles and relieves certain neurological conditions.

It is a minimally invasive procedure and can be completed quickly. A thin needle is used to administer Xeomin in the facial muscles for cosmetic purposes or other muscles for the treatment of certain conditions like spasms.

The number of injections and the duration are decided by the cosmetic specialist depending on your condition.

Uses of Xeomin

Xeomin, like Botox, is used for cosmetic and medical purposes.

Cosmetic uses:

• Reduction of glabellar lines, commonly known as frown lines
• Control of forehead lines
• Reduction of crow’s feet, which appear at the corner of our eyes

Medical uses:

• Treats muscle stiffness and spasticity of the upper limbs, which may be the result of stroke, etc.
• Corrects involuntary contraction of the neck muscles.

Key differences between Botox and Xeomin

Though Botox and Xeomin are botulinum toxins used as injectables for the treatment of wrinkles and other medical conditions, there are certain differences between them. Some of the key differences are:

• Botox contains some complex proteins, while Xeomin is a purified form of botulinum toxin A.
• The active ingredient in Botox in onabotulinumtoxin and is incobotulinumtoxin A in Xeomin.
• With no protein content, Xeomin is less likely to cause immune reactions compared to Botox.
• The results from the use of Xeomin is normally seen within three to five days, whereas it may take around two weeks for Botox.
• Botox may result in allergic reactions in some people as compared to Xeomin.
• The results from the use of Xeomin lasts up to six months as compared to Botox, which may be around three or four months.

How to choose the right injectable?

Botox and Xeomin are used for the treatment of similar cosmetic and health conditions. Both the medicines are approved by the FDA. Choosing either one of them should be based on a discussion with your cosmetic specialist or neurologist. They will decide the one suitable to you based on your condition and requirement.

Many people prefer Botox since it is very popular and has been in use since several years compared to Xeomin. But this is not the only consideration for selecting the neurotoxin.

Since Botox is known to cause certain allergies due to presence of complex proteins, you should discuss with your specialist if you have any known allergies already.

If you have received any of these injections earlier and have faced any side effects, the same should also be considered before choosing one.

The cost of Botox and Xeomin treatment are also factors to be considered before choosing the injectable for you.

Remember, Botox and Xeomin should not be used alternatively or together, as it may result in serious side effects.

There isn’t any right injectable between the two since the choice depends mainly on your requirements and the suggestions of your specialist medical consultant.