When it comes to beauty trends that prioritize dewy skin, graceful aging, and the “your skin but better” sentiment, few global movements rival the influence of Korean beauty. Rooted in gentle refinement, Korean aesthetics have long emphasized subtle enhancements over dramatic transformations.
Now this same philosophy is making its way into the Western world of medical aesthetics with Letybo – a next generation botulinum toxin from South Korea that’s reshaping the anti-wrinkle agenda.
What is Letybo?
Known as Botulax in South Korea, Letybo has been a trusted name in the Asian aesthetic space for years despite being a newer name in North America. This wrinkle-relaxing injectable is often praised for its purity and smooth onset, reflecting the core values of K-Beauty: minimal disruption and maximum impact with results that speak for itself.
FDA Approval & Regulatory Milestone
Letybo made headlines when it secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking a significant milestone for the South Korean aesthetics industry. Manufactured by Hugel, a leading Korean medical aesthetics company, Letybo is a botulinum toxin type A product now cleared for cosmetic use in the U.S.
The FDA’s approval process is rigorous, requiring extensive clinical trial data to confirm safety, quality, and efficacy. For Letybo, this meant demonstrating results that met U.S. standards, from consistent manufacturing practices to clear improvements in targeted facial wrinkles.
Currently, Letybo is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines—those vertical “frown lines” between the eyebrows—in adults. This approval puts Letybo in direct competition with well-established brands like Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, giving U.S. consumers another trusted option for anti-aging treatments.
For patients, FDA approval is more than just a regulatory checkbox—it ensures the product meets strict safety and quality standards before entering the market. It also signals that Letybo has undergone the same scientific scrutiny as its competitors, making it a legitimate, credible choice for those seeking smoother, younger-looking skin.
How Letybo Works
Like other botulinum toxin type A injectables, Letybo works by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles. The injection blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. Without these repetitive movements—such as frowning or squinting—the overlying skin smooths out, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Treatment with Letybo is quick, often taking less than 15 minutes, and involves a series of small injections directly into the muscle. Most patients begin to see results within three to five days, with optimal smoothing effects visible around two weeks after treatment.
The effects typically last three to four months, after which muscle movement gradually returns, and lines may reappear. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain results, but many users report that consistent use may help train facial muscles to stay more relaxed over time.
Because Letybo is administered in precise doses by trained professionals, the procedure can be customized to achieve natural-looking results without a “frozen” expression. Its fast onset and reliable results have helped it quickly gain popularity in markets where it’s already available.
Letybo vs. Botox: Key Differences
While both Letybo and Botox are botulinum toxin type A injectables, they differ in formulation, origin, and positioning in the aesthetics market. Botox, manufactured by AbbVie, has been a U.S. market leader for decades, while Letybo is a newer entrant developed in South Korea by Hugel.
Clinical studies suggest Letybo offers comparable efficacy and duration to Botox, typically lasting three to four months. Some practitioners note that Letybo’s formulation may offer a slightly smoother spread, potentially creating softer, more natural results in certain treatment areas. However, these differences are subtle and often depend on injector technique.
Pricing may be one of Letybo’s biggest advantages—it’s often positioned at a slightly lower cost than Botox, making it attractive for price-sensitive patients without sacrificing quality.
From a regulatory standpoint, both products meet strict FDA safety and manufacturing standards, meaning they are equally credible choices. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, injector recommendation, and budget.
For patients curious about trying something new, Letybo represents the merging of K-beauty innovation with the proven science of neuromodulators, making it a fresh alternative for those exploring botox and wrinkle treatments in a market long dominated by a single brand.
Why Patients Are Choosing Letybo
With so many neurotoxins available on the market – like Xeomin, Dysport, Daxxify, Jeuveau, and notably Botox – it is fair to ask how Letybo compares. While all these products are forms of botulinum toxin type A and work similarly by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, there are subtle distinctions that make Letybo stand out from its competitors.
With Letybo, it’s not about freezing every expression or delivering overly sculpted results. Instead, the injectable aims to smooth dynamic wrinkles – think crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases – while maintaining natural movement and a fresh well-rested appearance.
Some standout benefits of Letybo include:
- Soft Onset: Patients can expect to see improvements within a few days, with results developing gradually over 3-7 days. This is ideal for those seeking quick enhancements, whereas other neurotoxins may take a few days to 2 weeks to fully set in.
- Ultra-fine Consistency: With its highly purified and consistent formulation, the onset of effects is gradual and soft, achieving natural looking results with subtle refinement. Letybo targets patients who are looking for a lighter, more natural finish with potentially less stiffness in high-movement areas like the crow’s feet or forehead.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” neurotoxin on the market – only the one that best fits your features, goals, and personal aesthetic. At FABrx Studio, our expert, certified providers, will assess your facial dynamics, treatment history, and personal preferences to determine whether Letybo or another neurotoxin option aligns best with your beauty philosophy. All of our master injectors are extensively trained by board-certified dermatologist.
Recognizing that everyone is unique, her mission is to empower her patients with the confidence to be their best selves, helping them achieve their individual beauty goals. Our goal is to customize a treatment protocol to achieve the most natural looking optimal results to produce harmony and balance appropriate for each person’s needs. FABrx Studio offers the latest technology and techniques in cosmetic dermatology treatments to provide the highest standard of care for those looking to make positive changes in their appearance and boost self-confidence.
