Letybo is the Latest Botox Alternative to Get FDA Approval

A new Botox®-type injectable called Letybo is making headlines as a promising alternative to Botox. Many are touting its potential to reduce the cost of neuromodulator treatments, which must be repeated every 3-4 months, and citing its long-time popularity in Korea, where it is considered a less expensive Botox alternative. 

Here are the facts about this treatment, and what you should consider before asking about Letybo at your cosmetic surgeon’s office or medspa.

How does Letybo work?

Letybo is an injectable formulated with a novel neuromodulator that functions similarly to other botulinum toxin products like Botox®, Daxxify®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau® to temporarily reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. It is FDA-approved to treat moderate-to-severe glabellar (frown) lines, but all neuromodulators are used for smoothing facial lines in several areas, including the frown lines (“11s”), crow’s feet, and the forehead.

Letybo works by blocking nerve signals in the injected muscles, which in turn prevents the muscles from contracting. This temporary relaxation of the facial muscles leads to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles on the skin’s surface for about 3-4 months.

How long do the effects of Letybo last?

Clinical studies on Letybo indicate that its wrinkle-smoothing effects tend to last for approximately 3 to 4 months, aligning with what is typically observed with other established neurotoxin treatments.

What are the potential side effects of Letybo?

In clinical trials, the most common adverse events have included:

• Mild injection site pain or bruising
• Mild headache or flu-like symptoms
• Temporary facial muscle weakness

It is important to remember that while these side effects usually pass in time, each patient should discuss their full medical history and any concerns with their board-certified cosmetic surgeon or medical injector before undergoing treatment to minimize risks.

How often can Letybo be administered?

As with Botox, Letybo treatments are typically spaced several months apart — usually every 3 to 4 months — after the neuromodulator’s effects have worn off. Your cosmetic surgeon will work with you to design a treatment regimen tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

Who is a good candidate for Letybo?

Letybo may be an attractive option for patients who are looking for a non-surgical solution for dynamic facial lines. Ideal candidates are individuals who:

• Are seeking a temporary reduction in facial wrinkles
• Want to avoid the downtime associated with surgical procedures
• Have realistic expectations about the gradual and subtle improvement in their appearance
• Are curious to try a product other than Botox

Some patients develop “Botox resistance” to certain formulas over time. This issue can usually be avoided by switching to a formula that uses a different accompanying protein or peptide. Patients may consider Letybo if another formula has yielded diminished results over time.

As always, a thorough consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon is essential to assess your suitability for Letybo and to discuss any potential interactions with your current medications or previous cosmetic treatments.

How does Letybo compare to traditional Botox treatments?

Letybo and Botox share similar mechanisms of action, side effect profiles, and active ingredients. Both contain a purified form of botulinum toxin A; the technical name of Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA and Letybo is letibotulinumtoxinA. Patients can generally expect a similar onset of action, typically within a few days to a week, and a duration of effect lasting around 3-4 months for both products, although individual results can vary.

Both were FDA-approved following review of clinical trials assessing their safety and efficacy. Botox has a long history of use in the United States and has accumulated FDA approvals for a wide range of cosmetic uses (like forehead lines and crow’s feet) and numerous therapeutic applications (such as chronic migraine, overactive bladder, and muscle spasticity). Letybo, as a newer entrant to this market, gained approval specifically for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines (the “11s” between the eyebrows) in 2024.

Next Steps: Discussing Letybo with Your Cosmetic Surgeon

Your injector’s qualifications are of the utmost importance when it comes to receiving medical treatments like Letybo. Carefully vet your provider’s credentials, experience, and before-and-after photos, or find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon near you today.