What is Jeuveau?

Anti-wrinkle injections have always been a controversial topic. Whether you’re for or against it, there’s no denying that injectables are becoming increasingly popular for women of all ages. Especially when it comes to anti-wrinkle injections or muscle relaxants such as Botox. Jeuveau, a new alternative to Botox, has just been approved in the US and it’s set to completely change up the injectables industry.

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We spoke to Registered Cosmetic Nurse, Kelly George, to find out everything you need to know about Jeuveau and what it means for anyone interested in getting rid of their frown lines...

What is Jeuveau?

Jeuveau is the latest Brand of botulinum toxin to receive approval for use in the USA. It is due to be released in the American aesthetic market later this year.

Why is Jeuveau’s entry into the neurotoxin market such a big deal?

A new brand has the potential to shake things up in the market. Currently it is widely accepted that there is one premium brand, and the other available options are less reliable. It has been reported that Jeuveau will be sold for up to 30% less than the market-leading brand. If Jeuveau can truly compete in terms of safety, efficacy and longevity, it might help drive prices down.  

As a registered cosmetic nurse, how will Jeuveau impact you and the work that you do?

Hopefully, the introduction of a new wrinkle relaxant will provide greater choice and therefore enhance patient outcomes. A very small number of patients develop anti-bodies to certain strains of neurotoxin. Having another strain on the market may allow those patients to be successfully treated.  

Can you explain how neurotoxins work?

We create facial expressions (smiling, frowning) through contraction of facial muscles. With repeated expression, lines (wrinkles) will form on the surface where the skin folds. Neurotoxins temporarily prevent the action of the muscles that create the line, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

At what age do you think it’s appropriate for patients to start injectables?

There is no hard and fast rule on this, and the appropriateness of treatment should be determined during a medical consultation. However the patient should be over 18 years of age and preventative treatment is always better than cure. The aim is to gently relax the muscle early enough to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place, but not so early that the patient begins to look unnatural.  For younger, “prevention” patients, best results are achieved with lower dosing.

What areas can a neurotoxin like Jeauveau treat?

The initial FDA approval is for use in the frown lines. But it is reasonable to expect that injectors will treat other areas including crow’s feet and forehead lines.

How long until Jeuveau will reach us in Australia?

Realistically, it could be many years before we see this new drug on our shores. TGA approval is a lengthy and costly process, however as a cosmetic injector I will be eagerly watching the results that come out of the USA later in the year!

What do you think about Jeuveau? Have you tried anti-wrinkle injections?