Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics In Maine
Transform and Enhance
Current Client Before/Afters
Injectables: Tox & Filler
It’s time to compare B*tox vs Xeomin. As we age, there’s often nothing we can do to get rid of those pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other problem areas of our face. But for some of us, these wrinkles come on fast and with a vengeance. So much so that more and more people are reaching out for help to keep their skin looking young and in check.
In fact, 50% of young women are concerned about wrinkles, particularly with age. There are many skin care products and treatments that can help. However, your dermatologist or aesthetian may suggest B*tox. Or you may have already seen the benefits of B*tox and want to try it out for yourself.
The thing is, B*tox is not the only long-term wrinkle treatment on the market. We’ve covered Dysport – a popular alternative to this injectable – and how it differs from B*tox. But there’s a third – Xeomin – that flies under the radar. However, it’s just as effective. Xeomin is an injectable that can provide excellent results. But is it better than B*tox?
All about botulinum toxin type A injectables
There’s nothing to say about the immense success and uses of B*tox. It’s a protein derived from botulinum toxin Type A. Exposure to large amounts can weaken or paralyze muscles and can even be deadly. However, injected in small, controlled doses, the protein can gently relax muscles in a particular area, which can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
With this knowledge, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will inject doses of the protein in strategic parts of the face to reduce wrinkles and improve the overall appearance. Botulinum type A also has several different medical uses, which we cover extensively before you get any injectable treatment at our facility.
B*tox is simply a brand name of the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin Type A for cosmetic use. Today, it’s almost as popular as other brand names like Coke, Kleenex, or Post-its. Yet, it’s not the only one on the market. Your Dermatologist or Aesthetician may also suggest another brand, Xeomin.
Have you heard about Xeomin?
Xeomin (pronounced zeo-min) is another powerful botulinum type A drug on the market. It was FDA-approved in 2010 and explicitly targeted frown lines. Frown lines are those wrinkles and folds that form on the forehead and between the eyebrows (called glabellar lines which can look like an ’11’) due to constant squinting or frowning. These wrinkles often extend to the eyes and are called Crow’s Feet. By injecting a set amount of Xeomin around these areas, women and men alike can enjoy smoother, wrinkle-free skin for several months.
Xeomin is also approved to treat non-cosmetic conditions like migraines and excessive sweating. Speak with a general practitioner or your dermatologist for any off-brand or non-cosmetic use.
The “naked” injectable
Because of its FDA approval, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians alike trust Xeomin for on-label and off-label use. In addition, we’ve seen studies show that Xeomin provides similar success rates to B*tox and Dysport. The company that distributes the protein, Merz Pharmaceuticals, designed Xeomin to be one of the purest forms of botulinum type A, which is why it’s sometimes called the naked injectable.
How do you use injectables?
Using botulinum type A injectables like Xeomin and B*tox happens in a non-invasive procedure completed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The process takes just a few minutes and is often called a ‘lunchtime procedure.’
Here at Permanent Makeup & Cryo In Maine, our process starts with a consultation, where we’ll review your problem areas, medical history, and skin goals. The criteria that will make you eligible for Xeomin include:
- You should be in generally good health.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- There are no known allergies or side effects to the injectable
- You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not have any pre-existing nerve or muscular disease.
If you’re a candidate for an injectable, you may come in for your procedure at your earliest convenience. The botulinum toxin is injected into specific areas. And that’s it. After a few days, you’ll begin to see improvements in your skin’s appearance. Then, after two weeks, you should see the full wrinkle-busting effects of Xeomin.
Where Xeomin and Botox are similar
Your Dermatologist or Aesthetician may choose one or both injectables to treat different areas of your face. Along with injectable dermal fillers (like Restylane), you can even get a liquid facelift, which can be transformative. Both B*tox and Xeomin in these forms have several benefits:
- Both contain botulinum toxin Type A, which can relax muscles in specific areas. This means reducing your wrinkles for a set period.
- Both will feel like they’ve added much-needed youth back to your face. The anti-aging properties of Botox and Xeomin are outstanding, making you look and feel much younger.
- When patients use them over time, both injectables can reduce the nerve signals, further preventing wrinkles.
- Most patients see results for longer over time.
- You can get the injectables in just a few minutes.
- Both aren’t covered by insurance plans, including Medicare.
- There are uncommon side effects.
These similarities should make patients comfortable with using both to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
B*tox vs Xeomin: Where they differ
While these share many similarities, there are just as many differences, meaning these injectables are not interchangeable. Before visiting your dermatologist, these are some of the differences you should know:
- The most significant difference in B*tox vs Xeomin is that Xeomin is formulated to be purely botulinum Type A. This formulation reduces the chances of allergies. Botox contains other proteins that can cause allergies.
- The lack of additives means you are less likely to develop antibodies against the injectable, which may reduce its effectiveness. This can happen with B*tox.
- A lack of additives means that Xeomin may not need to be refrigerated, which can extend its shelf life.
- Xeomin is primarily used for minor to moderate wrinkles in the forehead and near the eyebrows and eyes.
- Because of the formulations, your doctor may use less of one injectable versus the other. This may not change the overall price of your treatment but can change the amount used.
Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about one injectable over the other. Our NP, Melissa Timberlake, will be able to use the best possible injectable for your problem with the least number of injections.
So is B*tox better than Xeomin?
Both injectables have noticeable advantages. It’s not an issue of one being better than the other. Instead, it comes down to what problem areas have the most wrinkles, your past experience with injectables, and the experience of our injector. We’ve seen amazing results using injectables. At Permanent Makeup & Cryo In Maine, we pride ourselves in choosing the best injectable for our patients considering all the factors.
How long does B*tox vs Xeomin last?
After your procedure, you won’t see any results at first. Then you’ll start to see results after a few days. B*tox should last between 3 to 4 months. After that time, you should see the effects of treatment begin to wear off.
Xeomin will also last roughly three months. However, some patients have seen continued results right up to 6 months. Over time, the muscles begin to respond again, and some wrinkles will reappear. However, the wrinkles won’t fully return to the way they were before your first session. This is a sign you’ll need another session of Xeomin.
We often suggest follow-up appointments in advance to keep up with the regimen. After a few sessions, the toxin lasts longer. Furthermore, you’ll notice that you need fewer sessions or less Xeomin to get the same result VS B*tox. With B*tox, you’re body will get resistant and with time, you’ll need more and more to get the same results.
Aftercare and side effects
Xeomin needs special care to get the most out of the procedure. Right after you leave the doctor’s office, try not to touch or massage the injection areas. Touching or massaging the areas could move the botulinum toxin to another part of your face. This movement can cause unwanted side effects.
It would help if you also avoid exercise and other strenuous work for at least 24 hours after treatment. Like massage, the added movement and sweating can displace your injectable, reducing its impact. Alcohol, sun exposure, and tanning could also cause bruising, so avoid drinking and sun exposure for at least 24 hours as well.
Most B*tox and Xeomin patients experience no side effects in addition to the bruising and swelling. However, with any procedure, there is an associated risk. These include:
- Muscle weakness or stiffness at the injection site.
- An unknown allergy to botulinum toxin type A
- Headaches, neck pain, or back pain
- Rash, itching, dry eyes, and mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory infections
If you notice some strange side effects lasting several days, speak with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can formulate a plan to reduce the side effects. However, if you’re having trouble breathing, speaking, or vision problems, seek emergency help.
The bottom line
When it comes to B*tox vs Xeomin, there are similarities and differences to each. Botox has the advantage of being around longer, making it a trusted brand. This means that most patients interested in injectables would opt for Botox. However, Xeomin is just as effective at reducing wrinkles in areas like eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes. Xeomin also had the advantage of being ‘naked,’ meaning it’s formulated to be potent while reducing the chances of unwanted reactions.
Best of all, both can help to reduce the signs of wrinkles for several months on end. There is still a debate on the effectiveness of each injectable. Studies show that Xeomin can last longer than Botox. However, other studies show both have similar efficacy for the same areas. Trust our NP to use the right injectable based on your anti-aging goals.
Get a Practitioner you can trust
Xeomin only works as well as the practitioner administering the injectable. Injectables are delicate medications and need a board-certified doctor who understands the product.
Xeomin comes in a powdered form and must be formulated before use. The wrong dosage of injectable in the wrong area can cause unwanted side effects or undesirable results. Speak with our NP first for a safe yet impactful process. Our NP, Summer Mowry, understand your wrinkles like glabellar lines and Crow’s feet and can provide the most impactful treatment possible.
If you’re looking to keep your wrinkles in check and have had difficulty doing so for some time, let us help. At Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics in Maine, our master injector Summer Timberlake NP, has helped hundreds of patients with injectables. She is trained to understand all injectables (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and others) and provides the best for your needs. In just one short session, she can help you look and feel years younger.

Normal aging can show up in your skin as sagging, loss of volume, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. With dermal fillers, you can look like yourself again. At Permanent Makeup & Cryo In Maine, Melissa Timberlake NP provides you with personalized anti-aging options so you can restore youthful fullness and firmness to your face. Call us or book an appointment online to learn how injectable dermal fillers can help you.
Expert Injector- Dermal Fillers in Maine
Fillers are injectable medications that fill in areas where your skin is sagging or wrinkled. Dermal fillers contain pharmaceutical-grade ingredients — including hyaluronic acid — which help to restore fullness, volume, and a youthful appearance to your skin.
Compared to plastic surgery, fillers provide a quick and easy way to improve your appearance, minus surgical risks or a lengthy recovery period. Fillers also work together with other injectables, like B*TOX, Jeuveau or Xeomin. Furthermore, we create your customized treatment plan by combining with other cosmetic procedures like chemical peels and microneedling. Melissa Timberlake NP is an expert injector of dermal fillers in Maine. We work with you to improve your trouble areas and achieve the look you want — whether subtle or more dramatic.
FAQs
Where can fillers be used?
You can use fillers in a variety of areas where you’re having sagging and wrinkles, including the:
- Cheeks
- Under-eye area
- Laugh lines around the nose and mouth
- Lips
- Back of the hands
- Smile lines
- Chin
Different fillers address different areas on the face to smooth your skin, add softness and volume, and restore the youthful firmness lost with aging.
How should I prepare for dermal fillers? Am I a good canidate?
Before the procedure, we will have a detailed consultation to learn more about your medical history and preferences. If you’ve had allergic reactions to fillers or injectables in the past, we would not recommend treatment. It’s also best to wait until after pregnancy or breastfeeding to start or resume fillers. If all looks good, we will proceed with the treatment. Dermal fillers can take as little as 15-30 minutes and is often referred to as a ‘lunchtime procedure.’
In the days leading up to treatment, avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and supplements like ginseng, Ginko, garlic, and Vitamin E. Do not consume alcohol on the day of treatment. Immediately after treatment, avoid sun tanning, tanning beds, saunas, and strenuous exercise. Use an ice pack for excess swelling and avoid picking at the injection site.
What should I expect after getting fillers?
Filler injection is a quick and straightforward procedure that typically lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. With a few small pricks, you should notice an immediate difference in the fullness of your face.
Though minor redness and swelling is possible for a few hours following treatment, you can return to your normal activities right away and don’t need to take any special precautions. Fillers generally last six months to a year, though some may last longer.
Fillers may be the anti-aging solution you’ve been looking for. Call our office at 207.358.8683 or schedule a consultation and learn if fillers are right for you.
Are there any side effects?
Minor side effects, usually related to the injection site, include bruising, bleeding, redness, swelling and pain. These last about 24 to 48 hours. Other more serious side effects are possible, and depend on the type and location of the filler injection.
When will I see results?
Because some fillers contain the same components of your body, you can see results right away! The hyaluronic acid in Juvederm or Restylane, for example, can bring almost immediate results. These results become even more apparent after the minor swelling wears off.
How Long do fillers last?
While some dermal fillers last six months, others can last up to eighteen months or more. It all depends on the type of filler, amount, and location of the injection. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers tend to last between six to twelve months, giving you that natural look. Denser products, like the calcium hydroxylapatite in Radiesse, take longer to break down. Our NP will make the right choice based on your needs so you get the most out of your treatment.
Why choose us?
Board-certified NP, Melissa Timberlake, and her team are expert injectors of dermal fillers in Maine and has many years of experience injecting fillers in the cheeks, lips and under eye areas. Also, she is the expert for advanced filler techniques. These include using fillers in the temples, hands and other areas of the body.
At Permanent Makeup & Cryo In Maine, we’re committed to helping you achieve that fresh, youthful, lively look using the best dermal fillers. There are many injectors here in Maine. You should only trust your skin to our experts… because first impressions are Eternal.
Price List
Tox & Filler
25Xeomin
$25 a unit
XEOMIN® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults for a short period of time (temporary).
Juvederm$950 and up
Price is based on dosage used to give the treatment area a little extra fullness or perfect for a touch up while building volume and layering.
Sclerotherapy
Check out Sclerotherapy on our Website by clicking here or by clicking the images below!
Each Treatment is $200 – $300 and will be discussed at the consultation. People usually need 3-6 Treatments no sooner than 8 weeks apart.
⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️


