We Tried It: Xeomin and Juvederm at LaserAway

Spring blooms were just starting to peek out as I walked into the LaserAway at Farmington Station in Farmington, Utah. Photo by Alisha Racker

Recently, I visited my local LaserAway location to undergo the Clear + Brilliant treatment, and I was so impressed with the results that I was itching to go back just a couple of weeks later for more. Read all about my previous experience here.

On my ongoing quest to look rested and refreshed, I decided it was time to level up my injectable game. This time around, I opted for a combination of Xeomin and Juvederm to tackle fine lines and add a bit of subtle, natural-looking volume.

The LaserAway Experience: Accessibility Meets Expertise

If you aren't familiar with LaserAway, they’ve essentially become the gold standard for aesthetic accessibility. With over 200 locations nationwide, they’ve made clinical-grade treatments feel as approachable as a blowout. But don't let the chic, "boutique" aesthetic fool you — the results are serious.

Every treatment is performed by highly trained registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physician assistants. This clinical oversight is exactly why I felt comfortable returning; knowing a medical professional is handling the needle makes all the difference when you’re working with your face.

Relaxing while my lips numb, prior to my treatment. Photo by Alisha Racker

Transitioning to Xeomin: The "Naked" Neurotoxin

As I mentioned in my previous article about my experience with Clear + Brilliant, being in my late 30s means I’m focused on preventative maintenance. While I’ve tried Botox in the past, I found myself looking for a neurotoxin that allowed for a bit more natural movement.

My nurse, Kali, recommended Xeomin. Often called the "naked" neurotoxin, Xeomin is uniquely purified to remove unnecessary proteins, meaning you’re less likely to develop a resistance to it over time. It’s perfect for those who want to smooth out the forehead, the "elevens" between the eyes, and crow’s feet without looking "frozen."

Kali used about 46 units across those three areas. The process was so quick and painless I barely felt the pinpricks. While neurotoxins are generally priced per unit (typically ranging from $10–$15), the main difference for me was the finish.

It took about a week to fully set, leaving me with a smoothed-out, well-rested look that still allows me to actually express emotions. Results typically last between three to four months, making it a seasonal staple for my routine.

The goods! Just a half-syringe of Juvederm for that perfect, natural-looking pout. Photo by Alisha Racker

My First Time With Filler: Juvederm Lips

While I’m a veteran of lasers and toxins, this was my first foray into the world of fillers. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that adds volume and hydration to the skin. Because hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies, it’s a safe, dissolvable option for those looking to enhance their features.

I’ll be honest: I was nervous. I wanted to stay very conservative and natural, so we opted for a half-syringe of Juvederm Ultra XC. One thing that really sets LaserAway apart is their approach to your product: while you purchase by the syringe, you don’t have to use it all at once.

They will actually store your specific syringe for up to 45 days to ensure freshness, allowing you to come back for a touch-up to use a bit more — or the rest of it — once your initial swelling has subsided. For first-timers, starting with a half-dose is the perfect way to ease in.

The process began with a topical numbing cream applied to my lips for 30 minutes. I’ll be real — even with the numbing, the lips are a bit "spicy" compared to the forehead! However, Kali was incredibly thorough, balancing my natural lip shape to enhance my features in a subtle but beautiful way.

The fresh pout — plus a little mapping session to get that Xeomin placement just right. Photo by Alisha Racker

The Prep and Aftercare

Preparation is key for injectables. I was instructed to avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior and skip the caffeine on the day of my treatment to prevent excess bleeding and bruising.

Post-treatment, I was given a small ice pack and told to wait a few hours before laying down (and to try sleeping on my back). I did experience a few days of swelling and some slight bruising, but I was instructed not to massage the lips.

While it’s tempting to try and "smooth out" the slight bumps you might feel initially, massaging can actually displace the filler before it settles. Those tiny bumps dissipated on their own within a week as the tissue integrated.

My results a week later. Photo by Alisha Racker

Results and the Beauty Bank

It took about a week for the Xeomin to settle and for my lips to feel fully healed and soft again. My results are expected to last anywhere from six months to a year for the filler, and three to four months for the Xeomin.

One of the best ways to maintain this look is through the LaserAway "Beauty Bank." Purchasing treatments in packages or "banking" your units saves significantly on the per-unit price and makes it easy to stay on top of your maintenance.

I’m already scheduled to head back in for a touch-up. While my Xeomin looks great and I don't feel I need more, I'm excited to incorporate a "lip flip" into this visit.

This involves the precise injection of a neuromodulator into the orbicularis oris muscle to relax the fibers and allow the vermilion border to roll slightly outward. It’s the perfect way to achieve a subtle, anatomical "flip" and a more pronounced pout without adding exogenous volume.

I’m also looking forward to my next visit to try Thermage, which uses radiofrequency energy for deep-tissue tightening and collagen stimulation. Stay tuned for that full report!

To learn more about LaserAway’s treatments and to find a clinic near you, visit their website and follow their latest results on Instagram @laseraway.

[Photos by Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro, and freelance writer.

She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and children. Follow her on Instagram: @slcbeautybabe.