What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is an FDA-approved medication that is injected into the muscles in order to freeze them and temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, AKA glabellar lines. Xeomin contains a highly purified neurotoxin.

(Xeomin injections are also approved to treat adults with cervical dystonia and blepharospasms, AKA eyelid spasms, but we're going to focus on Xeomin's cosmetic uses here).

How does Xeomin work?

Frowning and squinting cause the facial muscles between your eyebrows to contract. Over time, those contractions cause frown lines to form. Xeomin temporarily reduces this muscle activity by paralyzing these facial muscles, which helps to smooth frown lines.

During your treatment, which takes about 10–20 minutes, your practitioner will inject Xeomin into your forehead. They may use a topical anesthetic or a cold pack to reduce discomfort.

Xeomin vs. Botox

Like Botox, Xeomin is a botulinum toxin type A injectable. Xeomin's formula is actually very similar to Botox, minus a few proteins, and patients often can't tell the difference. However, Xeomin is not as well known as Botox. It's also usually a bit cheaper.

How long does it take to see results?

You should see results a little less than a week after your treatment, sometimes as soon as 3–4 days later. Full results take about 30 days to materialize.

How long do the results last?

About three months, according to clinical trials by the manufacturer, which warns that the results may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients.

Am I eligible for Xeomin?

Most adults are eligible for Xeomin (the manufacturer doesn't recommend it for anyone younger than 18).

Do not get Xeomin if you:

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Xeomin or to any other botulinum toxin product (Botox, Dysport, etc.)
• Have an infection at the planned injection site

Inform your doctor if you:

• Have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Have had any side effect from any other botulinum toxin product in the past
• Have a breathing problem such as asthma or emphysema
• Have a history of swallowing problems or inhaling food or fluid into your lungs (aspiration)
• Have bleeding problems
• Have drooping eyelids
• Have plans to have surgery
• Have had surgery on your face
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is not known if Xeomin can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.

What are the side effects of Xeomin?

Headache is the most common side effect of Xeomin when used to treat glabellar lines. Other possible side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Discomfort or pain at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Neck pain
• Muscle weakness
• Eye problems such as double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, swollen eyelids, and dry eyes. Reduced blinking can also occur. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have eye pain or irritation following treatment.

Xeomin may cause other serious side effects including allergic reactions. Read all of the safety considerations for Xeomin here.

Sources

The information contained in this article is from Xeomin's website.