 
Frown lines can make you look tired, tense or upset even when you feel perfectly relaxed. These vertical “11” lines between the brows deepen when you concentrate, squint or frown, and over time they can stay visible at rest.
Xeomin is one of several FDA approved wrinkle relaxers that can soften them. Because it contains no accessory proteins, it is often called a “naked” neurotoxin. Here is what that means, how it compares with other options and how to choose the right fit with your injector. You can also explore Botox at PURE, Dysport and Jeuveau.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Xeomin contains incobotulinumtoxinA without accessory complexing proteins.
- ✓That does not make it automatically stronger, safer or longer lasting.
- ✓Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin are all FDA approved for frown lines.
- ✓Your injector chooses based on your anatomy, history and goals.
What Is Xeomin for Frown Lines?
Xeomin contains incobotulinumtoxinA, a purified botulinum toxin type A. Frown lines, also called glabellar lines, form mainly from repeated contraction of the corrugator and procerus muscles between the brows. Xeomin temporarily quiets the signals that tell those muscles to contract, so the skin above them looks smoother.
It is FDA approved to improve the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines in adults, and it lets you keep natural movement when dosed thoughtfully.
What Does a Naked Neurotoxin Mean?
Some botulinum toxin products include accessory complexing proteins around the active molecule. Xeomin is purified to contain the active neurotoxin without them, which is where the “naked” nickname comes from.
What It Does Not Mean
Naked does not mean protein free, and it does not mean Xeomin is automatically safer, stronger or longer lasting than other products. It is one reason some people ask about Xeomin, especially if they have been treated many times, but the choice should still rest on your anatomy, history and preferences.
Who May Prefer Xeomin?
People often ask about Xeomin if they:
- ✓Have had many neurotoxin treatments and want to discuss formulation
- ✓Prefer a product without accessory proteins
- ✓Want to compare brands after a result that did not meet expectations
- ✓Like the idea of a product that does not need refrigeration before reconstitution
These are reasons to ask, not reasons it will work better for you. Your injector weighs them alongside your goals.
Xeomin vs Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau
| Product | Active ingredient | Approved for frown lines | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox Cosmetic | onabotulinumtoxinA | Yes | Also approved for crow’s feet, forehead lines and more |
| Dysport | abobotulinumtoxinA | Yes, adults under 65 | Uses its own unit system |
| Jeuveau | prabotulinumtoxinA | Yes | Designed for aesthetic use |
| Xeomin | incobotulinumtoxinA | Yes | No accessory complexing proteins |
A randomized trial in Dermatologic Surgery found Xeomin and Botox similarly effective for frown lines at the doses studied. Units are not interchangeable between brands, and the FDA notes that Xeomin units cannot be converted into units of other products. The question is less “which brand is better” and more “which fits you.” Read Xeomin vs Botox vs Dysport and which tox lasts longest for more.
PURE MEDICAL SPA CHICAGO
Softer 11 Lines, Natural Expression
Meet our injectors to choose the wrinkle relaxer that fits you.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A good candidate is an adult with moderate to severe lines between the brows who understands results are temporary. Xeomin should not be used if there is infection at the injection site or a known allergy to its ingredients.
What to Tell Your Provider
Mention any neuromuscular disorder, past swallowing or breathing problems, allergies and medicines that affect nerve and muscle signals. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed before treatment. Our Botox consultation guide walks through the questions.
What Happens During a Treatment Visit?
Your provider studies your frown lines at rest and in motion, reviews your history and maps the muscles involved. The injections take only minutes, and most people return to their day right away. Avoid rubbing the area afterward unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Results and Treatment Monitoring
Results are not instant. Many people notice softening within several days, with the full effect building over the next weeks. In a pooled analysis of two controlled trials with 366 patients, the strongest investigator assessed response was seen around Day 30, followed by a gradual return of movement.
Give It Time
Avoid judging your result too early or asking for more injections before your provider reviews you. Learn how long results usually last in how long Dysport lasts and how long Jeuveau lasts.
Possible Side Effects and Safety
Most people tolerate treatment well. Possible effects include redness, tenderness, bruising, mild swelling, headache, local muscle weakness and, in some cases, eyelid drooping. Rarely, toxin effects may spread beyond the injection area; seek immediate care for trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, or general muscle weakness. See Botox or Xeomin side effects for more.
Frown Line Treatment at PURE Medical Spa
At PURE Medical Spa, frown line treatment starts with a facial assessment and a frank conversation about products. Our injectors work with Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau every day and will explain how each compares with Xeomin, so you can choose with confidence. Ask our team about the wrinkle relaxers available at your clinic when you book. Smoothing other areas too? See Dysport for crow’s feet.
Visit PURE Medical Spa Across Chicagoland
PURE Medical Spa welcomes you at five convenient clinics in Chicago and the suburbs. Ask our team which location offers wrinkle relaxer treatments and pick the visit that fits your schedule.
PURE Medical Spa Gold Coast (N. Dearborn), Chicago
875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
Book OnlineCall or Text 312.312.7873Naperville 331.283.0440
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naked neurotoxin?
It is a botulinum toxin product without accessory complexing proteins. Xeomin earns the nickname from its purified formula, though it is not entirely protein free.
Does Xeomin help between the eyebrows?
Yes. Xeomin is FDA approved to temporarily improve moderate to severe glabellar lines between the eyebrows.
Xeomin vs Botox for frown lines: which is better?
Both can soften frown lines, and research has shown similar effectiveness at the doses studied. The right choice depends on your history, anatomy and preferences.
Who is a good candidate for Xeomin?
Adults with moderate to severe frown lines who want temporary improvement. People with an injection site infection or an allergy to its ingredients should not receive it.
How long do Xeomin results last?
Results are temporary and vary. Movement gradually returns, so timing for your next visit is based on your own response.
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Relaxed Brows, Refreshed Look
Book a wrinkle relaxer consultation at a PURE clinic near you.
Safety note: Botulinum toxin products, including Xeomin, are not suitable for everyone. Do not receive treatment with an infection at the injection site or a known allergy to the product. Tell your provider about neuromuscular conditions, breathing or swallowing problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek immediate care for difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or widespread muscle weakness. This article is educational and does not replace a medical assessment.
References
- National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information
- National Library of Medicine: IncobotulinumtoxinA vs onabotulinumtoxinA for glabellar lines
