Wrinkle Treatments

Xeomin

Like Botox and Dysport, Xeomin is a botulinum toxin type A, which is approved to treat wrinkles like the “11” lines between the brows and frown lines. Botox and Xeomin work by the exact same mechanism, which is blocking the signals from nerves to muscles, causing the muscles to relax and wrinkles to smooth out. The “primary difference between the products is that Botox has an accompanying, inactive protein, while Xeomin does not have additives. Xeomin is a purified form of the neurotoxin; it removes non-essential proteins from the active ingredient.

Most patients start to see improvement within 3 days and full results within 2 weeks. On average, Xeomin will typically last 3-4 months. Patients can expect to achieve the same longevity and results of their treatment as other neuromodulators.

 Benefits of Xeomin

• Smoothes the appearance of wrinkles in between the eyebrows, around the eyes, in the forehead, and around the mouth
• Blocks the signal from the nerve to muscles, causing the muscle to relax and preventing further wrinkling
• Quick treatment time, fast recovery time, and noticeable results in a few short days
• Less likely to cause allergic reactions due to the absence of unnecessary proteins

Xeomin is often called “naked Botox” due to the purity of the product itself—but what’s the benefit of a one-line ingredient list? “The concern is… years of Botox injected with the associated proteins ultimately leads to desensitization because of the other proteins, akin to getting allergy shots leading to desensitization, so that the Botox after many years may not work as well.” “Since ‘naked’ Xeomin does not have these proteins, it has been suggested such desensitization does not occur with this product.”   

If the idea of extra “stuff” in your injectables rings an alarm for you, then Xeomin might be the answer. It is an accessible wrinkle-reversing and prevention treatment with a relatively low price tag, compared to other, more invasive treatments. The key to success is clear communication about your desired results.

Botox 

Botox® was FDA approved in 1987, and is a tried and true procedure using Botulinum Toxin which was developed to treat the visual signs of aging by reducing or removing wrinkles.  The procedure is considered a safe, effective way of treating aging skin.  Common areas for Botox® injections include horizontal forehead furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes.  Botox® has proven to be the best non-surgical form of facial rejuvenation and is capable of producing phenomenal improvements in your appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Botox Treatment:

• Excessive facial wrinkles.
• Large wrinkles or furrows in your forehead.
• Small wrinkles or “crow’s feet” around your eyes.
• A vertical “frown line” between your eyebrows.

General Procedure

The procedure works by altering the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to wrinkles.  Typically a small amount (1-2 cc’s) of Botox® is injected into the area of the wrinkle.  Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles, thereby relaxing them.  The result is the underlying facial muscles relax and the skin begins to smooth out.  The effects of a Botox® treatment will last approximately three to four months after which the patient may choose to repeat the procedure.

Recovery Process

Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, however following the post-procedure guidelines will dramatically reduce the length and intensity of the recovery period.  Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hours after the injections.  It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours.