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2026.09.10
What's the Difference Between Boey® and Botox? A Comparison of Onset of Effect, Duration of Effect, and Characteristics of Type E Botulinum Toxin
My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.
Some of you may be wondering, “How is Boey® different from traditional Botox?” or “What are botulinum toxin products whose effects wear off within a few weeks?”
Boey® is a type E botulinum toxin product developed by Allergan Aesthetics, the company behind Botox Vista. It differs significantly from conventional type A products in terms of how quickly the effects take effect and how long they last.
At BIANCA CLINIC, we believe that when choosing a botulinum toxin product, it is important to consider not only the duration of the effects but also facial movements, your treatment history, and your desired treatment plan.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between Boey® and traditional Botox in a way that’s easy for patients to understand.
What Is Boey®? A Comparison with Traditional Botox
Boey® is a type E botulinum toxin product, while Botox Vista is a type A botulinum toxin product. The difference in serotype results in differences in the onset of action and duration of effect.
Boey® is a type E botulinum toxin product developed by Allergan. Its generic name is “trenibotulinumtoxinE,” and it was approved in Europe in July 2026 for the treatment of glabellar lines in adults. [1]
If you would like to learn more about the features and mechanism of action of Boey®, please see “What Is Boey®? An Explanation of the Characteristics of Type E Botulinum Toxin Preparations"Please also see..."
On the other hand, Botox Vista, which is used in Japan to treat expression lines between the eyebrows and at the outer corners of the eyes, is a type A botulinum toxin product.
You might be wondering, “Are the effects of Type E and Type A completely different?”
Basically, both treatments temporarily block the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscles; however, because they are of different serotypes, there are significant differences in the speed at which their effects take hold and how long they last.
Boey® is gaining attention as a new type of botulinum toxin product with a duration of action that differs significantly from that of conventional Botox injections.
Comparing the Differences Between Boey® and Botox Vista
The main differences are the serotype, how quickly the vaccine takes effect, how long its effects last, the approved indications overseas, and the approval status in Japan.
To summarize the main differences, they are as follows.
| Comparison Items | Boey® | Botox Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Serotype | Type E | Type A |
| Active Ingredients | TrenibotulinumtoxinE | onabotulinumtoxinA |
| Onset of Effect | Reports as soon as 8 hours | Generally, symptoms become noticeable within a few days to a week. |
| Duration | About 2 to 3 weeks | Usually about 3 to 4 months |
| Main Approved Indications | Expression lines between the eyebrows in adults in Europe | In Japan, expression lines between the eyebrows and at the outer corners of the eyes, etc. |
| Approval in Japan | Not Approved / Application Pending | Approved |
With conventional Type A botulinum toxin, the effects generally become apparent within a few days to one week after administration and typically last for about 3 to 4 months.
Meanwhile, clinical trials conducted overseas have reported that the effects of Boey® were observed as early as 8 hours after administration, and that wrinkles between the eyebrows returned to a state close to that before treatment in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. [1] [2]
The key point here is not to make a simple comparison, such as “faster-acting is better” or “longer-lasting is better.” The difference between the onset of action and duration of effect must be considered as characteristics of each specific formulation.
Boey® is characterized by its "rapid onset and short duration of action."
Boey® is a formulation characterized by short-term duration of action, with effects observed as early as 8 hours after administration and waning after approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
What sets Boey® apart from conventional Type A botulinum toxin products is the duration of its effects—from the onset to the gradual decline.
In Phase III clinical trials conducted overseas, the effects of Boey® were observed beginning 8 hours after administration, peaked on the 7th day, and then gradually subsided.
On Day 21, it was reported that the wrinkles between the eyebrows had returned to a moderate or severe state. [2]
According to Allergan’s official announcement, results from Boey® can be seen as early as 8 hours after treatment, and the effects typically wear off in about 2 to 3 weeks. [1]
In other words, this is a botulinum toxin product whose duration of action differs significantly from conventional Botox formulations, which are designed to last for several months.
However, this does not mean that "the effect will definitely appear within 8 hours." Eight hours is the earliest time point at which the effect was confirmed in clinical trials, and the actual onset of the effect varies from person to person.
Being short-lived isn't all good.
Its short duration—approximately 2 to 3 weeks—is a key characteristic of Boey®.
On the other hand, for those who wish to maintain the effects for as long as possible, the fact that the effects wear off relatively quickly may not meet their expectations. If you wish to maintain the effects, you will likely need to adopt a different approach to the frequency of treatments than with conventional Type A preparations.
Furthermore, it’s not necessarily true that “a short duration is safer” or that “a shorter duration is better for first-time Botox users.”
When administering botulinum toxin injections, it is important to develop a treatment plan that takes into account not only the duration of the effects but also the degree to which you wish to preserve your facial expressions and how long you want the effects to last.
I believe that duration of action is one of the key factors to consider when choosing a medication. However, it’s not necessarily the case that longer is better or shorter is better.
When actually selecting a formulation, we also take into account facial movements, the treatment area, and the patient’s history of botulinum toxin injections.
Additionally, on November 25, 2025, Allergan submitted an application for manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan for Trenibotulinumtoxin E for the treatment of glabellar lines in adults. As of September 2026, it has not yet been approved in Japan. [3]
Which Is Better: Boey® or Botox? Key Considerations When Choosing a Product
When selecting a formulation, we consider not only the onset and duration of the effects, but also the desired duration of action, the desired appearance, and the patient’s treatment history.
When choosing a botulinum toxin product, the speed at which the effects appear and the duration of those effects are easy-to-understand comparison points.
There is a major difference between Boey®—which “takes effect quickly and lasts for a short time”—and conventional Type A botulinum toxin products, which “last for a longer period.”
However, that alone isn't enough to determine which one is more suitable.
During the consultation, we will consider the appropriate treatment method while assessing factors such as the following:
- Which area would you like the injection in?
- How long do you want the effects to last?
- To what extent do you want to preserve facial expressions?
- Have you ever received an injection of a botulinum toxin product?
- How often would you like to receive treatment?
While some people may find that Boey®’s duration of action—approximately 2 to 3 weeks—meets their needs, others may prefer a duration of several months, as with conventional formulations.
At Bianca Clinic, we do not select a product based solely on the fact that it is “a new formulation,” “long-lasting,” or “fast-acting.” Instead, we carefully consider the patient’s facial features, treatment history, desired results, and treatment plan before determining which product to use and the injection method to employ.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Differences Between Boey® and Botox
We’ll answer your questions about Boey®, including its serotypes, onset of action, approval status in Japan, and other differences from traditional Botox.
Q. Is Boey® a type of Botox?
A. In a broad sense, Boey® is also a procedure that involves the injection of a botulinum toxin product.
However, while the conventional Botox Vista is type A, Boey® is type E; they are botulinum toxin products of different serotypes.
Q. How long does it take for Boey® to work?
A. In clinical trials conducted overseas, the drug's effects have been confirmed as early as 8 hours after administration. [2]
However, not everyone will experience the same changes within 8 hours; the timing of the effects varies from person to person.
Q. What is the main difference between Boey® and Botox?
A. The main differences are the serotype and the duration of action.
Boey® is type E, while Botox Vista is type A; Boey® is characterized by its rapid onset of action, which typically wears off in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Q. Is Boey® approved in Japan?
A. As of September 2026, it has not been approved in Japan.
On November 25, 2025, Allergan filed an application for manufacturing and marketing approval of trenibotulinumtoxin E for the treatment of expression lines between the eyebrows in adults. [3]
Q. Does Boey® work faster than traditional Botox?
A. In clinical trials conducted overseas, Boey® has been shown to be effective as early as 8 hours after administration. [1] [2]
Although there is a difference in the time it takes for the effects to appear compared to conventional Type A formulations, the timing at which individuals actually feel the effects varies from person to person.
Choose between Boey® and Botox based on how quickly they take effect and how long the results last.
Boey® and traditional Botox differ significantly not only in their serotypes but also in the speed at which their effects appear and how long they last.
Boey® is Type E, while conventional botulinum toxin products such as Botox Vista are Type A.
Basically, both mechanisms temporarily suppress the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, but there is a significant difference in the speed at which their effects take place and how long they last.
According to Boey®, clinical trials conducted overseas have shown that the effects of the product can be observed as early as 8 hours after administration, and the effects are said to last for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
On the other hand, the duration of action for conventional Type A preparations is typically about 3 to 4 months.
Which option is better cannot be determined solely by whether it “works quickly” or “lasts a long time.” You need to consider factors such as the condition of your facial features, your past treatment experience, the desired duration of results, and the frequency of treatments.
At BIANCA CLINIC, we develop a treatment plan by carefully assessing each patient’s facial expressions, muscle movements, treatment history, and desired results.
If you would like to learn more about the differences between botulinum toxin products or find out which treatment is right for you, please schedule a consultation.
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