In her late 40s, Linda felt self-conscious about her face’s wrinkles and fine lines. Crow’s feet around her eyes and forehead lines made her uneasy. After learning about Xeomin, she consulted a dermatologist and tried it.
The quick and nearly painless Xeomin injections took effect within a week. Linda’s wrinkles softened, and her forehead looked smoother than before. Her friend noticed the positive change and praised her new appearance. Linda embraced a new confident self. As she continued periodic treatments to maintain the effects, she embraced life with a renewed sense of self-confidence while still looking like herself, only more youthful.
Thanks to Xeomin, Linda now confidently faces the world. Xeomin can temporarily smooth wrinkles and fine lines and rejuvenate your appearance, allowing you to embrace aging gracefully. Learn more about Xeomin and how you can benefit from it.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is a prescription medication that contains botulinum toxin type A. In cosmetic applications, Xeomin is injected into muscles to minimize wrinkles and fine lines on the face temporarily. It blocks nerve signals in the muscles, which temporarily reduces muscle activity. It can cause a smoother and more youthful appearance by softening lines and wrinkles, especially in areas between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet).
Medical professionals also use Xeomin as a treatment for dynamic wrinkles. The effects of Xeomin are temporary and typically last for several months, after which additional injections are necessary to maintain the desired results. It’s essential to consult with a licensed healthcare provider before undergoing Xeomin treatment to determine if it’s suitable for your specific needs and to discuss potential risks and benefits.
Brief Overview of the History and Approval of Xeomin
Xeomin, like other botulinum toxin products, has a history closely tied to its development as a medical and cosmetic treatment:
Development and Early Use
- Xeomin originates from botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Researchers initially detected botulinum toxin in the 1920s and explored its potential medical applications in the following decades.
- During the 1980s and 1990s, researchers examined the therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin type A in treating various medical conditions, including muscle spasms and eye disorders.
Approval as a Medical Treatment
- In 1989, Botox (another brand of botulinum toxin type A) received approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat specific eye muscle disorders.
- Over the years, Botox gained approval for various medical conditions, including cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and chronic migraine.
Transition to Cosmetic Use
- Botox gained recognition for its cosmetic benefits when healthcare professionals noticed it could temporarily reduce wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing facial muscles.
- In 2002, Botox Cosmetic received FDA approval for treating glabellar lines (the vertical lines between the eyebrows), marking a significant milestone in the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A.
Xeomin’s Entry into the Market
- Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) started as an alternative to Botox and Dysport and received FDA approval to treat cervical dystonia and blepharospasm (a muscle disorder affecting the eyelids) in 2010.
- Xeomin gained FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2011 to improve moderate to severe glabellar lines in adults.
- Its unique feature is that it contains just the active botulinum toxin type A molecule without accessory proteins, which may reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Xeomin has become a widely used treatment for medical and cosmetic purposes. Its history and approval reflect the ongoing evolution of botulinum toxin type A as a versatile therapeutic tool in healthcare and aesthetics.
Mechanism and Duration of Action
Here’s a breakdown of Xeomin’s mechanism of action and the duration of its effects:
Mechanism of Action
Nerve Signal Transmission: When you make a facial expression, nerve signals travel from your brain to the specific muscle you’re using. These signals prompt the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, where the muscle and nerve connect.
Muscle Contraction: Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle, leading to muscle contraction. This contraction causes wrinkles and lines on the skin’s surface over time, especially with repeated muscle movements.
Xeomin‘s Intervention: Xeomin contains botulinum toxin type A, which acts as a neuromuscular blocker. It enters the nerve endings at the injection site and inhibits the release of acetylcholine from the nerve endings.
Temporary Muscle Relaxation: Reduced acetylcholine release temporarily diminishes the muscle’s ability to contract. In return, it causes muscle relaxation, smoothes the overlying skin, and reduces wrinkles and lines.
Duration of Action
The effects of Xeomin are not permanent and typically last around 3 to 4 months for cosmetic use. After this period, muscle activity gradually returns, and wrinkles may reappear. The duration of action can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience shorter or longer-lasting effects based on factors like their metabolism and the specific muscle under treatment.
It’s important to note that Xeomin’s effects are reversible, and muscle function gradually returns as the body metabolizes the toxin. Individuals often undergo repeated treatments every few months to maintain the desired results.
Indications for Xeomin Injections
Here are some of the primary indications for Xeomin injections:
Cosmetic Indications
Xeomin is FDA-approved for temporarily improving moderate to severe glabellar lines, the prominent vertical lines between the eyebrows that can appear as frowning or furrowed brows.
Medical Indications
Doctors also administer Xeomin for medical conditions like neck muscle spasms (cervical dystonia), eyelid spasms (blepharospasm), excessive drooling (chronic sialorrhea), and muscle stiffness in the arms and hands (upper limb spasticity).
Pre-Injection Guidelines
Before receiving Xeomin injections, it’s essential to follow these pre-injection guidelines:
Consultation: Consult a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your goals and determine if Xeomin suits you.
Medical History: Provide a complete medical history, including allergies, medical conditions, medications, or previous botulinum toxin treatments.
Avoid Blood Thinners: If possible, avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements for a few days before the injection to reduce the risk of bruising.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, primarily the day before and the day of the injection, to help reduce the risk of bruising.
Skip Alcohol: Refrain from alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before treatment to minimize the risk of bruising and swelling.
Skincare Products: Avoid using retinoids or exfoliating skincare products on the injection area for a few days before treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the safety of Xeomin in these situations may need discussion.
Medical Conditions: Alert your healthcare provider if you have any underlying medical conditions, especially neuromuscular disorders.
Come Makeup-Free: Arrive at your appointment with a clean face and no makeup on the injection site.
Remember that these guidelines may vary slightly depending on your situation and healthcare provider’s recommendations. It’s crucial to thoroughly discuss with your provider to ensure a safe and effective Xeomin treatment.
The Injection Process
The injection process for Xeomin typically involves the following steps:
Preparation: Remove makeup or skincare products from the area to be treated. The provider typically applies a topical numbing cream or ice to minimize discomfort during the injections, although many people find Xeomin injections relatively painless.
Injection: Your healthcare provider will administer Xeomin into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. The number of injections and the amount of Xeomin used will depend on the treatment area and your specific goals. Common injection sites include the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.
Post-Injection Care: After the injections, your provider may apply gentle pressure to the injection sites to minimize the risk of bleeding or bruising. You can proceed with your daily routine after the treatment. However, avoid strenuous exercise, lying flat, or massaging the treated area for several hours.
Results: The effects of Xeomin are not immediate and typically become noticeable within a few days to a week after the treatment. You may notice a gradual change in your face.
Follow-Up: It’s common to have a follow-up appointment with your provider a few weeks after the injection to assess the results and determine if any touch-up treatments are needed.
Duration of Results: The effects of Xeomin are temporary and typically last around 3 to 4 months for cosmetic use. You may need to repeat the treatment as your provider recommends to maintain the desired results.
Risks and Complications
While Xeomin injections are generally safe when administered by qualified healthcare professionals, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
Common Side Effects:
- Redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness on the injection site
- Headaches
Less Common Side Effects
- Eyelid or brow drooping
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Flu-like symptoms
- Allergic reactions
Serious Complications (Rare)
Although healthcare providers take precautions to minimize this risk, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site. In rare cases, the treatment’s toxin may spread beyond the intended injection site, causing unintended muscle weakness or other complications.
Is Xeomin For You?
Xeomin can effectively reduce wrinkles and address specific medical conditions, but making an informed decision is essential. Consult an expert or a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your situation, expectations, and potential risks. They can help determine if Xeomin is suitable and guide you toward safe and satisfying results. Your provider’s expertise ensures that Xeomin is the right choice for you.
