Skin Botox (Dermotoxin) Guide — Refining Oil, Pores and Fine Texture

Who it suits / who it doesn't

Skin Botox is a treatment where highly diluted botulinum toxin is injected in many tiny amounts into the shallow layer of the skin (the dermis) rather than into the muscle. It is also called dermotoxin, micro Botox or mesobotox. The injection is short and recovery is light, so it is a popular choice even on a short trip to Korea.

• Those whose T-zone and cheeks turn shiny by afternoon and whose makeup breaks down easily
• Those whose oily pores on the nose and inner cheeks stand out
• Those bothered by crinkly fine lines around the eyes and cheeks and rough skin texture
• Those whose face flushes or feels warm easily and who want to discuss it at the same consultation
• Those who want to lightly refine fine lines along the jawline and neck, including neck lines

What is skin Botox (dermotoxin)?

Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the signal substance (acetylcholine) released at nerve endings. This signal acts not only on muscles but also on sebaceous glands, sweat glands and the very thin muscle fibers just under the skin. Skin Botox makes use of this by diluting the toxin and injecting it so that it spreads widely through the shallow layer of the skin.

As a result, you can expect less oil and shine, and as the fine tension on the skin surface eases, pores and fine texture may look less prominent. The effect fades naturally over time and your skin returns to its original state.

How is it different from wrinkle Botox?

It uses the same family of ingredient, but the depth, concentration and technique of injection are different.

What you can expect

How much effect you get depends on your skin type, age and habits; the following are the directions people generally hope for.

• Oil and shine: The change people look for most. The oilier the skin, the easier it is to notice the difference.
• Pores: As oil decreases and the skin around the pores is pulled less, oil-type pores may look less prominent. There are limits for stretched pores and scar-type pores.
• Fine lines and texture: May help crinkly fine lines around the eyes and cheeks and rough texture look smoother.
• Redness and warmth: Some studies suggest facial flushing decreased in some people, but this is not an established treatment. We discuss it alongside other treatments such as vascular lasers.
• Face line: It is sometimes injected along the jawline and neck in the hope that the contour looks more refined.

Checking the genuine product and dose is a must

Because skin Botox is diluted, which product, how many units and how much it is diluted matter for both results and safety. At KBEAU partner clinics you can ask for the following checks.

1. Before the treatment, ask them to explain the product name, total dose (units), dilution and injection area.
2. Ask them to open a new vial in front of you, and to show you the box and label (product name, dose, expiry date).
3. If you want to watch the dilution and syringe-filling process, tell them in advance.
4. After the treatment, check the empty vial and label and take a photo. It becomes a record for your next treatment or for a clinic in your home country.
5. Check that the product name is listed in the itemized treatment bill.

How the treatment day goes

1. 1
   Consultation (about 15–20 min)The doctor looks at your oil, pores and texture and decides the areas, product and dose. Your manager interprets.
2. 2
   Genuine-product check and photosYou confirm the product is opened and before photos are taken.
3. 3
   Cleansing and numbing cream (20–30 min)Because injections cover the whole face closely, numbing cream is often applied.
4. 4
   Injection (10–20 min)Tiny amounts are injected into the shallow layer of the skin with fine needles or a micro-injection device. Small wheals like mosquito bites appear right after.
5. 5
   Calming care and heading homeAfter soothing care you go home. Wheals usually settle within tens of minutes to a few hours.

Day-by-day after treatment

• Day of treatment
  Small wheals and redness at injection sites. Do not lie down for 4 hours and do not rub your face.
• Days 1–3
  Wheals are gone; if there is bruising it shows most now. Most can be covered with makeup.
• Week 1
  Oil begins to decrease and your skin starts to feel more refined.
• Week 2
  When the effect is clearest. A good time to check that no area feels stiff in your expression.
• Months 2–4
  The effect gradually fades. This is your guide for timing the next treatment.

Planning your trip

• If you are only having skin Botox, a same-day to 1-night stay is enough. We recommend a morning appointment the day after you arrive.
• If bruising appears it can last about 1 week, so for photo-sensitive occasions or events, scheduling them at least 3–4 days after the treatment gives peace of mind.
• Flying is mostly unrestricted, but if you can, leave about a day and avoid sleeping on your face on the plane.
• If you send a photo of your face (front and smiling) at 2 weeks after returning home, the clinic will check your progress.

Aftercare

• Do not lie down or lie face-down for 4 hours after treatment.
• On the day, do not press or rub your face, and avoid massage, gua sha and facial meridian treatments for about 2 weeks.
• Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang and hot baths for about 1 week. If you have a jjimjilbang planned, move it to before the treatment.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 1–2 days and intense exercise on the day. This helps reduce bruising and redness.
• Washing your face and light makeup are usually fine from that evening or the next day. Follow the clinic's instructions.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat when sightseeing outdoors.

Can I have it with skin boosters?

Skin Botox and skin boosters have different purposes, so they are often planned together. Skin Botox refines oil and texture, while skin boosters are closer to adding hydration and elasticity.

• Same day: The injection order and the amount for each area are divided up. With more injection sites, the chance of wheals and bruising rises slightly.
• In separate sessions: If you plan several skin booster sessions 2–4 weeks apart, skin Botox may be added to one of those sessions.
• When combining with laser toning or radiofrequency microneedling, the doctor decides the order and the interval between treatments.

Side effects and when to contact us

Most reactions are mild and disappear within a few days.

• Common: Wheals and redness at injection sites (a few hours), small bruises (a few days to about 1 week), mild stinging
• Occasional: Expressions feel slightly unnatural when you smile or talk. This happens when the toxin affects a shallow muscle, and it usually recovers naturally within a few weeks.
• Rare: Left-right differences, changes in movement around the corners of the mouth or eyes, skin dryness

Questions to ask · how to choose a clinic

Good questions to ask at the consultation

1. What can I realistically expect from skin Botox for my skin (oil, pores, fine lines, redness)?
2. Which product will you use, how many units, how diluted, and in which areas?
3. Can I see the opening of the vial and check the empty vial afterward?
4. Will the doctor perform the treatment personally?
5. What do you do to reduce the chance of an unnatural expression?
6. Is there anything to watch out for given my schedule (flight, sauna, other treatments)?

When choosing a clinic, check whether the doctor examines and treats you personally, whether the product, dose and dilution are explained transparently, and whether there is foreign-language communication and a follow-up contact system. KBEAU connects you with partner dermatology clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong, and supports you with a dedicated manager who accompanies and interprets on the day, accommodation near the clinic and airport pickup car arrangements, and photo-based progress checks after you return home.