Is the anti-wrinkle injectable that claims to last up to nine months really as good as it sounds?
A few weeks ago, what the industry is calling botox’s first real competitor in decades was FDA approved. DAXXIFY™ (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is a new neuromodulator that is advertised as the long-lasting wrinkle reduction treatment, with claims that results from the product last between six and nine months.
The industry, myself included, has been long awaiting the approval of this new cosmetic injection; DAXXIFY™ was originally ready for FDA approval in 2020 when the pandemic and production issues that followed put everything on pause.
So, now that the first neuromodulator to promise such longevity has finally been approved, what does that mean for the 17.4 billion dollar cosmetic injection industry? And more importantly, what does it mean for YOU? Will I be recommending my patients switch from my trusted neuromodulator brands of Dysport and Nucevia? For answers to all these questions and more, just keep reading.
How does DAXXIFY™ work?
This bi-annual injectable works very similar to botox in that it delivers botulinum toxin to the nerve cells to block signals and temporarily prevent the muscles from contracting. With the absence of overactive muscles, DAXXIFY™ works to temporarily reduce the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar (forehead) lines.
How is DAXXIFY™ different from botox?
Here are three main differentiators of DAXXIFY™ (when compared to Botox, Dysport and the other brands we are familiar with):
- DAXXIFY™ lasts twice as long as traditional neuromodulators. Clinical studies show that DAXXIFY™ results last six months to nine months, meaning patients will require fewer treatments to achieve the same results.
- DAXXIFY™ is made from peptides or amino acids, not human serum albumin. Peptides may be the reason why DAXXIFY™ has longer wrinkle-smoothing results than other brands.
- DAXXIFY™ is just as effective at room temperature. Like Xeomin, DAXXIFY™ does not require refrigeration.
How do DAXXIFY™ injections cost?
The cost of DAXXIFY™ is still a big mystery to even those of us in the industry. It is unclear how Revance Aesthetics will price the product and therefore, impossible to even estimate the unit price range. However, there has been speculation that the price of DAXXIFY™ units will be higher than botox and the other brands we’ve come familiar with due to the claim that DAXXIFY™ lasts over twice as long—many are saying the cost per unit would therefore, be two to three times the price. This would mean, just because the product supposedly has better staying power does not necessarily mean that DAXXIFY™ will be more cost effective (just more time efficient).
What DAXXIFY™ side effects should I know about?
The most commonly observed adverse reactions (≥1%) were headache (6%), eyelid ptosis (2%) and facial paresis (1%). This, based on data generated in the SAKURA Phase 3 clinical trial program, which included more than 2,700 patients and approximately 4,200 treatments.
How long does DAXXIFY™ last?
Based on the clinical trial program, on which DAXXIFY™ was FDA-approved, results last a median duration of six months. Some patients maintained treatment results for nine months. Results were seen as early as 24 hours after the treatment and typically within two days. By week four, over 98 percent of subjects saw zero to very mild wrinkles, as per the third-party investigator assessment.
Is DAXXIFY™ better than Botox, Dysport, Nuceiva and Xeomin?
Like with any neuromodulator, some brands will work better for some individuals than others. DAXXIFY’s big differentiator of providing longer lasting results definitely has me curious. Since this product is so new, it is difficult to determine who DAXXIFY™ is right for. However, I believe that those brand new to neuromodulators should try another brand first. Since DAXXIFY™ claims results last between six and nine months, this injection demands more commitment.
By using Dysport or Nuceiva first, we can observe how your facial muscles react to neuromodulators to ensure that you’re happy with the results. DAXXIFY™ results cannot be reversed and the effect of administering different botulinum neurotoxins during the course of treatment with DAXXIFY™ is still unknown, according to Revance Aesthetics. In other words, once you try DAXXIFY™, you will be stuck with the results for up to nine months. As the official website reads “DAXXIFY™ is not approved for the treatment of spasticity or any conditions other than glabellar lines.” Unlike Dysport and other established neuromodulator brands, DAXXIFY™ is not yet approved for crow’s feet and other therapeutic concerns so this should be considered when deciding the right option for you.
DAXXIFY™ Injections in Chilliwack, Langley & on Vancouver Island
Just a heads up, you won’t see me offering DAXXIFY™ right away. The very first select providers are expected to gain access to the product in March 2023 and all official dates are still TBD according to the press release. And with any treatment I offer, I like to try it myself and do more hands-on research before offering it to my patients. As always, I will share my honest thoughts and keep you updated along the way. I believe it is always best practice to provide my patients choices and the information they need to make the right one for them. DAXXIFY™ hitting the market in 2023 ultimately means my patients get one more option to choose from—and I am all in for that!
In the meantime, you can book in for your next Dysport or Nuceiva treatment at one of my four locations: Refinery House, Chilliwack; Avenue 42, Langley; Elegance Sculpting, Parksville; or Xpose Salon, Nanaimo.
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