I’m a big believer that you should practice what you preach, so in the name of my career, there’s not much I wouldn’t do to my face. I tried Botox for the first time when I was 26, and these days, injections are an essential tool in my fight to preserve my youthful appearance. I stuck with Botox for years, then Dysport came out so I gave that one a whirl. I never developed a preference for one over the other, so I usually let my doctor decide—but then Xeomin hit the market and I couldn’t wait to try it. Naturally I had questions, so I dialed up dermatologist Elizabeth Callahan, MD of Sarasota, Florida.
IBB: Is Xeomin better than the competition?
Dr. Callahan: Anytime there’s a choice there’s an advantage, and having another option is good for patients and good for doctors.
IBB: How is Xeomin different?
Dr. Callahan: Xeomin works the same way as the others, and it’s just as effective. The main difference is that it’s a purer product, since less proteins are used when formulating the product.
IBB: What does a “purer” product mean for the patient?
Dr. Callahan: Some patients like the idea of a “pure” product. But in terms of results, it takes the same amount of time to take the effects [roughly 4 days] and results last the same as well.
IBB: Who is a candidate?
Dr. Callahan: Xeomin is great for first-timers and long-time injectable patients alike. Anyone who’s been using a different product for some time should try it. Every body is unique, and you may find you like the results better.
After this conversation, I was off to dermatologist Janelle Vega, MD in Coral Gables to try it for myself. She explained as well that Xeomin is equivalent to the other products in terms of strength, and she suggests patients try it if they’re not happy with the results they’re getting from their current wrinkle-relaxer. Since I’ve been having some longevity issues with the other products, she said I was the perfect candidate, and she got to work!
BEFORE (raising my eyebrows and making a scrunchy face)
Full disclosure: I decided to skip the numbing cream, because I’ve had enough injections to know I don’t need it for this type of injections. But with that said, these stung more than usual, and Dr. Vega says that’s because Xeomin has to be mixed with preservative-free saline. Duly noted for next time. After injections around my eyes, between my brows and across my forehead I was out the door and then all I had to do was wait.
It can take up to a week for some patients to see results from wrinkle-relaxing injections, but I had significantly less movement after two—and I’d say I saw the full results after five days. I was so thrilled I emailed Dr. Vega (because I couldn’t wait the two weeks until my follow-up appointment to tell her–and I totally felt like we were friends after my initial visit). Two weeks later I was back in her office so she could take a peek, and I got a little more injected around my eyes to improve my crow’s feet even more.
AFTER (Raising my eyebrows and TRYING to make a scrunchy face. Not very scientific, but you get the point.)
In one word: AMAZING. Now, the big question will be how long it lasts. After my last injections with another product, I started to see movement again after two months, and let’s just say I wasn’t happy about it. The clock is ticking, so stay tuned for updates. If Xeomin lasts longer than the others, you’ll be sure to know! And if you have any questions about injectables, please ask away… Don’t be shy, IBB is here to help!