The neurotoxin market has changed dramatically since Botox was first introduced in 2002. What began as a single treatment offering has expanded to numerous innovative products, each thoughtfully engineered to address different patient needs and preferences. The biggest names in neurotoxins today include Botox, Dysport and Daxxify.
Understanding the differences between these three popular treatments can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you. Each one brings something different to the table, from speed of results to duration of effects, making your choice highly personal and tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle.
How Neurotoxins Work Their Magic
Botox, Dysport and Daxxify: all three treatments contain a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the nerve signals that trigger muscle movement. When injected into a targeted muscle, neurotoxins smooth dynamic lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions like frowning, squinting or smiling.
The beauty of neurotoxins lies in their precision. Rather than affecting your entire face, they target specific muscle groups responsible for creating unwanted lines. This selective approach means you maintain natural facial expressions while enjoying smoother skin in treated areas.
With consistent use, neurotoxins can also help prevent new lines from forming by reducing the repetitive muscle movements that cause wrinkles over time.
Botox: The Time-Tested Standard
Botox has earned its reputation as the world’s most popular wrinkle relaxer for good reason. Since its FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002, it has set the standard for treating dynamic facial wrinkles, with millions of successful treatments performed each year.
Onset & Duration
Botox typically shows full results after two weeks, but you may begin seeing a softening of dynamic lines and wrinkles within four to seven days. The effects generally last three to four months, making it predictable for planning touch-up appointments.
Best Applications
Botox’s formulation provides excellent precision, making it ideal for targeting specific areas like crow’s feet and frown lines between the eyebrows. Its controlled spread allows for detailed work in smaller treatment zones where accuracy matters most.
Dysport: The Fast-Acting Alternative
Dysport entered the U.S. market in 2009 and quickly gained popularity for its unique characteristics. Many patients report seeing results within 24-48 hours, making it ideal for those who want a quicker onset of action.
Onset & Duration
The effects of Dysport start to appear within three to three days, with full results developing in about a week, giving a slight edge in speed compared to Botox. Dysport lasts for three to four months, but some people may experience results lasting up to five months. Like Botox, most people schedule touch-ups around the three to four month mark.
Best Applications
Dysport has a slightly thinner consistency than Botox, which allows it to spread and diffuse more easily. This makes it particularly effective for larger treatment areas like the forehead, where you want smooth, even coverage. Dysport’s wider diffusion pattern can also create a softer, “feathering” effect that some patients prefer. However, this requires precise injection techniques to avoid affecting unintended facial muscles.
Daxxify: The Longest-Lasting Option
On September 7, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Daxxify for cosmetic use, marking a significant advancement in neurotoxin technology. This newest option features a unique, proprietary formulation that lasts nearly twice as long as Botox or Dysport.
Onset & Duration
Daxxify is made with Peptide Exchange Technology™ (PXT), a breakthrough in the neurotoxin market that enhances its performance as a wrinkle relaxer. Daxxify typically starts working within one to three days and shows full results after 10 to 14 days. Once results appear, they can last for six months (or even longer in some patients), significantly reducing the frequency of maintenance treatments.
Best Applications
Currently FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines (the “11s” between your eyebrows), Daxxify works well for patients seeking durable results with fewer maintenance visits. Its PXT formula provides long-lasting wrinkle reduction while maintaining natural facial expressions.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Which of these three neurotoxins you choose for your treatment should align with your lifestyle, goals and preferences. For more precise work around the eyes or between the brows, Botox offers proven and reliable results backed by years of clinical data. Dysport’s ability to spread more easily makes it a good choice for larger areas like the forehead, while Daxxify works well for patients wanting a longer-lasting option and fewer appointments throughout the year.
Your schedule also plays a role in finding the right treatment for you. If you travel frequently or just tend to have a packed calendar, you may prefer the longevity of Daxxify. Although the overall cost per treatment is higher, the annual expense often evens out, as you’ll only need two Daxxify treatments a year compared to three or four with Dysport or Botox. However, if you’re new to wrinkle relaxers, you might prefer to start with a shorter-lived treatment option.
And finally, because each of us is biologically unique, you may find that one product lasts longer or provides better results. People can respond differently to certain formulations, making trial and adjustment an important part of finding your perfect match. Working with experienced providers like those at Resurrect Skin MD can help you find the most sustainable option for you based on your unique facial anatomy, goals and treatment history.
The Resurrect Skin MD Advantage
At Resurrect Skin MD, Dr. Burns and his experienced team understand that choosing the right neurotoxin involves more than just comparing duration and onset times. Your facial anatomy, muscle movement patterns, lifestyle needs and aesthetic goals all factor into the equation.
Our extensive experience with all neurotoxins allows our team to recommend the most suitable option for your unique situation. Our commitment to bringing skin to life through science, care and compassion means you’ll receive expert guidance tailored specifically to your needs.
Ready to Find the Right Wrinkle Relaxer for You?
Stop guessing which neurotoxin might work best for you. At Resurrect Skin MD, Dr. Jay Burns and his team have been at the forefront of neurotoxin treatments for decades, witnessing firsthand how each formulation performs across thousands of patients. This depth of experience allows us to see patterns and predict outcomes that less experienced providers might miss.
Experience the difference that expert guidance makes. Contact Resurrect Skin MD today to begin your personalized consultation and discover which neurotoxin can help you achieve your aesthetic goals most effectively.
