Dr. Christian Subbio’s viral Instagram post with 603 shares, 293 comments, 2,871 likes (at the time of this posting) has medspa owners buzzing.
Dr. Subbio’s Beef with Allergan
Subbio’s post calls out an ad tied to Alle, claiming switching from Botox doubles patient churn (28% vs. 15%).
“Allergan getting pushy about you ONLY using Botox?” he writes. “My experience is VASTLY different than their ‘data.’”
He’s not wrong about the source—the Alle stats are real, but skewed (tiny switch sample, loyalty program bias). Subbio’s thriving with variety, and his 293 comments suggest medspas are fed up with Allergan’s one-brand vibe. Is this fear or just a flex?
Marketing Tactic or Scare Tactic?
Allergan’s “28% vs. 15%” stat isn’t fake—it’s Alle data. But the framing?
“Patients… changed practices almost twice as often,” paired with an NP’s “I’d never switch” quip, feels like a warning shot.
It’s not quite “twice” (1.87x), and the lack of why patients left (bad results? cost?) makes it murky.
Marketing Play:
Loyalty stats are fair game—Botox’s 70% market share deserves bragging rights. Alle’s perks (68% upsell rate) push the ecosystem, not unlike Starbucks touting barista training to keep cafes loyal.
Scare Factor:
The ominous tone and Botox-only focus scream “don’t stray,” echoing Kodak’s failed film push when digital hit. It’s less education, more intimidation.
Subbio’s crew says skill beats brand—patients don’t flee when you customize. Injectors agree, and they’re vocal about it.
MedSpa Owners and Injectors Weigh In
Subbio’s comments are a revolt against pushiness:
- @skinbymollyskye: “We allllll know that the other neuromodulators SLAP. (I use Botox only upon request). Dysport, Jeuveau & Daxxi are my 3 loves and I have all 3 in my face right now 🤭”
- @wondersofwardalv: “Never been a fan of Allergan ever!!!!! When I found out that in Europe a vial of Botox is $50 with no shipping cost and in America where Botox is manufactured we pay 8 times more and oh let’s not forget shipping costs 🤦🏽♀️. I am good!!! I work with companies that support my practice 💅🤷🏽♀️”
- @beckerinjectorbrooke: “I always say there is no bad neurotoxin it’s just preference of provided. They all work. As a provide you need to understand there nuances. What are the personalities. But between you and I i switched everyone over from one tox to another and my book has never been busier. Point it’s not the tox but how it’s injected lol”
Sentiment’s shifting—injectors cite Botox’s higher cost (vs. Jeuveau, Dysport) and shorter duration (Daxxify lasts longer) as gripes. Pushiness, monopoly vibes, and pricing? That’s the trifecta fueling the backlash.
Voices of Resistance: MedSpa Owners Pushing Back
Subbio’s not alone—others thrive without Botox handcuffs:
- Dr. Jason Emer (Beverly Hills) mixes toxins for outcomes, not Allergan’s script.
- Sheila Nazarian, MD (LA) pushes autonomy over corporate agendas.
These pros prove variety works—Allergan’s scare stats don’t faze them.
Allergan’s Playbook: Pushy or Progressive?
Allergan’s not blind—they’ve got Botox’s 70% share to protect as Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify bite.
History shows pushiness flops when competition rises (Kodak tanked, BlackBerry faded), but value wins (Starbucks thrived).
Last year’s Alle overhaul lost medspas fast. They backtracked by January 2025 after outcry (read here), proving they listen.
Now, they’re launching three U.S. training centers in 2025 (details here)—Irvine, Atlanta, Austin—to boost injector skills. Smart, but is it enough?
History guides the way:
- Educate, Don’t Dictate: Free, open toxin training (not just Botox) could mirror Starbucks’ quality focus—empower, don’t enforce.
- Innovate Together: Co-develop Botox upgrades with injectors (like Kodak should’ve with digital). They’re trying—new centers hint at this.
- Flexible Rewards: Alle’s backtrack is a start—reward volume, not exclusivity. Injectors want options, not chains.
- Transparency: Ditch fear stats for success stories. Show Botox’s edge without the monopoly stench.
Allergan’s doing some of this—training’s a nod to growth, Alle’s reset shows flexibility. But injectors still grumble:
Botox costs more, doesn’t last as long, and feels like a corporate overlord.
Pushiness and human nature to break free fuel the drift to Jeuveau or Dysport – and pretty soon Letybo will join the mix.
What’s the Play for Your Practice?
Allergan’s data isn’t gospel—Alle’s biased, and Subbio proves patients stay for skill, not brand.
History says don’t bow to fear; build your own path.
Allergan’s pivoting—new centers and Alle 2.0 show they’re not Kodak-level stubborn.
But with cost and duration gripes, competitors are tempting. Are you sticking with Botox, mixing it up, or demanding more from Allergan?
