2002 was the year the beauty industry changed forever when Botox was first introduced. Botox, or Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin that prevents movement of facial muscles by blocking nerve impulses. The result? No more wrinkles! Up until a few years ago, Botox was the only neurotoxin available in the U.S. but now the once monopolized market has some competition with the more natural toxin, Xeomin.
I had the amazing opportunity to meet with Dr. Norman Rowe in New York City to discuss the difference between Botox & Xeomin. I also was able to try Xeomin for myself between my brows! I was initially very nervous at first because of my fear of needles, but was quickly relieved after the first injection as I honestly did not feel a thing. The Xeomin injection needle is so tiny and does not go that far into your skin that it’s essentially painless. What’s also great is that you can go about your day right afterwards. There is very mild red swelling over the few injection sites which you ice afterwards, and then it disappears within a matter of minutes. The results take a few days to kick in but once they do, the results are amazing and definitely noticeable especially if you squint a lot like me! See my full interview with Dr. Rowe below!
Interview with Dr. Rowe
1. How is Xeomin different from Botox?
In the US there are three approved neuromodulators, Xeomin, Botox and Dysport. They all originate from the same strain of bacteria, therefore they work essentially in the same way. There are some nuanced differences between the three such as the lack of extra proteins around the active molecule in Xeomin which decreases the protein load to the patient.
2. Who is a better candidate for Xeomin over Botox?
Theoretically, decreasing the protein load lessens the chance of becoming a non-responder, meaning that it lessens the chance that the patient will become immune to the neuromodulator being injected. Recently, Merz published the first large, multicenter, parallel–group study to investigate the equivalence of Xeomin to Botox in the treatment of glabellar frown lines, that Xeomin demonstrates similar efficacy to Botox® in the treatment of glabellar lines as assessed by independent physician raters, and that there was no reported difference in patient reported satisfaction.
3. Do you prefer to treat patients with Xeomin over Botox?
I have found that a lot of my celebrity patients prefer to have Xeomin treatments over Botox, because when someone asks them if they use Botox – they can honestly answer “no!” Also, a lot of my male patients really like Xeomin – I call them the XeoMen.
4. How do you think Xeomin will compete with Botox being that it is not as well known?
I have found that when I educate my patients on Xeomin, and explain that it is a “naked” toxin – they are happy to try it out, especially when they hear that there is a rebate on treatment, which makes it even more affordable.
About Dr. Norman Rowe
Dr. Norman Rowe and his RPA-C, Marilyn Chira, are expertly trained in Botox, Xeomin and Dysport injections. Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin and Dysport injections are very effective neurotoxins for reduction or elimination of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox injections can be both therapeutic and preventative. Patients choose Botox, Xeomin and Dysport injections as they age to treat fine lines on the face around the eyes, forehead, and mouth, but these injections can also be used at younger ages to prevent and postpone the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox, Xeomin and Dysport filler injections can also be used to treat muscle spasms and some migraines.
Dr. Norman Rowe, MD is a board certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a well-known practice in New York City’s Upper East Side. Dr. Rowe specializes in breast procedures, rhinoplasty procedures, and revision procedures. His extensive experience can help patients who desire any type of face, breast, body, or skin treatments.
Dr. Norman Rowe specializes in the latest and most innovative techniques to reduce scarring and trauma from surgery, and he is widely regarded for his short-scar breast reductions. Dr. Rowe offers his patients the newest anti-aging treatments including skin and body rejuvenation through both surgical and non-invasive methods. He continually researches new techniques and products to serve his patients’ body and skincare needs.
Dr. Norman Rowe trained as a plastic surgeon at New York University Medical Center and the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Institute. He also underwent an additional year studying microsurgery and breast reconstruction surgeries. He has been practicing in New York City for almost a decade.
Links
DR. NORMAN ROWE: NORMANROWEMED.
XEOMIN: XEOMINAESTHETIC.
