Why we use Xeomin Instead of Botox

Aesthetic medicine is a category of medicine that focuses on enhanced cosmetic appearance. This can include a wide range of non-surgical treatments and products.

The most common goals in facial aesthetics are to:

• reduce wrinkles and lines

• improve the structure of the face to combat sagging that occurs with age

• promote healthy skin by increasing collagen production and improving skin tone

At Blackbird Aesthetics, we use both dermal fillers and botulinum toxins to accomplish the goals listed above for our clients.

Several different types of neurotoxins can be used in facial aesthetics. As a term, neurotoxin is interchangeable with botulinum toxin (also known as tox). It is an injectable toxin we use at the Med Spa to relax the facial muscles that cause overlying fine lines and wrinkles.

Botulinum toxins are naturally occurring substances that work in similar ways to relax the underlying muscles in specific areas to reduce the wrinkles and lines caused by muscle movement. The botulinum toxin is injected directly into the targeted muscle and works at the neuromuscular junction to inhibit the release of acetylcholine from the motor neuron and, therefore, can cause muscle paralysis or weakness.

In contrast, dermal fillers are used for deep lines and wrinkles that are NOT caused by muscle movement but are instead caused by loss of facial structure and skin integrity that occurs naturally with aging. Fillers can be used to fill in these lines, add structure to the mid-face and jaw, and plump and define lips.

Initial treatment with botulinum toxin typically lasts 2-3 months. Your muscles have "memory," so the more often you get it, the less often you'll need it!

Treatment with toxins does not damage your face. Instead, the treatment simply relaxes the muscles and decreases the strength of the muscle contraction.

By far, the most well-known botulinum toxin product is Botox®, and most clients may not even realize that this is a trade name rather than a broad term for neurotoxins.

At Blackbird Aesthetics, we use Xeomin, a Merz product, rather than Botox as our main botulinum toxin. Xeomin and Botox® are very similar botulinum toxins. While a few people may respond better to one or the other, most clients notice very similar results with either.

Merz is a smaller, family-owned company (compared to Allergan, which is the company that produces Botox). It was founded in Germany and has operated since 1908. The company strives to treat customers, employees, and patients like family and is known for making scientifically proven and holistic products.

Xeomin is marketed as a uniquely purified neuromodulator with fewer added protein carriers than other toxins.

As a result, Xeomin relaxes smooth lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement and is a simpler, purer, more natural product than some of the other botulinum toxins currently available.

You can also start to use a small amount of Xeomin before the wrinkles fully form as a more preventative measure. Some clients in their 20s and 30s have started doing this to prevent wrinkles as they age. Most commonly targeted areas include:

• the forehead

• severe frown lines (or "11s")

• crow's feet lines (around the eyes)

• bunny lines (around the nose)

• and lip lines

Treating TMJ Pain and Chronic Headaches

Xeomin can also be injected into the temporal muscles of the scalp to relieve frequent migraine headaches and into the masseter muscles of the jaw to relieve TMJ pain and the clenching and grinding of teeth. Many clients have experienced significant relief of headaches and jaw pain with these procedures! The treatment of the masseter (jaw) muscles can help prevent the need for further dental intervention or use of a mouth guard at night.

Common Complications with Botulinum Toxin

Complications of botulinum toxin products most commonly include bruising or swelling at or around the injection site. Typically these resolve in 7-14 days, so we encourage clients to book treatment more than 2 weeks from significant events or travel. Rare side effects may include an allergic reaction to the product, drooping of the eyelid, or an uneven smile after treatment.

As the botulinum toxin wears off within 3-4 months, side effects are generally short-lived and resolve without additional intervention. Allergic reactions are rare as neurotoxins are naturally occurring substances but can be treated with medication if they occur. Always tell your doctor about any allergic reactions you may experience.

One of our goals at Blackbird Aesthetics is to support local businesses, local people, and family-owned companies whenever possible.

Merz Aesthetics has been very responsive and interactive with us as we have ventured into the aesthetics world. Our local rep has been very involved in helping us get started and encouraging and providing additional resources whenever possible. Subsequently, our clients have loved their results using Merz products.

We are always happy to provide more information or answer any questions clients may have about our products and our choice of products! We always strive to create individualized treatment plans and use the product that will best deliver the results to meet the client’s goals and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botulinum Toxin

What is a neurotoxin drug?

Neurotoxin is an injectable toxin that we use at the Med Spa to relax the muscles that cause overlying fine lines and wrinkles.

What exactly does neurotoxin (or tox) do?

Botulinum toxin is injected into the targeted muscle and works at the neuromuscular junction to inhibit the release of acetylcholine from the motor neuron and, therefore, can cause muscle paralysis or weakness around the injection site.

Initial treatment with botulinum toxin typically lasts 2-3 months. Your muscles have "memory," so the more often you get it, the less often you'll need it.

Does tox damage your face?

No! Botulinum toxin products are naturally occurring substances injected into the muscle to relax it and decrease muscle contraction. It wears off with time (usually within 3 months).

Is Xeomin good for your face?

Xeomin relaxes smooth lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement. You can also use a small amount of Xeomin before the wrinkles form as a preventative measure. Some clients in their 20s and 30s have started doing this to prevent wrinkles as they age. Most commonly targeted areas include the forehead, severe frown lines (or "11s"), severe forehead lines, crow's feet lines, laugh lines, bunny lines, and lip lines.

Xeomin can also be injected into the temporal muscles to relieve frequent migraine headaches and into the masseter muscles of the jaw to relieve TMJ pain and the clenching and grinding of teeth.

Which lasts longer, Botox or Xeomin?

They last a similar amount of time.

Is Xeomin better than Botox?

Neither one is better or worse as they are very similar neurotoxins. Some people may respond better to one or the other, but often clients notice very similar results with either.

What are facial aesthetics?

Facial aesthetics refers to cosmetic treatments that bring out your natural beauty by fighting the signs of aging. At our medical spa, we use a combination of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and treat frown lines. We also offer Neocutis skincare products to achieve a more youthful appearance.