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.
At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Dr. Natalya Borakowski offers Daxxify at $6 per unit alongside botulinum toxin treatments, Botox, and Dysport.
Scope. What it is: FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin for moderate to severe frown lines; peptide-based stabilizer, no human or animal byproducts. Results duration: Median 24 weeks (~6 months); individual results vary.
Provider & candidacy. Recovery: Minimal — most patients return to normal activities immediately. Side effects: Headache (~6%), injection site reactions (~6%), eyelid ptosis (~2%); generally mild and self-resolving.
Downtime & how to start. Ideal candidate: Current neurotoxin user who wants fewer appointments; dynamic wrinkles; good overall health. Cost starting: $6 per unit at Desert Bloom Scottsdale.
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 conventional neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport (Bertucci et al., 2020).

Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide-based formulation that contains no human or animal byproducts — making it 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. The product was approved by the FDA on September 7, 2022 (BLA 761127). Originally developed by Revance Therapeutics and now manufactured by Crown Laboratories following a $924 million acquisition in February 2025, its peptide-based stabilizer may offer more localized spread compared to conventional formulations — a consideration in areas where diffusion is less desirable. Daxxify is also FDA-approved for cervical dystonia; all other areas are off-label.
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 from other injectable treatments 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 that adheres tightly to the neurotoxin and helps it bind more effectively to the surface of nerve cells. This closer, more sustained contact allows more toxin molecules to enter the nerve — a mechanism associated with longer duration of effect (PMC8648634). The result: extended duration of muscle relaxation without human or animal byproducts.
In clinical trials, Daxxify showed visible results within two days — generally faster than Dysport (two to three days) and Botox (four to seven 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 treatment before an event, that earlier onset can be a practical consideration. Like any neurotoxin, the final settled result should be evaluated at the two-week mark.
Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport are all botulinum toxin type A products that relax facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. Clinically meaningful differences: Daxxify lasts a median of six months (versus three to four for Botox and Dysport), uses a synthetic peptide stabilizer instead of human serum albumin, and in clinical trials showed visible results as early as two 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.

In the SAKURA clinical trials, Daxxify demonstrated a median duration of 24 weeks with zero patients developing neutralizing antibodies across 2,737 evaluable subjects. Its synthetic peptide stabilizer is associated with more localized spread compared to conventional formulations — a clinically relevant consideration in areas where diffusion is less desirable, though direct head-to-head precision data are limited. Unit dosing differs between products — Daxxify uses 40 units for frown lines versus 20 units of Botox (a 2:1 ratio) — but units are not interchangeable across brands because each product uses a different potency assay. At Desert Bloom Skincare, Dr. Borakowski offers all three and recommends based on your anatomy and goals.
| 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 | ~2 days (clinical trials) | 4–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Duration | Median 6 months (24 weeks) | 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 |
| Best For | Patients wanting longer intervals between visits | Precise, predictable — broadest evidence base | Broader areas like forehead; faster onset than Botox |
Daxxify does last longer — SAKURA data shows a median of 24 weeks (Bertucci et al., 2020). But longer is not automatically better. Botox has 20+ years of clinical data, a broader range of FDA-approved indications, and a shorter duration that gives you more flexibility to adjust between treatments. If you already know how you respond to neurotoxin and want fewer appointments, Daxxify fits. If you are newer to neurotoxin or prefer to fine-tune more often, Botox may be the more practical starting point. Individual decision — depends on the patient; a consultation sorts through those trade-offs.
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.
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 anatomy. At Desert Bloom, Dr. Borakowski tailors injection sites and dosage to your specific facial anatomy, not a fixed template.
No manufacturer dosing guidelines exist for off-label areas. All off-label applications are based on clinical judgment and individualized assessment.
| Treatment Area | Units | Cost at $6/unit | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frown lines (glabellar) | 40 | $240 | FDA-approved |
| Forehead lines | ~32 | $144–$240 | Off-label |
| Crow's feet (both sides) | ~48 | $192–$336 | Off-label |
| Bunny lines | 4–8 | $24–$48 | Off-label |
| Lip flip | 4–8 | $24–$48 | Off-label |
| Masseter / jaw (both sides) | 80–96 total | $480–$576 | Off-label |
| Full upper face | 80–128 | $480–$768 | Mixed |
At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Daxxify is $6 per unit, compared to $10.50 for Botox and $3.50 for Dysport. Each treatment area requires a different number of units — for a preliminary estimate of your personalized dose, use our neurotoxin unit calculator. Final counts are confirmed at your complimentary consultation.

A full upper face treatment uses 80–128 units, totaling $480–$768 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. Scottsdale pricing for neurotoxins ranges widely; entry-level providers may offer lower per-unit rates, but experience and credentials of the injector matter. At Desert Bloom, every injection is administered by Dr. Borakowski personally. Full pricing for all neurotoxins is on our complete treatment pricing page.
Units are not interchangeable between brands. Daxxify uses 40 units for glabellar lines compared to Botox’s 20 — a 2:1 ratio. This does not mean Daxxify is twice as potent; each brand defines its units using a distinct potency assay (ASPS). Desert Bloom’s Neurotoxin Cost Calculator uses commonly referenced conversion ratios: Daxxify 2:1 to Botox, Dysport 3:1 to Botox. It covers 14 treatment zones — forehead, glabella, crow’s feet, brow lift, bunny lines, lip lines, lip flip, chin, DAO, platysma, and masseter — with estimates based on Desert Bloom’s published pricing.
Patients who may benefit most from Daxxify
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. Because Daxxify lasts up to six months, any unwanted effects also persist longer than with shorter-acting products. For first-time neurotoxin patients, the choice of starting product is an individual decision — it depends on the patient. Dr. Borakowski evaluates each case and discusses whether Daxxify or a shorter-acting product is the better fit.
In clinical trials, Daxxify showed visible results within approximately two days — generally earlier than other available neurotoxins. Treated muscles begin to relax and frown lines start to soften.
The neurotoxin reaches its peak effect. Frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet (if treated) appear visibly smoother. This is when results should be evaluated.
Results are at their strongest. The treated muscles remain relaxed. Lines are softened or absent depending on their depth before treatment.
Muscle activity slowly returns as the body regenerates nerve terminals. Lines may begin to reappear but remain softer than baseline.
Most patients schedule their next appointment around the six-month mark. In the SAKURA trials, 25% of subjects had not returned to moderate or severe severity at Week 32 (Bertucci et al., 2020).
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. Some patients report a subtle skin quality improvement in the treated area — the “Daxxify glow.” This has not been formally studied; it may reflect the visual effect of relaxed facial muscles on overlying skin.
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 injections require minimal downtime. The product is delivered with a fine-gauge needle at five standard injection sites for glabellar lines; most patients find discomfort minimal, and topical numbing cream is available on request. Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

Aftercare protocol is the same as other neurotoxin injections:
Contact Desert Bloom if you experience eyelid drooping, difficulty swallowing, or any unusual symptoms. Because Daxxify lasts longer than Botox or Dysport, any side effects — though typically mild — may persist for a longer period.
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., 2021b).

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; Carruthers et al., 2021a). Overall, 17.8% of patients in SAKURA 3 experienced treatment-related adverse events — generally mild and self-resolving (Carruthers et al., 2021b).
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 treatments — a concern with all botulinum toxin products. The absence of antibody formation in a study of this size is a meaningful data point, 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 consideration — a consequence of extended duration, not a unique safety concern.
Daxxify addresses muscle-driven wrinkles. For a comprehensive result, it works alongside other treatments — not as a standalone solution for every concern.
RF microneedling improves skin texture, pores, and firmness; Daxxify smooths dynamic lines. For patients combining both: RF microneedling is performed first, with Daxxify scheduled 2–3 weeks later for optimal results.
Learn more →Daxxify relaxes the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles; fillers restore lost volume in the cheeks, temples, or under-eye area. Together they form the foundation of a non-surgical approach to facial aging. Many patients combine both in a single visit.
Learn more →Daxxify for the upper face (forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet) combined with PDO thread lifting for mid and lower face. A thread brow lift can complement Daxxify by adding structural support where neurotoxin alone may not be enough. Timing varies by anatomy and provider protocol.
Learn more →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, Botox for those who prefer shorter-acting treatment with more adjustment flexibility, and Dysport for broader diffusion across large 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, holds a naturopathic medical degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, 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.”
Every consultation at Desert Bloom begins with a complimentary assessment. Dr. Borakowski evaluates your facial anatomy, reviews your neurotoxin history, and helps determine the right choice — whether Daxxify, Botox, Dysport, or a different approach.
Desert Bloom Skincare
10752 N 89th Place, Suite 122B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 567-8180
← All neurotoxin treatments at Desert Bloom
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: April 2026.
Desert Bloom Skincare Center offers personalized skincare consultation to help you achieve a flawless and radiant complexion. Book your appointment today and let our expert team of skincare professionals address your specific concerns and help you reach your skincare goals.
Phone:(480) 567-8180
E-mail:info@desertbloomskincare.com
Get Directions →Desert Bloom Skincare is conveniently located in the Shea Corridor of North Scottsdale, within Edwards Professional Park I — minutes from HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Campus.
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