Xeomin vs BOTOX, which is better? • Dr. Alan Durkin

XEOMIN versus BOTOX, What is Better? 

Xeomin is one of the newer neuromodulators out on the market. Xeomin^®, is FDA approved for for the treatment of glabellar lines. Xeomin is the next generation neurotoxin. At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, we offer both Xeomin^® and Botox to our patients. Our patients often ask us about differences between Xeomin^® vs Botox^®.

Manufacturing Differences

Xeomin (incobotulinum toxin A) is derived from the same parent molecule as Botox^® (oncobotulinum toxin A), but unlike Botox^®. Xeomoin is manufactured in such a way that it the final product is more purified. This is one of the main innovations that Xeomin^® brings to the table. Unlike Botox^®, Xeomin does not have a preservative protein. When Botox^® is injected, the botulinum molecule must free itself from its preservative protein, first before it is free to bond with the facial muscles. After it frees itself from the cross linked protein, it then bonds to the muscle, and the muscle relaxes. Once the muscle relaxes, the wrinkles fade away. With Xeomin, there is no preservative protein. Therefore, Xeomin is immediately available to the muscle receptors. It starts to bind immediately, and reduce wrinkling at a markedly fast rate, and at a steady pace.

The Feel of Xeomin vs Botox

When I compare Xeomin vs Botox injections to my patients, I also explain that, in my opinion, there is a difference in how Botox^® and Xeomin^® feel to the patient. As a patient myself, I have received both Botox^® and Xeomin^®. Xeomin feels much lighter and more natural than Botox^®, in my opinion. With Xeomin^®, the wrinkles disappear, but I still maintain a little bit of motion in my eyebrows and facial features. Botox tends to be a bit stronger, in my opinion, and results in a frozen look. It has a heavier feeling on the brow, and it tends to limit muscle movement to a greater degree.

At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, one solution does not fit everyone! We use Botox^®; in patients who want a more frozen look and who are used to feeling that heavy sensation and in patients that want to curtail muscle movement. For patients that want less muscle movement, and more natural facial function, we have found that Xeomin^® offers a superior result to those that want to maintain some muscle function but limit the amount of facial lines they see in the mirror.

Both Botox^® and Xeomin^® can be used throughout the face in a safe fashion. Most commonly, both are utilized in the forehead, around the eyes (crows feet), around the lip lines, and along the neck. Bruising is uncommon, and swelling resolves in about an hour. Each of these treatments are common lunchtime interventions.