Xeomin®
What Is Xeomin?
Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription neuromodulator used to temporarily improve the appearance of certain facial expression lines. It is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that works by relaxing specific facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles—lines that appear when we frown, squint, or raise our brows.
In aesthetics, Xeomin is FDA-approved to treat:
- Moderate to severe glabellar lines (the “11” lines between the eyebrows) in adults
- Forehead lines and crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines) in adults, following its expanded approval for upper-face lines.
Xeomin is sometimes referred to as a “naked” neurotoxin because it is formulated without accessory complexing proteins—it contains only the active neurotoxin component in its purified form. This clean formulation is designed to deliver predictable, consistent results when injected correctly.
By selectively relaxing targeted muscles, Xeomin softens the appearance of lines while allowing the rest of your facial muscles to move normally, so your expressions can still look natural and “like you,” just smoother and more refreshed.
4 Reason Why People Choose Xeomin®
01
To Smooth Frown Lines Between the Brows
Xeomin is commonly chosen to reduce the appearance of the “11s” between the eyebrows, helping the face look less tense, angry, or stressed.
02
To Soften Forehead Lines and Crow’s Feet
With its expanded indications, Xeomin can be used to relax horizontal forehead lines and lines at the outer corners of the eyes, creating a more rested, youthful look.
03
To Maintain a Natural Expression
Many patients like the way Xeomin allows them to soften lines while still smiling, frowning, and expressing themselves naturally—without feeling overly “frozen.”
04
To Use a Purified, Protein-Free Formulation
Because Xeomin contains only the active botulinum toxin type A without additional complexing proteins, some patients and providers prefer it for its simplified, highly purified formulation.
How Xeomin® Treatments Work in Practice
Your Xeomin appointment is designed to be quick, comfortable, and highly tailored to your facial anatomy and goals.
Consultation & Mapping
Your provider evaluates your facial expressions—where you frown, raise your brows, and squint—and then marks specific injection points to address lines while preserving natural movement.
Preparation
The skin is gently cleansed. A fine, sterile needle is used, and most patients describe the injections as small pinches or stings that are very quick. Numbing is usually not required, but can be used if desired.
Injection Process
Small, precise amounts of Xeomin are injected into targeted muscles responsible for lines such as glabellar frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet. The entire process typically takes
10–20 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated.
After Your Appointment
There is no significant downtime. You may notice tiny bumps, mild redness, or slight swelling at injection sites for a short time. Most people go right back to work or normal activities, following simple post-treatment instructions (such as avoiding rubbing the area or strenuous exercise for a few hours).
When You’ll See Results
- Early changes often appear within 3–5 days
- Full results are typically visible around 10–14 days
- Effects commonly last about 3–4 months, though this varies from person to person
Over time and with regular treatments, Xeomin can also help prevent dynamic lines from deepening, especially in expressive areas like the forehead and between the brows.
Benefits of Xeomin
Softer Lines & Wrinkles
Targets dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Natural-Looking Results
When dosed and placed correctly, results look refreshed—not frozen—so you still look like yourself, just more relaxed.
Convenient Appointments
Treatments typically take 10–20 minutes and require little to no downtime, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Preventative Anti-Aging
Regular treatments can help slow the deepening of expression lines over time by reducing repetitive creasing of the skin.
Customizable Treatment Areas
From brow lines to crow’s feet, dosing and placement can be tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
Well-Studied & Widely Used
Botulinum toxin type A has decades of clinical use and is one of the most researched and performed cosmetic procedures worldwide.
FAQs
Got a question? We’re here to help.
How long does Xeomin last for frown lines and forehead wrinkles?
On average, Xeomin results last about 3–4 months for frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Some people may experience slightly shorter or longer duration depending on factors like muscle strength, metabolism, and how consistently they’ve been treated in the past.
How is Xeomin different from Botox?
Both Xeomin and Botox are botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators that work in a similar way to relax targeted muscles and soften wrinkles. The key difference is formulation: Xeomin contains only the pure active neurotoxin without additional complexing proteins, whereas Botox includes accessory proteins. In practice, many patients achieve comparable results with either product, and the choice often comes down to provider preference and individual response.
How soon will I see results after Xeomin injections?
Most patients begin to notice softening of lines within 3–5 days after treatment, with full results typically visible at around 10–14 days. Your provider may schedule a follow-up visit to assess your results and fine-tune dosing for future treatments if needed.
Are Xeomin injections painful?
Discomfort is usually very minimal. Xeomin is injected with a very fine needle, and each injection takes only a second or two. Patients often describe the feeling as a quick pinch or tiny sting. If you are particularly sensitive, your provider can discuss using a topical numbing cream or other comfort measures.
What are the common side effects of Xeomin?
Common side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as brief redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bruises at injection sites. Some people may experience a mild headache or a feeling of heaviness in the treated area initially. More significant effects, such as temporary eyelid or brow droop, are less common and usually resolve as the medication wears off. Serious complications are rare when Xeomin is administered by a trained, licensed professional using proper technique.
Xeomin® Science & Safety
Xeomin belongs to a class of medications known as neuromuscular blocking agents. It works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. When carefully injected into specific facial muscles, this reduces their activity and softens the appearance of dynamic wrinkles in the overlying skin.
Clinical Evidence & Indications
- Xeomin is FDA-approved for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines and has expanded aesthetic indications that include forehead lines and crow’s feet in adults.
- Clinical trials in adults have shown that Xeomin significantly reduces the severity of frown lines and other upper-face wrinkles compared to placebo, with visible improvement and patient satisfaction over multiple months.
- These studies demonstrate both efficacy and a favorable safety profile when Xeomin is used at recommended doses and injected by qualified healthcare professionals.
Safety Profile
When administered by an experienced, licensed injector, Xeomin has a well-established safety record:
- Typical side effects include mild, short-lived injection-site reactions: redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
- Some patients may experience temporary headache, eye-area tightness, or a subtle change in brow or eyelid position, which generally improves as the product’s effect lessens over time.
- Serious allergic reactions or systemic complications are rare but possible with any botulinum toxin product. This is why a thorough medical history, proper dosing, and correct injection technique are essential.
Appropriate Use & Medical Oversight
Xeomin should always be:
- Sourced from legitimate medical distributors
- Reconstituted and administered in a clinical setting
- Injected by trained professionals who understand facial anatomy, neuromodulator dosing, and how to recognize and manage side effects
At a reputable practice, each Xeomin treatment is individualized—taking into account your facial structure, expression patterns, medical history, and aesthetic goals. This combination of proper product handling, anatomical expertise, and conservative dosing helps maximize results while prioritizing your safety and comfort.
