Xeomin in Apgujeong, Gangnam Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Xeomin · quick answer
What Xeomin does, in one paragraph
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a botulinum toxin type A made by Merz that is purified to remove the complexing proteins found in some other toxins. Like Botox, it relaxes the muscles that crease the skin, softening frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet, and it can also be used for jaw slimming. At Ever Skin Clinic, a board-certified dermatologist assesses your expressions, explains how Xeomin compares with other toxin brands and plans the dose for each area with you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D. Founder & Director, board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology residency at Hanyang University Hospital; adjunct professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine. Meet our dermatologists Last reviewed October 2026
- Ingredient
- IncobotulinumtoxinA, without complexing proteins
- Best for
- Frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet; also used for jaw slimming
- Treatment time
- About 10 to 15 minutes
- Onset
- Usually within a few days, full effect at about 2 weeks
- Duration
- Typically about 3 to 4 months for wrinkles; varies by area and person
The toxin
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is a brand of botulinum toxin type A, the same class of medicine as Botox. It blocks the nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract, so the overlying skin creases less with movement. Its distinguishing feature is the manufacturing process: the complexing (accessory) proteins that surround the toxin in some other products are removed, leaving the active molecule on its own.
Xeomin is one of the toxin options our dermatologists use across the Botox areas we treat, including frown lines and jaw Botox. The choice of brand is discussed at consultation.
Xeomin compared with other toxins
- Same mechanism — all type A toxins relax muscles in a similar way
- Fewer accessory proteins — which may lower the chance of neutralising antibodies with repeated use, although this is still studied
- Similar results and duration — at equivalent doses, effects are broadly comparable
- Not a filler — it softens movement lines but does not restore lost volume
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
Xeomin suits healthy adults with expression lines on the upper face, or a square jaw from muscle bulk, who want a natural result without surgery. Some patients choose it because they have regular, long-term toxin treatments and prefer a formulation without complexing proteins.
If you feel a previous toxin worked less well over time, tell your dermatologist. Reduced response can have several causes, including dose and placement, so switching brand is considered alongside the whole plan. Lines visible at rest may also need dermal fillers.
Xeomin may suit you if you
- Have frown lines, forehead lines or crow's feet when you move your face
- Have regular toxin treatments and want a protein-free formulation
- Feel another toxin has become less effective for you
- Want a subtle, natural-looking softening of expression
- Need a quick treatment that fits around travel or work
Your visit
What happens during treatment
A Xeomin appointment usually takes under 30 minutes, including consultation, with only a few minutes of injecting.
- Assessment Your dermatologist watches your expressions and checks the skin at rest to decide the areas and dose.
- Marking Injection points are marked to target the right muscles and protect brow and eyelid position.
- Injection A very fine needle places small amounts of Xeomin into each point, usually in a few minutes per area.
- Follow-up We explain aftercare and can review your result at about 2 weeks if a small adjustment is needed.
Real patient · before & after
What a botulinum toxin can do
This case shows masseter (jaw) toxin treatment only. The lower face looks narrower and softer as the muscle reduced in bulk over several weeks. It is shown as an example of botulinum toxin results at our clinic, not as a Xeomin-specific result.
Results depend more on dose, placement and your anatomy than on brand. Ask us at consultation for Xeomin cases in the area you are considering.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Most patients return to daily activities immediately. Small red marks, mild swelling, a bruise or a brief headache can occur. Less commonly, temporary brow or eyelid heaviness or asymmetry may appear if the toxin affects nearby muscles; these effects wear off as the toxin does.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis, have had a reaction to any botulinum toxin, take blood thinners or certain antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, or have an infection at the treatment site.
Aftercare tips
- Do not rub or massage the treated area for the rest of the day
- Stay upright for about 4 hours after treatment
- Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense exercise on the day
- Limit alcohol for 24 hours to reduce bruising
- Wait about 2 weeks before judging the final result
Questions we hear every day
Xeomin FAQ
Is Xeomin better than Botox?
Neither is universally better. Both are botulinum toxin type A with similar effects and duration at equivalent doses. Xeomin lacks complexing proteins, which some patients prefer for long-term treatment. Your dermatologist will explain the options and which suits your goals and history.
How long does Xeomin last?
For upper-face wrinkles, results typically last about three to four months, sometimes longer. Duration varies with the dose, the strength of your muscles, your metabolism and the area treated, so regular maintenance sessions are planned around how your result fades.
When will I see results from Xeomin?
Many patients notice softening within three to five days, with the full effect at around two weeks. If you are visiting Seoul, treating early in your stay allows time for a review before you fly home.
Can Xeomin help if Botox stopped working for me?
Some patients who feel their response to another toxin has dropped choose Xeomin because it has no complexing proteins. Reduced response can also relate to dose or placement, so your dermatologist will review your history before recommending a change.
Does Xeomin hurt and is there downtime?
Most people feel only brief pinches from a very fine needle, and ice or numbing cream can be used. There is minimal downtime: small red marks or a bruise may appear, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
