Everything You Need to Know About Daxxify Injections
These days, there's an injectable for just about every aesthetic need and concern. Want a fuller pout or to combat loss of volume? There's an injection for that. And of course, the science is always evolving, with new and improved formats and formulations hitting the market all the time. Case in point: Daxxify. The neuromodulater was first FDA-approved for the temporary relaxation of deep wrinkles in late 2022, and over the last year has grown in popularity. But what makes Daxxify different than the other alternatives on the market? We asked double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft for the details on why Daxxify is a great option to incorporate into one's non-invasive facial treatment plan.
What is Daxxify? Can you explain what a peptide enhanced injectable means?
Dr. Doft: Daxxify is the newest of formula of neurotoxins. It is a peptide-enhanced botulinum toxin meaning that it uses peptide technology to better deliver botulinum toxin to nerve cells, which works to temporarily block the communication between the nerve cell and its target muscle, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Ultimately, how this translates to the patient's experience is that the toxin's onset of action is faster (you see the wrinkles fade starting day 2-3) and it works for a longer period of time.
How does Daxxify differ from Botox?
Dr. Doft: The neurotoxin is the same in both, it's called botulinum toxin A. The difference is that Daxxify does not contain human serum albumin, while Botox does for stability. Daxxify instead uses peptides to stabilize the product and enhance the bonding of the toxin to its target cell, the neuron.
Roughly how much longer should a patient expect Daxxify to last in contrast to Botox injections?
Dr. Doft: In my practice, most patients have seen that it lasts about 50 percent longer than other neuromodulators. For example, if you find that Botox lasts for two months then Daxxify often lasts for 3.5 months, or if Botox lasts around 3 months then Daxxify could last around 4.5 months. It depends on each individual patient.
Is Daxxify more expensive than other neuromodulators?
Dr. Doft: Yes. Given that it is improved technology and lasts for a longer period of time, most physicians are charging more for the toxin. How much more varies among practitioners. In my practice we change $100 more per area.
Are there any areas of the face that Daxxify is particularly good at treating?
Dr. Doft: Daxxify can be used in all of the areas which we typically use Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Jeuveau. One of my favorite spots to treat with Daxxify is difficult glabellar (or 11) lines. I find that Daxxify often works better in patients with areas that were previously hard to treat, such as stubborn 11 lines or crow's feet. It is also a great product for patients who feel that Botox wears off very quickly for them or for those who live far away from their chosen practitioners, as less treatments are needed during the year.
Why might Daxxify be an appealing switch for someone who has had Botox treatments in the past?
Dr. Doft: There are three areas in which Daxxify differentiates itself. The first is that the onset of action is faster due to the peptide technology. Most patients, or at least most Manhattan patients, want the toxin to work very quickly and patients often see Daxxify working within a few days. And of course, Daxxify lasts longer so there are less trips to the physician, and as a result less needle sticks and less possible bruises. But for me, the best aspect of Daxxify is that it feels different. It feels lighter. The forehead does not feel as frozen. In many ways it feels more natural.
What about risks or side effects? Who should avoid it?
Dr. Doft: Patient who are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid all neurotoxins. If you are allergic to Botox, avoid Daxxify as the toxin is the same. The most common risk is bruising at the injection site. Patients can also experience a headache after the injection. In some cases, if the toxin migrates it can cause ptosis of the eyelid (droopy eyelid) or asymmetry with muscle contraction (this means that you likely need more Daxxify to treat the area with more motion).
How should someone prep for Daxxify injections and what is the recovery like?
Dr. Doft: As a rule, avoid blood thinners prior to the injection as they can lead to increased bruising (this includes: aspirin, NSAIDs, and fish oil). The day of the procedure, take it easy and avoid strenuous exercise.
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