Telemed waiting room
Schedule an Appointment

Botox / Xeomin Injections

Botox and Xeomin are injectable neurotoxins used in a variety of cosmetic and medical applications.
have received approval for both cosmetic and medical applications. Initially known for use in cosmetic procedures, these injections have also gained recognition for their medical benefits. The neurotoxin in these treatments is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum, and in addition to its use to soften facial wrinkles, it is also commonly used to treat medical conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and even overactive bladder. In recent years, the use of Botox and Xeomin for medical purposes has expanded significantly, with many patients experiencing relief from their symptoms after receiving these injections.

What is Botox?

Botox is a non-invasive injection treatment widely popular in the United States for its cosmetic benefits in reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox injections work by temporarily paralyzing a muscle. This toxin also has unique applications in treating medical conditions like chronic migraines, excessive underarm sweating, and overactive bladder.

Botox is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA, a type of botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Developed by the company Allergan, Botox received FDA approval for medical use in 1985 and for cosmetic use in 2002.

Despite being derived from the toxin responsible for botulism, the purified forms of botulinum toxin used in medical settings meet strict safety standards regulated by the FDA. When administered by licensed healthcare providers according to these standards, these toxin-based medications are considered safe and effective for therapeutic purposes.

The effects of Botox typically last for three to six months before gradually wearing off as the muscle function returns. Regular treatments are often recommended to maintain results.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is another injectable form of neuromuscular blocker that is used to paralyze muscles for a range of clinical reasons, both cosmetic and therapeutic. Like Botox, it is manufactured from the botulinum toxin type A, but a different type.

The specific type of botulinum toxin that Xeomin is made from is called incobotulinumtoxinA. It is manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals and was initially approved for cosmetic use in the USA in 2010. When used for cosmetic purposes, Xeomin is effective in treating forehead lines (known as glabellar lines), frown lines, and crow’s feet. It also has FDA approval for treating excessive drooling, blepharospasm, and cervical dystonia, among other conditions.

Difference Between Botox and Xeomin

Botox is made of up botulism toxin and a mixture of other preservative proteins. When comparing Xeomin vs Botox, the former does not contain preservative proteins, making it a pure form of the neurotoxin. This purity means that it remains effective over time without the risk of the body developing resistance to it. Furthermore, because it doesn’t have the additives that Botox does, it’s expected to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are currently no scientific studies between the two to support this theory.

It’s reported that the effects of Xeomin develop faster and last longer than Botox. For these reasons, and the purity of the Xeomin form of the toxin, people may wonder if Xeomin is better than Botox.

Although these two substances work in the same way and are used to treat many of the same problems, they are not interchangeable. You should discuss your symptoms and expectations with your doctor to determine which would be more appropriate for your specific needs.

Conditions Treated with Botox and Xeomin Injections

Botulism toxin has been in regular clinical use for many years. In that time, its effectiveness has been shown for treating a wide range of conditions. Both Botox and Xeomin are used on-label and off-label for a wide range of problems. Some of the neurological conditions they are used to treat include:

  • Chronic Migraines: Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for chronic migraines, providing relief from the intense pain and disruption they cause. The treatment involves injections around the face, head, and neck to block pain receptors and reduce migraine intensity. Many patients experience pain relief for weeks or months after treatment, allowing them to reduce or discontinue other medications.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Botulinum toxin is used by specialists to address muscle tension in spinal cord injuries, improving mobility and quality of life. While it doesn’t cure the injury, it helps relax muscles and restore balance, especially when other treatments like muscle relaxers are ineffective.
  • Spasticity: In conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, botulinum toxin injections target spasms and muscle tightness, preventing abnormal muscle movements. By blocking nerve signals to the muscles, it reduces spasms and stiffness, improving comfort and movement for patients.
  • Hypersalivation (Sialorrhea): For conditions causing excessive saliva production like Parkinson’s disease and ALS, botulinum toxin injections in the salivary glands can control drooling and improve patient comfort. The injections provide relief by regulating saliva production for several months.
  • Cervical Dystonia and Related Conditions: Botulinum toxin is effective in managing conditions like cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, reducing involuntary muscle contractions and twitching. Regular injections every few months target overactive muscles, relieving symptoms, including pain.

Other complaints that doctors use these injections for include excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation and vaginismus (painful vaginal muscle contractions).

Botox and Xeomin Injection Overview

Botox and Xeomin are neurotoxin injections used for paralyzing muscles for cosmetic and medical purposes. They’re derived from botulinum toxin type A, with Botox containing preservative proteins and Xeomin being a pure form. They are effective in treating a wide range of conditions like chronic migraines, muscle spasms, spinal cord injuries, hypersalivation, cervical dystonia, and excessive sweating.

When considering Botox vs Xeomin, the latter is a pure form of the toxin, without the additional proteins that are believed to potentially cause allergic reactions in some patients. However, the two substances are not interchangeable, and the choice depends on the patient’s specific symptoms.

Recovery and Side Effects from Botox and Xeomin Injections

Botulinum toxin injections do not require anesthesia, and there is no downtime or recovery period. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

It’s advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the affected areas immediately after treatment, however, as it may cause the product to move, resulting in temporary weakness or drooping.

After receiving Xeomin or Botox injections, it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days, but in some cases, may may last longer. To minimize these side effects, it’s recommended to avoid touching or rubbing the affected area for at least 24 hours after treatment.

In addition to temporary redness and swelling, some people may also experience headaches or flu-like symptoms following their treatment. These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days.

There are also more serious potential side effects that have been from Botox use, such as muscle weakness or drooping eyelids. Signs of an allergic reaction include blurred vision, urinary retention, breathing problems, itching, dizziness, dry mouth, and swelling.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after receiving injections of these medications, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Overall, most people find that the benefits of the proper use of Botox and Xeomin outweigh any potential side effects. By following post-treatment care instructions and monitoring your body for any unusual reactions, these are very safe and effective treatments for a wide range of troubling health problems.

For a discussion about how injectables might help your symptoms, contact one of our clinics located throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our friendly and professional team will assess your problems and devise an effective personalized treatment plan to resolve your concerns.

Request an Appointment

Submit an appointment request on our patient portal or contact our New Jersey and Pennsylvania campuses to speak with a patient advocate.

Schedule an Appointment

New Patients Existing Patients