Botox vs Xeomin: Which Should I Choose?

by Ife Rodney Last updated Jul 10, 2021

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. However, your dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon may suggest Botox. Or you may have already seen the benefits of Botox and want to try it out for yourself.

The thing is, Botox is not the only long-term wrinkle treatment on the market. We’ve covered Dysport – a popular alternative to this injectable – and how it differs from Botox. But there’s a third – 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.

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.

With this knowledge, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will inject doses of the protein in strategic parts of the face to reduce wrinkles and improve the overall appearance. Botulinum type A also has several different medical uses, which we’ve covered extensively on our blog.

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. Your dermatologist 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 a general practitioner or your dermatologist for any off-brand or non-cosmetic use.

The “naked” injectable

Because of its FDA approval, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians alike trust Xeomin 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 completed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The process takes just a few minutes and is often called a ‘lunchtime procedure.’

At Eternal Dermatology +Aesthetics, 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

Your dermatologist may choose one or both injectables to treat different areas of your face. Along with injectable dermal fillers (like Restylane), you can even get a liquid facelift, which can be transformative. 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 your dermatologist, 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.
Because of the formulations, your doctor may use less of one injectable versus the other. This may not change the overall price of your treatment but can change the amount used.

Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about one injectable over the other. A board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will be able to use the best possible injectable for your problem with the least number of injections.

So is Botox better than Xeomin?

Both injectables have noticeable advantages. It’s not an issue of one being better than the other. Instead, it comes down to what problem areas have the most wrinkles, your past experience with injectables, and the experience of your doctor. We’ve seen amazing results using each injectable and, in some cases, a combination of the two. At Eternal Dermatology, we pride ourselves in choosing the best injectable for our patients considering all the factors.

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. Botox should last between 3 to 4 months. After that time, you should see the effects of treatment begin to wear off.

Xeomin will also last roughly three months. However, some patients have seen continued results right up to 6 months. 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 often suggest follow-up appointments in advance to keep up with the regimen. After a few sessions, the toxin lasts longer. Furthermore, you’ll notice that you need fewer sessions or less Xeomin to get the same result.

Aftercare and side effects

Both Botox and Xeomin need special care to get the most out of the procedure. Right after you leave the doctor’s 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 24 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 24 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, speak with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can 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. However, other studies show both have similar efficacy for the same areas. Trust your doctor to use the right injectable based on your anti-aging goals.

Get a doctor you can trust

Botox vs Xeomin only works as well as the doctor administering the injectable. Injectables are delicate medications and need a board-certified doctor who understands the product. Attending Botox parties and other events for discounts or quick treatments are not recommended.

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. Speak with a dermatologist first for a safe yet impactful process. Dermatologists understand your wrinkles like glabellar lines and Crow’s feet and can provide the most impactful treatment possible.

If you’re looking to keep your wrinkles in check and have had difficulty doing so for some time, let us help. At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, our master injector and founding director, Ife Rodney, MD FAAD, has helped hundreds of patients with injectables. She is trained to understand all injectables (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and others) and provide the best for your needs. In just one short session, she can help you look and feel years younger.

To schedule a Xeomin or Botox consultation, reach out to us today. We’re conveniently located in Fulton, MD, and serve patients in Columbia, Silver Springs, Howard County, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.

There are a few ways you can connect with us:

Book an appointment directly on our website.
You can also request a consultation by clicking the link at the bottom of our homepage.
Call or email us via our Contact Page.

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.