Merz Aesthetics has exciting news: The Demi Lovato-loved neurotoxin injectable Xeomin (aka incobotulinumtoxinA) is now FDA-approved to treat three types of upper facial lines: forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. With this news, it’s now the first and only FDA-approved neurotoxin for simultaneous treatment of these three upper facial lines, while it used to be solely be approved for frown lines.
If you’re new to the world of neurotoxins (hello and welcome!), here’s a key piece of info: there are currently six types of FDA-approved ‘tox injections available in the US market. “Botox has now become a household term and a verb to describe injection procedures to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles,” board-certified New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD, previously told NewBeauty. “However, many aesthetic providers use different brands of neurotoxins in their offices other than Botox.” These include Dysport, Jeuveau, Daxxify, Letybo (coming soon), and, of course, Xeomin. They all help smooth wrinkles, but each has minor differences in their composition, onset, and ideal treatment areas. Below, we break down more details you need to know about Xeomin.
What separates Xeomin from the pack?
Xeomin was first approved by the FDA in 2011 for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines, or frown lines. This new approval adds two more treatments into the mix: horizontal forehead lines, lateral canthal lines (aka crow’s feet). While medical providers have been using Xeomin off-label for these spots, this latest FDA thumbs-up means it can now be marketed for all facial lines.
If you’re new to Xeomin, it’s often considered one of the more “natural” neurotoxins. Unlike other brands, Xeomin doesn’t contain additional proteins that could cause an immune response. This means you’re more likely to achieve your desired results without complications like resistance, which can prevent the muscle from fully relaxing.
Dermatologists highlight the benefits of using neurotoxins to prevent resistance. New York dermatologist Doris Day previously told NewBeauty that Xeomin is the only neurotoxin product on the market where resistance is particularly unlikely. “All the other neurotoxins available in the U.S. are formulated with binding proteins,” says Dr. Day. “Xeomin is the only pure form of the drug without any other elements that might create an antibody response. I use it very precisely and get fantastic results. I can also modify the treatment based on the patient’s goals.”
According to a press release from XEOMIN, the total recommended dose for treatment is 20 units for glabellar frown lines, 20 units for horizontal forehead lines, and 24 units for crow’s feet, totaling 64 units. Prices can vary based on your location, provider, and the number of units you need. For a more accurate estimate, consult with a licensed provider. Based on our previous reporting, a typical treatment “costs about $450 for 50 units.”
