Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is an FDA-approved treatment for several other conditions. It is a medication commonly used to relax specific facial muscles for cosmetic and medical reasons. In recent years, researchers have explored using a small series of injections into the glabellar area (the “frown lines” between and above the eyebrows) as a new approach to help relieve symptoms of major depressive disorder.

How Xeomin® Can Improve Your Mood

Xeomin® and Depression

Xeomin® helps people struggling with depression by easing the constant muscle tension linked to negative expressions. Random controlled trials show that it helps reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) when injected into the “frown lines” between and above the eyebrows.

With no downtime after treatment, this innovative approach provides a safe, non-traditional option for individuals seeking new avenues of care when other methods may not bring enough relief.

1. Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Your facial muscles send emotional signals to the brain. Relaxing the "frown" muscles (procerus and corrugators) may reduce negative feedback loops and help shift mood.

2. Brain Modulation

fMRI studies show Xeomin® reduces amygdala hyperactivity, calming overactive emotional circuits. Imaging and brain-activity studies also show changes in emotion-processing regions after glabellar injections, supporting a biological effect beyond appearance.

3. Social Feedback Loop

Softer expressions may encourage more positive social interactions — further boosting emotional well-being.

Who Can Benefit from Xeomin® Injections?

Adults with depression who:

• Have not had full relief with medications or therapy

• Want to explore evidence-informed alternatives

•Prefer treatments with few systemic side effects

•It should not replace your current treatment unless advised by your provider.

•It works best as part of a comprehensive care plan.

What to Expect

A trained clinician gives small injections between and above the eyebrows. It’s an office procedure that takes only minutes.

Procedure Time: 10 minutes

Injection Sites: 5 tiny injections into the glabellar region

Amount Prescribed: 30-40 units (depression relief requires 50% more units per injection site compared to cosmetic applications.)

Per Unit Cost: $11

Xeomin® is not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of mental health conditions. As a result, its use for this purpose is not typically covered by insurance.

What Are The Risks?

Most side effects are mild and temporary (pain at the injection site, headache, or eyelid heaviness). Serious side effects are rare.

What Does Research Show?

Studies show that using Xeomin® injections to limit a person’s ability to frown could disrupt the neurobiological feedback loop associated with negative emotions, potentially leading to an improvement in mood and emotional well-being of people with depression and anxiety.

Randomized controlled trials show statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms.

Response rates: Approximately 40–60% of patients showed improvement with Xeomin, compared to fewer on the placebo.

Onset: Cosmetic effect in 2–10 days

Mood Improvements: Often observed in 3–6 weeks

Duration: Benefits may last months and can be maintained with repeat injections.

To schedule an appointment, please call or text (317) 718-8436.