Everything You Need to Know About This Popular New Neurotoxin
Botox has been the dominant name in the neurotoxin market for decades. But after many years on top, Botox might soon face competition from an intriguing new injectable: Daxxify.
At The Maas Clinic™, one of our most important jobs is staying informed about the latest innovations in the aesthetic industry. We have watched Daxxify’s development with great interest, and we are excited to be one of the first practices to offer it.
We invite you to visit The Maas Clinic™ to find out whether Daxxify could be a solution for your unwanted lines. In the meantime, we have answered some of the most common questions about this injectable below.
What Is Daxxify?
Daxxify is an injectable neurotoxin (or neuromodulator). This is the same product category as Botox, Xeomin, Dysport and Jeuveau. While these products have a lot of similarities, Daxxify is set to stand out for a few key reasons. Most notable among these is its longevity — Daxxify has demonstrated results lasting six months and more in clinical trials, while other neurotoxins last three to four months on average.
Is Daxxify the Same as Daxi?
Yes. The product has sometimes been referred to as Daxi in the past. Both commercial names are derived from its medical name, DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm.
What Is Daxxify Made Of?
Like Botox and other neurotoxins, Daxxify contains a purified form of botulinum toxin.
The difference in Daxxify’s formulation is that the toxin is attached to a stabilizing protein (RTP004), which helps to extend the product’s effect. Daxxify is the first and only neurotoxin formulated with peptides (in the form of the manufacturer’s proprietary Peptide Exchange Technology). Additionally, Daxxify contains no human or animal products, while other neuromodulators contain human serum albumin.
Who Makes Daxxify?
Daxxify is manufactured by Revance Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Tennessee that specializes in advancing aesthetic and therapeutic offerings. Revance also developed and manufactures the RHA line of dermal fillers.
How Does Daxxify Work?
All injectable neurotoxins have the same basic function. They are administered into a muscle, and once they reach the intended area, they block nerve signals from reaching that muscle. This interruption means the muscle never receives messages to contract. It stays in a relaxed state until the product wears off.
What Is Daxxify Used For?
Daxxify is currently approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines (vertical frown lines between the eyebrows). Phase 2 clinical studies indicate that it may effectively treat other lines in the upper face and cervical dystonia (neck spasms), but it is not yet FDA-approved for these uses.
Is Daxxify Safe?
Both the aesthetic and therapeutic uses of neurotoxins have been extensively studied. Their track record is well established, and Daxxify has a safety profile consistent with other products in this category.
Is Daxxify FDA Approved?
Yes. The FDA approved Daxxify for temporary wrinkle reduction in adults in September 2022.
Can Daxxify Be Used for Reasons Other Than Wrinkles?
We expect Daxxify to be a versatile product, just like other neurotoxins. Botox currently has the most FDA-approved applications, but providers regularly use neurotoxins “off-label” for other purposes.
Some of the many applications for these remarkable products include nonsurgical brow lifting, nonsurgical rhinoplasty, jawline slimming, correcting a gummy smile, lip flip, migraine reduction and treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
How Long Does Daxxify Take to Work?
In a clinical trial, results were seen as early as one day after treatment with Daxxify. Most patients start to notice positive changes within two days. Daxxify’s onset may be slightly faster than Botox, which often needs three to four days to produce results. This puts Daxxify’s onset more in line with Dysport.
When Does Daxxify Peak?
Daxxify and other neurotoxins reach maximum effectiveness around 14 days post-treatment.
How Long Does Daxxify Last?
By far, the most unique and exciting aspect of Daxxify for patients is its longevity. While Botox and other neurotoxins last three to four months on average, Daxxify is reported to last six months on average. Some Daxxify patients are still seeing results after nine months! This is excellent news for patients who value comfort and convenience.
How Often Should You Get Daxxify?
Thanks to its extended duration, patients only need to be treated with Daxxify once or twice per year to maintain results.
Can You Get Daxxify While Pregnant?
Most people are eligible for this treatment. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to be treated with Daxxify or other neuromodulators.
Does Daxxify Hurt?
Daxxify injections are well tolerated. They are no more painful than any other neurotoxin treatment. The small size of the needle ensures discomfort is kept to a minimum, and topical numbing cream reduces discomfort even further.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects With Daxxify?
Most patients who follow Dr. Maas’ pre- and post-treatment instructions have few noticeable side effects after their procedure. The most common side effects with Daxxify and other neurotoxins are bruising, swelling or tenderness around the injection sites.
Side effects from neurotoxin treatments are often not related to the product but to who is administering the product. It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced provider who is well-versed in the proper dosage and placement of neurotoxins.
Does Daxxify Prevent Wrinkles?
Daxxify can help with wrinkle prevention the same way Botox does. So-called “preventative Botox” is administered into areas of significant muscle activity before lines become permanently visible. By relaxing these muscles at an earlier stage, we can limit the ability of deeper creases to form. Someone who starts preventative treatments at a younger age may ultimately need less neurotoxin than someone who starts at an older age.
What Is Baby Botox and Can You Have It With Daxxify?
“Baby Botox” is used to describe a micro-injection technique in which a smaller dose of neurotoxin is administered to produce a more natural and expressive look. A good candidate for this approach is someone who is new to neurotoxins and wants to start slowly. Patients receiving preventative neurotoxin treatments are also good candidates.
While the term “baby Botox” is well known, we can apply this technique to Daxxify and any other neuromodulator.
How Is Daxxify Different From Botox?
The primary points of difference are Daxxify’s earlier onset, longer results duration and peptide-based formula. These are described in greater detail above.
Another unique factor is that Daxxify can be shipped and stored at room temperature, while Botox requires refrigeration. This does not affect the patient experience, but it is a benefit for providers.
Is Daxxify Better Than Botox?
One treatment is rarely objectively better than another. Instead, it is more accurate to say that one treatment is better for a specific person than another.
For a patient who is experienced with neuromodulators and knows what they like, the convenience of a longer-lasting treatment may make Daxxify the better option. For a patient who is new to neurotoxins, a treatment that wears off faster may be a more comfortable starting point.
The first step to answering this question is to schedule a consultation. One of our experienced providers will help you decide which neurotoxin is right for you.
Visit The Maas Clinic™, San Francisco’s Premier Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery Practice
At The Maas Clinic™, Corey S. Maas MD™ offers the full range of neurotoxins to help patients minimize the signs of aging and feel more confident in their appearance. Daxxify is an exciting new addition to our treatment menu and we can’t wait to share it with our patients.
To book your appointment, please contact us here or call The Maas Clinic™ at 415-567-7000.
