“I need a little something – maybe a little Botox to pick me up.” How many times have you heard, or said, this statement? The truth is, Botox has become so synonymous with injectables that most people don’t realize there is more to injectables than just Botox, and that Botox is actually just a branded form of injectable neurotoxin or neuromodulator.
Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi, a double-board certified Palm Beach cosmetic surgeon, is extremely particular about what products and brands he uses on patients because he wants the best, most natural results possible. When asked which neuromodulator he prefers, his answer is generally Xeomin.
Just like Botox, Xeomin treats dynamic facial lines and wrinkles. Many cosmetic surgeons use Botox or Xeomin to address moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Both neuromodulators work by temporarily connecting to nerve endings and obstructing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that produces facial muscle contractions. The result? Facial muscles relax, and lines and wrinkles are softened and smoothed. Better yet, on younger patients, both Botox and Xeomin can actually prevent lines and wrinkles from forming in the first place. For this reason, we are seeing a large uptick in millennial patients who want to focus in preventing, rather than treating deep facial creases. But the best part is that the more treatments you receive, the longer you can generally go between injections because the facial muscles begin to weaken (atrophy) from lack of use. Many of Dr. Azzi’s longtime Botox & Xeomin patients often go 6+ months between treatments while new patients usually require injections every 3-4 months.
“The main difference between Xeomin and Botox or Dysport, is that Xeomin contains just one ingredient: botulinum toxin A,” said Dr. Azzi. “Botox and Dysport contain additives, but Xeomin is a ‘naked injectable,’ meaning it does not contain any additives.”
Xeomin is made through a unique manufacturing process that actually isolates the therapeutic component of the molecule and removes the accessory proteins that do not play an active role in treatment, making this an extremely pure injectable. Comparatively, Botox includes multiple different protective proteins that cluster around the active molecule.
“A benefit of a pure-form injectable is that theoretically the human body is less likely to become resistant or ‘immune’ to it,” Dr. Azzi said. “Having fewer preservatives and additives should make Xeomin a safer choice compared to Botox and Dysport.”
Just like with all other treatments, it is important to do your homework. Xeomin is a great product, and that doesn’t mean Botox or Dysport are bad, but just better for different purposes or situations. If you’re looking for guidance, it is best to consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Azzi, who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, nose and neck.
If you’re interested scheduling a consultation or appointment for facial injectables like Xeomin, or even if you just have some questions, please call us at (561) 429-5403 or contact us on our website by clicking here.
Our beautiful offices are conveniently located in Jupiter and Palm City, Florida. We serve patients in the following South Florida areas and beyond: Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Tequesta, Hobe Sound, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Vero Beach.