Xeomin® vs. Botox®: Benefits, Side Effects, & More
It’s no secret that age can cause our skin to lose its elasticity and youthful appearance. Sure, wrinkles and creases may be a natural part of getting older… but that doesn’t mean we always want them. Thankfully, as the world of beauty continues to evolve, time-defying treatments have started to gain both recognition and popularity for their ability to soften fine lines, prevent signs of aging and smooth the look of skin.
And if you, like many, are on the hunt for a skin transformation—without the surgery—then you’ve come to the right place. Say hello to two “Ideal” wrinkle-relaxers: Botox® and Xeomin®.
Highly regarded for being effective and clinically proven, both treatments tout a long list of benefits. However, it’s essential to know their unique features, so you can make the best decision for your personal needs. Ready to learn more? Keep reading to discover the benefits and side effects of each formula, plus have all your injectable questions answered:
What Is Botox® And How Does It Work?
Called the “original wrinkle relaxer”, Botox® is a fast-acting solution to reduce visible wrinkles on the face and prevent wrinkles from forming. It was the first neuromodulator FDA approved for cosmetic use (over 20 years ago!), and it’s the most widely studied and proven neuromodulator on the market. Plus, it currently has nearly 30 total therapeutic and cosmetic indications across medical specialties, world-wide.
During a typical Botox® treatment, skilled medical professionals at Ideal Image will provide a personalized treatment that’s tailored to your individual need. Injections are administered through the skin, relaxing the muscle underneath which may have strengthened over time. Muscles are attached to the overlying skin. As your muscles repeatedly contract they drag the skin in the same motion, resulting in lines and creases in that area. Botox® works to reduce the depth of wrinkles through a surgery free method that delivers natural-looking results that begin to appear as early as 24 hours after injection.
What Is Xeomin® And How Does It Work?
Xeomin® features a formula that contains the same core molecule as Botox®, commonly called botulinum toxin A, but differs in its overall molecular structure. This injectable neuromodulator works similarly to Botox® in that it can treat wrinkles in various areas of the face and neck–including forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines–and has been extensively studied with years of research to support it. Xeomin® is delivered through a personalized injection and also works by helping facial muscles relax, easing their pull on your skin—allowing wrinkles and fine lines to fade away.
Xeomin® Vs. Botox®: How Are They Similar?
The ingredients contained in Xeomin® and Botox® products are very similar. Again, both products have years of research support, making them both safe and effective treatments for clients looking to treat a number of areas.
They share plenty of advantages that clients can experience for months on end, making these injectables a great option for some of the most prominent wrinkles on the face. Similar benefits include:
- These two treatments are cosmetically and medically approved.
- Both contain botulinum toxin Type A
- They are both administered by injection.
- These injectables take only a few minutes and can be customized to your needs.
- Xeomin® and Botox® offer natural-looking results that can help rejuvenate your appearance and reduce the signs of aging—without having to “go under the knife”.
- Aftercare looks the same; we recommend that you avoid touching the treatment area and use as few chemical products as possible. Beyond that, no downtime is required. You can get right back to your daily life following your in-office appointment.
Xeomin® Vs. Botox®: How Are They Different?
Xeomin® and Botox® are very similar treatments—both in practice and chemical makeup—but have their differences.
Botox has been around longer and is more widely used and recognized than Xeomin®. It has a longer duration of action (up to 4 months) and in some cases may require less units than Xeomin® to achieve a similar effect. Data shows that you can begin to see Botox taking its effect as soon as 24hrs after treatment.
Xeomin® is the “naked” wrinkle relaxer as it only contains the active neurotoxin Botulinum Toxin Type A and no additional proteins. It’s chemical structure is different while the core molecule is the same. The duration of action for Xeomin is up to 3 months and typically after a Xeomin treatment movement can still be seen in the treated muscle groups which many clients find appealing.
Botox® Vs. Xeomin®: Side Effects
Since they use the same chemical and the same administration process, Botox® and Xeomin® will naturally share similar side effects. Both Botox® and Xeomin® run a small risk of allergic reactions. There is also a risk of antibody development with all neuromodulators, though Xeomin® may have a slightly lower risk.
With both treatments, you may experience some of these possible side effects at the injection site:
- Itching
- Redness and irritation
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
Your treatment may also cause temporary headaches, depending on the area where you received the injections. Both treatments are incredibly safe overall, resulting in millions of successful treatments and satisfied clients across North America.
Xeomin® Vs. Botox®: Price Comparisons
We take time and effort to create an individual plan of care that works best for your needs. Since every client is unique, it can be difficult to say which treatment will be more affordable for each person.
Breaking things down by price-per-unit, Xeomin® has a slightly lower price point, on average. However, there are several other factors that should be considered before a final price is set. This can be impacted by the area being treated, strength of the muscle group, as well as the desired result, which all determine the number of units required. At Ideal Image, we offer a variety of payment plans, many with strong approval rates. We do not deny anybody the ability to pay in a way that makes the most sense for them.
Xeomin® Vs. Botox: How Many Units Will I Need?
Every treatment is personalized to you! Depending on a number of factors, some people may require more or less units when choosing between Xeomin® and Botox®. But to get a better idea of what to expect, the standard number of units at Ideal Image is:
Forehead: 14+ units
Frown Lines (glabella): 20+ units
Crow’s Feet: 12+ units per side
Neck: 24 + units
Add-On Areas:
Bunny Lines: 2-5 units per side
Chin: 2-5 units
Lip Flip: 4 units upper lip & 3 units lower lip
Final Verdict: Is Xeomin® Better Than Botox®?
As you can tell, both treatments have proven to be incredibly successful in smoothing out the skin, reducing wrinkles and creating a youthful appearance. The choice truly comes down to personal preference. Here’s the wrap up:
Xeomin®
- Protein-free formula
- Corrective & preventative solution for fine lines and wrinkles
- Delivers visible, natural-looking results
- Lasts up to 3 months
Botox®
- Time-tested and industry-leading formula
- Corrective & preventative solution for fine lines and wrinkles
- Delivers visible, natural-looking results starting at 24 hours
- Lasts up to 4 months
What to Expect When You Treat with Wrinkle-Relaxers at Ideal Image
As the Nation’s Leading Aesthetic Brand, Ideal Image is thrilled to offer both Botox and Xeomin as options to treat wrinkles, minimize fine lines and prevent future signs of aging. We have performed millions of non-surgical treatments and are continually educating our providers on the latest scientific data and techniques, so you can trust that we know what we’re doing. Our medical staff is highly trained, plus Ideal Image partners closely with both Allergan and Merz—industry leaders in aesthetic medicine. If you’re interested in wrinkle-relaxer treatments at Ideal Image, give us a call. Our staff is excited to get to know you, your goals and better understand your specific needs. Our medical professionals will partner with you on your aesthetic journey and can recommend the best injectable for you—if you’re still not sure which option fits best.
If you’re wanting to smooth lines for an upcoming wedding, vacation, work event or any other special occasion, both Xeomin® and Botox® treatments should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance of event day to allow the treatment to take full effect
Expect the actual treatment to take around 30 minutes—yep, you can even sneak it in on your lunch break. You will be able to return to your daily life with no problem. Natural-looking, smooth results are just around the corner!
So, whether you are looking to prevent the signs of aging before they appear or you’re ready to smooth those wrinkles and fine lines, it’s easy to find the perfect treatment with us!
