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.
Is Xeomin or Botox better? Xeomin and Botox both work to smooth the skin and get rid of frown lines. While they are both comparable in effectiveness, some studies have shown that Xeomin has a quicker onset of action and a longer duration.
According to the information that is put out by the producers of XEOMIN®, it does last longer than BOTOX®. However, it only lasts a couple of weeks longer. Regarding the results of Xeomin vs Botox, most individuals who receive either treatment are going to enjoy the benefits for three or four months.
Xeomin® may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Xeomin® may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint.
Although the name is less recognized it is a great option for many patients. Due to having less additives there is a decreased chance of developing a resistance to the protein. Also less additives is what has led to it being called “a more natural or a more pure” alternative to Botox or Dysport.
Dysport is more diluted than Botox. The difference in concentration typically occurs because Dysport uses smaller protein molecules to induce muscle relaxation. These smaller proteins are less likely to be broken down by antibodies, making the results of Dysport injections quite desirable for patients.
Dysport® is BOTOX®'s most well-known competitor. Unlike BOTOX®, which takes five to seven days to act, Dysport® can create visible results in as little as two days. The active ingredient in Dysport® also contains smaller molecules, so you may need less product if you choose Dysport®.
XEOMIN can cause serious side effects that can be life threatening including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to XEOMIN may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint.
It is best to try to exercise your treated muscles for 1-2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows, and squinting). This helps to work XEOMIN® into your muscles. Stay in a vertical position for four hours following injection. DO NOT “rest your head” or lie down; sit upright.
The most common adverse reactions (≥4%) were tooth extraction, dry mouth, diarrhea, and hypertension. In the controlled portion of this study, 74 patients received 100 Units of XEOMIN, and 36 patients received placebo.
Patients average 20 units of Xeomin® per visit, vs. 20 units of Botox and 40 units of Dysport®. The average retail cost to a patient in the US, for a Xeomin® treatment, is between $300.00 – $400.00 every 3 months based on the recommended dose of 20 Units per treatment session.
"After receiving Botox, a patient may unconsciously attempt to re-create the facial expressions in the area where treatment has paralyzed their facial muscles, "said Dr. Becker. "What can happen is that other, nearby muscles compensate--this can have the effect of actually creating new wrinkles."
Xeomin® is the latest cosmetic injectable approved by the FDA to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Xeomin®, like Botox® and Dysport®, are commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles include the forehead lines, fine lines around the eyes, and the furrows between the eyebrows.
Over time, repeated injections of Botox® to a particular area in the body can also cause permanent paralysis of the muscle. This is by far one of the most important and dangerous side effects of using Botox® injections. The toxins can spread into the surrounding tissues and this can prove to be fatal.
The total recommended Xeomin dose is 20 Units per treatment session divided into 5 equal intramuscular injections of 4 Units each. The 5 injection sites are: 2 injections in each corrugator muscle and one injection in the procerus muscle.
XEOMIN® may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to XEOMIN® may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint.
In addition to avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and other similar places, do not take a hot bath or shower for at least 24 hours after having this treatment.
Xeomin® injections do involve a needle, so you will feel a pinch upon administration. Most people find the treatments pretty tolerable. In fact, the treatment is over so quickly that you barely notice any pain.
Xeomin was first approved by the FDA in 2010 for treating blepharospasm, or involuntary blinking, and cervical dystonia, an involuntary contraction of neck muscles. In 2015 it was approved for treating upper limb spasticity, and in 2018 it was approved for treating chronic sialorrhea.
Forehead Botox treatment is very similar to other parts of the face treated with Botox. It can last up to six months. Remember that Botox paralyzes the muscle underneath the skin and restricts its movement; as movement returns to the muscle you will begin to see lines and wrinkles form yet again.
There is no definite age when you should start BOTOX®—it's more about the state of your skin, and everyone's timeline is different. For wrinkle treatments, it's best to start when you notice forehead lines, frown lines, or crow's feet even when your expression is neutral.
Why does Botox eventually stop working? Your body makes new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off as these chemicals start circulating in your body again. The muscles are no longer inhibited.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease shouldn't use Botox. Because Botox doesn't work for all wrinkles, check with a doctor first.
Major Botox Competitors
Dysport® (abobotulinum toxin type A) Xeomin® (incobotulinum toxin type A) Jeuveau® (prabotulinum toxin type A) Neurobloc® (botulinum toxin type B) Myobloc® (myobotulinum toxin type B)