On February 1, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jeuveau™ (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) for the treatment of glabellar lines. Known as frown lines or the “11,” these lines can be found between the eyebrows and are a common complaint of many patients. Jeuveau™ is the first aesthetic neurotoxin to be approved by the FDA in almost 10 years, joining commonly used injectables like Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Joshua Rosenberg, MD, Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, explains the new drug, how it works, and compares the drug to its popular competitors.
What exactly is Jeuveau?
Very similar to the ubiquitous Botox, Jeuveau is a purified botulinum toxin type A complex. It is an aesthetic neurotoxin which produces results by paralyzing the muscle. Although the effect sounds scary, these injectable medications are completely safe when administered professionally.
How do neurotoxins reduce lines and wrinkles?
Repetitive movements are responsible for many of the lines and wrinkles that form as we age, especially horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet. Cosmetically speaking, all neurotoxins do the same thing: relax muscles involved in facial expression. Through their ability to relax our underlying facial muscles, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and now Jeuveau are great tools to prevent these lines from forming or soften lines that are already there to give you a younger, more refreshed look.
What is the difference between the available injectables?
Although they are distinct formulations of botulinum toxin type A, there are few practical differences between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin for the average patient. They all produce temporary results that last between three and six months, require similar injection techniques, and have similar prices. For many patients, the product decision is made by a dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon.
So, why is the industry so excited by this new drug?
The excitement centers not only on its “new kid” status but also its potentially lower price. Unlike Botox, which can also be used to treat non-aesthetic conditions, Jeuveau has only been approved for cosmetic use. Due to this, the drug is expected to be 25-30 percent cheaper than its competitors. I have yet to meet a patient, especially a New York patient, who was not excited by getting a similar product for a better price.
When will patients be able to try this drug?
Jeuveau is available in offices. If you are interested in trying this new injectable, make an appointment with a Mount Sinai facial plastic surgeon.
Joshua Rosenberg, MD, is an Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Co-Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. A diplomate of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Rosenberg is an expert in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
