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Cosmetic Surgery
Xeomin Injections as a Botox Alternative in Houston
By
Jan 15, 2013 - 3:35:46 PM
HOUSTON BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON NOW OFFERS NEWLY FDA APPROVED Xeomin Injections AS A BOTOX ALTERNATIVE
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - First there was Botox, then there was Dysport, and now there is Xeomin . The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved this new botulinum toxin type A product to treat severe frown lines or "11's" between the eyebrows. Xeomin was already FDA approved for use in adults with cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. Xeomin is manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals, and has been used by more than 84,000 people worldwide. It is now approved for use in 20 countries. Like other drugs in this category, Xeomin works by paralyzing wrinkles. It blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, the targeted muscle cannot contract.
Xeomin versus Botox and Dysport
Dr. Robert Kratschmer is a Houston/Pearland Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He is among the first in his area to perform injections using Xeomin. Dr. Kratschmer explains that, "Botox, Dysport and Xeomin have a lot in common, but they also have some important differences. Unlike its predecessors, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated. This may be an advantage when it comes to distribution. What's more, Xeomin is "naked." There are no additives - just botulinum toxin type A. This may lessen a patient's likelihood of developing antibodies to Xeomin. When your body senses a foreign invader, it responds by creating antibodies and launching an attack. If this were to occur with a neurotoxin such as botulinum toxin type A, it may not have its desired effects."
Xeomin is said to be more like Botox than Dysport.
It takes about one week for the full effects of Xeomin injections to be realized, and once this occurs the results last from three to six months. Dr. Kratschmer stresses that, "Dysport, Xeomin and Botox should not be used interchangeably. They should also only be administered by skilled injectors such as board-certified plastic surgeons in sterile environments such as med-spas or doctors' offices. Xeomin should not be injected in beauty salons, malls or at Xeomin parties in the home."
How does Xeomin work?
Xeomin works by weakening the muscles of facial expression that insert onto the surface of the skin. Weakening the pull of these muscles on the skin causes the visible wrinkles to flatten out. Over time, cumulative benefits are observed as the skin remodels without the negative influence of the wrinkle-creating facial muscles.
What areas are commonly treated with Xeomin?
Xeomin is used to treat dynamic facial wrinkles. The areas most commonly treated by Xeomin include the crow's feet (lines around the eyes), worry lines between the eyebrows (vertical glabella rhytids sometimes called the eleven lines or worry lines), and the lines across the forehead (horizontal rhytids).
How long does it take for Xeomin to work?
The effects of Xeomin are usually seen within 5 days. Dr. Kratschmer predicts that, "Xeomin patients will notice that the forehead lines are the first to improve within as soon as the next day. It will likely take up to 10 days to see the final results from the treatment."
How long do the results of Xeomin last?
Xeomin treatment lasts anywhere from 3-6 months.
Botox stopped working on me, will Xeomin work?
This is actually a benefit of Xeomin. Xeomin is a "naked" molecule meaning that it does not contain the protein additives that Botox and Dysport have. Dr. Kratschmer says that, "Although it is rare, some people can develop antibodies to the protein additives within Botox, and Botox will stop working in those people. Xeomin does not contain any protein additives and will thus work in these types of patients."
Will Xeomin make me lose all facial expression?
Absolutely Not! The proper use of Xeomin, as Dyport and Botox, will lead to natural and effective improvements of your face.
Can Xeomin lift my eyebrows?
Yes. Xeomin, strategically placed in certain muscles around the eyes and forehead, will achieve brow elevation and the appearance of a brow lift or an eyelid lift.
What other areas can Xeomin be used on?
Xeomin, can be used to treat excessive underarm sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis. It can also be used to reduce chin wrinkles, wrinkles around the mouth, and an excessively gummy smile. Xeomin can also use used to reduce the appearance of an overly square jaw, a technique called chemical jaw reduction.
How long does it take to inject Xeomin?
Xeomin injections are performed by Dr. Kratschmer and take between five to 15 minutes to perform. You may return to your normal activities immediately. Dr. Kratschmer asks his patients to avoid any rubbing of the face.
Are Xeomin injections painful?
Patients are often apprehensive about the prospect of pain with any injection. We utilize special injection techniques and equipment to minimize or eliminate the pain of the injection.
Will a numbing cream be used before injection?
At a patient's request Dr. Kratschmer will use topical numbing cream to prevent any pain with injection.
Is Xeomin safe?
Xeomin is a very safe product that has passed the stringent guidelines of the US FDA for its safety profile in large clinical studies.
ABOUT DR. KRATSCHMER
EDUCATION
2004-2005 Chief Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas
2003-2004 Junior Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas
2002-2003 Fellow, Burn Surgery
Thomas D. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic Surgery
University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
2000-2002 Resident, General Surgery
Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas
1999-2000 Intership, General Surgery
Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas
1995-1999 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Medicine
MD
1987-1991 Texas A&M University
WORK/CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
2005-Present Private Practice,
Robert C Kratschmer, MD, PA
Houston, Texas
1991-1995 Engineer
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Johnson Space Center (NASA-JSC), Clear Lake City, Texas
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
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