How Xeomin® Injection Services Work
Studies show Xeomin® injections are effective for the management of depression.
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.) The number of units given is based on the research protocol from numerous randomized controlled trials, which showed that the antidepressant effect required approximately 50% higher dosage than the strictly cosmetic effect.
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.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss available psychiatric treatment options, contact our Plainfield office.
To schedule an appointment and discuss available psychiatric treatment options, contact our Plainfield office. Please call or text (317) 718-8436.
Xeomin® is a prescription medication manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals. All services are provided in accordance with applicable prescribing regulations.