XEOMIN® is a newer and more purified version of botulinum toxin (invented by the same scientists that invented Botox®). Because of its purified nature, XEOMIN® is less likely to cause an immune reaction that could impact on your treatment results.
What are anti-wrinkle injectables?
Anti-wrinkle injectables are a precise, non-surgical treatment that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for expression lines such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. At Skintensity, we use XEOMIN®, a modern, highly purified form of botulinum toxin type A, approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand.
The result is softer, smoother lines, visible within days of treatment. You still look like yourself. Your expressions still work the way they should. The difference is that the lines that frame them are gentler, fresher and more rested.
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most requested aesthetic treatments in New Zealand, and for good reason. Done well, they deliver visible improvements with minimal downtime, and can be maintained long-term with top-up treatments every three to four months.
XEOMIN® does not contain a certain ‘binding protein’ once used in older injectables. Without the ‘binding protein’, your body is less likely to produce antibodies to the product and there is more chance of your results lasting longer.
XEOMIN® anti wrinkle injections contain the same active ingredient as all muscle relaxing injections with the benefit of often having more effective, longer lasting results with less chance of allergic reactions.
All muscle relaxing injections contain Botulinum Toxin, a purified protein that has been used medically for over 20 years. It works by decreasing the contraction of muscles that cause certain lines and wrinkles. Aesthetically your results are expected to be the same whichever Botulinum Toxin you use when injected into the same locations
Download the information sheet below about XEOMIN®.
XEOMIN® vs Botox®
XEOMIN® is a newer, more purified version of Botulinum Toxin that has been found to have less chance of allergic reactions because it does not contain a certain ‘binding protein’ once used in older injectables. Without the ‘binding protein’, your body is less likely to produce antibodies to the product and there is more chance of your results lasting longer because of this.
Botox® (named after Botulinum Toxin) has become a recognised brand in the market, much like Kleenex for tissues, as it was one of the first Botulinum Toxin injections used for cosmetic reasons. For this reason you will often hear people refer to Botox® when discussing anti wrinkle treatments with Botulinum Toxin. Though anti wrinkle treatment with botox is still considered a safe and effective treatment for lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction, the difference in composition can impact on both the price and longevity of the treatment.
We encourage our clients to ask us any questions they might have prior to undertaking any cosmetic treatments and to research which treatment is right for them.
For more product and safety information regarding XEOMIN® please click on the following link: Xeomin® (ZEE-oh-min)
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XEOMIN® Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. XEOMIN® has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if XEOMIN® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of XEOMIN® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from https://merzaustralia.com.au/patientinformation/aesthetics/products/ or www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. XEOMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. For further information, consult your doctor or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information available at: www.medsafe.govt.nz Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL), 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022.
FAQs
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XEOMIN works by blocking the signal between the nerve and the muscle it controls. When the treated muscle cannot contract as strongly, the overlying skin stops folding into the lines we associate with ageing. Over about two weeks, those lines soften visibly.
At Skintensity, your clinician carefully maps your facial anatomy during your consultation to determine exactly where to inject and how many units of XEOMIN to use.
Technique matters more than the product: a skilled injector knows how to soften lines while preserving your natural movement.
That precision is why every treatment at Skintensity is delivered by a qualified registered nurse, trained in facial aesthetic anatomy.
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XEOMIN can be used to address a wide range of facial concerns. At Skintensity, we offer anti-wrinkle treatment for:
Frown lines (glabellar lines) between the eyebrows
Horizontal forehead lines
Crow's feet around the eyes
Bunny lines (creases across the bridge of the nose)
Lip flip (a subtle softening that lets the upper lip roll outward for a fuller look)
Masseter treatment (jaw slimming for a softer lower face, also helpful for teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
Brow lift (a subtle raising of the outer brow)
Gummy smile treatment (relaxing the upper lip muscle to show less gum when smiling)
During your consultation, we will discuss which areas can be treated, what is achievable for your face, and what we recommend based on your goals.
Not every client needs every area treated, and we are always direct with you about what will and will not make a meaningful difference.
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Days 1 to 3
Most clients see very little change in this window. The muscle is starting to respond but visible improvement is minimal. Any mild redness or small raised spots from the injections should settle within the first 24 hours.
Days 4 to 7
The treatment begins to take effect. Movement in the treated muscles becomes visibly softer and the lines start to fade. You may notice it feels slightly different to frown or raise your eyebrows.
Days 7 to 14
The full effect settles in. This is when you will see the most noticeable improvement in your lines. Around day 14, your clinician will book you a complimentary follow-up check-in so we can review your results together and fine-tune if needed.
Two weeks to four months
Results are at their peak, then gradually soften as the muscle regains its function. Most clients book a top-up treatment around the three to four month mark to maintain their refreshed appearance.
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Most clients choose to book top-up anti-wrinkle treatments every three to four months to maintain their results. After that window, the muscle gradually regains its ability to contract, and the treated lines start to return.
Over time, some clients find they need treatments less frequently. This happens because the muscles become conditioned to the treatment and, with less frequent movement, the lines are slower to reform. Other clients prefer a consistent schedule.
There is no one right approach, it depends on your face, your lifestyle, your preferences and how quickly your individual metabolism breaks down the treatment.
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Anti-wrinkle injectables work beautifully alongside our other treatments. Many Skintensity clients combine XEOMIN with:
Belotero Revive or Profhilo H&L skin boosters
Anti-wrinkle injections soften the lines caused by muscle movement. Skin boosters improve overall skin quality, hydration and firmness. Together, they address both the cause and the appearance of ageing. This is the most popular combined treatment plan for our clients in their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Microneedling (coming soon)
Stimulates collagen production at the skin surface, complementing the muscle-level work of anti-wrinkle injections. Ideal for clients wanting to address both fine lines and overall skin texture.
During your consultation, we can discuss whether a combined approach makes sense for you and how best to sequence your treatments. Combined plans are priced per treatment, so there are no surprises.
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XEOMIN, Botox and Dysport are all forms of botulinum toxin type A, and all three are approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. They work the same way, but differ in the exact formulation.
XEOMIN is the most highly purified of the three. It contains just the active ingredient, without the accessory proteins found in Botox and Dysport. These accessory proteins are not necessary for the treatment to work, but they can sometimes trigger an immune response that, over many years of treatment, reduces how effective the product is for you.
For clients planning to use anti-wrinkle injectables long term, that matters. A purer formulation means your body is less likely to build up resistance, so the treatment keeps working well for you year after year.
At Skintensity, we chose XEOMIN because it reflects our approach: clean, modern, evidence-based aesthetic care that prioritises your long-term wellbeing as much as your immediate results.
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Most clients describe a small, sharp pinch at each injection point, similar to a mosquito bite.
The needles used for anti-wrinkle injections are very fine, and most treatments take just a few minutes. If pain tolerance is a concern for you, we can apply numbing cream before your treatment to make you more comfortable.
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Yes. At Skintensity, we take a carefully calibrated approach to make sure your treatment softens lines without affecting your natural expressions.
You will still smile, frown, laugh and raise your eyebrows. The difference is that the lines that form alongside those expressions will be softer and less deeply set.
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Your clinician will give you detailed instructions. The general guidance is to arrive without makeup, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements (where medically safe to pause them, and only under guidance from your doctor), and stay well hydrated.
Let your clinician know about any medications or supplements you are taking.
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We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, hot yoga and anything that raises your heart rate significantly for 24 hours after treatment.
Light walking is absolutely fine. After 24 hours, you can return to your normal exercise routine. This helps the product settle properly and reduces any risk of it migrating to unintended areas.

