You already know Botox works. You just wish it lasted longer. Every three months, the same cycle: the lines return, you book another appointment, you rearrange your schedule. If you travel frequently, have a busy season at work, or simply want fewer touch-ups — Daxxify may be worth considering.
Daxxify is the first peptide-powered neurotoxin FDA-approved for frown lines, with a median duration of six months — roughly twice as long as conventional options. Results appear within 1–2 days, treatment takes ~15 minutes, and most patients return to their day immediately.
Daxxify is one of three botulinum toxin treatments offered at Desert Bloom, alongside Botox and Dysport.
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.

Daxxify 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). For patients who are tired of rebooking every three to four months, that longer interval is often the main draw. Daxxify also contains no human or animal byproducts, making it the first vegan-friendly neurotoxin option. At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Daxxify is available at $6 per unit with a complimentary assessment.
On the formulation side: Daxxify was approved by the FDA on September 7, 2022 (BLA 761127), and is the first botulinum toxin to use a synthetic peptide stabilizer instead of human serum albumin — the blood-derived protein found in Botox and Dysport. Originally developed by Revance Therapeutics and now manufactured by Crown Laboratories following a $924 million acquisition in February 2025, it uses Peptide Exchange Technology to achieve its longer duration.
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.

There are several ways Daxxify differs from conventional neurotoxins, and it is helpful to understand these differences. The most significant is its stabilizer. Traditional neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport use human serum albumin — a protein derived from human blood — to prevent the toxin from degrading. Daxxify replaces this with RTP004, a synthetic 35-amino-acid peptide that stabilizes the neurotoxin through strong electrostatic bonds. This peptide does more than just protect the product in the vial. It enhances binding of the neurotoxin to neuronal cell surfaces, which may increase the likelihood of internalization by prolonging contact with the SV2 receptor. Greater internalization of botulinum toxin molecules correlates with longer duration of effect (PMC8648634). The result: a long-lasting neurotoxin that lasts roughly twice as long without requiring human- or animal-derived ingredients.
In clinical studies, Daxxify showed visible results within approximately two days — generally faster than Dysport (two to three days) and Botox (four to seven days) based on available Phase 2 and Phase 3 data (Beer et al., 2023). Full effect typically develops over one to two weeks. If you are planning treatment before an event or trip, that earlier onset can be a practical consideration. That said, the final settled result should still be evaluated at the two-week mark, the same as any neurotoxin.
Daxxify, Botox, and Dysport are all botulinum toxin type A neurotoxins that block muscle contraction to smooth dynamic wrinkles. The differences are clinically meaningful: 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 generally shows the earliest onset at approximately two days based on available data. Botox has the longest clinical track record with 20+ years of data and the broadest FDA-approved indications. Dysport diffuses more broadly, which can be advantageous for larger areas like the forehead. In the SAKURA clinical trials, Daxxify demonstrated a median duration of 24 weeks with no patients developing neutralizing antibodies across 2,737 evaluable subjects. Unit dosing differs between products — Daxxify uses 40 units for frown lines versus 20 units of Botox — but units are not interchangeable across brands. At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, 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 | 4–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Duration | 6 months median (up to 9) | 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) |
| Vegan | Yes | No | No |
| 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 — clinical data from the SAKURA trials shows a median of 24 weeks (Bertucci et al., 2020). But longer is not automatically better for everyone. 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 is worth considering. If you are newer to neurotoxin or prefer to fine-tune your results more often, Botox may be the more practical starting point. A consultation helps sort through those trade-offs for your specific situation.
Two other FDA-approved neurotoxins are worth mentioning. Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a “naked” neurotoxin — its active ingredient has no complexing proteins, which may reduce the risk of antibody formation. Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) is marketed exclusively for cosmetic use at a competitive price point. Desert Bloom does not currently carry these products but can discuss them during your consultation. Dysport information is available on its dedicated page.
A note on units: Daxxify uses 40 units for glabellar lines versus 20 units of Botox, but units are not interchangeable — each product defines its units based on its own potency assay. See the cost section below for conversion ratios and annual pricing comparisons.
Each treatment area requires a different number of units — and the cost depends on your anatomy, not a fixed menu. Select your areas and see a personalized estimate at Desert Bloom’s current Daxxify rates.

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 and extrapolation from other botulinum toxin products. At Desert Bloom, Dr. Borakowski tailors the injection placement and dosage to your specific 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 |
| 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 |
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 neurotoxin treatment in their late 20s to prevent lines from becoming etched at rest. Others may not need treatment until their 40s. The decision depends on your anatomy, your goals, and — importantly — whether a longer-lasting results profile is an advantage or a limitation. Because Daxxify lasts up to six months, any unwanted effects also persist longer than with shorter-acting products. For first-time neurotoxin patients, Dr. Borakowski evaluates each case individually — some patients may benefit from starting with a shorter-acting product like Botox, while others are good candidates for Daxxify from the start.
Most patients notice improvement within approximately 48 hours — generally earlier than other available neurotoxins based on clinical data. 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 expression.
Patients who have used Botox or Dysport previously often report that in many ways the results feel similar in quality but persist noticeably longer. Some patients report that the treated skin appears smoother beyond just wrinkle reduction — an observation sometimes referred to as the “Daxxify glow.” This has not been formally studied, and may simply reflect the visual effect of relaxed muscles on overlying skin texture.

Limitations to know: Daxxify does not improve skin texture, volume loss, or sun damage. These are separate concerns addressed by separate treatments — RF microneedling for texture, dermal fillers for volume. Daxxify addresses one thing precisely: muscle-driven facial wrinkles.
Daxxify injections require minimal downtime. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
The drug is injected using a small needle at five standard injection sites for glabellar lines. The aftercare protocol is the same as other neurotoxin injections:

Contact Desert Bloom if you experience eyelid drooping, difficulty swallowing, or any unusual symptoms after treatment. Because Daxxify lasts longer than Botox or Dysport, any side effects — though typically mild — may also persist for a longer period.
At Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Daxxify costs $6 per unit, compared to $10.50 for Botox and $3.50 for Dysport.

A typical 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 than Botox, many patients find they need only two sessions per year instead of three or four — bringing the estimated annual cost to around $1,200 for a 100-unit treatment. That works out to roughly $100 per month compared to $131 to $175 per month for Botox, depending on how often you retreat. Individual duration varies. Pricing at other providers typically ranges from $6 to $12 per unit. Desert Bloom publishes all pricing transparently, with no hidden fees or membership requirements.
Scottsdale pricing for neurotoxins ranges widely. Entry-level providers may offer lower per-unit rates, but the experience and credentials of the injector matter. At Desert Bloom, every injection is administered by Dr. Borakowski personally — not delegated. Full pricing for all neurotoxins is on our complete treatment pricing page.
Units are not interchangeable between neurotoxin products. Daxxify uses 40 units for glabellar lines compared to Botox’s 20 units, but this does not mean Daxxify is twice as potent — the products use different potency assays to define their units (ASPS). Desert Bloom’s Neurotoxin Cost Calculator uses commonly referenced conversion ratios: Daxxify 2:1 to Botox, Dysport 3:1 to Botox (ASPS). The calculator covers 14 treatment zones — forehead, glabella, crow’s feet, brow lift, bunny lines, lip lines, lip flip, chin, DAO, platysma, and masseter — with cost estimates based on Desert Bloom’s published pricing.
Daxxify’s safety is supported by the SAKURA program — over 2,700 patients across ~4,200 treatments.

Investigator assessments showed high response rates across all three SAKURA trials (Carruthers et al., 2021b).
Common side effects from the SAKURA pivotal trials include headache (approximately 6%) and injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, and bruising (approximately 6%). Eyelid ptosis occurred in approximately 2% of patients in the pivotal trials and 0.9% per treatment 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).
An important finding: zero out of 2,737 evaluable patients developed neutralizing antibodies across the entire SAKURA program (Solish et al., 2023). This is notable because neutralizing antibodies can reduce a neurotoxin’s effectiveness over time — a concern with repeat treatments.
Because Daxxify lasts longer than conventional neurotoxins, if side effects do occur, they may also take longer to resolve. This is a practical consideration — not a safety concern unique to Daxxify, but a consequence of its extended duration of effect.
Notably, the SAKURA program reported zero cases of neutralizing antibody formation across 2,737 evaluable subjects (Solish et al., 2023). Neutralizing antibodies can reduce a neurotoxin’s effectiveness over years of repeated use — 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.
Daxxify addresses muscle-driven wrinkles. For a comprehensive result, it works alongside other treatments — not as a standalone solution for every concern.
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 smooths dynamic lines from above; RF microneedling improves skin texture, pores, and firmness from below. Schedule RF microneedling first, then Daxxify 2–3 weeks later for optimal results.
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. In many cases, neurotoxin treatment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks before a thread procedure so opposing muscles are relaxed — though 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 are willing to 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 between visits, 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 to licensed practitioners as adjunct faculty at the University of Bridgeport.
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 that is Daxxify, Botox, Dysport, or a different approach entirely.
Desert Bloom Skincare
10752 N 89th Place, Suite 122B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
← 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: March 2026.
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Phone:(480) 567-8180
E-mail:info@desertbloomskincare.com
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