Thinking about smoothing out fine lines or softening those expression wrinkles, but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Many people want a refreshed look but feel overwhelmed by the growing list of injectable options. Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify are all popular choices, but they each offer unique benefits.
This guide is here to help you understand the differences so you can feel confident in your decision. Whether you’re brand-new to neuromodulators or considering switching things up, you deserve an option that fits your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level.
Why Neuromodulators Are So Popular for Smoothing Wrinkles
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed lines that seem a little deeper than you’d like—or creases that stick around even when your face is at rest—you’re not alone. Many of us begin to see these signs of aging in our 30s, 40s, and beyond. That’s where neuromodulators come in.
Neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles that contract during expressions—like frowning, raising your eyebrows, or squinting. Over time, these repeated movements create dynamic wrinkles, and by softening the underlying muscle activity, these treatments can smooth existing lines and help prevent new ones from forming.
Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows (“11s”)
- Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
Because these treatments are quick, minimally invasive, and involve little to no downtime, they’ve become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic options available today. They allow you to keep your natural expressions—just with a softer, more rested appearance. And with more FDA-approved neuromodulators now on the market, it’s helpful to understand the unique qualities of each one.
Quick Overview: What Are Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify?
All three of these wrinkle-smoothing injectables fall under the category of neuromodulators, but they aren’t identical. While they work in similar ways—by relaxing facial muscles to reduce wrinkles—their onset time, duration, formulation, and feel can vary slightly. Here’s a simple breakdown of how each option stacks up.
Botox
- FDA-approved since 2002 for cosmetic use
- The most widely recognized brand name in neuromodulators
- Often used for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet
Dysport
- Similar active ingredient as Botox (botulinum toxin type A)
- May have a faster onset for some patients
- Known to diffuse more broadly, which can be beneficial for larger treatment areas like the forehead
Daxxify
- The newest FDA-approved neuromodulator, approved in 2022
- Marketed as longer-lasting, with results that can persist up to 6 months or more in some patients
- Uses a unique peptide stabilizer instead of human serum albumin
- Can be stored at room temperature, unlike Botox and Dysport which require refrigeration
Key Differences Between Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify
Now that you have a basic understanding of what Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify are, let’s break down how they truly differ in performance. While they all work toward the same goal—smoothing dynamic wrinkles—their formulas, onset times, duration, and diffusion patterns can influence which is right for your unique needs.
Onset Time
How quickly do results appear?
- Dysport: Results may begin in 2–3 days
- Botox: Typically takes 3–5 days for visible effects
- Daxxify: Some patients see results in 1–2 days, with full effects by one week
Duration of Results
How long do the effects last?
- Botox and Dysport: About 3 to 4 months
- Daxxify: Clinical studies show effects may last 6+ months, reducing the number of annual treatments needed
Diffusion & Precision
- Dysport may spread more under the skin, making it useful for larger treatment areas
- Botox is often praised for precise targeting, ideal for delicate areas like crow’s feet
- Daxxify combines precision with longer-lasting results
Formulation
- Botox and Dysport contain human serum albumin as a stabilizer
- Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide stabilizer, which may contribute to its longevity and reduce the potential for antibody formation
- Accessory proteins in Botox and Dysport may increase the risk of antibody development, potentially reducing effectiveness over time
How to Decide Which Neuromodulator Is Best for You
Still unsure which product fits you best? Start by thinking about your goals: Do you want something that lasts longer so you need fewer appointments? Are you treating a broad area like your forehead or targeting specific fine lines? Do you prefer to start conservatively or are you ready for a longer-term option?
This section helps you narrow it down based on three key decision points: where you want to treat, how long you want results to last, and how your budget fits into the picture.
Based on Treatment Area
- Choose Dysport for broader regions like the forehead, where spread can be beneficial
- Use Botox or Daxxify for precision-focused areas like frown lines or crow’s feet
Based on Desired Duration
- Start with Botox or Dysport if you’re new to neuromodulators and want to test the effects
- Try Daxxify if you prefer longer-lasting results and want to minimize treatment frequency
Based on Budget & Frequency
- Daxxify may cost more per session, but requires fewer visits
- Dysport is sometimes less expensive per unit, though more units may be needed
What to Expect from Each Treatment
Once you’ve chosen your preferred neuromodulator, it’s natural to wonder what the actual treatment experience is like. The good news? These wrinkle-smoothing appointments are typically fast, simple, and require little to no downtime—making them easy to fit into your routine. Here’s what most patients can expect before, during, and after their session.
No matter which option you choose, the treatment process is quick and straightforward:
- Time: Appointments typically take under 15 minutes
- Pain: Most patients experience minimal discomfort—often described as a slight pinch
- Downtime: There’s little to none. You can return to most activities immediately
- Results: Begin to appear in a few days and continue improving over 1–2 weeks
Your provider may recommend a follow-up in 2 weeks to assess results and determine if a touch-up is needed.
Consultation Is Key: Personalized Plans Matter
Every face is different—and so is every treatment plan. That’s why a consultation is essential before starting any neuromodulator.
At Be You Medical, our providers are experienced in Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify and will guide you through the pros and cons of each option based on:
- Your facial anatomy
- Past experiences with injectables
- Your desired look (natural, refined, or more dramatic)
- Lifestyle and budget
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units of Dysport vs. Botox are needed?
Because of formulation differences, Dysport typically requires about 2.5 to 3 units to equal 1 unit of Botox. This doesn’t necessarily make Dysport more expensive, as pricing is adjusted accordingly.
What is the cost difference between Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify?
- Botox vs Dysport cost: Often comparable overall. Be You Medical charges the same for both Botox and Dysport for the sake of simplicity because they are priced similarly.
- Daxxify vs Dysport/Botox cost: Daxxify usually costs more per session because it takes double the amount of Doxxify to equal Botox units. Keep in mind that Doxxify may reduce the total number of treatments needed each year.
What is the risk of building resistance to Botox or Dysport?
Because Botox and Dysport contain accessory proteins, there is a small risk of antibody development, which can make future treatments less effective. Daxxify may pose a lower risk of this due to its unique formulation.
Does Daxxify really last longer?
Yes. Clinical trials have shown that most patients will enjoy at least 3-4 months of duration, many up to 6 months or more, depending on individual response. This makes Daxxify one of the longest-lasting neuromodulators currently available.
Are there differences in how these products are stored?
Yes. Botox and Dysport require refrigeration, while Daxxify is stable at room temperature, which may improve shelf life and convenience for providers.
Final Thoughts: Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify—There’s No One-Size-Fits-All
Not sure which wrinkle treatment is the right fit? You’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t need to navigate the decision alone either. Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify all offer distinct advantages:
- Botox is a trusted classic, great for precision and reliability
- Dysport kicks in quickly and works well for broader areas
- Daxxify is a longer-lasting option with a unique formula that may reduce the chance of resistance over time
Your ideal treatment depends on what matters most to you—whether that’s fewer appointments, faster results, or a more tailored outcome.
The best way to make an informed choice is through a personalized consultation. At Be You Medical, we’re here to guide you through the options, answer your questions honestly, and design a plan that suits your skin, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Book your appointment for botox in Sacramento today and let our experienced team help you find your perfect match.
