Newtox Vs Botox: What Are The Differences?

This week, we spoke with Dr. Samuel Hetz and Dr. Alain Michon to answer the Formulate Community's questions on Newtox and Botox.

Dr. Hetz is the medical director of Concept Medical, a physician-led medical aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology practice. Dr. Michon is the Medical Director at Project Skin MD Ottawa, a medically supervised skincare and cosmetic clinic.

If you're not familiar with Newtox or Botox, here's a quick explainer: they're both botulinum toxin injections that can be used to prevent muscle movement. They work by blocking the muscle's ability to receive messages from the body telling it to move. Both can temporarily smooth the appearance of wrinkles, though neither are permanent.

Now, onto the questions!

Newtox vs Botox: What are the differences?

Melissa asks: What are the differences between Newtox and Botox? Are there any pros and cons of each?

Dr. Hetz: 'Newtox' is a newer neuromodulator product - known as Jeuveau in the United States and Nuceiva in Canada - predominantly used for treating issues such as crow's feet and the glabellar lines between the eyebrows. It has the same active protein as Botox.

The science behind Newtox and Botox is essentially the same. They act via the same mechanism to stop muscle contractions below the skin. However, Newtox was designed strictly for cosmetic treatments, such as reducing visible signs of aging, whereas Botox can be used to treat other medical conditions, such as migraines.

Due to this, each product's pros and cons are very similar. Depending on the treatment you are having, your medical aesthetics practitioner may have a recommendation for which injectable is used.

The biggest pro to injectable treatments is the speed at which they can be done with little to no downtime. Their efficiency is well-proven, too and adverse side effects are rare.

The cons are that there are no guaranteed results or length of results. Therefore, some patients may find they have to try each product and figure out which one works best for them and helps to achieve desired results.

Is Newtox or Botox better for fine lines and wrinkles?

Ellen asks: How effective is Newtox at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines compared to Botox?

Dr. Hetz: Newtox effectively reduces the appearance of glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) and crow's feet (on the edge of the eyes). Botox is also very effective, proven by its reputation as the go-to neurotoxin injectable over the past 20 years.

In addition to smoothing signs of aging on the face, Botox can also be used for medical problems such as eye twitching, cross-eyedness, facial spasms and migraines.

Why is Botox is better known than Newtox?

Amanda asks: Why have I never heard of Newtox before, if it's basically the same thing as Botox?

Dr. Hetz: Newtox only came onto the market about four years ago, so it is still building its reputation. Botox has long been established in North America as a safe injectable and is naturally better known.

Who is a good candidate for Newtox vs who is a good candidate for Botox?

Amber asks: Who is a good candidate for Newtox vs who is a good candidate for Botox? Are there any medical contraindications?

Dr. Michon: If you are a good candidate for Botox, you are likely also a good candidate for Newtox, as they produce a similar effect. They are often used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, between the eyebrows and forehead lines.

For treatment of medical conditions such as eye spasms or droopiness, migraines or similar, and excessive sweating, you would be a candidate for Botox.

In any case, the patient must be over 18 years of age, not pregnant or nursing, and have no history of allergies to the product.

Which is safer -- Newtox or Botox?

Lacey asks: How bad are Newtox and Botox side effects? Is one safer than the other?

Dr. Michon: Potential side effects may include swelling, bruising, redness at the injection site, or headaches. More adverse effects may take the form of flu-like symptoms, in which case you should contact your doctor.

Both Newtox and Botox are FDA and Health Canada-approved, meaning they are safe for licensed practitioners to offer in a medical clinic setting. If any, side effects are minor, and more adverse side effects are very rare. It is also rare to be allergic to the contents of Botox and Newtox. In any case, patients are always informed of all potential side effects before their procedure and are provided guidance if they have any unique medical concerns they may have.

Technically speaking, Botox is the safest of all toxins as it has been on the market for more than 20 years and backed by thousands of scientific papers and research.

Can Newtox or Botox be used in combination with other cosmetic treatments or procedures?

Abi asks: Can I get another procedure done while I'm in the office getting an injection, or do I have to wait?

Dr. Michon: Yes, many patients may seek out having botox done alongside other minor procedures such as soft tissue filler, like lip fillers. We recommend waiting 1-2 weeks if you just have Botox or Newtox patients and looking to get another office-based procedure, such as a chemical peels, microneedling or lasers. Keep in mind, neurotoxins are to prevent and correct wrinkles resulting from muscle activity, like the frowns or crow's feet and does not address other signs. Additionally, a good skincare routine at home containing active and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C is good for maintaining a youthful appearance.

Are there any differences in how you should prepare for Newtox/Botox?

Monica asks: Do you have to do anything special to prep before you come in and get Newtox or Botox or is it more of a walk in and you're good to go situation? Do you have to prep more for one than the other?

Dr. Hetz: Both Newtox and Botox are minimally invasive procedures requiring little to no downtown, so there are not many steps you need to take to prepare.

Your medical aesthetics practitioner will first do a consultation and inform you of any precautionary measures you need to take before getting your procedure. One of the best ways to prepare for injectable treatments is to ensure that you have realistic expectations of what the treatment will achieve for your appearance. Be sure to raise any questions or concerns during your consultation.

Before getting injectables, it is not recommended that you take medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen as it may increase the chances of bruising. Also, inform your practitioner of any other medications you are taking during the consultation. It is best to arrive with no makeup on and ensure you are hydrated, as this will help reduce the chances of swelling. These measures apply to both Newtox and Botox.