Dr. Griffiths and her staff at NewView are professional, warm, and attentive. Her expert laser surgery restored my vision, put me at ease, and I trust her fully for eye care and facial procedures.
Dee Greenwich
Xeomin (IncobotulinumtoxinA) for Facial Wrinkles
How Xeomin Works
Understanding how Xeomin works can help you feel confident about what to expect before, during, and after treatment. The science behind it is well established and has been studied extensively in clinical settings.
Xeomin works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells a muscle to contract. When the targeted muscle is temporarily unable to contract, the wrinkles caused by that movement soften and smooth out.
This effect is temporary. As the nerve endings gradually form new connections to the muscle fibers over several months, normal muscle activity returns and wrinkles can reappear, making retreatment necessary to maintain results.
For cosmetic frown lines, the standard Xeomin dose is 20 units, which is considered approximately unit-for-unit equivalent to onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox). This makes transitioning between the two products relatively straightforward for both patients and providers.
It is important to note that Xeomin units are not interchangeable with abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) or daxibotulinumtoxinA (Daxxify), which use different unit systems. Our eye doctors adjust your total dose based on your muscle strength, the area being treated, and your desired outcome.
Many patients begin to notice softening of expression lines within the first week of treatment. Full results typically develop between 14 and 30 days after injection, with peak effect reached around day 30.
Results generally last 3 to 4 months, which is consistent with other type A neuromodulators. With consistent retreatment over time, some patients find that their results last slightly longer as the treated muscles gradually become conditioned to reduced activity.
Who May Benefit Most from Xeomin
Xeomin is a strong option for a wide range of patients, but certain groups may find it especially well suited to their needs. Our team takes time to understand your history and goals before recommending any treatment.
If you have been receiving neuromodulator treatments for some time and your results seem shorter-lived or weaker than they once were, your immune system may have developed antibodies against the complexing proteins in your current product.
Because Xeomin contains only the pure toxin without those additional proteins, it presents a different profile to the immune system. This may restore effectiveness for patients who have developed a tolerance to other formulations. Discussing this pattern with your eye doctor is a good first step.
With its FDA approval for simultaneous treatment of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet, Xeomin is a practical and efficient option for patients who want to address all three areas without multiple appointments.
Treating these areas together allows our eye doctors to create a balanced, harmonious result across the upper face, avoiding the uneven appearance that can occur when only one zone is treated at a time. Our team carefully calibrates doses across all three areas so that natural facial expression is preserved.
If you have never tried a neuromodulator before, Xeomin is a well-studied option with a strong safety and efficacy record. Its protein-free formulation and broad FDA approval make it a reasonable starting point for patients beginning their treatment journey.
Most first-time patients respond well to any FDA-approved neuromodulator. Choosing Xeomin does not commit you to it long-term. Your eye doctor can help you evaluate your experience at follow-up and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
What to Expect During Treatment
Xeomin treatment is a brief, in-office procedure that fits easily into a busy schedule. Knowing what to expect from your appointment through to recovery can help you plan and feel at ease.
Your eye doctor will evaluate your facial muscles and observe how your face moves through various expressions. Injection points are then mapped while you are seated upright to ensure accurate placement.
The injection process itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Each injection feels like a brief pinch. Most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably without numbing, though ice or a topical anesthetic can be made available. You can return to work and most normal activities right away.
After treatment, you should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for several hours and skip strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
Softening of expression lines may be visible within the first week. Full results typically develop by 14 to 30 days after your appointment. Our team may schedule a follow-up around the two-week mark to evaluate your results and determine whether any minor adjustments are warranted.
As the effects naturally wear off over 3 to 4 months, you can schedule your next treatment to maintain the results you have achieved.
The most common side effects are minor bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. These typically resolve within a few days. An occasional headache after treatment may occur and usually responds to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Temporary eyelid drooping is an uncommon side effect that resolves on its own as the product wears off. Precise injection technique and appropriate dosing significantly reduce this risk. Your eye doctor will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions patients most often ask about Xeomin. If your question is not covered here, our team is happy to help during a consultation.
No single neuromodulator is the right choice for every patient. Xeomin's protein-free profile may be the best fit for patients with tolerance concerns or for those treating all three upper-face zones in one visit. Other products may have features that suit different goals or preferences. The right choice depends on your individual situation, and our eye doctors will help you weigh your options based on your medical history and desired outcome.
Switching to Xeomin is generally straightforward. Because Xeomin is approximately unit-for-unit equivalent to Botox, your eye doctor can adjust your dose accordingly. No waiting period beyond your normal treatment interval is required. Many patients switch formulations at some point in their treatment history without any significant disruption to their results.
Cosmetic use of Xeomin, including treatment of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet, is not covered by insurance. However, therapeutic use for medically diagnosed conditions such as blepharospasm may be covered depending on your insurance plan. Our team can help clarify coverage for medical indications and discuss payment options, including financing through CareCredit and FSA or HSA accounts, during your consultation.
Xeomin has a well-established safety record for use around the eye area, supported by FDA-reviewed clinical trial data. As an ophthalmology practice, our eye doctors have specialized knowledge of the anatomy around the eyes, which informs precise, careful injection placement. The combination of appropriate dosing and expert technique helps protect the delicate structures in and around the eye.
Most patients schedule retreatment every 3 to 4 months to maintain their results. Your personal interval may shift slightly over time. Some patients find that with consistent treatment their results extend gradually, while others maintain a steady schedule throughout. Your eye doctor will recommend a retreatment timeline based on how your muscles respond.
Xeomin can complement other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers including Juvederm Voluma XC, RADIESSE, and Belotero Balance, which restore lost volume or smooth deeper facial folds. Neuromodulators and fillers address different concerns and are often used together as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Our team will help you understand which combination of treatments aligns with your goals and is appropriate for your anatomy.
Schedule Your Xeomin Consultation at NewView Eye Center
If you are curious about whether Xeomin is the right neuromodulator for your goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at NewView Eye Center, proudly serving patients throughout Northern Virginia. Our eye doctors bring specialized expertise in both cosmetic and medical uses of injectable neuromodulators, including treatment around the delicate eye area. We take a personalized approach to every patient and will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget.
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