Skin Botox places tiny droplets of diluted toxin just under the skin to refine pores, reduce shine and soften fine lines without freezing expressions. Here is how it works and whether it suits your trip to Seoul.
Skin Botox, also called microbotox, uses many tiny, shallow injections of diluted botulinum toxin across the face. Instead of relaxing the deep expression muscles, it acts on oil glands, sweat glands and fine superficial muscle fibers, so pores look smaller, skin looks less shiny and fine lines soften. Treatment takes 20–30 minutes plus numbing, small bumps settle within hours and results last about 2–3 months. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, skin Botox starts from ₩129,000 for the full face with a Korean toxin (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is skin Botox (microbotox)?
Skin Botox is a Korean-popularized technique that uses the same botulinum toxin as wrinkle Botox, but in a very different way. The toxin is diluted and placed in dozens of tiny droplets into the upper layers of the skin, rather than deep into a muscle. Because it sits so superficially, it influences structures close to the surface: the sebaceous (oil) glands, sweat glands and the thin muscle fibers that attach to the underside of the skin.
The result is a smoother, more refined skin surface. Pores often look smaller, the T-zone produces less shine, fine crinkly lines soften and the skin can look tighter along the jawline and neck. Because the main expression muscles are barely affected, your face still moves naturally. See our skin Botox treatment page for more.
How is it different from wrinkle Botox?
Wrinkle Botox uses a more concentrated dose placed deep into specific muscles, such as the forehead or frown muscles, to stop strong repeated folding. Skin Botox uses a more dilute solution spread evenly across a wider area at a much shallower depth. The aim is not to stop movement but to improve the texture and finish of the skin itself. The two can be combined in one visit, with the doctor adjusting each dose so the total stays within a safe range.
Why is it so popular in Korea?
Korean beauty culture places great weight on clear, smooth, low-shine skin, often described as glass skin. Skin Botox fits that goal well: it is quick, the change is refined rather than dramatic, and it pairs naturally with lasers and skin boosters. For visitors, the short recovery is another advantage, since most people are out sightseeing the same evening.
What can skin Botox help with?
- Large-looking pores and oily skin. Reduced oil gland activity can make pores look tighter and skin less shiny. See large pore treatments.
- Fine lines. Fine crepey lines on the cheeks, under the eyes and on the neck may look softer.
- Jawline and neck definition. Treating small superficial fibers along the jaw and neck can give a slightly cleaner outline.
- Flushing and sweating. Some people notice less facial sweating; effects on redness vary.
- Makeup wear. Less oil often means makeup stays in place longer through the day.
Skin Botox is not a lifting treatment and does not add volume or hydration. For hydration and glow, a skin booster is usually more effective; compare the two in skin Botox vs HA skin booster.
Who is a good candidate for skin Botox?
Usually a good fit
- Oily or combination skin with visible pores
- Fine lines without deep folds
- People who want smoother skin without a frozen look
- Visitors before an event, such as a wedding or photo shoot
Talk to the doctor first
- Very dry or sensitive skin (reducing oil may increase dryness)
- Deep wrinkles or sagging that need a different approach
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or neuromuscular conditions
- Active acne flares or skin infection in the treatment area
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. The doctor examines your pores, oiliness and lines, and agrees the area, toxin brand and price with you.
- Numbing. Topical numbing cream is applied for about 20–30 minutes because there are many injection points.
- Microinjections. The doctor places tiny droplets across the chosen area using a very fine needle or injector. You feel quick, light pricks.
- Soothing. Small raised bumps form at each point; a cool pack or calming care helps them settle.
- Aftercare. You leave with written instructions in English.
Skin Botox results timeline
| When | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Small bumps, like tiny mosquito bites, that flatten within a few hours |
| Days 3–7 | Less shine and a smoother surface start to show |
| Weeks 2–4 | Best effect on pores, oil and fine lines |
| Months 2–3 | The effect gradually fades; many repeat 3–4 times a year |
Results are subtle by design, so taking close-up photos in the same light before and after treatment helps you judge the change. See skin Botox results for more detail.
Is skin Botox safe? Side effects
Because the doses are small and shallow, side effects are usually mild. As with any toxin treatment, technique and dilution matter.
- Common: small bumps for a few hours, pinpoint bleeding, light bruising.
- Less common: a feeling of stiffness or a slightly altered smile if toxin is placed too close to the mouth or reaches deeper muscles; this fades as the toxin wears off.
- Less common: drier-feeling skin, especially in people who were not oily to begin with.
- Rare: allergic reaction or distant spread. Seek urgent help for swallowing or breathing difficulties.
Neck treatment needs particular care, because the neck contains muscles involved in swallowing. A licensed doctor should plan the dose and placement. Read is Korean Botox safe for more.
How much does skin Botox cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Area | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean toxin | Full face | ₩129,000 |
| Korean toxin | Full face and neck | ₩199,000 |
| Xeomin (Germany) | Full face | ₩259,000 |
| Botox (Allergan, USA) | Full face | ₩349,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see payment and tax. Full details on the skin Botox price page.
A yearly budget of three to four full-face sessions with a Korean toxin is about ₩387,000–₩516,000 before VAT. Skin Botox is often combined with a booster in the Glass Skin Package.
Recovery and aftercare
- First 4–6 hours: do not rub or massage your face and avoid lying face-down.
- First 24 hours: skip saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, intense exercise and alcohol.
- Makeup: wait until the bumps have settled, usually by the evening or next morning.
- Skincare: use a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen; pause strong exfoliants for a day or two.
Flying home? You can usually fly the next day once bumps have settled. Pack a light moisturizer, because cabin air is dry. See our aftercare guide for more.
Planning skin Botox around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send your dates through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Allow time to rest after your flight.
- Before an event: treat about two weeks before, so the effect is at its best on the day.
- Getting here: Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Combining with lasers: skin Botox pairs well with pico toning or a skin booster. Ask the doctor about the order; energy-based treatments are often done first on the same day.
- Shopping afterward: Myeongdong is full of K-beauty stores, but hold off on strong new actives such as high-strength acids or retinoids for a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Is skin Botox the same as regular Botox?
It uses the same type of toxin, but diluted and injected much more shallowly in many tiny droplets. It targets skin quality rather than deep expression muscles.
Does skin Botox shrink pores?
It can make pores look smaller by reducing oil production and tightening the skin surface slightly. It does not physically remove pores.
How long does microbotox last?
Usually about two to three months, so many people repeat it three to four times a year.
How much is skin Botox in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩129,000 for the full face with a Korean toxin, or ₩199,000 including the neck, excluding 10% VAT.
Will skin Botox freeze my expressions?
It should not. The toxin is placed superficially and in small amounts, so the main expression muscles keep working normally.
Is there downtime?
Small bumps appear at the injection points and usually flatten within a few hours. Most people go out the same evening.
Planning skin Botox in Seoul?
Share your skin concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your pores and skin type in person and confirms whether microbotox, a skin booster or both suit you.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.