Is Nuceiva as Good as Botox? What’s the Difference?

The upside of progress is that it gives us a lot of choices. The downside is, well, too many choices… if that’s possible.

The cosmetic industry in particular is no stranger to a plethora of options when it comes to skincare products and treatments, and with Nuceiva having recently joined the anti-wrinkle injection team already composed of Dysport, and Xeomin, you may feel like your head is spinning from all the choice.

You might have also heard rumours that Nuceiva is pretty much identical to Botox (which is basically true!) but there are some differences to note that might help you decide which one is right for your skin goals.

What is Nuceiva?

Ok, so first off, you’ve probably heard Nuceiva go by a bunch of different names like Jeuveau (US name) or maybe by the cheeky nickname “Newtox” and you may be wondering if this is all the same product. The answer is yes, yes it is. Nuceiva is simply what we call this “newtox” here in Canada.

So what is this mysterious new injectable on the market? Nuceiva was approved for cosmetic use by Health Canada and the FDA in 2019, and has basically been marketed as an alternative to improve the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles on the face, particularly targeting frown and glabellar lines, as well as crow’s feet.

Nuceiva works the same way as any other neuromodulator, in that it targets the muscle activity in your face by temporarily blocking the nerves that communicate to your muscles to contract. In other words, it relaxes your muscles so that they move less and create fewer lines and wrinkles, ultimately giving your skin a smooth and youthful appearance.

Nuceiva vs. Botox: What’s the difference?

Sounding a lot like Botox? Well, it is. Nuceiva is basically derived from the same bacterium and composed of the exact same active ingredients as Botox, Botulinum toxin type A. For this reason it carries much of the same risks (rare) and side effects (also rare) of Botox.

One of the main differences between Nuceiva and Botox is that Nuceiva has been approved for cosmetic purposes alone, whereas Botox is approved for cosmetic use as well as medical use, treating things like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines, and even bladder dysfunction, amongst other medical concerns. Botox has also been on the market for quite a lot longer, making the history of its use, safety and effectiveness a little more familiar.

Because Nuceiva has only been approved for cosmetic use it’s also made the price a little more competitive, which is what’s been one of the main reasons it’s grown in popularity so quickly.

Is Nuceiva right for me?

A Nuceiva treatment session takes anywhere from 10-15 minutes and results last anywhere from 3-4 months. You’ll see results in about 3-5 days, and you may experience very mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the site of injection immediately following your treatment.

If you’re curious to switch to Nuceiva, the transition will most likely be pretty smooth as the ingredients are super similar. At the same time, neuromodulators can work differently for different people, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of making the change. You might experience the effects a little differently, and one may end up lasting longer than the other.

If you have questions about Nuceiva, or any of the other neuromodulators we employ at the clinic, our medical professionals are here to answer them and support you in your treatment.