Xeomin or Dysport – which is better: reviews from cosmetologists and doctors themselves

Xeomin is a drug with botulinum toxin type A, designed to relax tense muscles and smooth out wrinkles on the forehead, eyes, mouth, nasolabial folds and tighten the oval of the face. Unlike analogs of Botox and Dysport, it causes fewer negative reactions, keeps the face natural, but is removed from the tissues faster.

Xeomin can be injected once every 4-6 months, that’s how long it works. Noticeable changes will appear after 3-5 days, they will reach a maximum in a week or two.

Main characteristics of Xeomin

You can understand what Xeomin is from the table:

What is this, manufacturer

Xeomin is a drug containing sterile botulinum toxin and is therefore used in cosmetology and neurology. In the first case, it allows you to get rid of wrinkles by relieving spasms of facial muscles. In the second, it is used for diseases that are also accompanied by this symptom and therefore cause negative changes in appearance and muscle function. We are talking about blepharospasm, the consequences of a stroke, torticollis, etc.

The manufacturer of the drug Xeomin is a German pharmaceutical company present in the CIS and Ukraine since 2008. The creation of drugs used in the neurology of cosmetology is the main direction of its activities.

Indications for use in cosmetology

The use of the drug in cosmetology gives results if:

• "crow's feet" around the eyes,
• deep nasolabial folds,
• wrinkles around the lips,
• the swollen oval of the face,
• age-related furrows on the forehead,
• sagging neck skin.

The result of use is the disappearance of signs of aging, since the skin ceases to experience tension transmitted from the muscles during the action of the product.

Xeomin is also effective for problems such as excessive sweating. It partially blocks the sweat glands, as a result of which their activity is significantly reduced.

Why is it used in neurology?

When used in neurology, the drug relieves the following symptoms:

• Blepharospasm. The eyelids stop closing involuntarily.
• Spasmodic torticollis. By relieving tension from the muscles, the head takes a more correct position.
• Spasms that are consequences of a stroke or occur against the background of cerebral palsy. The patient gains better control of his limbs.
• Hemific spasm. Facial spasms stop or their intensity decreases significantly.
• Paralytic strabismus. The position of the eye is leveled.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of the drug:

• myasthenia gravis, that is, muscle weakness,
• allergy to Botox and its derivatives or to other components (sucrose and human serum albumin),
• inflammation of the skin at the injection site,
• pregnancy and lactation,
• infectious diseases,
• high myopia,
• oncological pathologies,
• taking antibiotics or anticoagulants.

If the drug is used in cosmetology, the patient must be an adult.

How does the injection work?

The drug injection works as follows:

1. the substance reaches the nerve ending,
2. blocks the protein responsible for the production of acetylcholine,
3. thanks to this, the spasming muscle relaxes,
4. the skin ceases to experience pressure and tension emanating from it,
5. wrinkles are smoothed out.

The maximum effect is detected after 7-12 days and lasts up to 3-6 months. Then the toxin is removed from the tissues, and the muscle returns to its normal mobility or previous condition. If injections are given regularly, Xeomin will last longer than after the first time.

Watch this video about how Xeomin works:

Price

The price of the drug depends on the concentration of the active substance in the bottle:

• 50 units – from 6000 rub.,
• 100 units – from 10,000 rub.

Anything that costs less may turn out to be a fake or an expired product that will have no effect.

Price comparison for Xeomin, Botox and Dysport

The range of prices for injections with the drugs in question is quite large:

• Dysport – 150 rubles (about 20.25 UAH),
• Botox – 350 rubles (60, 70 UAH),
• Xeomin – 300 rubles (55, 60 UAH).

The cost of 1 unit of the drug is indicated, but it must be taken into account that to obtain the same effect you will need to administer five times more Dysport than drugs with identical effects.

We recommend reading about Lip Botox. You will learn about the difference between Botox and lip contouring, the technique of lip augmentation with Botox, and aftercare. And here is more information about the correction of nasolabial folds.

Mesotherapy is a popular procedure that is considered safe and effective for rejuvenation. But injections of drugs should not be given uncontrollably, only at the request of the client. A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist and a full examination are the key to successful correction of appearance.

Instructions for use Xeomin

Instructions for use of the drug Xeomin draw attention to the following points:

• before the procedure you need to be healthy, stop drinking alcohol, taking antibiotics, blood thinning medications for a few days, give up physical exercise, baths,
• The doctor dilutes the drug: 100 units. 0.25-5 ml of solution, per 50 units. – 0.1-2.5 ml, the bottle is not opened, but pierced with a sterile needle,
• for the eyes you need 10-24 units, for the forehead - 10-30 units, for the eyebrows - 20-25 units, otherwise the face will become unnatural,
• the drug is used for patients over 18 years of age, but more often their age is 25-50,
• the effect should not be expected earlier than 3-5 days after the procedure, but the best result will appear after 7-15 days and will remain so for 3-6 months,
• slight soreness, redness, bruises immediately after the procedure are normal, but a sharp deterioration in health, difficulty breathing, swallowing are complications, and you need to see a doctor for them.

Watch this video about the administration method and results of Xeomin injections:

Preparation for botulinum therapy

Botulinum therapy with the drug begins with the preparatory stage:

• the skin must be clean, without damage, so for a week before the procedure you should not use scrubs, peeling, grinding, or other aggressive manipulations,
• you should give up alcohol 3-5 days before it,
• Anticoagulants and antibiotics must be completed within 1-2 weeks,
• a couple of days before the injections you need to avoid sports, massage,
• on the day of the procedure you should not smoke, be nervous, it is better not to use decorative cosmetics,
• Limit liquid intake 3-4 hours before.

Before the procedure, you need to consult a therapist. And if injections are made in the area near the eyes, then an ophthalmologist will do it.

How is botulinum therapy performed with Xeomin?

Botulinum therapy with the German drug Xeomin is also performed in several stages:

1. the skin is cleaned, wiped with an antiseptic,
2. An anesthetic cream is applied for 20-30 minutes, but if the pain threshold is low, patients can do without it,
3. markings are applied to the face so as not to make a mistake with the injection sites,
4. dilute the drug with a special solution, draw it into a syringe,
5. make injections at the designated points,
6. Once again treat the affected area with an antiseptic.

The process takes up to 40-60 minutes. After this, you need to stay in the doctor’s office for another hour and a half to monitor the body’s reaction to the drug. The procedure itself does not cause severe pain and is quite easily tolerated.

How many units do you need per eye?

For the eyes, 10 to 24 units of Xeomin are needed to erase wrinkles. The doctor will determine more precisely, guided by the patient’s appearance and the depth of the wrinkles. Sometimes, to eliminate crow's feet, you also need to raise your eyebrows. In this case, the volume of the drug will be maximum.

How many units do you need for the eyebrow area?

For the area between the eyebrows you need 20-25 units of the drug. The quantity is determined by the size of the space and the degree of muscle tightness. Sometimes it is necessary to remove not only the fold between the eyebrows, but also the transverse wrinkles on the bridge of the nose.

How many units do you need per forehead?

On the forehead you need from 10 to 30 units of the product. The exact volume depends on the severity of age-related changes and the number of folds. After all, for some, literally the entire space is furrowed with wrinkles, for others, only shallow lines above the eyebrows need to be eliminated.

At what age can you inject?

Xeomin can be injected safely from the age of 18, but patients who wish to be exposed are usually between 25 and 50. This is when wrinkles appear and the procedure will most effectively eliminate them. Patients over 50 also undergo it, but, as a rule, in addition to other anti-aging manipulations.

If we are talking about a neurological disease, Xeomin is also injected into children. But only from 2 years old.

How to dilute 50, 100 units.

Dilute 50 units. product should be 0.1-2.5 ml of solution. The choice remains with the cosmetologist; it depends on the area into which the composition is going to be introduced. Xeomin 100 units. dilute 0.25-5 ml of solution. Usually, a more concentrated composition is made for the area between the eyebrows and the lower third of the face, and less for the flat muscles.

After how many days the result

The results of using the drug will appear after 3-5 days. But the maximum effect will be visible after 7-15 days. It will remain this way for several months, after which the muscles will return to their previous state.

How long does the effect last?

The effect of the procedure lasts 3-6 months. It is impossible to say in advance how long it will last, since it depends on many factors:

• speed of metabolic processes in the body,
• volume of administered drug,
• lifestyle.

The more active your facial expressions and the simpler your skin care, the faster the wrinkles will return.

How to speed up the elimination of the drug after injections for wrinkles

Anti-wrinkle injections will stop working faster if:

• Perform regular facial massage from a professional,
• subject the injection area to hardware procedures (ultrasound, myostimulation, etc.),
• do mesotherapy with drugs that contain DMAE.

The patient herself can speed up the removal of Botox if she actively plays sports and often goes to the bathhouse. Alcohol also affects the duration of the result, but this is the worst method of getting rid of the drug.

Indications for use

Botulinum therapy is carried out in the presence of the following cosmetic defects:

• wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyebrows;;
• "crow's feet"
• “purse-string” wrinkles around the lips;
• transverse folds on the bridge of the nose;
• hyperhidrosis;
• facial asymmetry.

Efficiency comparison

To understand which is better - Xeomin or Dysport, you can refer to the following table.

Side effects, consequences

The side effects that the drug causes are:

• pain in the puncture area,
• skin redness,
• small hematomas,
• swelling.

If you have breathing problems, hives, rashes, weakness, difficulty swallowing, this is a complication and you need to call an ambulance.

Xeomin can provoke negative consequences in the form of:

• hypercorrection, that is, unnatural facial expression,
• tissue drooping,
• asymmetry,
• paralysis of muscles not in the injection area.

This happens when the dosage of the drug is incorrect or the procedure itself is performed incorrectly.

Possible consequences

Drinking alcohol before or after Xeomin injections can cause a general deterioration in health, the signs of which include:

• nausea;
• muscle weakness;
• loss of appetite;
• irritability;
• sleep disorders;
• apathy;
• increased body temperature;
• flu-like syndrome;
• change in stool;
• dry mouth;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• impaired vision, articulation;
• vomit.

Aesthetic defects may also occur, expressed in:

• ptosis of the upper eyelids;
• lowering or raising eyebrows;
• blocking lip movement;
• complete immobility or distortion of the shape of the face;
• asymmetry of contours;
• swelling, hematomas, bumps;
• increased severity of wrinkles;
• allergic rashes.

What not to do after the procedure

After completing the procedure, you cannot do the following:

• tilt your head, bend over for 7-14 days,
• try alcohol for 1-2 weeks,
• take antibiotics for the same period,
• perform massage and other manipulations affecting the skin and muscles,
• overheat, sunbathe, go to the bathhouse, play sports.

And if, despite precautions, swelling increases, redness does not subside, or itching appears, you need to consult a doctor, as this is an allergy.

Xeomin and alcohol

Xeomin and any alcohol do not combine well, since alcohol dilates blood vessels, which prevents the drug from being distributed correctly. Therefore, you should not drink before the procedure and for some time after it. And in the future it is better to minimize the amount of alcohol in order to preserve the results longer. After all, it increases blood supply to the muscles, that is, it accelerates metabolic processes in them. And the drug is eliminated faster.

Xeomin and antibiotics

Xeomin and some antibiotics should also not be combined, since the latter enhance the effect of the toxin. At best, this threatens overcorrection. At worst, your overall health will suffer. Therefore, you should not take erythromycin, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, lincomycin and other types of antibacterial drugs before and shortly after the procedure.

If you have an allergy

An allergy to the drug is rare, but if it occurs, it requires taking an antihistamine (Tavegil, Suprastin, Claritin) and consulting a doctor. The problem may appear even a few days after the procedure in the form of:

• increasing swelling,
• itching,
• skin redness,
• difficulty moving the eyes, eyebrows, lips.

Anaphylactic shock develops directly during the procedure, and only emergency medical care will help here.

Recommendations for recovery

It is very important to properly conduct the recovery period after mesotherapy with Botox, Xeomin or Dysport. There are a number of recommendations from doctors that are announced to each patient before the procedure begins, during a preliminary consultation:

• the patient must remain in the clinic for at least 60, 90 minutes after mesotherapy,
• It is worth excluding grimaces, active use of facial muscles in the first two to three days,
• Immediately after the procedure, you should not bend over or lie down constantly,
• remove swelling and redness at the injection sites with an ice pack,
• For the first 3 to 5 days, avoid exposure to sun rays on your face,
• You cannot visit swimming pools, open water bodies, baths and saunas for a week,
• You should limit sports activities for 5, 10 days.

After mesotherapy with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin, it is forbidden to take antibacterial drugs or anticoagulants for 2 or 3 months - this recommendation is conditional, it all depends on the patient’s health condition and the vital need for certain medications.

In order for the effect of “youth injections” to last for a long time, you should not use decorative cosmetics or press/rub/scratch the injection sites for the first 2 or 3 days.

Recommendations after the Xeomin administration procedure

After the procedure using Xeomin, you need to follow the following recommendations for the first 2 weeks:

• don't bend over, don't lower your head,
• do not touch your face unnecessarily, do not rub your skin,
• don't sleep face down,
• refuse cosmetic procedures, even at home, except for washing,
• Don't wear makeup for a few days
• forget about alcohol and self-administration of medications,
• avoid heat, physical activity, that is, anything that provokes a rush of blood to the skin.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Doctors warn about the harmful effects of alcohol on the body as a whole. And after cosmetic procedures, it is even more necessary to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

There are cosmetologists who believe that there is no great harm from the combination of alcohol and xeomin:

Compatibility of Xeomin correction with other procedures

Correction with Xeomin combines well with several anti-aging procedures:

• using fillers,
• mesotherapy,
• biorevitalization,
• chemical peeling,
• laser grinding,
• bioreinforcement.

One of them can be performed no later than a month before the administration of botulinum toxin.

Injection

The procedure requires a preliminary consultation with a doctor. The cosmetologist conducts a detailed conversation, finding out the possibility of carrying out the procedure. The doctor points out existing restrictions, calculates the drug administration regimen, the required dosage, and prescribes the time for basic manipulations.

On the day of the procedure, the patient is seated in a cosmetology chair. Xeomin injections are performed with the body in an upright position. The skin is pre-cleansed and treated with an antiseptic.

For local anesthesia, ice is used or the need to treat the intended puncture sites with EMLA cream is specified in advance. Xeomin injections are comparable to an insect bite. Pain when injecting the solution is minimal.

The doctor assesses the condition of the skin, existing problems, and asks you to make a face using facial expressions. Actions help to more accurately mark future injections. The doctor makes punctures at the planned points, injecting a certain amount of the prepared substance. All manipulations with Xeomin are carried out exclusively in front of the patient. The process ensures that the doctor is using a fresh solution of the substance. The patient is advised to additionally check the release date of the substance.

The drug is administered with a thin insulin syringe. Depending on the problems being solved, the doctor selects the treatment technology and determines the number of Xeomin units used. When introducing a patient to a drug, cosmetologists prefer to underestimate the dosage, insuring themselves against the risk of unwanted consequences.

When determining the dosage, the doctor is guided by the maximum number of units taken for a specific area of ​​administration. The minimum impact is carried out in the nose area to raise the eyebrows. 5 units of Xeomin are enough. To correct the area of ​​the chin and lips, 6 units of the drug are enough. For large areas there are restrictions on the administration of Botox:

• crow's feet - 15;
• forehead - 30;
• between the eyebrows - 25;
• neck - 50;
• oval lift - 60.

After injections, heaviness and pain may be felt at the sites of impact. Swelling and bruising may occur in the injection areas. Minor ailments are acceptable: headache, weakness. Most unpleasant symptoms disappear within half an hour. During this period, the cosmetologist observes the patient. What is important is how you feel, the external picture.

The procedure takes no more than an hour. An experienced doctor, depending on the scale of the manipulation, can handle it in 10–30 minutes, leaving no obvious traces of the impact. The effect of the substance does not affect general well-being, motor skills, or psyche. Upon completion of the procedure, patients calmly drive a car and go to work.

The average price of a unit of Xeomin in Moscow clinics is 150–350 rubles. The range depends on the qualifications of the doctor and the prestige of the institution.

Advice. In most cases, the cost differs little from classic Botox. The choice in favor of Xeomin is often based on the desire to preserve natural facial expressions, and not to save money.

The completion of the botulinum toxin injection correction session is recognized as a control examination by a cosmetologist. The doctor evaluates the external picture and compares his own observations with the wishes of the patient. After 2 weeks, a minor correction of the result is possible, prescribed by a cosmetologist.

FAQ

Xeomin or Botox, which is better?

Xeomin or its analogue Botox should be preferred in a particular case, the doctor decides, because:

• The first one causes fewer negative reactions and is stored longer. But it provides a softer correction than the second one. Therefore, it keeps the face natural and does not smooth out all the wrinkles. Xeomin is also ineffective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. But it is not addictive.
• Botox has more side effects and allergies are more common. But it eliminates deep wrinkles better, and the effect of use lasts longer. You can forget about increased sweating with Botox for several months.

What is better - the introduction of Xeomin or Dysport?

The patient needs the introduction of Dysport or Xeomin - the cosmetologist also decides, keeping in mind age and problems, preferences, area of ​​​​use of the product. The first drug provides more pronounced rejuvenation, but can penetrate beyond the corrected zone. It is cheaper, but to be effective you need to inject a larger volume than Xeomin. The duration of action of each product is approximately the same.

Is it possible to get facial injections during pregnancy?

Xeomin injections are not given to pregnant women because:

• the main active ingredient, although used in microscopic doses, is still toxic,
• its negative impact on the body of the expectant mother or fetus has not been confirmed, but it has not been refuted either.

Therefore, the facial procedure, as well as Dysport, Botox, will have to be postponed until breastfeeding is completed. After all, the effect of drugs has not been tested during lactation, which means it can be dangerous.

Are injections allowed for children?

Botuloxin injections, if indicated, are given to a child if he is 2 years old. But first, the doctor will evaluate the pros and cons, since the drug is not the “gold standard” in the treatment of diseases.

We recommend reading about how Dysport works after injection. From the article you will learn about the composition of the drug, indications and contraindications for injections of the drug, methods of carrying out the procedure, and results.

And here is more information about which drug is better, Xeomin, Botox or Dysport.

Xeomin is a new generation product that has already proven itself well. There are favorable reviews about it from both cosmetologists and patients. Therefore, if the doctor thinks that it is better to use this particular drug, it makes sense to listen to the advice.

Behavior of drugs under the skin

How long after injections can the drugs take effect? It takes about 2 days for botulinum toxin to “drown” nerve impulses and make the facial muscles immobile. This applies to both Xeomin and Dysport. But unlike its French counterpart, Xeomin acts more softly, keeping facial expressions natural and lively. The stone face effect is absent, but the corrective effect is less pronounced.

In this case, it’s hard to say which is better, because there are clients who want to get rid of facial wrinkles without damaging their facial expressions, and those who prefer more aggressive measures. The determining factor will not be the client’s personal preferences, but the opinion of the cosmetologist.

The drugs have different compositions and different molecular weights

The degree of penetration of the drug into the facial muscle tissues is also different: in Xeomin it is less pronounced, while in Dysport it is much higher. This is due to different molecular weights and determines the different actions of the drugs. The risk of penetration into adjacent tissues is eliminated in the case of Xeomin. The effect of Dysport and Botox can spread beyond the boundaries of the corrected area. But the property manifests itself to such an insignificant extent that it is often ignored.

Compatible with other procedures

Experienced cosmetologists rarely combine different procedures in one session. Each impact requires an individual approach, certain restrictions in the preparatory and recovery period.

Correction of large folds with fillers is preferred in combination with Botox injections. The procedure can be applied to different areas. The area cannot be treated with Botox and gel at the same time.

Some cosmetologists prefer to combine botulinum toxin with a mesotherapy cocktail or hyaluronic acid, as in biorevitalization. The areas are treated with small subcutaneous multiple injections. Mesobotox is used to solve minor age-related problems.

Botox injections are often used to complement plastic surgery, chemical peeling, and resurfacing procedures. Botulinum toxin manipulation is performed with a break of at least a month after the main procedure. The body needs restoration. It is not advisable to perform serious manipulations after Botox. The doctor will not be able to correctly assess the condition of the skin. Eliminating the problem will be either too much or not enough.