An introduction to Xeomin®: A uniquely engineered alternative to Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic is the first neurotoxin to be FDA-approved for aesthetic purposes. Its use as a “wrinkle-fighter” goes back to the early 2000s. However, since then, more neurotoxins have achieved FDA approval and are now available at the office of Andromeda Aesthetics in Moneta, Virginia. While products within this treatment category largely work similarly to soften expression lines, they each have unique attributes. Rachel Moline Blankenship and our skilled team of injectors are happy to evaluate and discuss your concerns to determine the best product to reach your goal look, including Xeomin®.
What are neurotoxins?
Xeomin®, Botox®, and other similar products are formulated with botulinum toxin-A. This active ingredient is a highly purified toxin protein. When injected accurately into the muscles responsible for your expression lines, botulinum toxin-A inhibits the release of the chemicals that signal these muscles to contract. The process of muscle activity is disrupted. A muscle that stays at rest supports a smooth surface by inhibiting the contractions or activity associated with making a facial expression and associated lines and wrinkles.
But won’t my face look stiff if the muscles do not move?
No. It helps to understand facial anatomy and function. To make even the most subtle expression requires dozens of muscles. We only inject into the precise muscles that contribute to forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and more. You can still make an expression with the other muscles outside of the injection sites. These muscles remain untouched, and muscle activity is uninterrupted. With that said, precise treatment matters. You should leave any injectable procedures to licensed medical professionals with extensive and focused experience injecting neurotoxins. Otherwise, you are at risk of having too much Xeomin® injected into your face. In addition to unnatural results, selecting an inexperienced or questionable provider also increases your risk of severe side effects and complications – such as the botulinum toxin-A migrating to other tissues and parts of the face outside of the injection sites.
How is Xeomin® different?
First approved by the FDA in 2011 for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, Xeomin® is a highly natural and extremely purified form of botulinum toxin. It is considered to be a “naked” version of this popular product because it contains no additives, accessory proteins, or other unnecessary ingredients unrelated to active treatment and therapeutic effects.
Why is this aspect of Xeomin® important?
Patients value Xeomin’s unique formulation because it presents a lower risk of the body rejecting or identifying it as an “invader.” When such a reaction occurs, the body produces antibodies to protect itself from the product. Over time, these antibodies can diminish the effectiveness of the treatment. Xeomin® promotes sustained effectiveness and safety through its distinctive manufacturing processes.
What neurotoxin might be best for me?
Request a free consultation with Rachel to find out! She will evaluate your concerns and, as needed, explore alternatives like Botox®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau®, too. Or, she may recommend alternative treatments – from fillers to facials. While we can’t safely combine neurotoxins, we can complement these products with soft tissue fillers for a “liquid facelift” without the risk and recovery associated with a surgical facelift. Start the process today by contacting the Andromeda Aesthetics team in Moneta, VA, at (540) 488-2675.
