Botox vs Letybo
As we age, we naturally develop fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Some of the wrinkles develop from years of facial expressions and repeated muscle contractions. These are known as dynamic wrinkles, and they often develop between the eyebrows, along the forehead, and around the eyes. While these wrinkles are completely natural, they can make us look older than we feel, leading to feelings of frustration. Thankfully, neuromodulators can help treat and prevent dynamic wrinkles, providing smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Many neuromodulators exist, including Botox and Letybo. Botox is the original neurotoxin, having been used cosmetically for over 30 years; on the other hand, Letybo is a new neurotoxin receiving FDA approval in 2024. Deciding between these two products can be challenging, which is why consulting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in NYC is essential.
Botox and Letybo are neuromodulators that “freeze” the muscles around the injection site to stop fine lines and wrinkles from worsening. Both products have the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. However, the composition is slightly different. Letybo is FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines (the lines between the eyebrows) but is often used off-label to address horizontal forehead lines and crow‘s feet (around the eyes). Botox is FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet as well as various medical conditions. Both products have results that last for three to four months. To get started with your neuromodulator treatment, patients should consult with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. With Botox or Letybo, Dr. Green can create long-lasting, consistently stunning, natural results.
Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience skillfully treating patients in her Upper East Side, New York City dermatology office. She is a master in a wide array of medical and cosmetic treatments, including neuromodulator injections, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing treatments. Dr. Green provides her discerning clientele with natural, more youthful appearances via the best non-invasive procedures. Dr. Green’s “less is more” philosophy and holistic approach to cosmetic treatments have earned her consistent recognition as one of the leading cosmetic injectors in New York, as featured in Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will assess your skin concerns to create a tailored treatment plan that leaves you with clear, radiant skin.
What are Botox injections?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin, which Allergan, an AbbVie company, developed for various medical and cosmetic uses. It was the first neuromodulator to receive FDA approval back in 1991. Since then, multiple FDA-approved botulinum toxin drugs have been developed by other companies, including Xeomin, Dysport, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. The main ingredient of these injectable treatments, botulinum toxin type A, is produced by the bacterium that causes botulism. When botulinum toxin type A is purified and used in the appropriate dose, it effectively treats various medical and cosmetic concerns. When used for cosmetic concerns, Botox is injected into the specific facial muscles that cause wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, forehead lines, and more. The neurotoxin of botulinum toxin acts at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the nerve signals. The muscles are essentially “frozen” by the Botox injections and can no longer contract. When the muscles cannot contract, wrinkles stop forming and can even soften over time. Botox injections are the gold standard for treating the dynamic wrinkles that form from repeatedly making facial expressions.
What are Letybo injections?
Letybo is a neuromodulator produced by Hugel Aesthetics, a Korean company. It received FDA approval in 2024 for the cosmetic improvement of fine lines and wrinkles around the glabellar muscles. The injectable treatment utilizes botulinum toxin type A, also known as lebotulinumtoxinA-wlbg, to block neuromuscular signals, thereby preventing wrinkles from deepening. The Botox alternative has been used in South Korea under the name Botulax for years, where it is used to treat frown lines and the medical condition blepharospasm. Botulinum toxin type A effectively and safely addresses numerous medical and cosmetic issues, including dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. When injected into the facial muscle, the Letybo “freezes” the muscle by obstructing the signal at the neuromuscular junction, preventing it from contracting. The muscles treated with Letybo are unable to create facial expressions that result in dynamic wrinkles. In cosmetic applications, Letybo is FDA-approved to minimize and prevent the appearance of frown lines. Many dermatologists will also use Letybo “off-label” to treat the horizontal lines of the forehead as well as the crow’s feet around the corners of the eyes.
How is Letybo different from Botox?
Letybo and Botox are both botulinum toxin type A products used to relax facial muscles and temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They operate through the same core mechanism: blocking nerve signals to muscles, which decreases muscle activity and softens lines. The efficacy, longevity, and treatment effects of Letybo and Botox are comparable. The main difference lies in their formulation. Although both contain botulinum toxin type A, they differ slightly in formulation, specifically regarding the accessory proteins. The accessory proteins play a role in the product’s diffusion and the speed of onset. Botox is known to diffuse around half a centimeter from the injection site, while Letybo diffuses even less than Botox. Letybo is also thought to have a faster onset of action, with some patients reporting that the results begin to appear within three days of treatment. In contrast, Botox typically takes five days for results to start becoming visible, with the full treatment effect present after two weeks. While Botox and Letybo work similarly, Botox is approved to treat several medical conditions and various types of dynamic wrinkles. In contrast, Letybo is only approved for the cosmetic improvement of frown lines. Dr. Green offers various neuromodulator injections to patients visiting her NYC-based practice and will help you determine which injectable is most suitable for you.
What is the process for Botox or Letybo treatment?
Before receiving neuromodulator injections, you will meet with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in NYC for a consultation. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and outline your aesthetic goals. Medical photos will be taken to track the results of your cosmetic treatments. Dr. Green will gather a comprehensive medical history, including supplements and prescriptions, review any previous cosmetic procedures, and assess your unique facial anatomy. Your injections may be administered on the day of your consultation or scheduled for a later date, based on your preference.
To prepare for your treatment, we recommend avoiding blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Aleve, Motrin), multivitamins, and fish oil, for one week prior to your procedure to minimize the risk of bruising at the injection sites. On the day of the treatment, patients who are sensitive to pain can apply a topical numbing cream one hour prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort. Upon arrival at the office, the treatment area will be sterilized and prepared for the procedure. Dr. Green will mark the injection sites and perform the procedure artfully. An ice pack will be applied to the treatment area immediately after to help minimize any potential swelling or bruising. The most common side effect is mild bruising, which typically resolves on its own within a few days after treatment. Dr. Green typically requests that first-time patients return in two weeks for a follow-up to evaluate the cosmetic results and determine if additional neuromodulator is needed to achieve the best aesthetic outcome.
What are the side effects of Botox and Letybo?
Due to the nature of neurotoxins, certain common side effects may occur following the injections of Letybo or Botox. Both injectable treatments have minimal side effects when administered by an experienced provider.
Common side effects of neuromodulators are temporary and include:
- Bruising at the site of injection
- Localized Swelling
- Headache
- Temporary eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelids) or asymmetry
Rare side effects of neuromodulator treatment include:
- Dry Eyes, excessive tearing, double vision, or blurred vision
- Cardiac arrhythmia or myocardial infarction
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Muscle weakness
Immediate allergic reaction side effects that require immediate medical help include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Red itchy welts
- Wheezing or Asthma symptoms
- Dizziness
When it comes to cosmetic injectable treatments such as Letybo and Botox, it’s crucial to have up-to-date medical history information from your healthcare provider. If you experience any breathing difficulties or severe adverse reactions, seek medical attention promptly. In rare cases, botulinum toxin can cause adverse effects if it spreads from the injection site, including but not limited to paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death. Due to these risks, a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, should always be trusted for proper injections and accurate dosages.
Is Letybo the same as Botox?
Letybo and Botox are similar cosmetic treatments that contain botulinum toxin type A molecules with slightly different compositions to act as wrinkle relaxers. Letybo is also known as lebotulinumtoxinA-wlbg, while Botox is also known as onabotulinumtoxinA. Both Botox and Letybo work by blocking the neurotransmitters that signal the muscles to contract, thereby “freezing” the muscle and causing it to relax. This helps eliminate dynamic wrinkles on the face and can aid in improving certain medical conditions. Letybo and Botox differ in the accessory proteins that are attached to the toxin molecule. The additional protein affects the diffusion of the neurotoxin and the rate at which the treatment’s effects are visible following injections. This affects how quickly the effects of the treatment become apparent after the injections. Both Letybo and Botox can be used for similar purposes, so it is best to consult with Dr. Green in New York City so she can help you determine which treatment is best for your aesthetic goals.
What is the best skincare to use with Botox and Letybo?
Proper skin care is crucial for maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion. Sun damage can accelerate the aging process through photoaging and lead to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and other forms of skin damage. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will help bolster your skincare routine to provide the most benefit. Since Botox targets isolated muscles of facial expression, but not skin tone or texture, it is essential to incorporate proper skincare into your daily routine to target the various signs of aging.
Vitamin C Serum is an excellent antioxidant that offers many benefits, including reducing facial redness and rejuvenating the skin by stimulating new collagen production and accelerating skin cell turnover. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C combats the damaging effects of free radicals that contribute to premature skin aging. It also supports collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structural support and contributes to a youthful, supple appearance. By promoting skin cell regeneration and stimulating collagen production, vitamin C enhances the skin’s texture and tone. Dr. Green’s best-selling Vita-C-Serum from her proprietary line, MGSKINLABs, Inc., is ideal for patients looking to prevent premature aging.
Retinol is present in various over-the-counter skincare products and promotes skin cell turnover while enhancing collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more even-toned complexion overall. Retinol is a potent anti-aging ingredient derived from vitamin A that offers several significant benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin, unclogging pores, decreasing sebum production for acne treatment, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and promoting skin cell turnover. Dr. Green’s Essential Antioxidant Infusion leverages the anti-aging advantages of retinol to deliver smoother, clearer skin.
Sunscreen is another crucial component of a well-rounded skincare routine. MGSKINLABS Hydrating SPF 50 uses zinc oxide to create a protective barrier on the skin against UV rays, along with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to soften and hydrate the skin. Physical sunscreens, such as the Hydrating SPF 50, utilize zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 90 minutes or after engaging in water activities, such as swimming. This type of sunscreen is the ideal choice for individuals looking to streamline their skincare routine, maintain healthy and moisturized skin, and protect against UVA and UVB rays that contribute to the development of skin cancer and premature signs of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Letybo and Botox
Is Letybo approved in the US?
As of April 2024, Letybo was approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Specifically, it is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines. It’s one of the newest neuromodulators on the US market compared to Botox. Still, Letybo has been widely used in parts of Asia and other international markets prior to this approval.
What are the ingredients in Letybo?
Letybo contains the active ingredient letibotulinumtoxinA, which acts on the neuromuscular junction, blocking nerve signals to the muscles. The targeted muscles are then unable to contract, preventing the skin from folding into facial wrinkles. This reduction in muscle activity helps decrease the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on the face, thereby smoothing the skin’s surface. Letybo also contains human albumin and sucrose. Human albumin is a protein that serves as a stabilizing agent, protecting the botulinum toxin molecule during manufacturing, storage, and administration.
How much does Letybo cost vs Botox?
The cost of neuromodulator treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on the areas being treated and the location of the treatment. Letybo and Botox are both neurotoxins with similar safety and efficacy profiles. Neuromodulator treatment will be more expensive for a patient treating multiple wrinkles, such as the crow’s feet and frown lines, compared to treating just one area. Your geographic location and the expertise of your injector also influence the cost of Letybo and Botox. While medical spas may offer lower rates for neuromodulator treatment, it is essential to select an experienced injector, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, to minimize the risk of unwanted side effects, ensure safety, and achieve optimal results. Medical spas typically have a nurse injector providing the treatment, who will be less knowledgeable and experienced than a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to utilize injectable neurotoxins to cosmetically treat facial wrinkles, including frown lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for rejuvenation that works for your schedule and budget.
How long does Letybo take to kick in?
Letybo is a fast-acting neurotoxin, with patients reporting that Letybo works within the first week following injections. Many begin to experience the results within just 2-3 days following the treatment. Typically, patients see positive results from Letybo a couple of days after any initial swelling at the injection site has subsided. For some patients, it may take up to two weeks for the full effects to become apparent. However, in general, it typically takes only a few days for optimal results to be visible. Dr. Green recommends that all her neuromodulator patients return for a follow-up two weeks after their cosmetic injections to ensure their treatments are effective and they achieve optimal results.
What is the duration of Letybo and Botox?
The effects of Letybo last for three to four months, similar to Botox. The longevity of both Letybo and Botox depends on the rate at which the body metabolizes the neuromodulator. Some patients report that Letybo lasts longer than Botox, while others claim that Botox lasts longer. It all depends on your body and how quickly it metabolizes the neuromodulator. Some patients can develop an antibody resistance to the accessory protein attached to botulinum toxin type A, which can cause the treatment results to wear off more quickly. Patients can develop a resistance to Letybo or Botox after prolonged usage. If patients develop a resistance to their Botox or Letybo, then they can switch to other neuromodulators to achieve longer-lasting results.
Does Letybo last longer than Botox?
While Letybo may be marketed as a longer-lasting neuromodulator, it actually has similar longevity to Botox. Both neuromodulators are expected to last for 3 to 4 months following injection. The longevity of each product is dependent on how quickly it is metabolized by the body. Everyone is different, and some patients may report that one product lasts longer for them. Continuing maintenance treatments of neuromodulator will weaken the muscles, enhance the product’s effectiveness, and significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep facial wrinkles.
Is Letybo better than Botox?
Neither neuromodulator treatment is inherently “better” than the other – the treatment that is best for you is dependent on your cosmetic goals. Sometimes referred to as “new Botox,” Letybo is a new contender in the world of neuromodulators, compared to Botox, which is the original neurotoxin treatment. For your cosmetic goals, Letybo and Botox can treat fine lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows caused by frowning, as well as forehead lines and crow’s feet. When determining the best treatment for you, consulting a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, is the most effective course of action. She can assess your treatment area and make a recommendation about the treatment plan that will work best to reach your aesthetic and physical goals and needs.
How does Dysport compare to Letybo?
Dysport is another botulinum toxin A treatment that operates similarly to Botox and Letybo, by blocking neurotransmitters at the injection site and relaxing the muscles to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to treat certain conditions. Both Dysport and Letybo are effective treatment options. However, they differ in the active botulinum toxin molecules. The primary difference between Letybo and Dysport lies in the type of complex protein associated with the botulinum toxin molecules. The protein linked to Dysport enables it to diffuse 1-3 cm from the injection site, while the protein bound to Letybo allows for less diffusion. In addition to influencing the diffusion of the neuromodulator, the complexing protein can impact the duration and strength of treatment. Both Letybo and Dysport share a similar safety profile, duration, and side effects. Dr. Green offers various neuromodulator injections to patients visiting her NYC-based practice and will help you determine which injectable is most suitable for you.
How to get started with neuromodulator treatment today
Suppose you are starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles forming from repeated facial expressions, or want to prevent wrinkles from arising in the first place. In that case, you may benefit from treatment with a neuromodulator. Neuromodulators work to smooth and prevent dynamic wrinkles on the skin. There is little to no downtime or side effects associated with neuromodulator injections, making them an excellent treatment option for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as creating smooth, clear skin. Many neuromodulators exist, including Botox, Letybo, Xeomin, and Dysport, and choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming, which is why it is always recommended to consult with a . Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to offer neuromodulator injections and will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation that lasts.
Dr. Michele Green, based in New York City, is an internationally recognized board-certified dermatologist with over twenty-five years of experience delivering some of the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox and dermal fillers, to discerning patients worldwide. Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times consistently recognize Dr. Green as one of the best dermatologists in NYC for her commitment to patient care and expertise. Acclaimed for her “less-is-more philosophy” in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Green adopts a holistic approach, tailoring each patient’s treatment plan to include a blend of cosmetic treatments and specially formulated skincare products that best address their unique concerns and aesthetic goals. To learn more about non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side by calling 212-535-3088 or reaching out to us online.