For many years, BOTOX was the only injectable treatment for dynamic wrinkles. If you want to smooth away crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines people still automatically turn to this product because it was the only option and its longevity on the market. Today, there are more choices. Other botulinum toxin products, like Dysport, and now Jeuveau, allow patients to try different neuromodulators to see which they like the best. All of these products share the same basic mechanism of action, but they have some important differences. Knowing the pros and cons of each medical product can help you achieve the best outcome while working within your budget.
What is Jeuveau (AKA “NewTox”)?
As the name says, it is the first new neurotoxin on the medical market in years. Similar to Botox, the Jeuveau compound is injected into the muscle tissue and blocks nerve signals sent to the brain to direct the muscles to contract. When the muscles do not contract the wrinkles are softened and unattractive facial lines are smoothed.
What is a Neurotoxin?
When a patient hears about Botox, Dysport, or Jeuveau, which are botulinum toxin products, a legitimate concern is if they are at risk for potential toxicity due to the injectables. Even though Botulinum toxin sounds scary, there is no risk to the patient. Even if Botox or Jeuveau would be consumed orally it would take 2,500 to 3,000 units to have any adverse reaction. A typical cosmetic Jeuveau treatment would only be 30 to 50 units making this popular cosmetic procedure extremely safe.
These neurotoxins disable the nerve tissue that sends electrical impulses to make the muscle contract. After the effects of Botox, Jeuveau, and Dysport take effect the wrinkles will begin to smooth. The body will then slowly start to regenerate new nerve cells in the treated areas. That’s why the effects of this most common cosmetic procedure only last about three to four months. Cosmetic neurotoxins like Botox and Jeuveau don’t harm skin or muscle tissue, so patients don’t have to worry about permanently altering their appearance. If you don’t like the way Botox or Jeuveau looks on you, all you have to do is wait four to six months for your face will return to normal.
There’s no reason to fear the word “neurotoxin” as these compounds have a long history in the medical field. When used correctly, neurotoxins are safe and effective cosmetic improvement treatments. In fact, research started on these compounds in the late 1800s, when it was discovered that neurotoxins could reduce muscle spasms. Today, neurotoxins are used to treat different medical conditions, including involuntary facial spasms, migraine headaches, limb spasms, excessive sweating, strabismus (crossed or lazy eyes), bruxism, and TMJ pain.
How Often Do You Have to Get BOTOX® or Jeuveau to Get the Full Benefits?
For most patients, the FDA recommends spacing your Botox or Jeuveau injections three or four months apart. After you’ve had two or three treatments, you will know if you are one of the lucky ones where it lasts 6 months. Repeated Botox or Jeuveau injections may gradually train targeted muscles to remain in a more relaxed state, making results potentially last longer.
Can I Make Botox or Jeuveau Last Longer?
There are several things you can do to extend your results: Having injections regularly will keep your muscles relaxed which helps prevent new wrinkles from forming. Every muscle contraction breaks down collagen, so stop those severe frown lines from getting deeper by relaxing those muscles regularly.
Do not vigorously scrub or massage your face for 24 hours after having BOTOX® or Jeuveau injections. It is best to wait until the neuromodulators fully take effect, 2 weeks, before having skin tightening or laser treatments in the area injected.
Protect your skin from the sun. Sunlight does not destroy BOTOX® or Jeuveau ®, but it does speed up the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin. The sun makes the skin thinner, weaker, and more prone to developing new wrinkles.
Can Starting and Stopping Neuromodulator Treatment Cause Problems?
You can start or stop BOTOX, Jeuveau, or Dysport injections whenever you want, without worrying about adverse effects. You will notice wrinkles gradually returning within six months of stopping treatment, but the creases will probably be less noticeable than when you started. Having regular neuromodulator injections reduces the stress the muscles put on the skin, potentially slowing wrinkle formation.
What is the Difference Between Jeuveau and Botox?
Botox was the first FDA-approved neuromodulator to hit the cosmetic injectable market in 2002, but it has been used in medical indications since the 1970s. Botox has a proven history of producing effective results, without adverse side effects, making it most patients’ first choice. Both neuromodulators can treat horizontal forehead lines, crows feet, severe glabellar lines, and neck bands.
Jeuveau uses a slightly different form of botulinum toxin type A which has been granted FDA approval for cosmetic use. It gives very similar results to Botox and other neuromodulators but at a lower price. To keep the cost of Jeuveau low, Evolus decided not to have their product approved for medical uses. The main difference is if you want to use Jeuveau to treat migraine headaches, you won’t be able to receive any insurance coverage.
Jeuveau also uses different manufacturing processes. Its Hi-Pure™ technology takes added steps to remove dangerous proteins and to aid with absorption, which might lead to a faster onset in some patients (3 – 4 days).
Comparing the Cost of BOTOX® and Jeuveau.
Botox usually costs between $12 and $20 per unit, while Jeuveau is expected to cost 20-30% less. This might not sound like a big difference, but it adds up. Add this to the $40 Evolus reward program for each treatment and you have pretty good savings. At The Laser Image Company, we also have a monthly Jeuveau Happy Hour where the price is reduced to $10.50/unit for further savings. Current botox patients can try Jeuveau at a discount and if they do not like it, just switch back.
Should I be Concerned When I See Discounted Specials?
Seeing BOTOX, Dysport or Jeuveau offered at a discount isn’t in itself a cause for alarm, but if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. A reputable location will only buy FDA-approved neuromodulators from within the United States. If purchased from a different country it may not have to go through the same rigorous safety protocol and is actually a felony to be used on patients. You may encounter black-market knockoff products that can be incredibly toxic so make sure you go to a reputable facility.
Benefits of Jeuveau:
- Modern made FDA approved treatment
- Treats facial moderate to severe lines and wrinkles
- Uses a proprietary triple-purification manufacturing process
- May work quicker and longer than Botox.
- Less expensive alternative to Botox
Whether it is your first botox treatment or a repeat injection, our BOTOX procedure specialists will educate you on the Jeuveau difference. Giving you the opportunity to try the latest innovation in anti-aging treatments available at our clinic. Contact The Laser Image Company, at 310-543-9073. today with any questions or concerns, or book your complimentary consultation.
Education. Treatment. Results.
