What are all these Toxins? And what do they do?

By: Dr. Jennifer Armstrong

When meeting with my patients, I always explain that all toxins are pretty much the same; they just have different personalities. Some will work better with you, and some are more compatible with other people. Everyone has their own toxin journey of who gets along best. Think of it like how people within your friend group get along. Some better than others!

 Ever since the news dropped that Daxxify, a new Botox alternative, was entering the market, it’s all people in the know have been asking me about, especially since Daxxify is supposed to soften wrinkles faster and last longer than other neuromodulators (the medical term for injectables such as Botox and Jeaveau).  

What is Daxxify? 

It’s a brand-new neuromodulator that is FDA-approved to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just like its counterparts (Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin and Dysport), Daxxify is made from a neurotoxin that’s produced by a bacteria called botulinum toxin, which is why you’ll often hear them referred to as a neurotoxin injectables.

When neuromodulators are injected into your facial muscles, they block them from receiving signals from your nerves. When this happens, the communication is interrupted, decreasing the ability to make certain facial movements which in turn helps to temporarily smooth fine lines and wrinkles. There are static lines and dynamic lines. Neurotoxins minimize the appearance of lines caused by “dynamic” muscle movement. 

Where can Daxxify be injected?

Right now Daxxify is only FDA-approved for use in the glabella (the area between your brows), but it’s being used off-label in the same places as other off-label toxins. Popular areas include the forehead, crow’s feet, brow, masseter muscles (around your jawline), neck, upper lip, and underarms (to minimize underarm sweating).

Daxxify vs. Botox

Daxxify is different from Botox in that it works faster and results are supposed to last longer. The average person should notice a significant decrease in lines within two days of receiving the treatment, whereas Botox can take anywhere from 5-10 days. Daxxify may wear off in six months (on average), in comparison to Botox’s three to four months.

Each neuromodulator (except for Xeomin) needs something to help stabilize it. Botox, Juveau, and Dysport, are filled with proteins that act as preservatives to stabilize them. Daxxify doesn’t use proteins or additives to stabilize the neuromodulators. Instead, it’s coated with a peptide that acts like double-stick tape to keep it stable. This peptide coating also helps bind it faster and stay around longer. This is how Daxxify works faster and lasts longer.

Since Daxxify doesn’t use proteins or additives it’s referred to as a “pure” toxin (as is Xeomin), which some providers prefer because patients can develop antibodies to proteins over time which, for some, can make the toxin less effective. When this happens, a patient may need more units to be effective or they may need to turn to an alternative such as Daxxify or Xeomin.

For those who are into vegan beauty products, Daxxify is also the only neuromodulator that’s made without any animal or human byproducts

How long does Daxxify last?

Daxxify isn't widely available yet, so there is no real data available in the general population. In clinical trials, Daxxify lasted six months on average. There is the potential for it to last up to twice as long as someone’s usual toxin, such as Botox, especially if they have noticed it not working as well for them in the past.

All toxins are available at Armstrong MD. When you come in for a visit, your goals, prior history with toxins, and health history to determine the best option for you. 

Visit www.armstrongmd.com to schedule your appointment today.
www.armstrongmd.com | 949-706-2887 | 369 San Miguel Drive, Suite 235 Newport Beach