Not all wrinkles are created equal. One type of wrinkle cannot be expected to respond as well to cosmetic treatment as another type might. This bit of knowledge comes into play when you consider so-called “dynamic wrinkles.”
Dynamic wrinkles originate under the surface of the skin, unlike most of the wrinkles that you may be familiar with. This makes them an easy target for treatment with Xeomin.
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What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is an FDA-approved injectable treatment used for the correction of moderate-to-severe lines often found between the eyebrows. Xeomin is also commonly used for the treatment of those suffering from a condition called cervical dystonia, and certain types of eyelid spasms.
For purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the cosmetic applications of Xeomin.
How It Works
Whenever you make certain facial expressions, like squinting and frowning, your facial muscles will contract, specifically those found between your eyebrows. Every time you do that, it creates lines that grow deeper and deeper. Fortunately, Xeomin can help.
Xeomin can be injected into facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, reducing the activity of those muscles. Essentially, Xeomin interferes with nerve transmissions from the brain to the treated muscles, preventing injected facial muscles from forming a wrinkle at the surface.
What It Contains
Xeomin shares something in common with Botox, in that it contains a safe botulinum toxin. The difference between Xeomin and Botox is that Xeomin has fewer proteins in its formulation. It is also a good deal cheaper.
Product Safety
Don’t be alarmed when you read the word “toxin.” Xeomin is formulated in a medical laboratory under extremely strict and controlled conditions. The product has an excellent track record of safety and remains at the site of injections, rather than spreading throughout the body.
Although Xeomin offers nice results, they will not last forever. At some point, your body will metabolize the injections, and you’ll need a follow-up treatment to maintain your wrinkle-reduction results.
Best Candidates
Although most adults make good candidates for treatment with Xeomin, it is not for everyone.
Do not get treated with Xeomin if you:
- Have an ongoing infection at the planned site of injections
- Are allergic to any of its ingredients or any other type of botulinum toxin product
Inform your practitioner if you:
- Plan to have surgery or have bleeding problems
- Have breathing problems like emphysema or asthma
- Have a condition affecting your nerves and muscles, like ALS
- Have previously undergone facial surgery
- Are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Xeomin Cost
The cost of Xeomin is similar to that of Botox, although somewhat lower. The cost of treatment with Xeomin ranges anywhere from $400 to $600. The exact cost of your individual treatment may vary, depending upon factors like your geographic location and individual provider.
Your Consultation
Your Xeomin provider will inform you of the exact cost of your procedure at your consultation, assuming you are cleared for the treatment.
Your provider will want to know about your current medical condition, any medications that you are taking, and your treatment goals and expectations.
Treatment Preparations
Before undergoing Xeomin treatment, be sure to inform your doctor of any medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal products. This is because some substances can cause problems like increased bleeding, or they could interfere with your recovery or results.
What to Expect
Undergoing a Xeomin treatment is fairly simple. The entire process should take no more than 10 minutes. Your provider will first numb the area of injections to make it more comfortable for you.
The number of injections that you will be receiving depends upon the size of the treatment area, and will be determined at your initial consultation.
Immediately after you have received your Xeomin injections, you can return to your normal activities.
Xeomin Results and Recovery
Keep your hands away from your face for three hours after your Xeomin injections. Avoid lying down on your face or engaging in strenuous physical activity for four to six hours. This helps ensure that the product remains where it is injected.
It can take about a week to achieve the full results of your Xeomin injections. Although Xeomin has a high rate of patient satisfaction, the results are not permanent. In about three months, you’ll probably begin noticing the gradual return of facial muscle movement in the area of treatment.
You would then need to undergo another set of injections to maintain your wrinkle reduction results.
