Skin Botox (Microbotox)

How it works

A dilute toxin is injected in many tiny spots just under the surface of the skin. It may reduce oil production, shrink the look of pores and soften fine surface texture, with less effect on facial expression than a standard dose. The intended outcome is a smoother, less shiny look. Evidence is still modest, and results and duration vary by person.

Who it may suit

• Oily or shiny skin
• Visible pores and rough texture
• Fine lines at the surface rather than deep creases
• Visitors who want smoother skin without much downtime

The treatment day

1. Skin review. The doctor checks oil levels, pore size, sensitivity and whether you have had toxin recently.
2. Numbing. Numbing cream is applied and left to work for a period before the injections.
3. Micro-injections. Many tiny injections are placed across the chosen areas, such as the cheeks or forehead.
4. Settling. Small raised dots usually fade within hours. Skin may look smoother and less oily over the next one to two weeks.

Aftercare

• Keep from rubbing or pushing on your face until the next day.
• Wait about a day before hot showers, saunas and strenuous workouts.
• Use gentle skincare and sunscreen while the skin settles.
• Postpone makeup until any pinpoint marks have calmed, or use clean mineral products.
• Report unusual pain, spreading redness or swelling.

Things to know first

• Bumps, pinpoint bruises and mild swelling can occur.
• Too much toxin in the wrong place may cause some facial weakness or a flat look, which fades over time.
• Not suited to pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain nerve or muscle conditions or product allergy.
• Active skin infections or cold sores are reasons to wait.
• Benefits are modest and temporary; repeat visits are needed to keep any effect.

Planning skin botox around a Seoul trip

Allow for the numbing time when blocking out the appointment, since the visit takes longer than the injection itself. Treat in the first third of the trip if possible, so the redness and dots have gone well before photos or a flight, and the smoother look has started to show.

The effect builds over about two weeks, so a short trip may leave before the full result appears. If your stay is under a week, talk with the doctor about whether this is the right choice or whether a treatment with a faster visible result suits your timeline better.