December 13, 2022 Tags: Plastic Surgery News
Following the FDA-approval of DAXXIFY™ in September, there has been considerable discussion about the newest neuromodulator’s ability to smooth facial wrinkles. DAXXIFY is the first and only long-lasting, peptide-formulated neuromodulator for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines, also known as frown lines. The emergence of this injectable makes it the newest competitor of Botox, the cosmetic industry’s gold standard for wrinkle reduction. So, what are the key differences between DAXXIFY and Botox?
The majority of neuromodulators on the market, specifically Botox and Dysport, are botulinum toxins that are injected into facial tissue and act as a neuromuscular blocking agent to erase fine lines and wrinkles. DAXXIFY is a botulinum toxin as well; however, it is formulated with an amino acid peptide to temporarily reduce wrinkles.
The primary difference between DAXXIFY and other neuromodulators is its duration of effectiveness. Clinical data from the SAKURA Phase 3 trial program treated more than 2,700 patients, and showed that the minimum dose of DAXXIFY lasted up to six months on average, and up to nine months for some patients. Historically, the median duration for the minimum dose of Botox and other neurotoxins is three to four months.
The recommended FDA-approved dosage of Botox for glabella frown lines is 20 units, while the FDA-approved dosage for DAXXIFY is 40 units for the same area – double the amount of Botox. “It is my understanding that when compared head to head at 20 units, Botox and DAXXIFY produce equally long-lasting results,” according to our own expert injector Lori Lankford, NP.
Is DAXXIFY a more effective anti-wrinkle treatment than Botox? Not necessarily. The answer will vary depending on the needs, preferences, and budget of each individual. If you are a patient who has used Botox or Dysport for an extended period of time and been pleased with your results, there may not be a need to switch cosmetic injectables. If you’ve already tried Dysport or Botox and find that your body tends to metabolize injectables sooner than three to four months, DAXXIFY may be a good option for you. While DAXXIFY has been FDA-approved for clinical use, it is not expected to be widely available until 2023.
If you’re interested in learning more about how neuromodulators like DAXXIFY and Botox can treat your wrinkles and fine lines, contact Dr. J. J. Wendel Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation. Our expert injectors can speak with you about which treatment will best suit your aesthetic goals.
