Botox vs Skin Botox: Benefits, Cost & Results
Botox is the best-known injectable in the world, but in Korea you will also see "skin Botox" (sometimes called micro-Botox or dermotoxin) on almost every clinic menu. They use the same type of ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, yet they are injected differently and give quite different results. If you are planning treatment in Busan, here is how to tell which one you actually want.
Quick answer: Standard Botox is injected into specific muscles to relax them, softening frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet or slimming an enlarged jaw muscle; it takes about 5–10 minutes, shows in 3–7 days and usually lasts 3–6 months. Skin Botox uses a more diluted toxin placed in many tiny, shallow injections in the skin itself, where it mainly refines pores, oiliness and fine crepey texture while keeping your expressions natural; it takes about 10–20 minutes after numbing cream and usually lasts about 2–3 months. Choose standard Botox for movement lines and jaw slimming, and skin Botox for smoother, less shiny skin. Many people combine them.
What is standard Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A blocks the signal from nerve to muscle, so the injected muscle relaxes temporarily. Placed into the muscles that crease the skin, it smooths expression lines. Placed into the masseter (chewing muscle), it gradually slims a square jaw over several weeks. Various brands are used in Korea, including Korean-made toxins and imported products; some, such as Xeomin and Coretox, have their complexing proteins removed, which may lower the chance of resistance with repeated use.
What is skin Botox?
Skin Botox uses the same toxin but diluted and placed superficially in the dermis rather than deep in the muscle. There it mainly affects the fine muscle fibres attached to the skin and may reduce oil and sweat gland activity. The result is a smoother surface, less visible pores, less shine and softer fine lines, without freezing expression. It is commonly added to lifting or skin booster treatments.
Benefits compared
Standard Botox
- Softens frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow's feet.
- Slims a square jaw caused by a bulky masseter.
- Can lift mouth corners or create a lip flip with tiny doses.
- Also used for shoulder contouring and excessive sweating.
Skin Botox
- Makes pores look smaller and reduces shine.
- Softens fine crepey lines across cheeks, forehead or neck.
- Gives a smoother base for makeup.
- Keeps facial expressions natural.
Results and how long they last
- Standard Botox: lines begin to soften in 3–7 days, with the full effect at about two weeks. Jaw slimming develops over 4–8 weeks. Movement gradually returns over 3–6 months.
- Skin Botox: small bumps settle within hours; skin looks smoother and less oily over the following days to two weeks. Results usually last about 2–3 months.
Skin Botox will not erase deep frown lines, and standard Botox will not shrink pores. Results vary from person to person.
Who suits which?
Standard Botox may suit you if…
- Lines appear when you frown, raise your brows or smile.
- Your jaw is square and feels hard when you clench.
Skin Botox may suit you if…
- You have visible pores and an oily, uneven surface.
- You have fine crepey lines rather than deep creases.
- You want a smoother look without changing how your face moves.
When something else fits better
Lines that stay deep when your face is still often need filler. Dryness and dullness respond better to hydrating boosters. Acne scars need scar-focused treatments such as microneedle RF. Treatment should wait during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active skin infection, or with certain neuromuscular conditions.
What it costs in Busan
At a clinic in Seomyeon, skin Botox is offered in several packages:
- Booster package: Rejuran 2cc + Juvelook Skin 2cc + hydration injection 2cc + full-face skin Botox : from KRW 590,000
- Ultherapy 300 shots + full-face skin Botox : from KRW 790,000
- Thermage 600 shots + full-face skin Botox : from KRW 1,890,000
Standard Botox packages include:
- Lip filler + mouth corner Botox package : from KRW 99,000
- Jaw Botox + power contouring injection 18cc : from KRW 99,000
- Small-face contouring injection (temporalis, parotid glands and jaw angles): from KRW 149,000
Wrinkle Botox for single areas is priced by brand, number of areas and dose, so ask for a quote for your plan. Prices checked October 2026; they are in Korean won and exclude 10% VAT, which is added at payment. Prices can change, so confirm the current price when you book.
What happens on the day
- Consultation. The doctor watches your expressions, looks at pores and texture, and decides on standard Botox, skin Botox or both.
- Preparation. Standard Botox usually needs no numbing. For skin Botox, numbing cream is applied for about 20–30 minutes.
- Injection. Standard Botox takes about 5–10 minutes; skin Botox about 10–20 minutes across the face.
- After. Small bumps settle quickly and you can go straight back to sightseeing.
Side effects and aftercare
- Small bumps and pinpoint marks that fade within hours; occasional small bruises.
- Rarely with standard Botox: a heavy brow, uneven smile or eyelid droop, which is temporary and relates to placement and dose.
- Stay upright and do not rub the area for 3–4 hours.
- Skip saunas and jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard workouts and alcohol until the next day.
Planning around a trip
Both have no real downtime, so they fit easily into a short stay, and flying is generally fine. Standard Botox takes 3–7 days to show, so book it early in your trip if you would like a check before leaving. Skin Botox is a good pre-event or pre-flight option because its small bumps settle within hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have Botox and skin Botox on the same day?
Yes. A common plan is standard Botox for frown lines or the jaw and skin Botox across the cheeks for pores and texture.
Will skin Botox change my expressions?
It should not, because it is placed in the skin rather than deep muscles. Expressions stay natural.
Which lasts longer?
Standard Botox usually lasts 3–6 months; skin Botox about 2–3 months.
Not sure whether you need Botox, skin Botox or both?
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, results, recovery and side effects vary from person to person.
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