What Is Xeomin®? How Do Neuromodulators Work?

Over time, our facial muscles don’t really change, but our skin becomes thinner and our facial fat pads diminish. As we age, our skin creases more easily with muscle movement. Xeomin® helps prevent wrinkles by lessening this movement, helping to reduce frown lines, smile lines, forehead furrows, and other wrinkles.

When injected, these “botulinum toxins,” also known as neuromodulators, prevent nerves from communicating with the muscles. The molecules block this communication so the muscle doesn’t contract. When the muscle stops contracting, the skin stops bending.

The results of neuromodulators can be very long lasting. Even as movement gradually returns to the muscles, it takes time for the process to repeat and for lines to reappear.

What’s the Difference Between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Xeomin®?

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Xeomin® work in very similar ways.

Most patients can’t tell the difference between a BOTOX® Cosmetic injection and a Xeomin® injection. Your provider will walk you through both options and recommend the neuromodulator best suited to your unique skin care needs.

Otherwise, the procedures are essentially the same. Both require injections and a series of treatments with a similar—and very minimal—level of discomfort.

Why Do We Get Wrinkles?

Wrinkle relaxers provide remarkable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and lip lines. As you age, your skin loses elasticity. The lines that appear between your brows (frown lines) and around your eyes (crow’s feet) result from repeated muscle movement and the passage of time.

After years of crinkling and wrinkling, these frown lines and crow’s feet linger and become more pronounced. We encourage men and women to start with low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, DAXXIFY®, or Xeomin® before wrinkles become permanent.

Once wrinkles have formed, regular injections of these neuromodulators can smooth and soften these common signs of aging.

Treatments for frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles are the most common. However, we treat other areas of the face as well. In most cases, treatment can visibly smooth and soften wrinkles.

Beyond the Frown Lines

When most people think of cosmetic injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, DAXXIFY®, or Xeomin®, they usually associate them with treating common facial wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.

However, these versatile neuromodulators offer many possibilities beyond these areas. Treatments can be customized to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, helping to rejuvenate and refresh multiple areas of the face and neck—including bunny lines, chin dimpling, marionette lines, masseter muscles, neck cording, and more.

If you’ve hesitated to contact your dermatologist about neuromodulators, there’s no need to worry. An experienced professional will recommend the injectable that best fits your goals and determine the appropriate dosage. If your goal is to reduce lines, these treatments are designed to do just that.

Xeomin® Cosmetic Do’s and Don’ts

DO Your Research and Ask Questions

Before your appointment, ask the office staff these questions so you know what to expect from treatment:

  • Does this office have an on-site medical director who is a board-certified dermatologist?
  • How much training has my injector received?
  • Are treatments customized for each patient?
  • Who performs the injections?

Remember, dermatologists are specially trained to care for the skin and supervise skilled injectors. It’s always best to seek treatment from someone who is an expert in skin health.

DO Follow Post-Treatment Instructions

  • Exercise your facial muscles for about two hours after treatment.
  • Make expressions that move your eyebrows, mouth, and forehead.
  • Scrunch your face, frown, smile, and raise your eyebrows.
  • Do not lie down for four hours following treatment.
  • Skip your workout for the day.

DO Follow a Treatment Schedule

You’ll see the best results by staying on a regular treatment schedule. When movement begins to return to treated areas, schedule your next appointment before lines fully return.

DO Ask: Will My Treatment Be Customized?

During all injections, the degree of relaxation is up to you. Our expert injectors can customize your dose to avoid a “frozen face” appearance. Instead, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, refreshed, and younger-looking result—while still looking like yourself, just with softer frown lines and crow’s feet.

Have more questions about Xeomin®? Contact us to schedule a consultation.