What Is Letybo? Meet the Newest FDA-Approved Botox Competitor
Dr. Dylan Cahill, MD
What Is Letybo?
Like Botox, Letybo is a botulinum toxin type A product that works by interrupting nerve signals to targeted muscles. This helps smooth expression lines and refresh your appearance without surgery. While new to the U.S. market, Letybo already has a strong safety and performance track record in Asia.
How Does Letybo Work?
Letybo is made with letibotulinumtoxinA, a type of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for expression lines. By blocking the nerve signals that cause certain muscles to contract, it helps smooth dynamic wrinkles such as the vertical frown lines between your eyebrows.
Why Letybo Is Gaining Attention in the U.S.
Letybo has been used internationally for over nine years, especially in South Korea and other parts of Asia where it’s a well-established brand. Its strong track record abroad has helped build confidence among U.S. providers and patients now that it’s FDA approved. In clinical trials used to gain FDA approval, Letybo was found to deliver “non-inferior” results compared to Botox, meaning it worked just as well in reducing glabellar lines. That’s a key reason it’s being taken seriously, not just as a budget option, but as a real contender in the neuromodulator space.
There’s also strong consumer interest in trying the newest treatments. From skincare to injectables, the aesthetic world tends to move quickly, and patients often want access to what’s next, especially if there’s even a chance of longer-lasting results or faster onset. Finally, the demand for wrinkle relaxers continues to grow across the board. With more patients starting younger and returning regularly, there’s plenty of room in the market for new options like Letybo to succeed.
What to Expect From Letybo Treatment
Before Your Appointment
Just like with any neuromodulator, you’ll want to avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E in the days leading up to treatment unless prescribed. It’s also best to skip alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment to help reduce the risk of bruising. Always talk to your provider first before stopping any medications.
During the Injection
The actual procedure is quick, usually taking 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll feel small pinches during the injections, but most people find the treatment very tolerable. The number of injections depends on the area being treated, typically focused between the brows for glabellar lines.
Aftercare and Recovery
Letybo has minimal downtime. You may experience some redness, swelling, or small bumps at the injection sites, but these usually fade within a few hours. Bruising is possible, especially if you’re prone to it, but should resolve within a few days. Most people return to normal activities right after treatment, avoiding strenuous workouts or lying flat for the rest of the day.
Your experience with Letybo will feel nearly identical to treatments with Botox or other neuromodulators if you have had those done before. Any reputable clinic should give you clear pre-treatment and aftercare instructions.
Letybo Results: What Patients Say
Time to onset: Many patients report seeing results from Letybo in as little as 2 to 3 days. This is slightly faster than Botox, which typically takes 3 to 5 days, and more in line with the quicker onset seen with Dysport. That said, timing can vary from person to person based on individual characteristics.
Duration: Most people find the effects of Letybo last about 3 to 4 months, which is the same typical range as Botox Cosmetic. Some patients have reported slightly longer results, but it’s not as extended as newer products like Daxxify, which is specifically marketed for longer duration.
How Safe Is Letybo?
Common Side Effects
Letybo is generally well tolerated and has a safety profile similar to other FDA-approved neuromodulators. According to clinical data and the official prescribing instructions, the most common side effects include swelling, redness, and headache. These reactions are usually mild and short-lived, resolving within a few days after treatment.
Serious But Rare Risks
More serious complications are rare but possible. Some patients may experience eyelid drooping (also known as ptosis), asymmetry in facial expression, or unintended muscle weakness if the injection diffuses beyond the intended area. These outcomes are more likely to occur when the product is injected improperly, which is why choosing an experienced provider is essential.
Who Shouldn’t Use Letybo
Letybo Cost: Is It a Budget-Friendly Option?
Letybo is expected to fall within the typical price range for neuromodulators, with per-unit costs generally between $10 and $16 depending on the clinic, provider experience, and region. Some offices may introduce Letybo at a lower price point as part of a promotion or while the brand builds recognition in the U.S. market. This can make it appealing for patients seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, although it remains to be seen how pricing will settle long term.
When comparing costs, it’s important to consider not just the price per unit but how many units are needed for your treatment area and how long the effects last. If results are comparable to Botox, as current research suggests, Letybo may offer a similar value depending on the provider and your treatment goals.
Can You Combine Letybo With Other Treatments?
Yes, Letybo can be safely combined with other aesthetic services as part of a comprehensive skincare plan. Many providers pair neuromodulators with dermal fillers to address both dynamic wrinkles and volume loss in one session. Treatments like microneedling or laser resurfacing may also be used alongside or in between neuromodulator sessions to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production.
A well-rounded approach often produces the best results. Your provider may suggest a treatment plan that includes skincare products, periodic neuromodulator maintenance, and additional therapies designed around your goals and skin condition. Whether you’re trying Letybo for the first time or looking to switch from another product, it’s helpful to view it as one part of a larger, personalized strategy.
How Letybo Compares to Other Brands
Letybo is the newest FDA-approved neuromodulator in the U.S., joining Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify. Botox is the original name most people recognize, with decades of research and use behind it. Dysport is known for a slightly quicker onset and a softer spread across larger areas. Xeomin uses a “naked” formula without accessory proteins, which may appeal to those concerned about potential resistance. Jeuveau is often framed as a modern, aesthetics-focused option with competitive pricing. Daxxify is marketed as a longer-lasting treatment, with some results reported up to six months or more.
Final Thoughts
Letybo is a welcome addition to the lineup of wrinkle relaxers available in the U.S. While it’s newly approved by the FDA, it’s not a brand-new product. This neuromodulator has been used safely and effectively overseas for years, with a strong track record in countries like South Korea and across Asia.
That said, newer doesn’t always mean better in aesthetics. The best results still come from working with an experienced provider who understands facial anatomy, dosing, and how to personalize a treatment plan to your needs. Whether you’re curious about Letybo or sticking with your usual go-to, a thoughtful consultation will help you make the right choice.
FAQs About Letybo
1. Is Letybo better than Botox?
Not necessarily better, but it is a new alternative that showed comparable results to Botox in FDA trials. Some providers and patients report a slightly faster onset, but more long-term data is still emerging.
2. What is Letybo used for?
Letybo is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines, also known as frown lines between the eyebrows.
3. What makes Letybo different?
Letybo is a botulinum toxin type A developed by Hugel, a South Korean company. It’s the latest neuromodulator to gain FDA approval in the U.S. and is already widely used overseas. Some report faster onset of results, within 2-3 days, when compared to other neuromodulators.
4. How good is Letybo?
Early data and clinical trial results show that Letybo is safe and effective, offering similar outcomes to Botox for the treatment of glabellar lines. Like all neuromodulators, individual experiences may vary based on the injector and treatment plan.
5. Where can you inject Letybo?
Letybo is currently FDA-approved for glabellar lines, but experienced providers may use it off-label in other areas of the face, just as they do with Botox and similar products.
6. How many units of Letybo do I need?
In clinical trials, the typical dose used for treating glabellar lines was 20 units, which is similar to the standard Botox dose for the same area. Your provider may adjust this based on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Dylan Cahill, MD
Dr. Dylan Cahill is the co-owner of ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, where he leads the practice in offering advanced non-surgical aesthetics and wellness services. As a graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dylan combines his knowledge of longevity science with a passion for personalized skincare and innovative treatments. He manages a team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional outcomes. His expertise spans medical spa treatments, anti-aging therapies, and strategic growth in the health and wellness industry.
