Daxxify® is the newest neuromodulator to earn FDA clearance for smoothing moderate‑to‑severe glabellar lines. While most treatments wear off after three to four months, Daxxify® can keep your skin looking smooth and refreshed for six months or even longer in some cases. This means fewer appointments. In this guide, you will get to know about Daxxify®, its key benefits, potential risks, longevity, and aftercare.
What Is Daxxify?
Daxxify (generic name daxibotulinumtoxinA‑lanm) is a purified botulinum toxin type A injectable that temporarily relaxes the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. Unlike earlier toxins, it uses a proprietary synthetic peptide.
The peptide improves the toxin’s ability to bind to nerve endings and remain active longer. This carrier also eliminates animal‑ or human‑derived proteins from the vial, appealing to patients who prefer vegan‑friendly products.
Key Benefits of Daxxify
- Extended longevity (from 6 – 9 months). Clinical studies show median glabellar‑line relief of six months, with a subset of patients maintaining results for nine months or more, nearly double the lifespan of Botox or Xeomin.
- Fewer office visits. Longer duration translates to roughly two treatments per year instead of three or four, saving time and reducing cumulative needle sticks.
- Albumin‑free, peptide‑stabilized formulation: Removing human/animal proteins lowers transmission risks.
- Rapid results: Many people notice softening in 1–2 days, faster than the typical 4–7 days seen with older toxins.
Common Side Effects of Daxxify
Here are the common side effects of Daxxify:
| Side effect | Why it happens | Typical duration | What you can do |
| Injection‑site redness or swelling | Minute capillaries and lymph vessels are irritated as the micro‑needle passes through the skin. | A few hours—24 h | Apply a soft ice pack for 10 min at a time; keep your head elevated and avoid heat or saunas on day 1. |
| Mild bruising | A tiny blood vessel ruptures, allowing a drop or two of blood to pool under the skin. Often grouped under “injection‑site reaction.” | 3 – 7 days | Arnica gel twice daily, conceal with makeup after 24 h, skip aspirin/ibuprofen and alcohol for a day. |
| Headache | Muscle tension occurs as the frontalis and corrugator muscles adjust to partial relaxation. | Less than 48 hours | Rest, hydrate; take acetaminophen. Most resolve without medication. |
| Tenderness or pressure sensitivity | Local tissue inflammation and slight edema where fluid was deposited. | 1 – 3 days | Avoid massaging the area; apply a gentle cold compress if uncomfortable. |
| Temporary warmth or itching | Histamine release during healing. | Minutes to a few hours | Cooling gel packs or oral antihistamine if needed. |
Read more: Tips for Minimizing Daxxify Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
| Side effect | Why it happens | Typical duration | Management & when to call |
| Eyelid or brow droop (ptosis) | A small amount of toxin diffuses into the levator palpebrae or frontalis muscle, weakening its lift. | 2 – 6 weeks (until new nerve endings grow) | Prescription apraclonidine 0.5 % drops can elevate the lid by 1–2 mm while you wait. Contact your injector after day 5 if you notice asymmetry. |
| Facial asymmetry / facial paresis | Spread to adjacent smile or lip elevators causes one side to relax more than the other. | 2 – 8 weeks | Usually self‑resolves; severe cases may benefit from a small “balancing” injection on the opposite side. |
| Flu‑like fatigue or low‑grade fever | Transient immune response to the peptide‑stabilized toxin. | 24 – 72 h | Rest, hydration, acetaminophen; seek care for fevers > 101 °F that last > 3 days. |
| Dry or watery eyes | Reduced blink strength alters tear distribution; rare “dry eye” events documented. | Days to a few weeks | Use preservative‑free artificial tears 4×/day; see an ophthalmologist if irritation persists. |
| Localized edema beyond the needle halo | Deeper tissue holds fluid in sensitive individuals. | 1 – 7 days | Sleep slightly elevated, limit salt, apply cold compresses for 5 minutes every hour for the first evening. |
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
- Redness and swelling: These usually last for 2-24 hours. You should use a cool compress to reduce flushing.
- Bruising: Bruising will remain for 3-7 days. To reduce it, you should use arnica gel and avoid NSAIDs and alcohol 24 hours pre and post-treatment.
- Headache: Headaches typically resolve within 48 hours.
- Injection-site tenderness: There will be tenderness in the treated area. Don’t massage the treated area for 4 hours.
Aftercare Recommendations
Following these guidelines can help you get the longest-lasting smoothness with the fewest bumps:
- Stay upright for four hours
- Skip strenuous workouts for the first 24 hours
- Avoid massaging or pressing on treated areas
- Use cold packs if sore
- Minimize alcohol and blood thinners
- Sleep elevated the first night
- Make facial expressions
- Call if you notice asymmetry after day 5
Daxxify’s peptide‑enhanced formula delivers the longest cosmetic toxin lifespan currently available, making it attractive to anyone who loves smooth skin but not frequent appointments. Side effects mirror those of traditional neuromodulators and are mostly mild, brief, and manageable with simple home care.
Ready to take the next step in your Daxxify® journey?
At NW Face & Body, we are here to help personalize your treatment plan. Whether you want to know about side effects, understand how long they last, our experienced providers are ready to answer your questions.
Call us at (425) 827-7725 to schedule your consultation today.
Read more: Daxxify Injection Sites: Which Areas Are Best for Smoothing Wrinkles?
