The latest formulation of botulinum toxin that was approved by the FDA is Xeomin, which is manufactured and distributed by Merz Aesthetics.  Xeomin is the more “pure” form of botulinum toxin, consisting of none of the carrier molecules, with the same intact toxin molecule that is found in Botox and Dysport.  It has been available on the US market since August 2010 and had been used for several years prior to that in Europe.  

 

 

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all based on the same type of botulinum toxin and differ only in the amount of carrier protein that is coupled with the active toxin.  Xeomin is supplied in 100 unit vials, and 100 units of Xeomin has the same effect as 100 units of Botox or 300 units of Dysport.  Xeomin contains no protein carrier, and is, therefore, a more stable preparation, and does not need to be refrigerated.  Though refrigeration is not a difficult process in a medical office, the added stability of the product does make its hydration and injection a more reliable process.  At the molecular level, proteins are sensitive to changes in temperature and environment, are “sticky”, and tend to aggregate at interfaces between a solution and the container, whether it is glass (like the vial it is supplied in) or plastic (like the inside of the syringe).  Having less protein should make the product less likely to get “lost” along the way.  

 

 

Xeomin does a great job at treating the crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and frown lines.  It can also be used elsewhere in the face and body, either to relax muscles or treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).  Xeomin has helped medically refractory migraine patients get relief from their debilitating headaches.  The cosmetic and medical applications of this compound are constantly being expanded.

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kundaria of Nuance Facial Plastics to inquire about Xeomin or any other aesthetic treatment of the head and neck, please contact us using the form below, via phone, or email.