Letybo Is a New Botox Competitor – Here’s What You Need to Know About It

If you’re into cosmetic treatments, you’ve probably heard some buzz about Letybo—the latest botulinum toxin product to hit the U.S. market. Originally from South Korea, this injectable has been a big deal overseas (where it’s known as Botulax), and now, it’s officially FDA-approved to take on Botox in the States.

Dr. Roy Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, explains, “Letybo is similar to Botox in its chemical composition, but it’s not exactly the same. Some studies suggest it might work faster and last longer, though large-scale data is still limited.”

New neuromodulators don’t come around often, so this is kind of a big deal. The U.S. market has been dominated by just a few options, meaning pricing and availability have stayed pretty predictable. But with Letybo entering the mix, things might shake up. Let’s explore what makes this new injectable worth paying attention to.

What Is Letybo?

Letybo is a botulinum toxin type A injectable, designed to smooth out facial wrinkles—especially those pesky frown lines. If you’re familiar with Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau, then you already have an idea of how it works. Letybo blocks nerve signals to certain muscles, relaxing them and reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Developed by South Korean manufacturer Hugel and brought to the U.S. through Benev, Letybo has already made waves internationally. However, while it has FDA approval, it’s not yet available for purchase in the U.S.

In markets where Letybo is already available, it has gained a strong reputation for its effectiveness. Some early reports suggest it may provide results slightly faster than Botox and could have a longer duration, but these claims still require further validation through real-world patient experiences in the U.S.

How Does Letybo Work?

Like Botox and other botulinum toxin injectables, Letybo works by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles. This process reduces the movement that causes dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases. The treatment involves injecting small amounts of the neurotoxin into specific areas which leads to a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Dr. Kim explains, “Letybo weakens the muscles responsible for wrinkles, making the skin look softer and less creased. It’s a straightforward process that’s been used for years with similar products.”

Patients usually start seeing results within a few days, with full effects kicking in around the two-week mark. While studies have confirmed its safety and effectiveness, we’ll need more real-world experience to see how it truly stacks up against Botox.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

International data suggests Letybo’s effects could last a little longer than Botox’s usual 3–4 months. Some users report results lasting closer to five months, but Dr. Kim is cautious: “We need to see how it performs among a diverse range of U.S. patients before making any bold claims.”

The reality is that longevity varies from person to person. Factors like metabolism, muscle strength, and dosage all play a role. Some people break down botulinum toxin faster and need touch-ups sooner, while others enjoy longer-lasting results.

Who Should Skip Letybo?

Letybo is considered safe, but it’s not for everyone. If any of these apply to you, you’ll want to steer clear:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Allergic to botulinum toxin
• Active skin infection at the injection site
• Neuromuscular disorders (like myasthenia gravis or ALS)
• Taking certain medications (like specific antibiotics or muscle relaxants)

As always, before trying any botulinum toxin injection, talk to a qualified provider. They’ll go over your medical history and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Who Might Love Letybo?

If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to smooth out wrinkles, Letybo could be worth considering—especially if you’re open to trying something new. It might be a good fit if you:

• Want a fresher, smoother look without surgery
• Are curious about a Botox alternative
• Like the idea of a potentially longer-lasting injectable
• Want more competition in the market (which could affect pricing!)

Dr. Kim hasn’t used Letybo on patients yet, but he’s hearing great things from colleagues in Korea: “It’s a well-regarded product overseas, and there’s a lot of excitement around how it’ll perform in the U.S.”

While it’s expected to work similarly to Botox, there could be slight differences in onset time, duration, or even cost. As with any injectable, your results will depend on the dose, placement, and how your body responds.

How Does Letybo Compare to Botox?

One of the biggest factors for many patients is cost. While Botox has been the industry standard for years, its pricing has remained relatively stable due to limited competition. Letybo’s arrival could change that.

Though exact U.S. pricing isn’t confirmed yet, early reports suggest Letybo might be priced slightly lower than Botox to attract new users. Botox typically costs around $10–$15 per unit, with an average treatment requiring 30–50 units depending on the area treated. If Letybo is priced more competitively, it could mean more affordable treatments for patients while still delivering similar (or potentially longer-lasting) results.

However, final pricing will depend on factors like provider markups, supply, and insurance policies, so we’ll have to wait for its official U.S. launch to get a clearer picture.

Comparison Table: Letybo vs. Botox