Skin Botox and traditional Botox use the same kind of toxin, but placed at different depths they do very different jobs. Here is how to choose between them on a trip to Seoul.
Traditional Botox is injected into a muscle to relax it, which softens expression lines such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Skin Botox, also called micro Botox, places tiny droplets of diluted toxin just under the skin surface to make pores look smaller, reduce oiliness and smooth texture without freezing expressions. One treats wrinkles from movement; the other treats skin quality. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, wrinkle Botox starts from ₩39,000 per area and full-face skin Botox from ₩129,000 (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Skin Botox vs traditional Botox: the key difference
Both treatments use botulinum toxin. The difference is where and how much. Traditional Botox places a concentrated dose into a specific muscle. Skin Botox spreads a much more diluted dose in many tiny, shallow injections across a whole area of skin. That change in depth changes the effect completely.
- Traditional Botox relaxes muscles, so lines caused by frowning, raising the brows or squinting soften.
- Skin Botox acts mainly on oil glands, sweat glands and the tiny muscle fibers attached to the skin, so pores look tighter, shine reduces and texture looks smoother.
How does traditional Botox work?
Traditional wrinkle Botox is injected into the muscles of the upper face. A relaxed muscle cannot fold the skin as deeply, so dynamic wrinkles soften over a few days and settle at about two weeks. Results usually last three to four months. The same deep, muscle-focused approach is used for jaw slimming and shoulder contouring at higher doses.
Read more on our wrinkle Botox page, or see how it works for frown lines and crow's feet.
How does skin Botox work?
Skin Botox, often called micro Botox or "derma toxin" in Korea, uses a diluted toxin placed in tiny droplets in the upper skin layers across the face, and sometimes the neck. Because it stays superficial, it does not freeze your expressions. Instead, many people notice:
- Pores that look smaller and tighter
- Less oil and midday shine
- Smoother, finer-looking texture
- A softer look to very fine crepey lines
- A subtle lift along the jawline in some people
Results appear within a week or two and usually last about two to three months. See the skin Botox treatment page and our guide to large pores.
Injection depth and results compared
| Traditional Botox | Skin Botox | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Into the muscle | Upper skin layers |
| Dose | Concentrated, few points | Diluted, many tiny points |
| Main effect | Softens expression lines | Smaller-looking pores, less oil, smoother texture |
| Expressions | Reduced in treated area | Largely unchanged |
| Treatment time | 10–15 minutes | 20–30 minutes plus numbing |
| Downtime | None | Small bumps that settle within hours |
| Results last | About 3–4 months | About 2–3 months |
Which one should you choose?
Usually a good fit
- Traditional Botox: lines that deepen when you frown, squint or raise your brows
- Skin Botox: oily skin, visible pores or rough texture
- Skin Botox: wanting smoother skin before an event without a frozen look
- Both: expression lines plus oily, large-pored skin
Talk to the doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Very dry or sensitive skin, which may not benefit from reduced oil
- Deep acne scars, which need resurfacing rather than toxin
Can you combine skin Botox and traditional Botox?
Yes. A doctor can place traditional Botox into the forehead and frown muscles and add skin Botox across the cheeks or full face in the same visit. The doses are calculated together so the total is appropriate. This combination is popular with visitors who want smoother expression lines and a less shiny, more refined complexion from one appointment.
It is worth being clear about what skin Botox cannot do. It will not soften deep frown lines on its own, it will not fill hollows, and it does not resurface acne scars. If texture is caused by scarring or very enlarged pores from sun damage, your doctor may suggest pairing it with a laser or RF microneedling over a longer plan. Skin Botox also works best on normal to oily skin; on very dry skin, reducing oil further is not always helpful, so a hydrating booster may be the better first step. Skin Botox also pairs well with hydrating injectables; compare options in skin Botox vs HA skin booster.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor looks at your expression lines, pores and oiliness, then explains which approach suits you and agrees the price before anything starts.
- Cleansing. Makeup is removed and the skin is disinfected.
- Numbing for skin Botox. Because skin Botox involves many small injections, numbing cream is applied for about 20–30 minutes. Traditional Botox usually needs no numbing.
- Injection. Traditional Botox takes about 10–15 minutes. Skin Botox is placed in a grid of tiny, shallow injections across the area, taking around 20–30 minutes.
- Settling. Small bumps from skin Botox usually flatten within a few hours. You can return to sightseeing the same day.
Results timeline: when will you see a difference?
Traditional Botox usually starts working in three to seven days, with the full softening of lines visible at about two weeks. The effect then fades gradually, so lines return slowly rather than all at once around the three- to four-month mark.
Skin Botox often shows first as reduced shine within the first week, followed by smoother-looking texture and tighter-looking pores by about two weeks. Because the dose is diluted and superficial, the effect wears off sooner, typically within two to three months. Many people in Korea book it before events, holidays or the humid summer months when oiliness is worst.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
Both use the same class of toxin and share a good safety record when dosed by a doctor.
- Common: small bumps, pinpoint bruises and mild redness at injection points.
- Traditional Botox: rarely a heavy brow or drooping eyelid if toxin spreads to nearby muscles, which wears off over weeks.
- Skin Botox: if placed too deep or near the mouth, it can temporarily affect smile movement, which is why doses around the lower face are kept conservative.
Brand matters less than technique, but you can choose the toxin. See Korean Botox brands explained.
How much do they cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Treatment | Option | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Wrinkle Botox | Korean toxin, one area / three areas | ₩39,000 / ₩99,000 |
| Wrinkle Botox | Xeomin, one area | ₩79,000 |
| Wrinkle Botox | Allergan Botox, one area | ₩99,000 |
| Skin Botox | Korean toxin, full face | ₩129,000 |
| Skin Botox | Korean toxin, face and neck | ₩199,000 |
| Skin Botox | Xeomin / Allergan, full face | ₩259,000 / ₩349,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see the VAT refund guide. Details on the skin Botox price page.
Planning Botox around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send your dates and concerns through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Rest first and treat from day two.
- Allow two weeks for full effect. Treat early if you want results for photos later in your trip.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Most people can fly the day after either treatment. Stay upright for a few hours, avoid rubbing the area, and skip saunas for a day. See flying after Botox.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between skin Botox and regular Botox?
Regular Botox goes into muscle to soften expression lines. Skin Botox is diluted and placed just under the skin to reduce pores, oil and rough texture.
Will skin Botox freeze my face?
No. Because it is superficial and diluted, it does not usually change your expressions.
How long does skin Botox last?
About 2–3 months. Many people repeat it three or four times a year.
Does skin Botox hurt?
It involves many tiny injections, so numbing cream is applied first. Most people find it very tolerable.
Can I get both on the same day?
Yes. Your doctor calculates the total dose and treats the forehead muscles and skin surface in one visit.
How much is skin Botox in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, full-face skin Botox starts from ₩129,000 with a Korean toxin, excluding 10% VAT.
Choosing between skin Botox and wrinkle Botox?
Tell us about your skin and travel dates. A doctor examines you in person, explains which approach suits your concerns, and confirms your plan and price in English.
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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.