Unlocking the Secrets: How Long Do Xeomin Results Last?

From smoothing stubborn frown lines to preventing dynamic wrinkles, Xeomin injections temporarily paralyze facial muscles to dramatically improve appearance for those bothered by moderate to severe expression lines between the brows. For those considering, or already experiencing, Xeomin’s wrinkle-relaxing benefits, there are techniques you can use before and after injectable treatment to safely make the aesthetic results last even longer.

What is Xeomin Used For? 

Xeomin is an injectable prescription medicine used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults. It contains botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve signals to the muscles, resulting in weakened or paralyzed muscles that prevent frowning and wrinkles. Xeomin is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows, and its effects last for several months, though treatment needs to be repeated to maintain effectiveness.

Can I Develop an Immunity to an Injectable Muscle Relaxant?

It is possible for some patients to develop an immunity to certain injectable muscle relaxants like botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) with repeated treatments over time. This occurs when the body produces antibodies that neutralize the effects of the botulinum toxin.

The muscle relaxant works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles where it is injected, causing temporary paralysis or weakness. With repeated wrinkle-relaxing injections, the immune system can start to recognize the toxin as a foreign substance and create antibodies against it. This can make the injections less effective or ineffective if high enough immunity builds up. 

The process is called immunoresistance. Some people appear to be more prone to it than others. Using the lowest effective dose and spacing out treatments with a break of at least 3 months when possible can help reduce the risk. Switching between different brands of botulinum toxin may also help avoid immunoresistance in some cases, as the formulations are slightly different. However, there is still a risk of the body learning to resist even alternate versions over time with frequent or high doses. Unfortunately, even with proper precautions, some patients do eventually stop responding to botulinum toxin injectables after many repeat injections over the course of a few years.

Tips on How to Make Your Xeomin Treatment Last Longer

Xeomin injections typically last 3-4 months on average. With proper technique, localized low doses, and following aftercare instructions, you can maximize your results over time. The following tips will help make your Xeomin treatments last longer:

• Stick to the recommended treatment schedule. Getting Xeomin injections too frequently can actually lead to the body developing antibodies against it, making the injections less effective over time. Following the minimum recommended 12-week or longer interval between treatments allows it to work most optimally at each session.
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for several hours after the injections. This can displace the Xeomin from where the provider injected it, reducing its localized effects.
• Stay upright and avoid lying down right after treatment. Gravity can impact how well the Xeomin settles into the target muscles if you lie down too soon.
• Be patient and wait the full duration before assessing if you need touch-up injections. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to start working, so give it time before asking for more. Over-treating can also increase resistance.
• Make facial expressions as normal after 2-3 hours. Complete immobilization of the face can actually weaken muscles over time, contrary to the natural preservation of movement that small Xeomin does allow. Normal facial animation helps maintain muscle integrity.
  
  

Factors that Influence Result Duration

There are several key factors that can influence how long the effects of Xeomin injections last:

• Dosage - Higher doses may last slightly longer initially, but frequently can increase the risk of resistance with repeated treatments over time. Very low doses may wear off faster. An appropriate minimum effective dose tailored for each patient provides optimal results.
• Injection technique - Precise injection placement in the target muscles is important. Improperly placed injections lead to the drug diffusing away from key sites and wearing off sooner. An experienced injector optimizes duration.
• Metabolism - People with faster metabolisms tend to break down Xeomin faster, meaning a shorter duration of effect. Slower metabolisms lead to greater longevity of response. 
• Muscle mass and movement - Those with larger, stronger facial muscles and those who are more expressive may "work through" the muscular weakening effects sooner. Less active muscles retain the relaxation longer.
• Overall health - Certain illnesses or medications may influence breakdown rates and longevity. For example, enzymes that activate/deactivate chemicals in the body can play a role.   
• Prior exposure - Rarely, if high cumulative doses were received in the past, resistance can quicken drug breakdown. Sticking to minimum effective doses helps prevent this issue.

Post-Treatment Care and its Role in Injection Longevity

Proper post-treatment care after Xeomin injections is vital for ensuring the longest-lasting results possible. There are a few key things every patient should do in the hours and days following an injection session:

First, avoid rubbing, massaging, or manipulating the treated area after your appointment. The doctor carefully places tiny amounts of Xeomin in very specific locations in the muscle. Any pressure or movement in the area can shift the product from where it needs to stay localized to work best and longest. Keeping hands off the area for at least 4-6 hours preserves this precision placement. 

Second, stay upright and avoid lying flat or bending forward for around 4 hours post injection. Gravity can also shift Xeomin placement if you lean too far forward or lie down too soon. Give it time to properly diffuse in place and lock into the target muscles before a change of position. After 4 hours, you can generally resume normal head positions comfortably.

Finally, don't over-contract the treated muscles immediately. Some movement is fine and encouraged later on to prevent stiffening. But initially, let the Xeomin properly dock in the relaxed muscle without flexing, frowning heavily, or making extreme expressions. Move all other facial zones naturally except the directly treated forehead or brow region for that first day. 

Following post-care techniques your provider recommends allows optimal localized paralysis and preservation of the desired smoothing result. Being careful in the hours after injections means you get the maximum longevity of effect. Over 3-4 months of consistent muscle relaxation is achievable when patients avoid disrupting that crucial initial settling period for Xeomin. Just be gentle and position the face mindfully!

See the Results Yourself with Xeomin Injections in New Jersey & Pennsylvania 

If you're looking to smooth out moderate to severe frown lines with a proven injectable treatment, visit the skilled aesthetic physician assistant at It Aesthetix Medspa in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Their artistic eye, precision technique, and custom approach target the exact muscles needed for natural-looking relaxation that lasts. Book a consultation today!