As we age, exposure to sun and environmental damages contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin which causes the skin to lose its elasticity. When this happens, fine lines can form and eventually turn into deep set wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles can also form from repeated facial expressions, genetics, lack of sleep, major diet changes, stress, and smoking. There are steps you can take to prevent early signs of aging like neuromodulator injections and living a healthy lifestyle. While we cannot reverse wrinkles, we can certainly make them less visible with Xeomin®.
What is Xeomin®?
Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medication injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults. Xeomin® contains botulinum toxin type A, a protein purified from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How Does Xeomin® Work?
When you squint or frown, the muscles between your eyebrows contract, causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time, as your skin ages and loses some of its elasticity, these repeated contractions can cause persistent frown lines. Botulinum toxin type A – the active ingredient in Xeomin®– acts on nerve endings in muscles to prevent muscle fibers from contracting. By reducing these contractions, Xeomin® can temporarily reduce the lines between your eyebrows.
How Do I Know If Xeomin® Is Right for Me?
If you are an adult with moderate to severe glabellar lines, Xeomin® may be right for you. Talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of treatment. Do not use Xeomin® if you are allergic to botulinum toxin or any of the other ingredients in Xeomin®. You should also not use Xeomin® if you have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product or have a skin infection at the planned injection site.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Treatment?
Before receiving treatment with Xeomin®, you should tell your doctor about any medical conditions, including whether you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves, have allergies to any botulinum toxin product, or have experienced any side effect from any other botulinum toxin in the past. In addition, tell your doctor about your medical history and all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months or in the past. Be sure your doctor knows exactly which product(s) you received and when you received them.
Do I Need a Consultation?
Consultations are required for any service at our office. Patient safety is incredibly important to us, and this is where we have dedicated time to get to know you, your skincare goals and review your concerns. During the consultation we go over a few things to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Consultations include the following:
- Review of your medical/surgical history
- Review of any current/past medications
- Discussion of your goals for neuromodulator treatments
- Evaluation of your skin and your facial muscle movement
- Discussion of side effects
- Preparation for the appointment
- Post treatment instructions
- Other recommendations that you may benefit from
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
The treatment itself is normally 10-20 minutes. After the muscles have been evaluated, we will take clinical photos for documentation. Once the area has been prepped, Dr. B will draw several small dots on the treatment area where the needle will be inserted. After the treatment area is mapped out, he will administer the solution into the target areas. Pain level is minimal, as our patients report it feeling like a tiny pinch.
No anesthesia or numbing cream is required.
What Can I Expect after the Treatment?
Some patients will get injection site bumps. These will resolve in 20-30 minutes. Bruising is always a possibility. If you happen to bruise, you can come back for a complimentary bruise treatment. You can reduce your risk of bruising by avoiding ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and any blood thinners.
There is a small chance that you may develop a slight headache after your treatment. If this happens, you may take Tylenol as directed.
What Should I Not Do after the Treatment?
We do not recommend icing or manipulating the area. You should avoid massaging, wearing a hat or headgear for at least 24 hours and any physical/strenuous activity. Massaging/physical exertion can cause the toxin to spread into unwanted areas, thus altering your results. We also recommend waiting a minimum of 6 hours before laying down.
When Can I Expect to See Results?
You may begin to see visible smoothing as early as 3-4 days after injection. The median first onset of effect was less than a week.
How Long Does It Last?
On average, patients come every 3-4 months for treatment.
Am I a suitable candidate for this treatment?
If you have moderate to severe lines/wrinkles, you may be an ideal candidate for Xeomin®.
To find out if Xeomin® is right for you, schedule a consultation with our physician at our Cool Springs location.
Dr. Steven Bengelsdorf is a board-certified surgeon of 25+ years whose experience and research have led to his selection of the best facial rejuvenation, injectables and body contouring treatments. During your consultation one of our providers will analyze your skin, address your concerns, and determine if you are a good candidate for Xeomin®.