Chances are you’ve heard of Botox injections, which are used to reduce the look of crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead furrows, and other fine lines on the face. But Botox is no longer the only option for those looking for a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. Spa Noor in Fall River, MA also offers Xeomin treatments, which are similar to Botox and offer many of the same benefits.
What Is Xeomin?
Xeomin is a non-surgical FDA-approved treatment for moderate-to-severe lines on the upper face. It is administered through a series of ultra-fine injections in the area of the face you are seeking treatment for. The injections contain botulinum toxin type A, which relaxes the muscles, smoothing away existing wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming. The treatment gives your face a smoother, younger, less stressed look. Xeomin can also be used to erase the lines above your lip and help with other cosmetic issues. This popular treatment is fast, safe, and effective for all skin types. It also involves no downtime. Most patients receiving this treatment are in and out of our office in less than an hour and immediately return to their normal routine. Sounds a lot like a Botox treatment, doesn’t it?
How Is It Similar to Botox?
Xeomin treatments function much like Botox and offer many of the same benefits. For most of our patients, there is almost no difference between the two treatments.
Approach
Both treatments use botulinum toxin A to relax targeted facial muscles to ease the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Safety
Both Botox and Xeomin have established safety records.
Cost
The costs associated with both treatments are in the same general price range, so cost should not be a factor in determining which to go with.
Effectiveness
Both injectables last for roughly the same amount of time. We recommend that both Botox and Xeomin patients return for maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months to maintain their results.
How Is It Different From Botox?
Despite the many similarities, there are subtle differences between the two treatments, including their chemical formulation and the rate at which their results begin to kick in.
Chemical Formulation
Xeomin is what’s known as a “naked” neurotoxin. That means it is formulated with just a single ingredient: botulinum toxin A. Botox, on the other hand, contains botulinum toxin A as well as several other protective proteins and additives. A benefit of the pure form of Xeomin is that patients are less likely to develop a resistance to the injectable and probably will not become immune to its effects over time. The pure nature of the treatment also reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.
Speed of Results
The timeframe to notice improvements varies with each patient. However, because Xeomin doesn’t contain the additional proteins and additives that Botox has, it often begins working on the facial muscles right away, giving some patients results sooner; usually within 3 to 5 days. When Botox is injected, it has to unravel from the added proteins before starting to take action, a process that often can sometimes take as long as 3 to 7 days.
Treatment Area
Although both treatments are widely effective on various parts of the face, Xeomin is particularly well suited for moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Botox is designed to be used to meet a somewhat broader spectrum of needs. Your medical provider can help you determine the best course of treatment given your individual situation and health history.
Brand Recognition
Although both treatments are very similar, Xeomin hasn’t been around as long as Botox. Botox treatments were approved by the FDA in 2002. Xeomin treatments were approved in 2010. Both muscle relaxers were initially developed for non-cosmetic purposes but are now widely and safely used in dermatology practices across the country.
Storage
The final difference between the two treatments is a behind-the-scenes difference. Xeomin, because it is formulated without additional additives, does not have to be refrigerated before use. Because refrigeration comes into play before the medication is injected, this difference is more of a factor for medical providers than it is for patients.
Why Should I Seek Out Botulinum Injections?
Botulinum injections can be a solution for patients with age-related skin concerns, younger patients who are just seeing their first lines and are interested in preventative steps, and people with other cosmetic facial concerns. Botulinum injections are one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic treatments in the United States.
Aging Skin
Many patients notice that their skin changes as they age. It becomes less plump and loses its elasticity as collagen production slows. Because the skin doesn’t bounce back as well after being compressed or pulled, fine lines and wrinkles start forming. One of the first places this starts happening is around the eyes and on the forehead, where repeated squinting, frowning, and eyebrow raises can eventually lead to fine lines. UV exposure can also contribute to these lines. It’s almost inevitable that these lines will start showing up at some point, even in patients with the most rigorous skin care routines. These so-called laugh lines, or character lines, can be the sign of a life well-lived. Still, many patients would like to ease and prevent their appearance if possible. Xeomin treatments — or any of the other leading botulinum injections on the market — can offer almost immediate relief. These injections smooth the skin and help prevent wrinkles for months at a time. You won’t look 20 again, but many patients who undergo the treatments are highly satisfied with the results and regain confidence in their appearance.
A Preventative Option for Younger Skin
As botulinum injections have grown in popularity, younger patients have also begun seeking out the treatments. Patients who are in the late 20s and 30s who are just beginning to notice facial lines that persist, even when the face is at rest, sometimes seek out treatment to attack the issue early and prevent the extensive onset of additional lines. These patients often make botulinum injections a regular part of their regimen for maintaining healthy, glowing skin for years going forward.
Treatment for Other Cosmetic Issues
Although best known for their wrinkle-fighting capabilities, botulinum injections can also help with a host of other cosmetic issues as well. Xeomin treatments can help turn up the corners of a smile that naturally droops, sculpt and refine a soft jawline, or resolve a smile that reveals an excessive amount of gum. Botulinum injections are used in a variety of ways to help patients put their best face forward.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Xeomin?
Anyone with concerns about lines and wrinkles can be a great candidate for Xeomin. This treatment can also be a good option for patients who have been using Botox for years and have begun to build up a resistance to that drug, making that particular treatment less effective. Our skin care professionals can assess your skin, discuss the subtle differences between the 2 treatments, and work with you to decide which option will be most effective for you. If you have concerns about the fading effects of Botox treatments, we can also work with you to determine if a switch of Xeomin will offer you better results.
Can I Receive Xeomin Treatments While Pregnant?
We discourage pregnant patients from undergoing these treatments.
What Should I Expect From a Treatment?
Xeomin is a noninvasive and non-surgical treatment that will rejuvenate your appearance within days. Once you’ve made the decision to pursue treatment, our practice will be your partner in your pursuit of a fresh new look. We know you’ll be excited about the process. Here’s what to expect:
Before Your Treatment
Before your first treatment, our practice will schedule a consultation with you. During this session, we’ll talk with you about your medical history and your skin concerns. We’ll ask you about the medications you’re taking, the surgeries you’ve had, and any medical conditions you have. We’ll assess your skin and help determine whether or not a botulinum injection is the best direction for you to head in. You’ll leave knowing how and when the treatment will unfold and which portions of the face will be treated.
During Your Treatment
On the day of your appointment, you can expect a quick and easy treatment administered in our safe, relaxing, and therapeutic office environment. We’ll briefly review some of what was discussed during your consultation. We’ll then mark the area that will be treated and clean it with a mild cleanser. It is possible we’ll apply ice or a numbing cream to the targeted area just to enhance your comfort. An ultra-fine needle will be used to inject Xeomin directly into the facial muscles. It’s possible that 2 or 3 injections will be needed, depending on the scope of the treatment area. Most patients are surprised at how quick and easy the injections are. We’ll then apply ice and pressure to the area to cool it down. The treatment will be performed by one of our board-certified professionals in our accredited medical facility. Our practice uses cutting-edge technology and is overseen by Dr. Moustafa Ali, who earned his medical degree from the University of Cairo, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. The total time for one treatment should be less than an hour, and you’ll then be free to get on with your schedule.
After Your Treatment
Botulinum treatments require no downtown or recovery. You’ll leave our practice with post-treatment instructions, and it’s also a good idea to avoid rubbing or manipulating the injection site immediately after treatment. Otherwise, you can resume your normal activities. We know you’ll be eager to see the results. Trust us, it will be hard for you to avoid looking in the mirror. It should take just a few days for the treatment results to begin showing up and for you to start enjoying your new, refreshed appearance.
Our Practice
If you’re looking for an easy, noninvasive, and fast way to ease facial lines and rejuvenate your appearance, Xeomin could be just what you’re looking for. Our patients have been thrilled with the results. Our practice also offers a complete line of aesthetic procedures including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser vein removal, laser hair removal, skin resurfacing and more. We also offer non-surgical body sculpting, laser fat removal and body-contouring treatments. Take the first step to a new and refreshed you by calling Spa Noor in Fall River, MA today to book a consultation. We accept all major credit cards and offer interest-free financing through Care Credit.