Fine lines and wrinkles are the first signs of aging. Static wrinkles are formed due to volume loss in the face, while repeated muscle contractions cause dynamic wrinkles.
We cannot stop aging, and so is the natural development of our bodies. As we age, we tend to have loose skin and no glow, and we tend to lose the radiance on our faces. However, many treatment options are available to get that glow and radiance back. There are cosmetic procedures like Xeomin, Botox, Dysport, Plasma Pen, Liquid Facelift, and many more options that are non-invasive, economical, and work naturally on our skin.
Botox is one of the oldest technologies to treat wrinkles and fine lines. But Xeomin is seen as an alternative to Botox. Not only are they both FDA-approved, but they are also considered prescribed medicine for specific medical conditions.
Let us understand in detail which one is better, Botox or Xeomin.
What is Botox?
Botox is one of the oldest and most popular non-invasive injection-based treatments. It is considered the top cosmetic treatment for facial wrinkles and fine lines.
FDA has also approved its use in medical conditions like chronic migraine, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating.
It is made from botulinum toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin created by a bacteria named clostridium botulinum.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is also a non-invasive injection-based cosmetic treatment. It is also made from botulinum toxin type A; however, no additives are added to it, unlike Botox, where preservative proteins are added.
Xeomin is a more natural and purest form of neurotoxin. It works best on cosmetic treatments for frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. It has also got approval from FDA for treating medical conditions like blepharospasm, excessive drooling, and cervical dystonia other than cosmetic use.
Similarities Between Xeomin and Botox
Both of these cosmetic procedures have many things in common, such as:
- They are non-surgical beauty procedures.
- Both are injectable treatments. The injections relax the muscles of your targeted area.
- They are made of the same bacteria-driven neurotoxin, botulinum.
- They both help to treat the age-related appearance issues like fine lines and wrinkles.
- They are non-permanent procedures that last for a few months. And need touch-ups regularly to maintain the look and effect.
- They are FDA-approved for cosmetic procedures and certain medical conditions.
- Both are safe procedures, and you can resume your daily activities immediately. It totally depends on your skin/body which method suits you better.
Differences Between Xeomin and Botox
Despite their similarities, there are many differences between the two.
Xeomin is a purer form of neurotoxin as compared to Botox. There are no added preservatives required.
The per unit cost of Xeomin is relatively low compared to Botox.
Botox has been prevalent for years, while Xeomin is a new baby in the market.
Xeomin Vs. Botox Price
The cost of the treatment depends on multiple factors like location, scope, size of the treatment, institution type, number of units required for the procedure, and experience of the professional.
However, the cost of the Xeomin procedure is relatively lower than the Botox treatment. Xeomin’s starting per unit cost is around $9-$12, while for Botox, the per unit cost starts from $12 [1].
Xeomin Vs. Botox Which Is Safer?
Botox and Xeomin are both made of type A botulinum toxin. And they both can help to weaken the muscle in the areas they are injected into. But that doesn’t conclude that they are exactly the same treatment.
Xeomin is made from the purest form of botulinum toxins with no added proteins. While on the other hand, proteins are added to botulinum toxins in Botox. The presence of added protein can alter the effects and results of the treatment.
Therefore, Xeomin is considered a little more safer compared to Botox.
Xeomin Vs. Botox Forehead
According to research, both Xeomin and Botox have similar results. Both procedures are short-term and last from 3-6 months, depending upon the area of treatment.
Both treatments help to smooth the overall appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth. The injections block the signals from the nerve to the muscles. Due to this, the muscle gets relaxed and prevents further wrinkling.
Xeomin Vs. Botox Side Effects
Both these treatments are FDA-approved and relatively safe procedures. However, there are some potential side effects for both of them.
Minor side effects like headache, neck pain, swelling, and bruising are common for both of them. But there are others, like lack of energy and pain in the injectable site side effects of Xeomin treatment. While potential risks for Botox include cold, cough, flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throats, cold sweats, abnormal muscle activity, and allergic reaction.
You must consult a health professional if you feel any discomfort.
Is Xeomin More Natural Than Botox?
According to research studies, Xeomin is seen as more natural than Botox because it is extracted more naturally. No accessory proteins are added while making Xeomin.
Though both procedures give you young-looking and radiant skin, facial expressions look frozen during Botox because of the added proteins, while Xeomin looks more natural.
Also, the results of Xeomin (3-6 months) stay a little longer compared to Botox (3-4 months), but you would need touch-ups to maintain your appearance and results.
Bottomline: Botox Vs. Xeomin
Botox is one of the oldest, most popular, and established anti-aging cosmetic procedures, while Xeomin is a relatively new procedure.
They both are made from the same botulinum toxin type A, which helps to solve age-related issues like fine lines, facial wrinkles, and frown lines.
Both of these are non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The injections relax the targeted area muscles during the treatment procedure.
Both cosmetic procedures are approved by FDA and are relatively safe. And the treatment can be taken by anyone. However, headaches, redness, and bruising are some minor common side effects of these beauty treatment procedures.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
- Kollewe K, Mohammadi B, Köhler S, Pickenbrock H, Dengler R, Dressler D. Blepharospasm: long-term treatment with either Botox®, Xeomin® or Dysport®. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2015 Mar;122(3):427-31. doi: 10.1007/s00702-014-1278-z. Epub 2014 Jul 25. PMID: 25059456.
- Field M, Splevins A, Picaut P, van der Schans M, Langenberg J, Noort D, Snyder D, Foster K. AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®), OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®), and IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) Neurotoxin Content and Potential Implications for Duration of Response in Patients. Toxins (Basel). 2018 Dec 13;10(12):535. doi: 10.3390/toxins10120535. Erratum in: Toxins (Basel). 2019 Feb 13;11(2): PMID: 30551641; PMCID: PMC6316182.
- Rappl T, Parvizi D, Friedl H, Wiedner M, May S, Kranzelbinder B, Wurzer P, Hellbom B. Onset and duration of effect of incobotulinumtoxinA, onabotulinumtoxinA, and abobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of glabellar frown lines: a randomized, double-blind study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Sep 24;6:211-9. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S41537. PMID: 24098087; PMCID: PMC3789632.
- Xeomin® vs BOTOX® – How Do They Compare? (n.d.-a). AAFE – American Academy of Facial Esthetics. https://www.facialesthetics.org/patient-info/facial-esthetics/wrinkle-treatment/xeomin/
- Aesthetics, M. (2018, June 30). Merz Aesthetics Announces FDA Approval Of XEOMIN® (incobotulinumtoxinA) For The Temporary Improvement In The Appearance Of Moderate To Severe Glabellar Lines In Adult Patients. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/merz-aesthetics-announces-fda-approval-of-xeomin-incobotulinumtoxina-for-the-temporary-improvement-in-the-appearance-of-moderate-to-severe-glabellar-lines-in-adult-patients-125944538.html
