Jeuveau vs Botox​: Which is best for you?

Key Points

• Both Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are injectable neuromodulators that use botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax facial muscles, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• The injection procedure, treatment time (15-30 minutes), and lack of downtime are virtually identical for both. They also share similar safety profiles and potential side effects like temporary headache or injection site reactions when administered properly.
• Botox has broader FDA approval for cosmetic use (frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet) and multiple medical conditions (e.g., migraines, excessive sweating). Jeuveau is currently FDA-approved only for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).
• Jeuveau might potentially last longer (up to 5 months) compared to Botox (typically 3-4 months), although individual results vary significantly.

When it comes to fighting wrinkles and fine lines, injectable treatments have become increasingly popular options. Botox has been around the longest, but newer alternatives like Jeuveau (sometimes called "Newtox") are now available.

Both treatments use botulinum toxin to reduce wrinkles, but they have some important differences that might make one better suited for your specific needs. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how these treatments compare and which might be the right choice for your cosmetic goals.

What are Jeuveau and Botox?

Both Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) belong to a category of cosmetic treatments called neuromodulators. These injectable medications work by temporarily relaxing the muscles beneath your skin that cause wrinkles when they contract. By preventing these muscle movements, they create a smoother appearance on the skin's surface.

What is Botox?

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) has been the market leader since receiving FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002. It contains botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Over the past two decades, Botox has become well-known for smoothing facial wrinkles.

Botox is manufactured by Allergan and has an extensive track record of both cosmetic and medical applications. It was originally developed to treat eyelid muscle disorders but has since expanded to numerous other uses. Results from Botox typically start to appear within 1-2 days after treatment and last approximately 3-4 months before requiring a touch-up.

What is Jeuveau?

Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) is a more recent FDA-approved botulinum toxin product on the market, receiving clearance in 2019. It was the first new neurotoxin for cosmetic use to receive FDA approval in the last decade. Like Botox, it contains botulinum toxin type A, but it's specifically formulated using what the manufacturer calls "Hi-Pure technology".

Manufactured by Evolus in South Korea, Jeuveau was developed specifically for cosmetic purposes. Similar to Botox, results appear within the first 2 days for many people, and might last up to 5 months. The treatment has quickly gained popularity, especially among younger patients looking to prevent early signs of aging.

Key Similarities Between Treatments

Despite their different brand names and manufacturers, Botox and Jeuveau share many important similarities:

Active Ingredient and Mechanism

Both products contain botulinum toxin type A as their active ingredient. This neurotoxin works by blocking the nerve signals to specific muscles, preventing them from contracting and thus reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by facial movements).

Treatment Process

The procedure for receiving either treatment is virtually identical. Both are administered through a series of quick injections into targeted facial muscles by a licensed healthcare professional. The entire treatment typically takes only 15-30 minutes, making it possible to schedule during a lunch break. Neither requires downtime, meaning patients can immediately return to their normal activities.

Safety Profile

Clinical studies show that both Jeuveau and Botox have similar safety profiles when administered correctly by qualified professionals. Common side effects for both include temporary headache, drooping eyelids, and bruising, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Both treatments have undergone extensive testing before market approval to ensure their safety.

Important Differences to Consider

While Jeuveau and Botox are similar in many ways, several key differences might influence your choice:

FDA-Approved Uses

One significant difference is the range of FDA-approved applications. Botox is approved for multiple cosmetic uses including frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet around the eyes.

Botox also has numerous medical applications, including treatment for chronic migraines, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). In contrast, Jeuveau is currently only FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines (the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows). Any other uses would be considered "off-label."

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Formulation Technology

Jeuveau utilizes what the manufacturer calls "Hi-Pure technology" in its production process. This purification method is designed to remove certain proteins and potentially improve absorption of the product.

Duration of Effects

Jeuveau may last slightly longer for frown lines, with effects lasting up to 5 months in some patients. This is slightly longer than Botox's usual 3-4 month duration. However, individual results can vary significantly.

Cost Considerations

When Jeuveau first entered the market, many expected it would be significantly cheaper than Botox. However, the price difference has generally been minimal.

Both treatments are priced per unit, with the total cost depending on how many units are needed for your specific concerns. The number of units required varies based on the treatment area, the severity of wrinkles, and individual factors like muscle strength. Neither treatment is typically covered by insurance when used for cosmetic purposes, though Botox may be covered when used for approved medical conditions.

Based on the Drugs.com Price Guide:

• Jeuveau typically costs around $661 for 100 units
• Botox costs approximately $683 for 100 units
• Botox Cosmetic costs approximately $694 for 100 units

The typical total dose of Jeuveua and Botox Costmetic for glabellar lines is 20 units, which means the cost could be around $135 for the product alone at each treatment session.

Some providers offer promotional discounts or loyalty programs for both products, which can help make treatments more affordable over time. It's worth asking about these options during your consultation.

Effectiveness Comparison

Clinical studies and real-world experience indicate that both Botox and Jeuveau are highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles when used appropriately. Both products have demonstrated similar efficacy in treating glabellar lines, with high patient satisfaction rates:

• In a study of about 500 participants, around 85% of patients reported seeing improvement at 30 days after injection from either Botox Cosmetic or Jeuveau.

However, individual responses can vary. Some people may find they respond better to one product than the other. This variability is one reason why having multiple options on the market is beneficial—if you don't achieve optimal results with one product, you might have better luck with an alternative.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Several factors should guide your decision between Jeuveau and Botox:

Consider Jeuveau if:

• You're primarily concerned with treating frown lines between your eyebrows
• You've tried Botox and weren't satisfied with the results
• You’re looking for longer-lasting results

Consider Botox if:

• You need treatment for multiple areas (forehead, crow's feet, etc.)
• You require treatment for a medical condition like migraines or hyperhidrosis
• You prefer a product with a longer track record and more extensive research
• You've used Botox before with good results
• You need a treatment that's widely available at most cosmetic providers

The best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in cosmetic injectables. During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your specific concerns and aesthetic goals
• Your medical history and any previous cosmetic treatments
• Your budget and expectations about results and maintenance
• Any questions about the differences between products

A skilled injector can assess your facial anatomy, muscle strength, and skin condition to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Many providers have experience with both products and can offer valuable insights based on their clinical experience with similar patients.

Conclusion

Both Jeuveau and Botox offer effective solutions for treating facial wrinkles, particularly the frown lines between the eyebrows. While they share many similarities in terms of their active ingredient and how they work, differences in their formulation, approved uses, and possibly their duration may make one more suitable than the other for your specific needs.

Remember that the skill and experience of your injector often matters more than which specific product is used. Finding a qualified professional who understands facial anatomy and has expertise with these treatments is crucial for achieving natural-looking results.

This is not all the information you need to know about Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.