Botulinum Toxin Botulinum Toxin

What Is Botulinum Toxin Treatment?

Botulinum toxin is a substance that temporarily blocks the signal transmitted from nerves to muscles. Treatment is planned by checking the wrinkles that repeatedly form with facial expressions or the movement of the muscles involved. At WayB, we consider the product characteristics of Botox, Xeomin, and HITOX together with each patient’s response to previous treatments.

What Concerns Do We Check?

We first check whether the primary concern is expression wrinkles, or whether the facial contour appears different due to muscle size or tension. Wrinkles caused by skin sagging or volume loss have a different cause, so we also assess whether volumizing or firming treatments are needed.

Skin Botox is an approach that delivers small amounts into the superficial layer of the skin to manage pores, fine lines, and skin texture. Since its injection location, depth, and goal differ from treatments targeting the facial expression muscles, the two approaches are planned separately.

How Do Botox, Xeomin, and HITOX Differ?

Each product differs in its manufacturing process and formulation. The product actually used is selected by considering the treatment area and the patient’s previous response. We do not assert that any particular product lasts longer or is free of resistance for everyone.

What Kind of Product Is Allergan Botox?

Botox (BOTOX) is a botulinum toxin type A pharmaceutical brand from Allergan Aesthetics/AbbVie. Unlike the everyday use of the term “Botox” to refer to botulinum toxin treatments in general, Allergan Botox refers to a specific product. It is used to relieve wrinkles that repeatedly form with facial expressions, and is characterized by a long history of use and extensive clinical research.

Features the Manufacturer Emphasizes

An Original Brand with a Long History

Botox was first approved by the U.S. FDA for therapeutic purposes in 1989, and in 2002, Botox Cosmetic was approved for improving glabellar lines. Having started in the therapeutic field and expanded its experience into the aesthetic field, it is an option worth considering for those who value a product’s history and clinical experience. (Brand History)

Steadily Accumulated Clinical Research and Experience

Research on efficacy and safety has continued across various aesthetic and therapeutic fields. Data accumulated over a long period helps clinicians understand the changes to expect after treatment and the reactions to watch for. At WayB, we review this data together with each individual’s facial expression muscle movement, and perform treatment with consideration for the balance between wrinkle relief and a natural expression.

What Kind of Product Is Xeomin?

Xeomin (XEOMIN) is a botulinum toxin type A pharmaceutical from Merz. It relieves wrinkles by reducing the movement of muscles that repeatedly contract with facial expressions. It is characterized by the removal of the complexing proteins surrounding the toxin during manufacturing, making it an option for those who want to consider the product’s purification method together with repeated treatments.

Features the Manufacturer Emphasizes

Purification Technology That Removes Complexing Proteins

Xeomin uses XTRACT purification technology to separate the complexing proteins from its active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A. This is a purification method that distinguishes between the neurotoxin component that acts on muscle and the proteins surrounding it. Note that removing the complexing proteins does not mean the product contains no protein or additives at all. (Purification Technology)

Formulation Considerations for Repeated Treatments

The manufacturer presents its complexing-protein-free formulation as a key feature relevant to repeated treatment. Patients who receive treatment regularly can consider this product characteristic together with previously used products, treatment intervals, and their own response. However, Xeomin is not a product with zero possibility of resistance, so at WayB we also adjust the required dose and treatment interval accordingly.

What Kind of Product Is HITOX?

HITOX (HITOX) is a botulinum toxin type A pharmaceutical developed by Korea BMI and manufactured in Jeju from bulk substance through to finished product. It temporarily blocks the signal transmitted from nerves to muscles and is used according to muscle movement and treatment purpose. It is characterized by a vacuum-drying process and quality control maintained throughout its production facility in Korea.

Features the Manufacturer Emphasizes

Vacuum Drying for Protein Stability

HITOX is manufactured using a vacuum-drying method that removes moisture by lowering pressure. This process is designed to reduce denaturation during manufacturing and maintain product stability, taking into account the properties of botulinum toxin as a protein. The manufacturer presents this drying method and the management of manufacturing conditions as key product features.

Quality Control from Bulk Substance to Finished Product

At its Jeju production facility, everything from cell culture and purification to finished-product manufacturing is carried out, with quality controlled through tests such as purity testing of the bulk substance. The process and quality-control procedures are validated to maintain consistent quality from development through production. At WayB, we review these manufacturing characteristics together with each individual’s previous treatment response, and plan HITOX treatment according to the location of wrinkles and muscle movement. (Manufacturer’s Product Information)

Can Resistance Develop?

The likelihood of developing resistance to botulinum toxin varies depending on the product used, the injected dose and treatment interval, and the history of repeated treatments. Using the necessary dose based on clinical judgment and avoiding unnecessarily frequent repeated treatments helps lower the likelihood of neutralizing antibody formation.

A reduced effect does not always mean antibody-related resistance. We determine the next treatment plan by reviewing the product and dose used in previous treatments together with the injection sites and muscle condition.

How Are the Procedure and Follow-up Planned?

We check the previously used product, the timing of past treatments, and any effects or uncomfortable reactions experienced. We examine wrinkles and muscle movement to plan the necessary areas and dose, and determine the timing of any additional treatment by checking the changes after treatment. The onset of effect and the duration it lasts differ depending on the product used and the treatment area.

Recovery and Precautions

Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness at the injection site, or headache may occur. If nearby muscles are affected, temporary eyelid drooping, changes in facial expression, left-right asymmetry, or muscle weakness may occur. Please inform the clinic of any movement or discomfort that differs from what was expected.

If you experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or severe, generalized weakness, seek emergency care immediately. Please inform us before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular disease, have allergies to any component of the product, or are taking any medications.