Crow’s feet when you laugh, glabellar lines when you frown, forehead lines when you raise your brows – these “expression lines” are often the first visible signs of ageing. The market is flooded with anti‑wrinkle treatments, but few can truly “smooth dynamic wrinkles precisely while preserving natural expressions.” Xeomin was developed precisely to address this pain point. It comes from the German pharmaceutical giant Merz, and it is the world’s first “pure” type A botulinum toxin. What exactly is Xeomin? How does it differ from Botox and Dysport? How long does a single session last? Will it make your face stiff? Are there side effects? This article will comprehensively walk you through the principles, suitable candidates, treatment options and prices, procedure experience, duration of results, and potential risks – giving you all the key information in one place so you can make a rational choice.
Xeomin’s core ingredient is botulinum toxin type A crystalline complex. Its mechanism can be summarised as “precise blocking, muscle relaxation.”
When Xeomin is injected into the target muscle, its core component – a neurotoxin composed of a 100kD heavy chain and a 50kD light chain – precisely recognises and binds to specific receptors on the nerve endings. The light chain then enters the nerve cell and precisely cleaves the SNAP‑25 protein in the SNARE complex, blocking the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the messenger that transmits the “contraction command” from nerves to muscles. Once blocked, the muscle temporarily “loses contact” and cannot contract normally. When overactive expression muscles relax, the dynamic wrinkles on the surface (such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and glabellar lines) gradually smooth out, become shallower, or even disappear.
Xeomin’s biggest differentiator from other botulinum toxin brands lies in its “pure” formulation. Other botulinum toxin products typically contain protective proteins (such as haemagglutinin and other complex proteins), while Xeomin is the only pure botulinum toxin that contains no complexing proteins. The absence of accessory proteins means that repeated injections are less likely to cause antibody formation – many people find that botulinum toxin becomes less effective with repeated use, precisely because their bodies have developed antibodies. Because Xeomin lacks these complex proteins, the risk of resistance is significantly reduced, and it remains effective even with repeat injections.
Xeomin is mainly suitable for the following groups:
However, not everyone is suitable. Conditions that are absolute contraindications or require careful evaluation include: pregnancy and breastfeeding; neuromuscular disorders (such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert‑Eaton syndrome); allergy to botulinum toxin type A or any ingredient in the formulation; infection or skin inflammation at the injection site.
Xeomin in Korea is priced primarily by treatment area and unit count. Pricing varies by area and clinic:
Below is a comparison of these options with reference prices (in KRW):
| Option | Best for | Features | Reference price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑area wrinkle treatment | Isolated forehead lines, glabellar lines, or crow’s feet | Precise local improvement, ideal for first‑timers | ~49,000 – 96,000 |
| Three‑area wrinkle treatment | Comprehensive forehead + glabella + crow’s feet improvement | Most popular package, excellent value | ~149,000 – 240,000 |
| Facial slimming (masseter) 50U | Masseter hypertrophy, square jaw | V‑line contouring, results appear in about 2 weeks | ~99,000 – 150,000 |
| Facial slimming (masseter) 100U | More severe masseter hypertrophy | Higher dosage, longer‑lasting results | ~179,000 – 198,000 |
Your choice should be made after discussing your wrinkle locations, severity, and budget with a qualified doctor. For first‑timers, the three‑area package is the most cost‑effective entry option.
Pre‑procedure preparation: On your first visit, the doctor conducts a consultation, assessing your wrinkle type (dynamic vs static), muscle activity, and target areas. Once the plan is confirmed, the doctor marks the injection points.
During the procedure: The doctor uses an ultra‑fine needle to inject Xeomin precisely into specific points of the target muscles. The entire process takes about 10‑15 minutes. In terms of pain, although a numbing cream is applied, the needle must penetrate the muscle layer – some people do find it “quite painful.” However, the procedure is brief, and most people tolerate it well.
Immediately after: Minor needle marks, swelling, or bruising may appear after injection – these are normal and will fade with time. Xeomin requires no downtime, and you can apply makeup 5 hours after treatment, with no impact on normal social activities.
Xeomin results unfold in three phases: Onset phase (2‑5 days post‑injection) – some people notice wrinkles starting to soften as early as day 2, with results gradually becoming visible in 5‑7 days.
Peak effect phase (around 2 weeks) – Xeomin’s effects gradually appear after 2 weeks and reach their optimal state. At this point, dynamic wrinkles are significantly reduced or even disappear, and facial expression muscles are effectively relaxed.
Diminishing phase (3‑6 months) – Xeomin’s effects typically last 3‑6 months. Some sources indicate it can last 4‑5 months, while others suggest up to 8‑14 months. Actual duration varies by individual, depending on muscle mass, metabolic rate, and lifestyle. Xeomin’s duration is around 3‑4 months, slightly shorter than Botox’s 5‑6 months. Repeat injections every 4‑5 months are recommended to maintain results.
Q: Is Xeomin painful?
A: A numbing cream is applied before treatment, but the needle penetrates the muscle layer – some people do find it “quite painful.” However, the entire process takes only 10‑15 minutes, and most people tolerate it easily.
Q: Are there side effects or long‑term risks?
A: As a pure botulinum toxin, Xeomin has a strong safety profile, but side effects do exist. Common adverse reactions include:Facial stiffness– some users report “my forehead feels dead, I can’t move it”;Facial hollowing– excessive dosage or injection too high may cause mid‑cheek hollowing, sagging cheekbones, and deepened nasolabial folds;Facial asymmetry– uneven brows or uneven facial proportions;Swelling and bruisingat the injection site – usually resolving within days. Most side effects are mild and reversible, gradually disappearing as the toxin is metabolised. Choosing a reputable clinic and an experienced doctor significantly reduces these risks.
Q: What’s the difference between Xeomin, Botox, and Dysport?
A: All three are type A botulinum toxins, but their key differences are:Xeomin– “pure” botulinum toxin with no complexing proteins, lower risk of resistance;Botox– contains protective proteins, has a small diffusion radius (1‑1.5cm), ideal for fine areas;Dysport– contains gelatin, larger diffusion, cost‑effective. Xeomin’s diffusion radius falls between Botox and Dysport.
Q: Will Xeomin make my face look stiff?
A: Possibly. If the dosage is too high, the injection site is inaccurate, or the doctor lacks experience, facial stiffness can occur. However, Xeomin has a smaller diffusion radius, reducing the risk of affecting neighbouring muscles. Choosing an experienced doctor and controlling the dosage can maximise natural expression preservation.
Q: How much does Xeomin cost in Korea?
A: In Korea, a single‑area Xeomin treatment ranges from ~49,000‑96,000 KRW; three‑area treatment ranges from ~149,000‑240,000 KRW; facial slimming (50U) ranges from ~99,000‑150,000 KRW. Pricing varies significantly by clinic and doctor qualification, and promotional discounts may be available – please refer to your in‑person consultation.
⚠️ Important reminder: While Xeomin delivers significant results, it carries certain risks. Please make a rational decision after fully understanding the following information:
Core risks: Facial stiffness and hollowing are the most concerning side effects. Some users report “sudden accelerated ageing within just four days”; one patient developed mid‑cheek hollowing, sagging cheekbones, and deepened nasolabial folds after receiving 73 units. These issues are typically related to excessive dosage, injection too high, or insufficient doctor skill. Most botulinum toxin side effects are mild and reversible, gradually disappearing as the toxin is metabolised. However, the recovery process may take several months.
Post‑care essentials: Makeup can be applied 5 hours after treatment; avoid alcohol and smoking for 2‑3 days after treatment; bruising and swelling are normal and will resolve; botulinum toxin can be combined with other treatments.
To minimise risks, be sure to: choose a reputable clinic and an experienced doctor – botulinum toxin dilution, injection sites, timing, and intervals all require strict adherence, and should only be performed by a qualified medical professional; communicate thoroughly before treatment – clarify your goals and understand potential risks; start with a low dosage – for first‑time injections, start with a lower dose, observe the results, then adjust; be realistic about results – Xeomin’s effects are temporary (3‑6 months), requiring regular maintenance. It is not a “one‑and‑done” solution, but an “anti‑ageing investment” that needs long‑term commitment.
Medical disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Aesthetic procedures involve individual variations – results and risks differ from person to person. Prices, treatment options, and other information mentioned are for reference only – please refer to actual consultations for current details.
All medical procedures carry potential risks (including but not limited to facial stiffness, hollowing, asymmetry, allergic reactions, etc.). Xeomin has not yet received NMPA approval in China – please be aware of the relevant risks and proceed with caution. Before making any decision, please consult a qualified medical professional in person, who can assess your suitability based on your health status, constitution, and needs. The author and publisher assume no legal liability for any decisions made based on this content.
If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, please seek prompt advice from a licensed physician.