Posted by Dr. Katarzyna Skura in Xeomin on January 19, 2026
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a botulinum toxin injection that some physicians use off-label to help reduce how often headaches and migraines occur. It is not FDA-approved for migraine; Botox is the botulinum toxin with FDA approval for chronic migraine prevention. At Art Aesthetica in Chicago, board-certified physician Dr. Katarzyna Skura helps patients with frequent headaches understand their options and build a plan that fits their health history.
What Is Xeomin?
Xeomin is an FDA-approved prescription neuromodulator made by Merz. It is approved to smooth upper facial lines and to treat several medical conditions, including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, upper limb spasticity, and chronic drooling. Unlike some other neuromodulators, Xeomin contains no complexing proteins, which may lower the risk of developing antibodies that reduce its effect over time.
How Can Botulinum Toxin Help Migraines?
Migraine involves overactive pain pathways in the nerves of the head and neck. Botulinum toxin type A blocks the release of chemical messengers involved in pain signaling and relaxes tight muscles that can contribute to headaches. For people with chronic migraine, regular treatments can reduce the number of headache days and make attacks less severe.
Xeomin vs. Botox for Migraines
| Botox | Xeomin | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA-approved for chronic migraine | Yes | No, off-label use |
| Research for migraine | Large clinical trials | Smaller studies; larger trials underway |
| Protein-free formula | No | Yes |
| Typical interval | About every 12 weeks | About every 12 weeks |
For a deeper comparison, read Is Xeomin safer than Botox for frequent headache treatment?
Who May Benefit?
- Adults with frequent or chronic migraine who have not had enough relief from other preventive treatments
- Patients with tension-type headaches linked to tight neck, scalp, or jaw muscles
- Patients who clench or grind their teeth, which can contribute to morning headaches (bruxism and TMJ treatment)
New, sudden, severe, or changing headaches need a medical evaluation first. As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Skura reviews your overall health, medications, sleep, and triggers before recommending injections.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- Evaluation: A review of your headache history, past treatments, and goals.
- Treatment: Small injections with a very fine needle at sites matched to your headache pattern. The session takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Follow-up: Tracking your headache days in a diary helps measure results. Treatments are usually repeated about every 12 weeks.
Side Effects
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including injection-site soreness, bruising, neck stiffness, or a brief headache. Less commonly, patients may notice temporary eyelid or brow heaviness. Seek care right away for trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Xeomin be used for migraines?
Yes, some physicians use Xeomin off-label to help prevent migraines and other headaches. It is not FDA-approved for migraine. Botox is the botulinum toxin that is FDA-approved for chronic migraine prevention.
How long does it take for Xeomin to help headaches?
Muscle-relaxing effects begin within a few days, but headache improvement is often gradual. Many patients judge results over two or three treatment cycles, about 12 weeks apart.
Where is Xeomin injected for headaches?
Injection sites are tailored to your headache pattern and may include the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and upper shoulders.
Can Xeomin cause a headache?
A mild, temporary headache is a possible side effect after any botulinum toxin treatment. It usually resolves within a day or two.
Is there Xeomin for migraines in Chicago?
Dr. Katarzyna Skura evaluates patients with frequent headaches at Art Aesthetica in Streeterville and discusses whether Botox, Xeomin, or another approach makes sense for them.
Learn more on our headaches and migraines and Xeomin in Chicago pages.
Ready to talk through your options? Book a consultation with Dr. Skura at Art Aesthetica, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 118, in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, or call (312) 470-8990.
Katarzyna Skura, MD believes in education, prevention, and a balanced body and mind. Her role is to guide patients toward their greatest health and wellness. She takes the time to design individual treatment plans for each patient, concentrating on prevention and each patient’s unique needs.
