Xeomin Wrinkle Relaxer Explained: Common Concerns, Results, and What to Know Before Your First Treatment
Frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet can make you look perpetually tired, stressed, and angry even when you don’t feel that way. Caused by repeated muscle movement and facial expressions, these lines do not have to be a permanent feature of your face. PNW Optimal Health is pleased to offer Xeomin® as a muscle-relaxing, wrinkle-softening treatment to our neighbors in Yakima, Washington, and the surrounding area.
How does Xeomin® work to smooth wrinkles?
Xeomin® is a type of injectable treatment formulated with a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. When you repeatedly frown, squint, raise your eyebrows, and make other facial expressions, this muscle movement contributes to the development of expression lines. Xeomin® targets these lines by temporarily blocking the nerve signal that tells the treated muscles to contract. By relaxing targeted muscles, the overlying skin stays smooth.
How is Xeomin® different from other wrinkle-relaxers like it (such as Botox®)?
Xeomin® differs from Botox® and other brands because it is a “naked” or “pure” neurotoxin. This means Xeomin® doesn’t contain accessory proteins or additives. This lack of additives may reduce the risk that your body forms antibodies, which could make treatment less effective over time and with repeated use. It’s important to understand that responses to treatment vary. Our professionals have a deep knowledge of the nuances among products and can determine the most appropriate treatment options for you.
Is there an ideal age to start Xeomin®?
Signs of aging can appear earlier or later in life, depending on factors such as sun exposure, lifestyle, and genetics. However, for younger clients, we generally recommend Xeomin® as a “preventative” measure to stop lines from becoming deeply etched and very noticeable. For clients with more mature skin, Xeomin® remains a suitable option because it can still significantly soften frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.
What is the Xeomin® treatment process?
There are generally five steps:
- Initial consultation and assessment, including a review of your medical history and facial expressions
- Treatment planning where we determine the areas to be injected and how many injections and units will be needed to get ideal and natural-looking results
- Skin preparation, which includes cleansing and may incorporate comfort measures as appropriate
- Small injections using a fine and sterile needle applied to specific muscles
- Post-treatment care where we provide you with instructions and advise on what to avoid immediately following your appointment
What can I expect post-treatment?
To ensure that the Xeomin® “stays put” and does not migrate to other areas, it’s important to resist the temptation to rub or touch the injection sites. You should also take it easy and avoid vigorous sports or physical activity right after your appointment. Aside from these precautions, you can generally resume your routine without downtime or recovery. You may have some mild and temporary injection-site tenderness, tightness, bruising, and headaches. These are relatively common and manageable side effects. If you are concerned about how the treated areas look and feel, you should always call us, as we may need to re-evaluate you to see how you’re responding to treatment.
When will my wrinkles look better?
Xeomin® and other neurotoxins are not immediate gratification procedures. The results often reveal themselves within three or four days. The full effects are typically apparent within one to two weeks. As the effects wear off (frequently after three or four months), contact us to schedule maintenance injections. Keep in mind that the timeframes mentioned throughout are generalizations; your results may last slightly longer or shorter depending on your metabolism, muscle intensity, dosage, treated area, how expressive you are, and other factors.
The results that you get from treatment depend on the technique and skill of the professional administering Xeomin®. Our professionals are trained, qualified, and experienced at planning and injecting these products. So, you will still be able to move your face; only your face will look naturally smoother and more vibrant. You can confidently move forward with Xeomin® treatment at PNW Optimal Health. Call 509-424-5941 to schedule your consultation at our Yakima, WA office today.