Frown lines form when facial expressions are made as the muscle under the skin contracts. Over time, as your skin ages, these repeated expressions cause lasting frown lines. Neurotoxins, such as Xeomin®, are prescription medications that block the release of chemicals that cause these muscle contractions so frown lines are softened.
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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 It 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.
Who’s a Candidate?
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 to Expect During the Treatment?
During treatment, which usually takes about 10-20 minutes, your doctor will inject Xeomin® into the muscles in your forehead that cause frown lines between your eyebrows. No anesthesia is required; however, your physician may use a topical anesthetic or cold pack to reduce any discomfort.
When Can You 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. The maximum effect occurred at 30 days. The typical duration of effect was up to 3 months in clinical trials but may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects?
Xeomin® may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Xeomin® may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or seek medical help right away if you have wheezing, experience other asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint.In clinical trials of Xeomin® for the treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows, headache was the most common side effect. Xeomin® may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, blurred vision, or drooping eyelids within hours to weeks of taking Xeomin®. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not subside. These are not all of the possible side effects of Xeomin®. For more information, see accompanying Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide, or ask your doctor.
