When You Want Fewer Appointments
You already know Botox works. You just wish it lasted longer. Every three months, the same cycle: frown lines return, you rearrange your schedule, you rebook. If you travel often or want fewer touch-ups throughout the year, Daxxify is worth considering — a peptide-powered neurotoxin FDA-approved for frown lines, with a median duration of six months and up to six months for some patients.
At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Dr. Natalya Borakowski offers Daxxify at $6 per unit alongside botulinum toxin treatments, Botox, and Dysport.
At a Glance
- What it is
- FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) injectable for moderate-to-severe frown lines; peptide-based stabilizer, no human or animal byproducts
- Results duration
- Median 24 weeks (~6 months); up to 6 months for some patients; full results by 2 weeks
- Onset
- Visible results in approximately 2 days in clinical trials (1–3 days typical)
- Recovery
- None — return to normal activities immediately
- Side effects
- Headache (~6%), injection-site reactions (~6%), eyelid ptosis (~2%); generally mild and self-resolving
- Ideal candidate
- Current neurotoxin user seeking fewer appointments; dynamic wrinkles; precision placement preferred
- Cost starting
- $6 per unit at Desert Bloom
What Is Daxxify?

Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin for treating moderate-to-severe frown lines — the vertical creases between the eyebrows known as glabellar lines. It lasts a median of 24 weeks — approximately six months — compared to three to four months for Botox and Dysport (Bertucci et al., 2020). Daxxify is also FDA-approved for cervical dystonia; all other cosmetic uses are off-label.
Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide-based formulation that contains no human or animal byproducts — an option for patients who prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients. Instead of human serum albumin, it relies on RTP004, a synthetic 35-amino-acid peptide stabilizer that adheres tightly to the neurotoxin and helps it bind more effectively to nerve cell surfaces. The product was FDA-approved on September 7, 2022 (BLA 761127). Originally developed by Revance Therapeutics and now manufactured by Crown Laboratories following a 2025 acquisition.
How Daxxify Works — Peptide Technology Without Human Serum Albumin

All botulinum toxin products block acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily reducing muscle contraction. The muscle still functions — it simply contracts less forcefully, and the overlying wrinkles soften.
What sets Daxxify apart is its stabilizer. Traditional neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport use human serum albumin — a blood-derived protein — to prevent the toxin from degrading. Daxxify replaces this with RTP004, a synthetic peptide. The closer, more sustained contact between toxin and nerve terminal is associated with longer duration of effect. The result: extended muscle relaxation without human or animal byproducts.
Onset — Earlier Results in Clinical Trials
In clinical trials, Daxxify showed visible results within 1–3 days — generally faster than Dysport (2–3 days) and Botox (3–7 days) based on Phase 2 and Phase 3 data (Beer et al., 2023). Full results develop by 2 weeks. If you are planning an injectable before an event, that earlier onset can be a practical consideration. The final settled result should always be evaluated at the two-week mark.
Daxxify Treatment Areas
Daxxify is FDA-approved for one cosmetic indication: moderate-to-severe glabellar lines (frown lines). All other treatment areas are off-label — performed at the provider’s clinical judgment based on individual anatomy. Daxxify’s synthetic peptide stabilizer is associated with more localized spread compared to conventional formulations, which is clinically relevant in areas where diffusion is less desirable. Dr. Borakowski tailors placement and dose to your anatomy, not a fixed template.
Upper Face
40 units · FDA-approved
Frown lines (glabellar)
The vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows. Daxxify’s only FDA-approved cosmetic indication, delivered across five points.
24–40 units · Off-label
Forehead lines
Phase 2 data showed a median duration of 20.9 weeks with 96% of patients at none/mild severity at Week 4 (Beer et al., 2023).
32–48 units · Off-label
Crow's feet
Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes; Phase 2 data showed median duration of 24.9 weeks (Beer et al., 2023).
8–16 units · Off-label
Brow lift
Strategic placement at the depressor muscles for a subtle 1–3 mm lift; precision placement is one of Daxxify’s strengths here.
Small doses · Off-label
Bunny lines
Soften wrinkles along the sides of the nose. Often added after glabellar treatment.
Lower Face & Specialty Areas
4–8 units · Off-label
Lip flip
Along the upper lip border to gently roll the lip outward for a subtly fuller appearance without filler. Daxxify’s more localized spread is an advantage in this delicate area.
36–48 units per side · Off-label
Masseter (jaw slimming, TMJ)
Slims a square jawline or relieves TMJ-related clenching. The longer duration may reduce retreatment frequency.
4 units · Off-label
Gummy smile
Levator labii superioris relaxation. Often combined with dermal filler for the best result.
No manufacturer dosing guidelines exist for off-label areas. All off-label applications are based on Dr. Borakowski’s clinical judgment and individualized assessment.
Daxxify Dosing and Cost by Area
| Treatment Area | Units | Cost at $6/unit | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frown lines (glabellar) | 40 | $240 | FDA-approved |
| Forehead lines | 24–40 | $144–$240 | Off-label |
| Crow’s feet (both sides) | 32–48 | $192–$288 | Off-label |
| Brow lift (both brows) | 8–16 | $48–$96 | Off-label |
| Bunny lines | 4–8 | $24–$48 | Off-label |
| Lip flip | 4–8 | $24–$48 | Off-label |
| Masseter / jaw (both sides) | 72–96 total | $432–$576 | Off-label |
| Full upper face | 72–120 | $432–$720 | Mixed |
Units
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- 40
- Forehead lines
- 24–40
- Crow’s feet (both sides)
- 32–48
- Brow lift (both brows)
- 8–16
- Bunny lines
- 4–8
- Lip flip
- 4–8
- Masseter / jaw (both sides)
- 72–96 total
- Full upper face
- 72–120
Cost at $6/unit
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- $240
- Forehead lines
- $144–$240
- Crow’s feet (both sides)
- $192–$288
- Brow lift (both brows)
- $48–$96
- Bunny lines
- $24–$48
- Lip flip
- $24–$48
- Masseter / jaw (both sides)
- $432–$576
- Full upper face
- $432–$720
FDA Status
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- FDA-approved
- Forehead lines
- Off-label
- Crow’s feet (both sides)
- Off-label
- Brow lift (both brows)
- Off-label
- Bunny lines
- Off-label
- Lip flip
- Off-label
- Masseter / jaw (both sides)
- Off-label
- Full upper face
- Mixed
How a Daxxify Appointment Works
Daxxify injections are performed in a medical office using a fine 30–32 gauge needle. The treatment area is cleansed, anatomical landmarks are marked, and small amounts of product are placed into the targeted facial muscles. Most patients describe only a brief pinch — topical numbing cream is available on request. A full upper face treatment takes approximately 15 minutes.
- 1
Assessment
Dr. Borakowski reviews your medical history, current medications, neurotoxin history, and aesthetic goals, then evaluates your facial anatomy at rest and in motion — where muscles pull, where lines form, and which areas benefit from treatment.
- 2
Preparation
The injection site is cleansed. No anesthesia is required — the needle is very fine (30–32 gauge). Topical numbing cream is available on request.
- 3
Injection
Precise doses are placed into the targeted facial muscles. Daxxify uses the same 5-site pattern as Botox and Dysport for glabellar lines. A full upper face treatment takes approximately 15 minutes.
- 4
Aftercare
Remain upright for 4 hours. Do not rub or massage the injection sites for 24 hours. Avoid heavy activity, alcohol, and excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs) for 24 hours. Resume normal activities otherwise.
Aftercare and Recovery
- Remain upright for 4 hours — do not lie down, bend forward, or press against the treated areas.
- Do not rub or massage the injection sites for 24 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and excessive heat for 48 hours.
- Minor swelling, bruising, or redness may occur at injection sites — typically resolves within hours.
- Because Daxxify lasts longer than Botox or Dysport, any side effects — though typically mild — may persist for a longer period. Contact Desert Bloom if you experience eyelid drooping, difficulty swallowing, or any unusual symptoms.
Candidacy is not determined by age alone. Many patients use Daxxify to reduce the frequency of their neurotoxin appointments, while others benefit from starting in their late 20s to prevent lines from becoming etched at rest. For first-time neurotoxin patients, the choice of starting product is an individual decision — Dr. Borakowski evaluates each case and discusses whether Daxxify or a shorter-acting product is the better starting point.
Daxxify Results — What to Expect
Day 1–3
Initial Results Visible
In clinical trials, Daxxify showed visible results within approximately 1–3 days — generally earlier than other available neurotoxins.
Week 1–2
Full Effect Develops
Peak effect reached. Frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet (if treated) appear visibly smoother. This is when results should be evaluated.
Month 1–3
Peak Results
Results are at their strongest. The treated muscles remain relaxed.
Month 4–6
Gradual Wear-Off
Muscle activity gradually returns. SAKURA trial data showed median 24 weeks for the glabellar response.
Beyond 6 Months
Retreatment Window
Retreatment when results have noticeably faded — for many patients, twice annually rather than every 3 months.
Daxxify Before and After

Typical results include visibly smoother frown lines, a relaxed forehead, and preserved natural facial expressions. The muscle relaxation softens dynamic wrinkles without freezing expression. Patients who have used Botox or Dysport previously often report that results feel similar in quality but persist noticeably longer.
Limitations to know: Daxxify does not improve skin texture, volume loss, or sun damage. These require separate treatments — RF microneedling for texture, dermal fillers for volume. Daxxify addresses one thing precisely: muscle-driven facial wrinkles.
Daxxify vs. Botox vs. Dysport
Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport are all botulinum toxin type A products that relax facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles. The clinically meaningful differences: Daxxify lasts a median of six months (versus 3–4 months for Botox and Dysport), uses a synthetic peptide stabilizer instead of human serum albumin, and in clinical trials showed visible results as early as one to three days. Botox has 20+ years of clinical data and the broadest FDA-approved cosmetic indications. Dysport diffuses more broadly across larger facial muscles like the forehead.
| Feature | Daxxify | Botox | Dysport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA |
| FDA Approval (Cosmetic) | 2022 | 2002 | 2009 |
| Stabilizer | Synthetic peptide (no HSA) | Human serum albumin | Human serum albumin + lactose |
| Onset | 1–3 days | 3–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Duration | Median 6 months; up to 6 mo for some | 3–4 months | 3–4 months |
| Glabellar Dose | 40 units | 20 units | 50 units |
| Injection Sites | 5 (same pattern) | 5 (same pattern) | 5 (same pattern) |
| Animal-derived ingredients | None | Human serum albumin | Human serum albumin + lactose |
| Price at Desert Bloom | $6/unit | $10.50/unit | $3.50/unit |
| Unit Ratio (to Botox) | ~2:1 | 1× (reference) | ~3:1 |
| Best For | Longer intervals, precision placement | Precise, predictable — broadest evidence | Broader areas like forehead; faster onset than Botox |
Daxxify
- Active Ingredient
- DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2022
- Stabilizer
- Synthetic peptide (no HSA)
- Onset
- 1–3 days
- Duration
- Median 6 months; up to 6 mo for some
- Glabellar Dose
- 40 units
- Injection Sites
- 5 (same pattern)
- Animal-derived ingredients
- None
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $6/unit
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- ~2:1
- Best For
- Longer intervals, precision placement
Botox
- Active Ingredient
- OnabotulinumtoxinA
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2002
- Stabilizer
- Human serum albumin
- Onset
- 3–7 days
- Duration
- 3–4 months
- Glabellar Dose
- 20 units
- Injection Sites
- 5 (same pattern)
- Animal-derived ingredients
- Human serum albumin
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $10.50/unit
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- 1× (reference)
- Best For
- Precise, predictable — broadest evidence
Dysport
- Active Ingredient
- AbobotulinumtoxinA
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2009
- Stabilizer
- Human serum albumin + lactose
- Onset
- 2–3 days
- Duration
- 3–4 months
- Glabellar Dose
- 50 units
- Injection Sites
- 5 (same pattern)
- Animal-derived ingredients
- Human serum albumin + lactose
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $3.50/unit
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- ~3:1
- Best For
- Broader areas like forehead; faster onset than Botox
Other Neuromodulators: Xeomin and Jeuveau
Two other FDA-approved neurotoxins exist. Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a “naked” neurotoxin with no complexing proteins, which may reduce the risk of antibody formation. Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) is marketed for cosmetic use at a competitive price point. Desert Bloom does not currently carry these; Dysport information is on its dedicated page.
How Much Does Daxxify Cost in Scottsdale?
At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Daxxify is $6 per unit, compared to $10.50 for Botox and $3.50 for Dysport. A full upper face treatment uses 72–120 units, totaling $432–$720 per session. A common 100-unit treatment costs $600. Because Daxxify generally lasts longer, many patients schedule only two sessions per year instead of three or four — estimated annual cost around $1,200. That works out to roughly $100 per month compared to $131–$175 per month for Botox. Individual duration varies.
Daxxify — Pricing
- Daxxify$6/unit
Scottsdale pricing for neurotoxins ranges widely; entry-level providers may offer lower per-unit rates, but experience and credentials of the injector matter — particularly for a product where the duration of any side effect is also longer. At Desert Bloom, every injection is administered by Dr. Borakowski personally or by a licensed nurse under her direct supervision. Full pricing for all neurotoxins is on our price list.
Daxxify Units vs. Botox Units
Units are not interchangeable between brands. Daxxify uses 40 units for glabellar lines compared to Botox’s 20 — a 2:1 ratio, uniform across all areas. This does not mean Daxxify is twice as potent; each brand defines its units using a distinct potency assay. The Desert Bloom neurotoxin unit calculator uses the commonly referenced conversion ratios (Daxxify 2:1 to Botox, Dysport 3:1 to Botox) and reflects Dr. Borakowski’s actual dosing ranges across 14 treatment zones.
Daxxify Calculator

Each treatment area requires a different number of units — and the cost depends on your anatomy, not a fixed menu. For a preliminary estimate of your personalized dose, use our neurotoxin unit calculator. Final counts are confirmed at your complimentary consultation.
Open Daxxify CalculatorCombination Treatments
Daxxify addresses muscle-driven wrinkles. For a comprehensive result, it works alongside other treatments — not as a standalone solution for every concern.
Daxxify + Dermal Fillers
Daxxify relaxes the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles; fillers restore lost volume in cheeks, temples, or the perioral area. Together they form the foundation of a non-surgical approach to facial aging. Many patients combine both in a single visit.
Learn moreDaxxify + RF Microneedling
RF microneedling improves skin texture, pores, and firmness from below; Daxxify smooths dynamic lines from above. RF microneedling is performed first, with Daxxify scheduled 2–3 weeks later for optimal results.
Learn moreDaxxify + PDO Thread Lift
Daxxify for the upper face (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet) combined with PDO thread lifting for mid- and lower-face structural support. A <a href='/brow-lift/'>thread brow lift</a> can complement Daxxify by adding mechanical lift where neurotoxin alone may not be sufficient.
Learn moreDaxxify + Biostimulators (Sculptra)
For patients with significant volume loss — particularly those on GLP-1 weight-loss medications — combining a neurotoxin with a collagen biostimulator addresses dynamic lines and structural decline together.
Learn moreSafety, Side Effects, and Clinical Trials
What Clinical Trials Show

Daxxify’s safety profile is supported by the SAKURA program — one of the largest Phase 3 programs for a cosmetic neurotoxin, with over 2,700 patients treated across approximately 4,200 treatments (Carruthers et al., 2021).
Common side effects from the SAKURA pivotal trials: headache (~6%), injection-site reactions such as mild swelling, redness, and bruising (~6%), and eyelid ptosis (~2% in pivotal trials; 0.9% per cycle in the larger SAKURA 3 open-label study). Overall, 17.8% of patients in SAKURA 3 experienced treatment-related adverse events — generally mild and self-resolving (Carruthers et al., 2021).
A notable finding: zero out of 2,737 evaluable patients developed neutralizing antibodies across the SAKURA program (Solish et al., 2023). Neutralizing antibodies can reduce a neurotoxin’s effectiveness over years of repeated treatment — a concern with all botulinum toxin products. The absence of antibody formation in a study of this size is meaningful, though longer-term post-marketing data will provide a more complete picture.
Because Daxxify lasts longer than conventional neurotoxins, if common side effects do occur they may also take longer to resolve. This is a practical consequence of extended duration, not a unique safety concern — but it is one reason Dr. Borakowski’s pre-treatment assessment matters.
Why Choose Desert Bloom for Daxxify in Scottsdale

Many providers offer neurotoxins. What differs is who performs the injection, what options they carry, and whether they will tell you when a different product — or no treatment at all — is the better choice.
Desert Bloom carries all three major neurotoxins. Dr. Borakowski typically recommends Daxxify for patients seeking 6-month intervals or precision placement (lip flip, brow lift, around the eyes), Botox for those who prefer shorter-acting treatment with more adjustment flexibility, and Dysport for broader diffusion across larger foreheads. Every injection is performed by Dr. Borakowski or a licensed nurse under her direct supervision. She has 17 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, a naturopathic medical degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, advanced anatomy training through cadaver dissection, and teaches aesthetic medicine at the University of Bridgeport as adjunct faculty.
This is a clinical aesthetics practice, not a volume-driven med spa. Transparent pricing ($6/unit, published). Individualized assessment. If Daxxify is not the right option, Dr. Borakowski will say so.
“Longer-lasting does not always mean better. It means the decision to treat requires more certainty that it is the right treatment for the right patient.”
How long does Daxxify last?
How much does Daxxify cost?
Is Daxxify better than Botox?
What is the difference between Daxxify and Dysport?
Is Daxxify safe?
What are the side effects of Daxxify?
Can I switch from Botox to Daxxify?
How many units of Daxxify do I need?
Does Daxxify work for masseter reduction?
Does Daxxify contain animal-derived ingredients?
How long does Daxxify take to work?
Is Daxxify more expensive than Botox?

Medically reviewed by
Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience
- 1.
Bertucci V, Solish N, Kaufman-Janette J, et al.. DaxibotulinumtoxinA for injection has a prolonged duration of response in the treatment of glabellar lines: pooled data from two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies (SAKURA 1 and SAKURA 2). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 2020.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.06.1313
Phase 3 RCTs, n=609, median duration 24 weeks (PMID 31791824)
- 2.
Carruthers J, Solish N, Humphrey S, et al.. DaxibotulinumtoxinA for injection for the treatment of glabellar lines: results from each of two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies (SAKURA 1 and SAKURA 2). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 2020.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007237
Phase 3 RCTs, n=609 (PMID 31609882)
- 3.
Carruthers J, et al.. DaxibotulinumtoxinA for injection for glabellar lines: efficacy and safety results from SAKURA 3. Dermatologic Surgery; 2021.
Open-label Phase 3, up to 3 treatments, n=2,691 (PMID 32773446)
- 4.
Solish N, et al.. Immunogenicity of DaxibotulinumtoxinA for injection: pooled results from the SAKURA clinical program. Aesthetic Surgery Journal; 2023.
0/2,737 developed neutralizing antibodies (PMID 36668880)
- 5.
Beer KR, et al.. DaxibotulinumtoxinA for injection for the treatment of upper facial lines. Dermatologic Surgery; 2023.
Phase 2, n=48, forehead + glabellar + crow's feet
- 6.
Shamban A. Real-world experience with DaxibotulinumtoxinA for forehead lines. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum; 2024.
400+ treatments, 250+ patients (PMID 38828476)
Individual results vary. Daxxify is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe glabellar lines (frown lines) in adults and for cervical dystonia in adults. Other treatment areas described on this page are off-label applications performed by a licensed medical professional. All medical treatments carry risks. A consultation with a qualified provider is required before treatment.
Content reviewed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Last updated: June 2026.







