But that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives to Botox. You may not have heard of Xeomin, but it is one of those competitors. Here’s some information about this Botox alternative.
The X’s and O’s of Xeomin
Xeomin is a neuromodulator, just like Botox. It is made of the botulinum toxin type A, also just like Botox. These bacteria are what cause botulism. But in very small amounts, the botulinum toxin also temporarily paralyzes a muscle. Obviously, this has many uses. In fact, Xeomin’s first approval by the FDA was in August 2010 for the treatment of blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid spasms) and cervical dystonia (involuntary contraction of the neck muscles). In December 2015, Xeomin was also approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult upper limb spasticity.
But it was July 11, 2011, when the FDA gave Xeomin its mojo. That day the FDA approved Xeomin for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines. Glabellar lines are sometimes referred to as the “dreaded elevens.” They are vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows.
How does Xeomin work?
Xeomin works exactly as Botox does. When injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve messages in that muscle from getting to the brain. Once Xeomin is working, there may be the usual message to contract the muscles around the eyebrows to make a frowning or concentrating expression. But in the muscles that make the wrinkles on the skin above, the message never gets through to the brain to contract the muscle. So, the brain never initiates that muscle contraction and the 11s or other wrinkles on the upper third of the face never materialize.
What’s the difference then with Xeomin and Botox?
The difference is simple. In addition to the botulinum toxin type A, Botox also has some other proteins included in its formulation. Xeomin, on the other hand, is only the botulinum toxin and nothing else. For this reason, some doctors have referred to Xeomin as the “naked injectable.”
So, why use Xeomin?
Because it doesn’t contain any other additives, the risk of allergic or hypersensitive reactions from Xeomin is lower than with Botox. This difference also means that the body is less likely to become resistant to Xeomin because it has fewer ingredients.
So, if you’ve had trouble with reactions when taking Botox, there is an alternative, Xeomin. Call us at Northcoast Laser Cosmetics, 440-NEW-FACe and ask us about it.