Botox · Apgujeong, Seoul

Skin Botox in Apgujeong & Cheongdam, Gangnam, Seoul

Very fine, shallow toxin droplets that can reduce shine, soften the look of pores and smooth crepey texture.

Skin Botox
Quick answer
Skin Botox, also called microbotox or intradermal Botox, places tiny droplets of diluted botulinum toxin (often called Botox) just under the skin surface rather than deep in the muscle, which can reduce oiliness, make pores look smaller and soften fine surface lines. At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist examines your skin first and sets the dilution, dose and injection pattern for your face.

Every Botox plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 examination by a board-certified dermatologist, so the toxin, dose and injection points are set for your muscles rather than a template. Meet our doctors or see all injectables.

At a glance
Procedure time 15–30 minutes, plus 20–30 minutes for numbing cream
Anaesthesia Topical numbing cream
Results start Within about a week; fuller effect at around 2 weeks
Results last Around 3–4 months, varying with skin type
Downtime Small bumps settle within hours; pinpoint redness or bruising possible
Sessions One session; repeated every 3–4 months if you like the result
Performed by Board-certified dermatologist
Skin Botox infographic: treatment time, results and recovery at Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong & Cheongdam, Gangnam, Seoul
Visual guide

Your treatment on one page

This infographic sums up the treatment the way our dermatologists explain it in consultation: the muscle or gland being treated, how long it takes, when results start and how long they usually last, plus the three steps of your visit. Save it to your phone before you come in, or share it with someone planning the trip with you.

  • Typical timings, downtime and number of sessions
  • Who the treatment suits, in plain words
  • Your visit: diagnosis, precise injections, review at 2–4 weeks

Oaro Dermatology Clinic · 8F Cheongdam Tower, 327 Dosan-daero, where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam in Gangnam, Seoul · 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station

Overview

What is skin Botox?

Standard Botox is injected into a muscle to relax a movement, such as frowning. Skin Botox works at a much shallower level. The toxin is diluted and placed as many tiny droplets in the upper layers of the skin, often across the cheeks, T-zone, forehead or jawline. At this depth it is thought to act mainly on the oil and sweat glands and on the very fine muscle fibres that attach into the skin, rather than on the deeper muscles that create expression.

People usually notice that the skin looks less shiny by midday, makeup sits more evenly and enlarged pores look a little tighter. Fine crepey lines can look smoother. It does not resurface the skin, add volume, treat acne scars or erase deep folds.

How skin Botox works at Oaro

At Oaro Dermatology Clinic, which sits where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam in Gangnam, Dr. Chang-hyun Kim or Dr. Ji-ho Park looks at your oil pattern, pore size, skin thickness and how your face moves before deciding where the droplets go. The skill lies in keeping the toxin shallow, away from the muscles used for smiling and speaking. Skin Botox is often planned alongside skin boosters for hydration, or as part of a wider plan for enlarged pores. Every patient receives written aftercare and a follow-up review.

Private treatment room at Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam Tower, Apgujeong, Seoul

Why patients choose Oaro for Botox

  • Dose and injection points set by a board-certified dermatologist after examining your muscles
  • Korean-made toxins such as Nabota and imported brands explained honestly, with units compared fairly
  • Written aftercare and a review at 2–4 weeks, in person or by message
  • Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
  • English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals

Common goals for skin Botox

Less shine through the day

On oily or combination skin, especially across the forehead, nose and inner cheeks, shallow toxin can reduce how much oil reaches the surface, so many people blot less often. It does not treat active acne on its own but can sit within a broader oily skin plan.

Smaller-looking pores

Pores stretched by heavy oil flow often look tighter once oil output drops. Pores enlarged by sun damage or loss of firmness respond less.

Smoother fine texture

Very fine, crinkly lines on the lower cheeks or along the jawline can soften as the tiny surface muscle fibres relax. Deeper expression lines usually need standard Botox in the muscle.

A smoother neck surface

Some people choose skin Botox on the neck for crepey texture. Prominent vertical neck bands are a different problem, assessed for neck Botox instead.

Treatment room at Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Apgujeong, Seoul
Your visit

What to expect

1. Consultation & diagnosis

The dermatologist examines your skin in good light, asks about your routine, breakouts, flushing and previous treatments, and checks your medical history and medicines. You agree which zones to treat, such as the T-zone only or the full face, and receive an itemised quote in English.

2. Treatment

After cleansing, numbing cream is applied for around 20–30 minutes. The toxin is then placed as many small, shallow injections in a grid pattern. You will feel a series of quick pricks and may see small raised bumps, which usually flatten within an hour or so. The injection part takes about 15–30 minutes.

3. Aftercare & follow-up

You can usually return to normal activities straight away with a few precautions. The effect builds over about two weeks. We review the result at around 2–4 weeks, in person or by message.

Cost guide

Skin Botox cost in Seoul

Skin Botox in Seoul is usually priced by area rather than by unit, because the toxin is diluted and spread across many points. Seoul clinics use Korean-made toxins (such as Nabota) and imported brands. Units differ between brands and are not directly interchangeable, so compare complete treatment plans rather than unit counts. Typical ranges in Seoul clinics:

Option Typical range (KRW)
Partial area (e.g. T-zone or cheeks), Korean-made toxin ₩30,000–₩120,000
Full face, Korean-made toxin (e.g. Nabota) ₩50,000–₩200,000
Neck or jawline add-on, Korean-made toxin ₩50,000–₩150,000
Full face, imported toxin ₩150,000–₩400,000

Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.

Aftercare

Aftercare

  • Avoid rubbing or pressing on the treated skin for the rest of the day, and skip facial massage or beauty devices for a few days.
  • Leave makeup off for at least a few hours, ideally until the next morning.
  • Skip saunas, hot yoga, heavy exercise and alcohol for 24 hours to limit swelling and bruising.
  • Use gentle skincare and sunscreen, and avoid peels or laser for 1–2 weeks unless planned together.
  • Small bruises can be covered with makeup from the next day; contact the clinic if anything worsens rather than settles.
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, board-certified dermatologist at Oaro Dermatology Clinic
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.

Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Filler Society, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Anti-Aging Society.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is skin Botox the same as regular Botox?

The toxin is the same type, but it is diluted and placed very shallowly to work on oil, pores and texture, so expressions are usually little affected.

What are the side effects?

Common, short-lived effects are small bumps, pinpoint bleeding or bruising, mild swelling, redness and occasionally a headache. If toxin reaches deeper muscle, especially around the mouth, a smile can briefly feel stiff or uneven; on the forehead, the brows can feel heavier. These wear off as the toxin fades.

Who should avoid skin Botox?

Please postpone treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection or active flare on the skin to be treated, or have had an allergic reaction to toxin ingredients. People with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis are generally advised not to have it. Tell the dermatologist about all medicines, including aminoglycoside antibiotics and blood thinners.

Can I have skin Botox during a short trip to Seoul?

Yes. Many visitors book in the first few days of their trip so the effect has begun before they fly home, and flying the next day is generally fine. Oaro is about 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station, an easy trip from hotels across Gangnam, and our coordinators can follow up by message once you are home.

How often should skin Botox be repeated?

Most people repeat it every 3–4 months to keep the effect. Some time sessions before the humid Seoul summer, when oiliness tends to be more noticeable.

Explore related care

Often considered together

Private 1:1 consultation

Plan your Botox with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong

Tell us what you would like to change. We will examine the muscles involved, explain which toxin and dose suit you and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators help international patients visiting Cheongdam, Gangnam and the rest of Seoul.