What’s Better, Botox or Xeomin?
Botox and Xeomin are two of the most popular cosmetic injectables in the market. They are both used to treat wrinkles, and both are FDA approved. Botox has been around for a longer time, but Xeomin has quickly gained popularity in recent years. So which wrinkle relaxing treatment is right for you?
In this article, the trained and certified injectable specialists at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI will discuss the history of Botox and Xeomin, their uses, and the differences between the two.
History of Botox
Botox is a brand name for Botulinum toxin, which is actually produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It was first discovered in the late 19th century when a German physician, Justinus Kerner, noticed that people who ate spoiled sausages developed muscle weakness and paralysis. Kerner isolated the toxin responsible for this effect and named it botulinum toxin.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that scientists started to investigate the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin. Dr. Alan B. Scott, an ophthalmologist, was the first to use botulinum toxin to treat strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not aligned correctly. He found that injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the eye muscles could relax them and improve eye alignment.
In the 1980s, Dr. Jean Carruthers, an ophthalmologist in Vancouver, Canada, started using botulinum toxin to treat wrinkles. She found that injecting small amounts of the toxin into the muscles that cause frown lines could reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In 1989, Allergan, Inc. acquired the rights to market Botox for cosmetic use. Botox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm, a condition in which the eyelids twitch uncontrollably.
The FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use in relaxing wrinkles in 2002. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use to treat “glabellar” frown lines. Since then, Botox has been approved for several other therapeutic uses, including the treatment of cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes muscle contractions in the neck, and chronic migraine.
History of Xeomin
Xeomin is a newer injectable than Botox. It is also made from botulinum toxin, but it is a slightly different formulation. Xeomin is made by Merz Pharmaceuticals, a German company. The FDA approved Xeomin for cosmetic use in 2011.
Xeomin was developed in response to concerns that repeated use of Botox could cause the body to develop antibodies to the toxin, making it less effective over time. Xeomin is a “naked” form of botulinum toxin, meaning that it does not contain the complexing proteins found in other formulations of the toxin. This makes it less likely that the body will develop antibodies to the toxin – so that it does not reduce in effectiveness.
Xeomin was approved by the FDA in 2011 for the treatment of frown lines. Since then, it has been approved for several other therapeutic uses, including cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. Xeomin is also approved by the FDA for cosmetic use to treat crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.
Differences Between Botox & Xeomin
Botox and Xeomin are both effective treatments for wrinkles and fine lines, but there are some differences between the two that patients should be aware of. In this section, the injectable specialists at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI will compare the differences between Botox and Xeomin, including uses, results, longevity of treatment, and other benefits of each.
Botox typically takes 3-7 days to take effect, and the results can last for 3-6 months. Xeomin can take up to 10 days to take effect, and the results can also last for 3-6 months. However, some clinical studies suggest that Xeomin may provide longer-lasting results than Botox.
In terms of the results themselves, some patients may prefer the results of one treatment over the other. Botox may provide a more stable look, whereas Xeomin may provide somewhat more subtle results that some people feel are more natural looking. However, this can vary depending on the individual patient and their goals for treatment.
Both Botox and Xeomin are temporary treatments, and patients will need to receive regular injections to maintain their results. However, while both treatments typically last from 3 up to 6 months, some patients may experience longer-lasting results with repeated treatments. Both Botox and Xeomin have been shown in clinical studies to help prevent new wrinkles from forming when started early enough!
Other Benefits of Xeomin & Botox
There are some other benefits of each treatment that patients may want to consider when deciding between Botox and Xeomin.
One benefit of Xeomin is that it is a “naked” form of botulinum toxin, meaning that it does not contain any complexing proteins like Botox does. This makes it less likely that the body will develop antibodies to the toxin over time, which can make the treatment less effective. However, some experts believe that the presence of these complexing proteins in Botox may actually be beneficial, as they may help to protect the toxin and prolong its effects.
Another benefit of Xeomin is that it is a “purified” form of botulinum toxin, meaning that it does not contain any additives or preservatives. Some patients may prefer this option if they are concerned about potential allergic reactions or other rare side effects.
Overall, the choice between Botox and Xeomin will depend on the individual patient and their goals for treatment. Both treatments are effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Patients should always consult with an injectable specialist, like those at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI to determine which treatment is right for them.
Botox | Birmingham, MI
Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI is a top-tier medical spa that offers the highest level of expertise in Botox and Xeomin injections. We provided personalized care and tailored treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
The staff at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI includes specialized nurse injectors and aesthetic physicians who utilize the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that each patient receives the safest and most effective Botox and Xeomin treatments, with no discomfort or downtime.
If you are interested in learning what Botox or Xeomin can do for you, schedule a consultation with the experienced and trusted aesthetic experts at Aurora Medi Spa, in Birmingham, MI today.