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Why Advanced Neuromodulators Belong in a Facial-Only Practice

Facial aging is not static; it’s driven by complex, dynamic muscle activity that changes with expression, emotion, and time. Treating this effectively requires more than product familiarity; it demands a deep, surgical-level understanding of facial anatomy, biomechanics, and balance. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with advanced training in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, Dr. Starkman approaches Daxxify in Scottsdale, AZ with a level of precision that goes far beyond wrinkle treatment alone.

Each Daxxify treatment is guided by careful assessment of muscle strength, vector pull, asymmetry, and how individual muscles interact across the entire face. Because our practice is dedicated exclusively to the face and neck, injectable treatments are approached with the same rigor as surgery. Daxxify is selected and dosed strategically to complement facial structure, not overpower it, resulting in refined, natural outcomes that age gracefully and never appear “overdone.”

What Is Daxxify?

Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is an FDA-approved neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. By limiting this nerve-to-muscle signaling, treated muscles contract less forcefully, allowing overlying skin to smooth while maintaining natural facial expression.

Unlike traditional botulinum toxins, Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide-based stabilizing technology rather than human serum albumin. This formulation enhances the molecule’s ability to bind at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in more efficient and sustained muscle relaxation. Clinical studies have demonstrated a longer duration of effect—often lasting six months or more—making Daxxify an advanced option for patients seeking durable, refined wrinkle reduction.

Daxxify Benefits

  • Greater consistency in muscle relaxation across treatment cycles
  • Improved treatment planning due to predictable onset and longevity
  • Reduced risk of cumulative over-treatment with long-term use
  • Enhanced suitability for patients with strong or hyperdynamic musculature
  • Peptide-based formulation without human- or animal-derived stabilizers

Daxxify vs. BOTOX®

Duration of Effect

  • One of the most significant distinctions is longevity
  • In Phase 3 clinical trials, Daxxify demonstrated a median duration of response of approximately 24 weeks (about six months), with some patients maintaining improvement beyond that point, making it the longest-lasting neuromodulator currently FDA-approved for aesthetic use
  • BOTOX Cosmetic, by comparison, has a well-established duration of effect of approximately three to four months, which is supported by extensive clinical data and decades of real-world use

Formulation and Stabilization

  • Daxxify is uniquely formulated with a proprietary peptide-based stabilizing system and does not contain human serum albumin
  • This peptide technology is designed to enhance binding at the neuromuscular junction, contributing to its extended duration of effect (FDA)
  • BOTOX Cosmetic uses human serum albumin as a stabilizer, a formulation that has been safely and effectively used for many years across both aesthetic and therapeutic indications

Are You a Good Candidate for Daxxify?

You may be a strong candidate for Daxxify if you have dynamic wrinkles from repetitive muscle contractions, like:

  • Lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)
  • Lines on the forehead
  • Lines at the corners of the eyes (lateral canthal lines)

Daxxify may also be for you if you have previously responded well to botulinum toxin treatments but desire greater durability and predictability between treatment cycles.

You may not be a candidate if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have certain neuromuscular disorders
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin products

Why Choose Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Sidney Starkman is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of complex facial procedures each year, including advanced deep plane facelifts and revision rhinoplasty—experience that directly informs how neuromodulators are used safely and strategically. All Daxxify treatments are performed within a facial-only practice supported by an AAAHC-accredited on-site surgery center, reflecting an institutional commitment to safety, protocols, and excellence that extends beyond the injection room.

This environment allows for conservative dosing, meticulous documentation, and thoughtful long-term planning. Patients also benefit from a highly personalized approach, including detailed consultation, photographic assessment when appropriate, and continuity of care. Our goal is not just a successful treatment today, but results that hold up over time and an experience you look forward to returning to.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

  • Your consultation includes a facial movement analysis and a medical history review to create your treatment plan
  • Pricing is based on units required and treatment areas

Procedure

  • Facial mapping and muscle assessment
  • Precise injections using micro-needle technique
  • Treatment is typically completed in 10–15 minutes

Recovery and Results

  • Minimal downtime
  • Results begin in 2–3 days
  • Full effect within 1–2 weeks
  • Results may last 5–6 months or longer

Alternative or Related Treatments

Take a Thoughtful Approach to Long-Lasting Refinement

Lasting, elegant results depend on how thoughtfully it is selected, planned, and delivered over time. At Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery, Daxxify Scottsdale, AZ, is used as part of a broader facial strategy focused on balance, longevity, and restraint, never trends or shortcuts. If you are considering a longer-lasting neuromodulator and value facial-only expertise, contact us today to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Starkman.

FAQs

How does Daxxify feel compared to other neuromodulators?

Patients often describe Daxxify results as feeling more even and stable once fully settled. Muscle relaxation tends to feel consistent across expressions rather than fluctuating between treatments, especially in stronger muscle groups.

How soon can I return to normal activities after Daxxify?

Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, lying flat, or massaging the treated areas for several hours to allow the product to settle appropriately.

Does longer-lasting mean Daxxify is stronger or more aggressive?

No. Daxxify is not inherently “stronger.” Its longer duration is related to its formulation and binding behavior, not excessive muscle paralysis. When dosed correctly, results remain controlled and natural.

Can Daxxify be adjusted or refined after treatment?

Yes. While Daxxify lasts longer, subtle refinements can still be performed if needed once the product has fully taken effect. Conservative dosing and precise placement reduce the need for adjustments.

Is Daxxify safe to use long-term?

Daxxify has undergone rigorous FDA evaluation and clinical trials demonstrating safety when used appropriately. Long-term treatment planning focuses on avoiding overtreatment and maintaining healthy facial muscle balance over time.

Are there risks or side effects with Daxxify?

As with all neuromodulators, possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, headache, or localized tenderness at injection sites. Rare risks include eyelid droop or asymmetry, which are typically temporary and minimized by expert technique and anatomical precision.

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480-680-8677