Does Daxxify cost more than Botox? Comparing cost per unit & per treatment

Published September 11, 2024 by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor

As one of the first Philadelphia practices that was selected to offer Daxxify™ ahead of its official launch last year, we’re excited to share our early knowledge of Daxxify (or “Daxi”) cost and its effectiveness for our Bryn Mawr and Main Line patients.

Revance Aesthetics, the maker of Daxxify (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm), received FDA approval for the product in 2022, specifically for treating glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows) for a smoother, more youthful brow appearance. With a slightly lower cost per unit than Botox®, as well as the promise of longer-lasting effects, many wonder if Daxxify is a more affordable alternative to Botox. But when you also consider the greater number of units needed to achieve satisfactory results, does Daxxify still end up being more cost-effective?

Here, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor and Physician Assistant and expert injector, Julie Holesh, dive into the cost-effectiveness of these two top neuromodulators.

• How much is Daxxify?
• Botox vs. Daxxify cost
  • Treatment cost with Daxi
  • Treatment cost with Botox
• Is Daxi better than Botox?
• How long does each neurotoxin last?
• Other ways we can compare Botox and Daxi
• Is Daxxify a good Botox alternative?

How much is Daxxify?

The total cost of Daxxify and other neuromodulators such as Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau® is determined by the price per unit and the number of units needed to achieve optimal results.

Daxxify price per unit

Daxxify costs $12 per unit, and the price of Daxi is set by the manufacturer.

It’s important to note that pricing will not significantly vary between qualified providers; overly discounted pricing can be indicative of an injector’s lack of experience or the use of an over-diluted or counterfeit product.

Botox vs. Daxxify cost

Units needed for effective treatment are not uniform across injectable neurotoxins; FDA-approved product labels recommend different dosages based on each product’s unique formula.

Treatment cost with Daxi

The FDA recommends using about 40 units of Daxi to treat glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows) for most patients.

• $12 per unit x 40 units = $480
• Daxxify approximate annual cost = $960

Treatment cost with Botox

Most patients require approximately 20 units of Botox to treat glabellar lines. The total treatment cost at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery’s med spa varies slightly between our providers.

• Botox with Dr. Claytor: $15 per unit x 20 units = $300
• Botox with Julie Holesh, PA: $13 per unit x 20 units = $260
• Botox approximate annual cost = $1,000-1,200

So, which neurotoxin actually costs less?

This pricing information can give you a sense of the fact that Daxi will indeed cost more per treatment because of the higher number of units required. However, because Daxxify lasts longer for most patients, maintaining results will cost somewhat less over the course of time. Additionally, treatment with Daxi means you’ll need half as many appointments—a boon for busy patients in the Bryn Mawr and Main Line Philadelphia areas who know their “time is money.”

Also, it should be noted that while we are comparing glabellar line treatment cost as a basis here, Botox-type injectables are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and surrounding muscles should also be targeted for balanced, natural looking results that enhance your features and diminish flaws. As such, a comprehensive forehead Botox treatment may require 30 to 40 units or more (or approximately double that if using Daxi), with units distributed throughout the forehead and eye area.

Is Daxi better than Botox?

Daxi may be a better choice for some patients, especially those who find making time for injectable appointments difficult, or anyone who has developed Botox resistance.

In this video, Dr. Claytor and Physician’s Assistant and expert injector, Julie Holesh, explain how neuromodulators work and the differences in Daxi’s unique formulation.

How long does each neurotoxin last?

How long its effects last sets Daxi apart from Botox and other neuromodulators. Daxi results have a median duration of about 6 months, with some patients experiencing its anti-aging effects for up to 9 months. This means that many patients may experience pleasing results with Daxi for twice as long compared to its competitors and thus need touch-up injections less often.

The longevity of Daxi’s results is credited to its unique formulation. Using Peptide Exchange Technology™ (PXT), the toxin that blocks nerve signals is attached to a novel protein that takes the body longer to break down and extends Daxi’s anti-aging effects.

In contrast, for most patients, Botox typically lasts between 3-4 months.

Other ways we can compare Botox and Daxi

For some patients, a trusted product that has been safely used over a long time period may be of primary importance. In this case, Botox is king: Botox Cosmetic’s predictable results and strong safety profile quickly made it a household name after its debut in 2002, and it has long since been trusted by professionals and patients alike. Furthermore, prior to its official FDA approval for cosmetic use, Botox had long been used for other therapeutic purposes—in fact, it has a 50+ year history of safe use in medicine.

One other nuance to consider: some patients may choose Daxxify over other injectables as it contains no human or animal by-products. We expect Daxi to gain popularity with patients seeking a “cleaner,” vegan neurotoxin.

That said, because the two products have so much in common, there are no other significant arguments that would indicate the use of one over the other.

Both Daxi and Botox:

• Use a purified botulinum toxin to temporarily block nerve signals to treated muscles;
• Once injected, relax targeted muscles, leading wrinkles caused by muscle contractions to be softened or erased;
• When administered by a highly-experienced injector with a keen eye for aesthetics and comprehensive understanding of underlying facial musculature, can achieve outstanding and natural-looking anti-aging results.

Is Daxxify a good Botox alternative?

Yes, especially if you have Botox resistance. In clinical trials, only about 1.5% of patients experienced Botox resistance—when the body either builds up antibodies against the neurotoxin or metabolizes it much faster than expected. Patients with Botox resistance may only experience brief anti-aging effects or see no reduction in wrinkles at all. Our medspa patients who do not get strong results from Botox are showing excellent results from Daxxify.

If you are new to neuromodulators, we may recommend starting with Botox to be sure you are happy with your appearance after neurotoxin injections. This is because, in the unlikely event that you are not pleased with your results, or simply wish to adjust treatment, the effects of Botox will diminish faster. For patients who are experienced with Botox-type injections and are ready to try a longer-lasting product, Daxi is an excellent alternative.

If you are interested in Daxi or other neuromodulators, we invite you to consult with Philadelphia double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor or aesthetic injector Julie Holesh at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery. Our medical spa treatments are the premier choice in the Main Line and Bryn Mawr areas for achieving natural-looking neurotoxin results. We also offer dermal fillers such as Juvéderm® and Restylane® and advanced laser treatments for complete facial rejuvenation results.

Dr. Claytor has been designated one of Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Doctors for 2021 and 2022, a Main Line Today Top Doctor from 2017-2021, and one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons” by Newsweek. To schedule your consultation, please call our practice at 610.527.4833 or request more information about our services online.

Areas Served:

• Bryn Mawr
• Philadelphia
• Main Line