Daxi Is The Botox Alternative That May Last Longer. Here's How To Know If It's Right For You

Botox is one of the most popular non-invasive procedures that people get to rejuvenate their look and give them the appearance of youthful skin. If you use Botox to help prevent and reduce wrinkles and deep lines on your face, then you know the financial pain of having to revisit your injector every few months for a touch up once it starts to wear off. 

Botox can be expensive, and depending on where you live, it typically costs anywhere from $10 in smaller, less populated cities and towns, all the way up to $19 to $25 per unit in larger cities (via Cosmopolitan). According to the U.S. Dermatology Partners, it's typical to get between 10 and 50 units, the total number depending on a variety of factors, including which areas the patient wants to target. Your Botox injection costs can quickly add up, but fortunately, there's a new option that might be able to last even longer. It's called Daxi, and here's what you need to know about it.

There's a new type of neurotoxin out on the market that was recently approved by the FDA and is a buzzing topic in the skincare and beauty community right now. Daxi, also known as DaxibotulinumtoxinA or Daxxify, is a neurotoxin injection just like Botox with a few small differences in ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The slight ingredient change could be behind Daxi's longer-lasting effects that dermatologists are raving about.

Dr. Bruce Katz of New York City's JUVA Skin and Laser Center tells Byrdie, "The difference with the formulation of DAXI is that the toxin that paralyzes the muscle is attached to a protein." That protein may be able to help increase the length of time Daxi injections work. According to Fierce Pharma, studies have shown that patients continue to see the effects of Daxi for six months, and even nine months in some cases.

The common side effects of Daxi are similar to those you can experience after Botox injections, including headaches, bruising, swelling, redness, and drooping eyebrows or eyelids. According to The Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, one in six people who get Botox suffer from complications after the treatment. While overall it is relatively rare, you should always consult with your doctor and be aware of all of the side effects before going under the needle.

Additionally, if you've never gotten injections before and are thinking of getting Botox, you may want to consider something other than Daxi for your first time. According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, "For those who are just trying out neuromodulators for the first time, a longer duration of action may not be ideal if you just want to see how you like it" (via Allure). Instead, first opt for regular Botox that will typically last around three to four months, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After your treatment, make sure you know what you can do and things you should never do after getting Botox to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible.