Like other neurotoxins (also known as neuromodulators), the active ingredient in Xeomin^® is botulinum toxin type A. It works by blocking nerve impulses to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a refreshed, smooth and younger appearance.

When you squint or frown, the muscles between your brows contract, causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time, as your skin ages and loses some of its elasticity, these repeated contractions can cause persistent frown lines. Botulinum toxin type A – the active ingredient in Xeomin^®– acts on nerve endings in muscles to prevent muscle fibers from contracting. By reducing these contractions, Xeomin^® can temporarily reduce the lines on your forehead between your brows.

If you are an adult with moderate to severe glabellar lines, Xeomin^® may be right for you. Our team of expert injectors are happy to discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with you so that you can make an informed decision. Do not take Xeomin^® if you are allergic to botulinum toxin or any of the other ingredients in Xeomin^®. You should also not take Xeomin^® if you have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product or have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

Before receiving treatment with Xeomin^® you should tell us about all your medical conditions, including whether you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves, have allergies to any botulinum toxin product, or have experienced any side effect from any other botulinum toxin in the past. In addition, we need to know all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Especially tell us if you have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months or in the past.

A micro fine needle is used to inject tiny amounts of Xeomin^® into specifically targeted muscles to reduce movement and given natural expressive facial results. No anesthesia is usually required; however, we may use a topical anesthetic or cold pack to reduce any discomfort.

In clinical trials, some patients observed visible smoothing as early as 3-4 days after injection. The median first onset of effect was less than a week. The maximum effect typically occurs at 30 days. The typical duration of effect is up to 3 months, but may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients.

Xeomin^® has been used safely since 2005 and is manufactured in Germany by Merz Aesthetics. 

Side effects are usually uncommon. The most common side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. These include soreness or mild bruising, (which can be easily covered with makeup), headache and less commonly, you may develop a heavy eyelid lasting 1-4 weeks which your doctor may be able to treat. There have been no permanent side effects of Xeomin^® reported.       
Xeomin^® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for patients with neuromuscular disease. We discuss all the risks in detail during the consultation process.

Xeomin^® and Botox^® are both botulinum toxin type A products which have very similar actions. They each have a different “coating” (complexing proteins).  In our opinion Xeomin^® and Botox^® are like twins, wearing two different outfits heading to the same destination. One has a multiple layer on while(Botox^®) and the other (Xeomin^®) only has a few. Once they get to their destination they behave the same.  The apparent advantage is that the Xeomin^® has less complexing proteins which resources the risk of antibody formation and therefore lowers the risk of it not working.

Xeomin^® patients typically start to notice the wrinkle-relaxing effects within one to four days—a bit sooner than with Botox^®.

Xeomin^® is considered a “naked” neuromodulator, since it contains no additives. Yet, at this point, the single most distinguishing feature of Xeomin^®, is that it does not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution, making it easier for transportation and storage.