Med Spa FAQ: Are Xeomin® and Botox® the same?

For clients new to the med spa experience, asking “Are Xeomin® and Botox® the same?” is a fairly common question. The short answer is that both Xeomin and Botox – both referred to as “Tox” – will generally get you similar results, but they are different brands of neuromodulator with subtle differences which we’ll outline below.

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Xeomin® & Botox® Are Both Neuromodulators

Xeomin and Botox are two brands of neuromodulators. Botox was first to market and is generally the brand name like Xerox or Uber or Kleenex. While Botox is just the most well recognized brand of neuromodulator, that doesn’t mean it is the only one or even the best one for you.

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Both Xeomin and Botox are recognized in the cosmetic industry for their effectiveness in preventing or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both Botox and Xeomin work by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkle formation, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.

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Botox, the brand name for Botulinum toxin type A, has been a household name for years and is often the go-to choice for patients looking to diminish the signs of aging. In addition to being popular for cosmetic purposes, Botox can also used in treating various medical conditions, such as excessive sweating and chronic migraines. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, which prevents and reduces wrinkles.

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Xeomin is a newer neuromodulator in the market that has quickly gained popularity for its "pure" form of Botulinum toxin type A and is preferred by some clients and providers for a variety of reasons. Unlike Botox, Xeomin does not contain any additives, which reduces the risk of developing antibodies against the treatment, potentially making it more effective for some patients over time.

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Choosing between Xeomin and Botox depends on individual preferences of the client and/or medical spa injector. Both treatments are FDA-approved and have proven safety records, offering effective solutions for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance without undergoing invasive surgical procedures. Consulting with a qualified medical professional at a med spa can help determine the best option based on your aesthetic goals and medical history, ensuring optimal results.

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How Else Are Xeomin And Botox The Same?

Xeomin and Botox share several similarities beyond their primary function as neuromodulators for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Here are key ways in which they are alike:

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Both Xeomin and Botox are used for temporary muscle relaxation, effectively reducing wrinkles and fine lines caused by expressions and movements.

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Both Xeomin and Botox products are FDA-approved for cosmetic uses, are used for cosmetic treatments, and can be used  in similar treatment areas of the face.

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The  injection procedure experience for clients is similar for both, including a quick office visit followed by visible results in a couple days to a couple of weeks. Both products  generally last at least 3 months and up to six, depending on  your dosage, treatment area and body’s response to the injection.

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Lastly, both Xeomin and Botox have similar safety profiles, side effects and target audiences.

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How Are Xeomin And Botox Different? 

Xeomin and Botox have 7 main differences.

Company: Allergan makes Botox in the USA whereas Merz makes Xeomin in Europe

Formulation: Botox contains various protective proteins that cluster around the botulinum toxin molecule. Xeomin, however, is purified to remove these accessory proteins, making it a "naked" botulinum toxin product. This means Xeomin consists solely of the active neurotoxin without any surrounding proteins, which might reduce the risk of developing resistance to the treatment over time due to antibody formation.

Onset: Some clients may find Xeomin having a faster onset,  although it can still take a few days to to weeks

Spread and Precision: Due to its pure form, Xeomin might have a slightly different spread or diffusion profile compared to Botox.

Storage and Handling: Xeomin's lack of complexing proteins means it does not require refrigeration before reconstitution, which can simplify storage requirements for medical facilities. Botox, on the other hand, must be stored in a refrigerator to maintain its efficacy until it's ready for use.

Approval and Applications: While both are approved for cosmetic and therapeutic uses, there may be slight variations in their approved indications by regulatory agencies. 

Individual Response: Some patients may respond better to one treatment than the other, possibly due to the body's reaction to the presence or absence of the complexing proteins in Botox or due to other individual physiological factors.

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At the end of the day, Botox has better name recognition, Xeomin has some advantages having come to market more recently, and most of the time both will get you similar results. Worth notiong, for mobile medical spas Xeomin allows for easier transport due to no need for refridgeration.

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Does Xeomin work faster than Botox?

The onset of action between Xeomin and Botox can vary slightly, but any difference in how quickly they work is generally minimal and can depend on individual factors. Both Xeomin and Botox typically show effects within a few days to two weeks after injection, with most patients noticing improvements within the first week.

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Some reports suggest that Xeomin may have a marginally faster onset in some individuals due to its pure form, meaning it lacks the complexing proteins present in Botox. This absence might theoretically allow Xeomin to act more quickly in some cases, as there are no proteins to delay the neurotoxin's access to the neuromuscular junction. 

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The speed at which results appear can also be influenced by factors such as the area being treated, the individual's muscle mass and metabolism, the technique of the injector, and the dosage used. It's important for patients to discuss their expectations and any previous experiences with neuromodulators with their healthcare provider to choose the most appropriate product for their needs.

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Why is Xeomin cheaper than Botox?

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While some medical spas charge the same for Botox and Xeomin, when the prices are different you’ll usually find Botox is more expensive. Xeomin’s lower prices, at times, is  reflecting differences in branding, market positioning, manufacturing processes, and company pricing strategies. Other factors include production costs, marketing strategies, rebate programs, insurance coverage, or local competition. 

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So, which is better Xeomin or Botox?

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Yes.

If you only wear luxury brand names, maybe you’d prefer Botox?

If you prefer an equal to better product for a lower price, maybe you'd prefer Xeomin.

Ultimately, find a qualified provider you trust and consult to find the right neuromodulator to address your cosmetic goals.

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