What It Is
Micro-Botox (also called Skin Botox or Meso-Botox) is a refined Botox technique that involves injecting extremely diluted doses of botulinum toxin into the superficial layers of the skin, rather than deep into the muscles. Unlike traditional Botox that relaxes facial expressions, Micro-Botox is designed to:
- Tighten pores and improve skin texture.
- Reduce oil and sebum production.
- Smooth fine lines without freezing expression.
- Lift and firm the skin subtly.
In Korea, Micro-Botox is considered a skin quality treatment rather than just a wrinkle treatment. It has become a staple in K-beauty clinics for patients who want glass skin, smaller pores, and natural anti-aging results.
Why It’s Done
Patients choose Micro-Botox for multiple reasons:
➝ Pore tightening → Makes skin appear smoother and more refined.
➝ Oil control → Reduces sebum, helpful for oily or acne-prone skin.
➝ Skin lifting → Creates a subtle tightening effect, improving sagging.
➝ Fine line reduction → Smooths small wrinkles on forehead, under eyes, and neck.
➝ Sweat reduction → Improves excessive sweating in the T-zone or scalp.
➝ Glass skin effect → Leaves skin looking dewy, polished, and youthful.
Alternatives
While Micro-Botox is highly effective, alternatives or complementary treatments may be considered:
- Traditional Botox → For deeper wrinkle reduction and muscle relaxation.
- Skin boosters (Rejuran, exosomes, hyaluronic acid injectables) → Improve hydration and repair.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) → Uses growth factors for natural rejuvenation.
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy) → Provides lifting, but less pore-focused.
- Thermage FLX (RF tightening) → Improves elasticity without affecting oil control.
- Laser resurfacing (Fraxel, CO₂) → Improves fine lines and pores through resurfacing.
Preparation
Preparation ensures safety and optimal outcomes:
➝ Consultation → Doctor assesses skin type, pore size, oiliness, and fine lines.
➝ Medical history → Patients disclose allergies, medications, or neuromuscular conditions.
➝ Avoid blood thinners → Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, or supplements 5–7 days before (with medical advice).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → For at least 48 hours before treatment.
➝ Skincare prep → Stop retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for 3–5 days.
➝ Numbing → Topical anesthetic cream applied before procedure.
How It’s Done
A Micro-Botox session usually lasts 30–45 minutes:
- Cleansing & sterilization → Skin is disinfected thoroughly.
- Numbing → Topical cream applied for comfort.
- Injection process →
- Extremely diluted Botox is injected using micro-needles.
- Injections are placed just under the skin in a grid-like pattern across the face or neck.
- Unlike traditional Botox, doses are tiny and spread widely for overall skin quality improvement.
- Aftercare application → Cooling masks or LED therapy to soothe skin.
Treatment plan:
- Results begin appearing in 5–7 days.
- Peak effect: 2–4 weeks.
- Duration: 3–4 months.
- Recommended: 2–3 sessions per year for maintenance.
Recovery
Recovery is minimal, making it a favorite “lunchtime treatment”:
- Immediately after → Small bumps (like mosquito bites) at injection sites, which flatten within a few hours.
- Day 1–3 → Mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint bruises possible.
- Week 1–2 → Noticeable improvement in skin texture and tightness.
- Month 1–3 → Pores remain smaller, skin smoother, oil production reduced.
Aftercare tips:
➝ Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
➝ Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the face for 1–2 days.
➝ Avoid saunas, alcohol, and vigorous exercise for 24–48 hours.
➝ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to protect healing skin.
➝ Hydrate well to support skin recovery.
Complications
Micro-Botox is considered very safe, but possible side effects include:
➝ Redness or swelling → Temporary, resolves within hours.
➝ Small bruises → At injection sites, fade within a few days.
➝ Tightness or mild stiffness → Short-term as Botox settles.
➝ Asymmetry (rare) → Prevented with expert injection mapping.
➝ Infection (very rare) → Avoided with sterile techniques.
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, Micro-Botox is one of the most popular skin refinement treatments offered in dermatology and aesthetic clinics. Patients can choose from:
- Full-face rejuvenation for smoother, refined skin.
- T-zone or cheek-specific treatments for pore control and oil reduction.
- Neck Micro-Botox to soften horizontal lines and sagging.
- Scalp Botox to reduce oil and sweating.
- Sweat-control Botox for underarms or palms.
- Packages that combine Micro-Botox with skin boosters like Rejuran, exosomes, or HA fillers for maximum glow.
Cost ranges from $200–500 per session, depending on the treated area and whether Korean or international brands (Allergan, Dysport) are used. Many clinics offer maintenance packages (2–3 sessions per year), which range between $800–1,500 annually.
Final Thoughts
Micro-Botox in Korea is one of the most innovative non-surgical treatments for pore tightening, oil control, and natural anti-aging. By injecting tiny, diluted doses of Botox into the superficial skin layers, it provides glass skin, improved elasticity, and subtle lifting without altering natural expressions.
Korean dermatology has perfected Micro-Botox by combining it with skin boosters, HIFU, or RF treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. For patients seeking refined, camera-ready skin with minimal downtime, Micro-Botox in Korea is among the best choices worldwide.
