If you’re on a quest to banish those pesky facial wrinkles, you’ve likely heard about Daxxify and Botox; these are injectable treatments that can work wonders in smoothing out those lines. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll break it down in plain and simple terms, diving into the world of wrinkle treatment, comparing Daxxify and Botox and give you all the information that you need in order for you to make the right choice.
What is Daxxify?
Daxxify is the new kid on the block, recently FDA-approved to tackle those moderate to severe frown lines. These are the lines that typically form between your eyebrows. But here’s the exciting part: Daxxify might have even more tricks up its sleeve in the future, possibly beyond just treating wrinkles.
What is Botox?
Botox, on the other hand, has been around for a while. Its main ingredient, onabotulinumtoxinA, was initially used in the 1970s to treat certain eye conditions. Over the years, it earned approval for various medical conditions and became a go-to for wrinkles.
How Do Daxxify and Botox Work?
Both of these treatments work similarly. They contain botulinum toxin, which comes from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin temporarily blocks nerves in the muscle where it’s injected. This, in turn, prevents the muscle from contracting, resulting in smoother skin and fewer wrinkles.
Now, here’s the interesting part: Daxxify has a unique protein that allows it to stick around near the injection site for longer. This might be why Daxxify’s effects tend to last longer than Botox.
The Big Difference: How Long They Last
Here’s where Daxxify and Botox differ. Daxxify can keep those wrinkles at bay for up to a whopping 6 months. Botox, in comparison, usually gives you around 4 months of wrinkle-free bliss, if you’re lucky. So, with Daxxify, you might not need treatments as frequently as you would with Botox.
As of March 2023, Daxxify is FDA-approved for treating frown lines, while Botox has a broader approval, covering frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead
Comparing Studies: What the Research Says
Studies have looked into these treatments individually, focusing on people typically between 45 to 50 years old. Here’s what they found:
- Daxxify: In studies, nearly 100% of participants had little to no frown lines 4 weeks after treatment, and over 30% still enjoyed those results after 6 months.
- Botox: About 80% of those using Botox had minimal frown lines within 30 days, but only 25% maintained this result after 4 months.
But there’s more! One study went the extra mile and directly compared Daxxify and Botox. The result? Daxxify (at the FDA-approved dose of 40 units) was more likely to leave you with minimal frown lines than Botox Cosmetic (at the FDA-approved dose of 20 units) after 4 months.
At the 6-month mark:
- Over 30% of Daxxify users still had minimal frown lines.
- Only about 12% of Botox users enjoyed the same result.
Common Side Effects: What to Expect
Good news: Both Daxxify and Botox are usually well-tolerated. But, as with any medication, there are some potential side effects. The most common one for both is a headache, although it’s a bit more likely with Botox than Daxxify. You might also experience some redness, bruising, or pain at the injection site, which is entirely normal.
Other side effects are possible but rare, like a droopy eyelid or difficulty moving your facial muscles. These effects occur in less than 2% of people receiving these treatments for frown lines. Eyelid drooping may be more common when Botox is used for forehead lines, affecting up to 20% of people.
Serious Risks: What to Watch Out For
While it’s uncommon, there are some serious risks to be aware of:
- Severe allergic reactions: These can cause swelling of the face, throat, or tongue.
- Spread of toxin effects: This can lead to muscle weakness, double vision, or trouble speaking. It’s exceptionally rare but both Daxxify and Botox have a black box warning for this.
- Heart problems: Especially if you already have heart conditions, like an irregular heartbeat.
- Worsening muscle symptoms: This is a concern for those with conditions like myasthenia gravis, which can result in muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, or eye problems.
- Difficulty breathing: This can happen months after treatment, particularly if you already have breathing or swallowing issues. It’s more common in those with pre-existing problems.
If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Potential Medication Interactions
Daxxify and Botox Cosmetic could interact with some medications. To be safe, inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you’re taking. This helps them check for potential interactions.
Generally, medications that relax muscles, like cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid, Amrix) and methocarbamol, could interact with both Daxxify and Botox, potentially causing excessive muscle weakness.
Comparing the Costs: What to Expect
Here’s the deal: Daxxify and Botox Cosmetic are brand-name medications, so your health insurance won’t cover them for cosmetic use. The cost varies, with one unit of Botox usually ranging from $10 to $15. A typical treatment involves 20 to 40 units, which means a session might cost anywhere from $200 to $600. Keep in mind; there might be additional fees as these injections are administered by healthcare professionals.
As for Daxxify, it’s relatively new, so exact pricing is still a bit of a mystery. However, since it’s expected to last longer than Botox, it might be pricier.
Can You Use Both Daxxify and Botox Cosmetic?
Nope, it’s not advisable to use both Daxxify and Botox at the same time or within less than 3 months of each other. This combo could lead to some serious side effects. And remember, Daxxify and Botox Cosmetic aren’t interchangeable. So, 20 units of Daxxify won’t equal to 20 units of Botox.
The Choice is Yours
So, if you’re eager to attain that radiant, wrinkle-free skin you’ve always dreamed of, it’s time to make a crucial decision: Daxxify or Botox? Contact us today or simply complete our online form to secure your appointment. Your skin deserves nothing but the best, and we’re committed to providing just that. The choice is yours, and it’s an important one!
