Botox vs Dysport vs Daxxify: which one is better?
None of them is automatically better. Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify are all neuromodulators, they all work the same way, and they all soften the muscle movement that creates lines. The right one depends on your anatomy, your muscle strength, your goals, your timeline, and how you've responded to treatment before.
All three relax the same muscles. Botox and Dysport typically last three to four months. Daxxify lasted a median of about six months in its clinical trials, and some people held results closer to nine. I choose the product for your face, not for what's trending, and sometimes the product isn't the issue at all: the dose, the placement, or the areas treated matter just as much.
How Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify compare
These are the facts that actually differ between the three. Everything else, including how they work and how treatment feels, is very similar.
| Botox Cosmetic | Dysport | Daxxify | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic name | onabotulinumtoxinA | abobotulinumtoxinA | daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm |
| FDA approved for frown lines | 2002 | 2009 | 2022 |
| Other cosmetic FDA approvals | Crow's feet (2013), forehead lines (2017), platysma bands in the neck (2024) | None beyond frown lines | None beyond frown lines |
| Labeled dose for frown lines | 20 units | 50 units | 40 units |
| How it's stabilized | Human albumin | Human albumin and lactose | A peptide; no human or animal-derived ingredients |
| Typical duration | 3 to 4 months | 3 to 4 months | Median of about 6 months in trials; up to 9 months for some |
Units are not interchangeable
A unit of Botox, a unit of Dysport, and a unit of Daxxify are not the same amount of anything. The labeled dose for frown lines is 20 units of Botox, 50 units of Dysport, and 40 units of Daxxify. That's why comparing per-unit prices across brands doesn't tell you much. What matters is the cost of treating your areas with the dose your face actually needs.
One is not automatically better. I'm choosing based off your anatomy, your strength, your goals, your timeline, and which products you've used before and how you responded to them.
Natasha Sherrill, FNP-C · FounderHow I choose between them
At your consultation, I look at five things before I recommend a product:
- Your anatomy, including which muscles are doing the most work and where.
- Your muscle strength, because stronger muscles often need a different dose or product.
- Your goals: softened movement, a lift, or a smoother look for an event.
- Your timeline, including how often you realistically want to come in.
- Your history: which products you've had and how long they held.
When Daxxify makes sense
Daxxify can be a great fit if your results fade too fast. If you love how Botox or Dysport looks but feel it's gone by month three, a longer-lasting option means fewer visits for the same result. It's also a reasonable choice for people who prefer a formula without human albumin.
If you've been happy with Botox or Dysport, that isn't a reason to switch. A product that's working for you is a good product.
Sometimes the product isn't the issue
When someone tells me their last treatment didn't hold, switching brands isn't always the answer. It may be the dose, the placement, or the areas that were treated. When some muscles relax, nearby muscles can start working harder, and adjusting the plan around them often does more than changing the product.
Normally $13 a unit. Full face and neck is $1,200, with a free touch-up within four weeks. Buy by October 31 and use it any time in the next 12 months.
Common questions
Is Daxxify better than Botox?
Not automatically. Daxxify tends to last longer for many people, with a median of about six months in its trials compared with three to four months for Botox. But Botox is FDA approved for more facial areas, and if it's working well for you there's no need to switch. The better choice depends on your face and your goals.
Is Dysport the same as Botox?
They work the same way and typically last about the same length of time, three to four months. They're different formulations from different manufacturers, and their units aren't interchangeable: the labeled frown-line dose is 50 units of Dysport versus 20 units of Botox. Some people find one suits them better than the other.
How long does Daxxify last?
In the clinical trials for frown lines, the median duration was about six months, and some people still had results at nine months. Your own result depends on your dose, your muscle strength, your metabolism, and the areas treated. Results vary.
How fast do Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify start working?
All three usually start to show within a few days and reach full effect around two weeks. That's why I wait to judge results until your follow-up rather than adding more too early.
Can I switch from Botox to Daxxify?
Yes. Many people switch, often because their results fade sooner than they'd like. I'll ask when you noticed movement coming back last time and use that to set your dose. Tell us what you've had before and roughly when.
Which one costs less?
Per-unit prices aren't a fair comparison, because each brand uses a different number of units for the same area. The honest comparison is the total cost of your treatment and how long it lasts. A longer-lasting product can mean fewer visits per year. We'll give you a price for your plan at your consultation.
Who should not get these treatments?
Neuromodulators aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have certain neuromuscular conditions, an infection at the injection site, or an allergy to any ingredient. Dysport contains lactose and should not be used by anyone allergic to cow's milk protein. We review your health history before any treatment.
Not sure which one is right for you?
That's what the consultation is for. Or drop in on the first Thursday of the month, 4 to 6 PM, for a free consult with the team.
This page is for education only and isn't medical advice. Your treatment plan, product, and dose are decided at an in-person consultation, and results vary from person to person. Botox Cosmetic is a registered trademark of Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company. Dysport is a registered trademark of Ipsen and is distributed in aesthetics by Galderma. Daxxify is a registered trademark of Revance. New Age Medspa, inside Independence Park Medical Services, 9500 Independence Drive, Suite 1000, Anchorage, AK 99507 · (907) 921-4281 · hello@newagemedspa.com
