Jeuveau – the New Botulin in Cosmetic Care…Really?

Jeuveau is the latest FDA-approved neuromodulator, an advanced wrinkle-relaxing injectable. Jeuveau is the first product to challenge BOTOX in a decade. Okay, but let’s be real. Dysport was really exciting when it first launched too… and it’s useful, but wasn’t a game-changer. Dubbed #NEWTOX, the active ingredient in Jeuveau is a neuromuscular blocking agent, a BOTOX cousin, developed by Evolus, a California-based distributor who bought the rights to a South Korean manufacturer’s toxin.

How is Jeuveau different from BOTOX and Dysport?

The active ingredient in Jeuveau, BOTOX, and Dysport is extracted from the same bacteria. With Jeuveau, the difference lies in the manufacturing process. Evolus has developed a purification and vacuum drying process called Hi-Pure™ technology. “Hi-Pure” is a marketing and propriety name, but again, it really doesn’t add much because the purity of the Galderma’s Dysport and Allergen’s BOTOX is already extremely high. It’s a little like saying that Coke is purer than Pepsi.

BOTOX has several therapeutic uses, such as treating migraines, muscle spasms, and other medical conditions, but Jeuveau was developed strictly for the aesthetic market and no other use. Evolus ran a “non superiority” study which basically just says that Jeuveau performs just like Dysport and BOTOX. Where is the advantage?

How long does Jeuveau last?

Jeuveau is comparable to BOTOX, lasting in the range of three to four months before retreatment is needed.

How long until Jeuveau shows results?

The wrinkle-relaxing effect of Jeuveau can start to appear within two to four days, which is similar to Dysport and may be faster than BOTOX. If you have an upcoming event and need results faster, try Dysport or Jeuveau. The full skin-smoothing effect is visible at about four to seven days after treatment, which is just like Dysport and a few days faster than BOTOX.

What are the benefits of Jeuveau, BOTOX, and Dysport?

There is NO evidence yet that it requires fewer units to produce results similar to what you achieved with either BOTOX or Dysport, so it’s unlikely at this point in time to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Benefits of BOTOX, Dysport, and Jeuveau injections include:

  • Non-surgical.
  • Injections completed in just minutes.
  • Very little pain involved.
  • Little to no recovery time.
  • Rapid skin-smoothing results.
  • A high-performance alternative to BOTOX or Dysport for dynamic wrinkles.

Who are candidates?

  • All neuromodulators for cosmetic injections, you must be 18 or older.
  • You are in good general health.
  • You don’t have a history of certain neurologic severe diseases.
  • You want to smooth facial lines and wrinkles.

Who should not try any of these?

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not have Jeuveau injections.
  • Not for those with skin disorders or an infection near the injection sites.
  • Injections are not appropriate for patients with certain nerve or muscle disorders.
  • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, you should not have Jeuveau injections.

How much does Jeuveau cost?

The price of Jeuveau varies from provider to provider, but so far is AS expensive or more expensive than Dysport or BOTOX. Hopefully, Evolus will see fit to be more completive on price in the future, since that would be welcomed by many. The skills of the injector are the most critical point in achieving a natural, smooth look, far more important than the cost per unit. Generally, Jeuveau is about the same price per unit as BOTOX.

What are the risks and side effects of Jeuveau, BOTOX, and Dysport?

The risks of treatment are very low, and during clinical trials, no adverse events were reported. As with any injectable, you may see a reddened area around the injection site, which typically fades within a few hours. Other risks include allergic reactions, headaches, upper respiratory problems, and increased white blood cell count.

Rare, serious side effects include problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, which are most likely to occur in patients with pre-existing conditions. Other risks are associated with the product spreading beyond where it was intended. Always inform your healthcare provider of any neurological or muscle disorders that could put you at higher risk, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

What are the recovery and post-injection instructions?

After injections, you are free to return to your usual activities, with no downtime. If you see mild swelling, bruising or redness, apply a cold compress. Do not lie down for three to four hours following your injections, and do not rub the area treated. Avoid bending over, straining, or vigorous exercise for three to four hours.

If you notice a darkened black and blue patch at the injection site, excessive swelling, changes in vision, or feel faint, have an allergic reaction such as a rash, welts, breathing problems or other unusual reaction, call your doctor immediately.

Is Jeuveau stronger than BOTOX or Dysport?

You may have heard whisperings that Jeuveau is stronger than BOTOX or Dysport, but there is no evidence for this.  If Evolus, the manufacturers of Jeuveau can prove it legitimately, we’d love to hear about it.

Can I use Dysport, BOTOX, or Jeuveau with other procedures?

Jeuveau injections can be used with some other procedures, including dermal fillers. If you are planning a facial, chemical peel, laser treatments or microneedling, these should be performed after the Jeuveau has taken effect.

Are injections painful?

The needle is very fine, so the injections are not particularly painful, with a sensation similar to a pinch. Most people find the treatment easy to experience.

How new is Jeuveau?

Jeuveau was FDA-approved to smooth frown lines in February of 2019, making it the first competitor to Dysport and BOTOX to become available in the USA in almost a decade.

Is it safe?

Jeuveau is as safe and effective as BOTOX and Dysport. Two FDA trials were required to achieve approval, and Jeuveau was the subject of five clinical studies and over 2,100 patients. Neuromodulators have been used by millions of people across the globe for almost two decades and are considered to be very safe.

Does it really matter who delivers my treatments?

The hands behind the needle are the most important point in the success of a Jeuveau treatment. Never look for the lowest price when considering treatments. Insist that you are treated by an expert injector who fully understands facial muscle structure, how it works, and who will inject it correctly and in the right quantity.

Can I use Jeuveau if I have only used BOTOX or Dysport?

You can switch to Jeuveau if you have consistently used either BOTOX or Dysport with success.

What can Jeuveau, BOTOX, and Dysport treat?

Currently, Jeuveau is FDA-approved to smooth frown lines, the deep creases that appear between your brows. Physicians may choose to use it off-label to smooth crow’s feet or forehead creases, just as they do with BOTOX.  Many of these uses are FDA “off-label.”

Why is Jeuveau called #NEWTOX?

The name Jeuveau is a take-off on the French word, nouveau, which means “new.” It is pronounced “joo-voe,” and as it is a “new toxin” it quickly got dubbed “#NEWTOX.” Good marketing name though.