Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle movements and facial expressions. Dynamic wrinkles are typically seen in areas of the face where muscles are particularly active, such as around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes less able to bounce back from the effects of muscle movement. When we make facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting, the underlying muscles contract and cause the skin to fold and crease. Over time, these folds and creases can become more pronounced and without treatment develop into permanent lines and wrinkles. Treatment of dynamic wrinkles with botulinum toxin has been shown to increase self-esteem and quality of life.

What is Daxxify?

Daxxify is the newest alternative to Botox. Both contain botulinum toxin type A. Daxxify is an injectable neurotoxin FDA approved to treat glabellar lines, the angry 11s between the eyebrows. Glabellar lines are often perceived as a sign of aging and are often misinterpreted as anger, anxiety or irritation.

How does Daxxify work?

Daxxify works in the same way as Botox. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause contractions of the muscles of expression which softens dynamic wrinkles. Over time, the body gradually metabolizes the botulinum toxin, and the muscle activity gradually returns to normal, causing the wrinkles and lines to gradually reappear. The duration of effects typically last months and depend on the individual’s metabolism, and the areas treated.

What are the advantages of treatment with Daxxify as compared to Botox?

The effects of Botox injections typically wear off about 3 – 4 months after injection. To maintain continuous benefits retreatment every 3 – 6 months is necessary.

The toxin in Daxxify is attached to a protein that extends the effects of treatments.  Clinical studies report that the effects of Daxxify can last 2-3 times longer than Botox, on average 6 months and up to 9 months for some people. Longer lasting effects means fewer and less frequent injections to maintain continuous results. This means you can have smooth frown lines and dynamic wrinkles for an entire year with just two treatments.

Another difference is that Daxxify contains a novel peptide that acts as a stabilizer and doesn’t contain human or animal byproducts. A stabilizer is a substance that is added to a drug to help it maintain stability and effectiveness over time. Botox uses a blood derived product as a stabilizer. Daxxify uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer.

What are the disadvantages of Daxxify?

Neurotoxin treatments are not reversible, so if a patient doesn’t like the results, they must live with the effects until the toxin wears off.

What are the side effects of Daxxify treatment?

Side effects are mild and may include headache, injection site pain, bruising and swelling, similar to Botox. A potential unwanted side effect of all injectable neurotoxins is eyelid ptosis or sagging when injecting into the forehead and brow areas. Because Daxxify effects last longer, it is possible that negative side effects will also last longer.

However, the risk of eyelid ptosis is about 1%-5% and depends upon the injector’s techniques and skills. Choosing qualified injectors like Drs. Alexandra Zhang and William Camp at Lucent Dermatology, who have extensive training and experience, minimizes the risk. In most cases ptosis is temporary and will resolve within a few weeks to months.

96% of people treated with Daxxify were satisfied with their results. Contact Lucent Dermatology to schedule a consultation to learn more about Daxxify and experience the first innovation in botulinum toxin in over twenty years!