Munich – October 30, 2026 -- A new botulinum toxin approved in the EU since July 2026 starts working within eight hours but wears off after just two to three weeks, giving first-timers a short-term preview of aesthetic treatment.
Boey acts fast and fades fast
The active ingredient is trenibotulinumtoxin E, also called botulinum neurotoxin type E, sold as Boey® by Allergan Aesthetics. Like other botulinum toxins, it blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine between nerve and muscle. The treated muscle relaxes and the skin above looks smoother.
According to Dr. Christian Merkel of the HAUT- UND LASERZENTRUM AN DER OPER in Munich, the effect can appear within eight hours and peaks after seven days. Classic botulinum toxin takes about two weeks to take effect and lasts roughly three to six months. Boey® is approved for moderate to severe glabellar lines, the frown lines between the eyebrows. Other facial areas would be off-label use.
Hesitant first-timers are the target group
Merkel and his colleague Dr. Stefan Duve see the product as suited to people with no botulinum experience who hesitate to book a first session. It also suits those unsure what result to expect, or who do not want a lasting change. Duve compares it to a trial subscription or a preview. Merkel adds that actors who want their full expressiveness back quickly could also benefit.
Side effects match those of type A toxin: a drooping upper eyelid, a lowered eyebrow, or the lateral lift known as the "Mr. Spock brow." They are rare and, with this product, last only a limited time. Merkel says studies show botulinum is fully broken down, with no known toxin residue in tissue. The effect ends as nerve function regenerates.
Half a century of data backs the treatment
Merkel cites about 50 years of experience with botulinum toxin, 30 of them in wrinkle treatment, and patient satisfaction near 100%. Better anatomical knowledge and lower, individualized doses, known as micro-Botox, now produce more natural results than the so-called frozen face.
Duve learned the technique in New York in the 1990s and in 1998 was among the first physicians in Germany to offer the injections in practice. He still performs about ten a day, a figure that has grown steadily. He notes rising interest among men, whose share in Germany is estimated at 10% to 17%. No comprehensive, cross-sector data exists for aesthetic procedures, so the number of 2025 treatments can only be estimated.
Botulinum toxin treats more than wrinkles
Merkel lists teeth grinding, certain bladder dysfunctions, Raynaud's syndrome, excessive sweating in the armpits or hands, and scars as further uses. Research is exploring migraine, depression and Parkinson's, as well as itch in neurodermatitis and sebaceous glands in rosacea. Merkel stresses that this work is still at an early stage.