Since Allergan®’s Botox® was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use more than 20 years ago, taming facial wrinkles with neuromodulators has become a regular part of their self-care routine for millions around the globe. New formulations, such as Xeomin® by Merz, give you more choices about how to smooth signs of aging from your upper face.
However, more choice sometimes leads to confusion. Is there a difference between Botox and Xeomin? Does one work faster or last longer? Is one more effective than the other? How do you choose?
At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, our aestheticians administer both Botox and Xeomin at our offices in the Houston, Texas, area. We select a neuromodulator based on your preferences as well as our evaluation of your needs.
So which is right for you: Botox or Xeomin? The following information may help you decide.
Xeomin is made of highly purified incobotulinumtoxinA. The FDA approved Xeomin to resolve moderate to severe frown lines between the brows (aka the 11s) in 2011.
The main difference between Botox and Xeomin lies in the manufacturing process. When Xeomin is produced, the manufacturer removes any proteins in the toxin that aren’t clinically useful. You can use Xeomin to calm down:
The only ingredients in Xeomin are the active neurotoxin, albumin, sucrose and a saline solution. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, you may tolerate Xeomin better than Botox.
Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated. It comes in 50-, 100-, or 200-unit vials. We then mix it with a sterile saline solution.
If we treat your frown lines, we give you about five injections of 4 units each. You see effects of Xeomin anywhere from 2 to 7 days after treatment. Effects last for about 3-4 months. Some of our clients claim it has a more “natural” or “lighter” feeling than Botox.
The gold standard for treating facial wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic is made of highly purified onabotulinumtoxinA. Botox has been used for facial lines since the FDA approved it for cosmetic uses in 1989.
You need a different amount of Botox depending on what you’d like treated. We generally use about 20 units for forehead lines, 20 units for frown lines, and 24 units for crow’s feet.
Botox is the only neuromodulator that’s approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the neck as well as the face. You can use Botox to smooth out:
Each treatment is only 10-15 minutes long. You start to see results after just a day or two. Your full effects are visible about a month after your treatment. Your smooth, wrinkle-free skin lasts for about four months.
To keep your effects, we recommend regular touch-ups. Our staff schedules you for a touch-up every 90 or more days. You may need less product as your muscles get used to staying relaxed over time.
Are you interested in Botox or Xeomin to smooth out signs of aging on your face or neck? Reach out to our team today by phone or message to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you.
We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston, Texas.
