Botulinum therapy is one of the most effective and popular procedures in aesthetic medicine used to combat wrinkles. Injections of botulism toxin allow you to relax the muscles, thereby smoothing out wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones for the period of action of the substance. Botox is one of the first drugs in cosmetology, Xeomin is a newcomer who managed to prove himself well. Are there any differences between them and which drug is better? More on this later.

About the action of botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a substance that has been actively used in cosmetology for almost 30 years. For its manufacture, stabilized and purified botulinum toxin type A, synthesized in the laboratory by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum, is used. The essence of its action is to block the nerve impulse on the way from the nerve ending to the muscle fibers.

Normally, when an impulse is transmitted to the junction of the muscle with the nerve ending, acetylcholine is released. This is the substance that, in fact, causes muscle contractions. The proteins contained in acetylcholine penetrate the membrane of the nerve ending. The task of botulinum toxin is to cut off access to the membrane for some of these proteins. As a result, acetylcholine cannot bind to the membrane of nerve fibers and remains inside them. The nerve sends a signal, but the muscle does not contract and the skin evens out without any tightening effect.

Initially, botulinum toxin was used as a drug for the treatment of certain eye pathologies, muscle hyperactivity, various pain syndromes, hyperactivity of the endocrine glands, etc. Once it was noticed its neuroparalytic effect. Over time, it was also used for aesthetic purposes, as it is a great way to “hide” wrinkles or reduce sweating in hyperhidrosis.

The substance is injected with a special microneedle intramuscularly, less often — subcutaneously. Thanks to the very small needles, the injection marks are almost invisible and the procedure is virtually painless. The technique is effective for relieving excess muscle tension and eliminating muscle asymmetry in any part of the body. When working with the face, cosmetologists most often use botulinum toxin to eliminate wrinkles of almost any depth in the forehead, chin, nasolabial folds, corners of the eyes, etc.

Important. Experts recommend using preparations containing botulinum toxin type A in the «whole face» technique. It involves the introduction of a substance throughout the face, taking into account the peculiarities of its structure. The introduction of botulinum toxin into certain areas can highlight them too much against the background of the entire face, creating a mask effect.

About drugs

Botox

This is a time-tested and many experts option, which has already become a classic. The drug contains in its composition a complexing protein, therefore, when using Botox, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. The drug is presented in the form of a finely crystalline white powder, produced in sterile glass vials. Immediately before the procedure, the powder is mixed with sodium chloride (0.9%) until a homogeneous transparent solution is obtained.

Botox is actively used for:

1. correction of folds formed in the décolleté and neck area;

2. reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead and bridge of the nose;

3. reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes (the so-called «crow’s feet»);

4. elimination of small wrinkles in the nose area;

5. reduction of facial asymmetry and ptosis (drooping of the eyelid).

Botox has strict storage conditions: the optimum temperature for this drug is about -5 ⁰C. Opened packaging should not be stored for more than 4 hours at a temperature of 4 to 8 ⁰FROM.

Xeomin

This is a highly purified botulinum toxin type A made in Germany. The drug does not contain a complexing protein. The degree of purification of the substance made it possible to reduce allergenicity and increase safety for the body. The drug is presented in the form of a finely crystalline white powder of 50 and 100 IU, produced in sterile glass vials.

Xeomin is actively used for:

1. correction of folds formed in the décolleté and neck area;

2. reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead and bridge of the nose;

3. correction of nasolabial folds;

4. correction of wrinkles in the lower part of the face;

5. reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes (the so-called «crow’s feet») and lips;

6. elimination of small wrinkles in the nose area.

Important. A distinctive feature of xeomin is the reduced size of botulinum toxin molecules, which makes it possible to administer the drug even into the smallest muscles.

Possible complications and post-procedural care

All drugs containing botulinum toxin in their composition can provoke the occurrence of side effects. Among them:

1. dizziness;

2. headache;

3. nausea;

4. slight increase in temperature (not higher than +37.5 ⁰FROM);

5. burning, itching, swelling or redness in the injection area;

6. feeling of excessive tension of the skin;

7. loss of sensation;

8. tearing, double vision.

To minimize the likelihood of a negative reaction of the body to the drug, experts recommend following a number of simple rules:

1. do not take a horizontal position for 5-6 hours;

2. do not visit baths, solariums, gym for 2 weeks;

3. not having sex for 24 hours;

4. do not take alcoholic and narcotic substances, as well as antibiotics and drugs that affect blood clotting;

5. limit facial expressions for 24 hours.

Comparative characteristics