BOTOX Cosmetic vs. DAXXIFY®: What’s the Difference?

By Posted on behalf of John J.W. Lee, MD, FACS

4 Minute Read: 

Cosmetic treatments are constantly evolving to better help women and men achieve their aesthetic goals. However, just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean that it is better than its predecessor.

One of the latest innovations is DAXXIFY®, the newest neuromodulator on the market. This is being touted by some to be an improvement on BOTOX Cosmetic.

But is it really better than the leading neuromodulator treatment? We’ll explore this question below.

What Are BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY®?

BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY® are injectable neuromodulators (neurotoxins). These treatments work to correct dynamic wrinkles and lines on various areas of the face.

Dynamic wrinkles differ from static wrinkles in that they are not related to age. Instead, dynamic wrinkles are created from constant muscle contractions ( smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial movements).

Neuromodulators, like BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY®, work by temporarily blocking signals sent from the nerves to the brain.

So, when the neurotoxin is injected into the muscle, the muscle is no longer able to contract, which results in smoother, wrinkle-free skin.

What Are the Similarities Between BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY®?

As mentioned above, both of these temporarily block nerve signals to the brain. This minimizes (and often erases) unsightly wrinkles on the face, which can cause women and men to feel self-conscious and embarrassed.

With both options, the neurotoxin is injected directly into the muscle (which differs from other injectable treatments, like dermal fillers, which are injected just below the skin).

Additionally, BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY® achieve immediate results, and both take less than an hour to complete.

What Are the Differences Between BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY®?

DAXXIFY® is only FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines (also known as frown lines or “11s” between the brows). BOTOX Cosmetic is much more versatile in that it is approved to treat glabellar lines as well as crow’s feet and wrinkles on the forehead. BOTOX Cosmetic is also used to treat lines, wrinkles, and cosmetic concerns across other areas of the face, including correction of a “gummy smile” and provide relief for TMJ and grinding, while providing slimmer facial contour by relaxing the jaw muscles.

While both BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY® are made of botulinum toxin A, DAXXIFY® includes peptides and amino acids which help to prolong results. This increased length has been one of the biggest selling factors for DAXXIFY® (but also increases the price). That being said, Dr. Lee has found that using a higher volume of BOTOX Cosmetic can achieve the same outcome.

For instance, the recommended dosage of DAXXIFY® is 40 units (for the glabellar lines only) to provide longer-lasting five to six months of efficacy. The recommended dosage of BOTOX Cosmetic for the same treatment area is 20 units, which are shown to last three to four months. However, Dr. Lee has noticed that by doubling the dosage of BOTOX Cosmetic for the frown lines, his patients achieved longer-lasting results that mimic the result of DAXXIFY®.

Unfortunately, while you can increase the dosage in the frown line area, the higher dosage of BOTOX Cosmetic in the forehead or crow’s feet area is not recommended since you may experience heaviness of the forehead and brow droop. Therefore, a lighter BOTOX Cosmetic dosage is recommended in these areas to achieve the “uplifted” or “BOTOX brow lift” that Dr. Lee and his providers are known for and why our center is one of the busiest BOTOX providers in the country.

So, if your BOTOX Cosmetic treatment includes the forehead and crow’s feet areas, receivingDAXXIFY® treatment may not be the best option. You will need to return three to four months ongoing for your forehead and crow’s treatment regardless if your glabella result lasts longer.

Also, treatment costs for DAXXIFY® may make the treatment cost prohibitive for many people. Forty units of DAXXIFY® will not cost the same as twenty units of BOTOX Cosmetic. Typically, most practices charge the same for a unit of DAXXIFY® and a unit of BOTOX Cosmetic. So receiving forty units in one session for the glabella area means paying twice as much for your treatment. So unless you are a patient who only receives treatment in the glabella area and can afford to pay double the price per session, you may want to continue your treatment with a product that has proven safe and effective for over four decades- BOTOX Cosmetic.

Which Neuromodulator Is Right for You?

While adult women and men can achieve smoother facial skin with either BOTOX Cosmetic or DAXXIFY®, the BOTOX Cosmetic brand is considered the gold standard and is the best-selling product in the toxin market.

The BOTOX Cosmetic name has become synonymous with cosmetic treatments for a reason and is the #1 cosmetic treatment in the world. Dr. Lee is “TOP 100” (top 1%) injector and one of the most experienced providers in the country for BOTOX Cosmetic.

Want to Learn More?

Dr. John Lee and his team of providers will strive to provide honest recommendations with a conservative approach. If you are interested in delaying the aging process using non-invasive cosmetic treatments that include neuromodulators, then schedule a consultation with our team of providers in our Bryn Mawr and King of Prussia offices by calling [flc-phone] or using our online form here.

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