Skin Botox: how does it differ from conventional Botox?
"Aren't Skin Botox and Botox the same thing?" "I heard it helps pores. Is that true?" "Will my expressions become stiff?"
These are questions from people exploring Skin Botox for the first time.
First, Skin Botox is not a procedure for smoothing out wrinkles. Although it uses the same ingredient, tiny doses are divided into the superficial dermis rather than the muscles, so the type of change to expect is different. If you come expecting deep wrinkles to disappear, you will be disappointed.
I describe it as a treatment for texture. Presenting it as a wrinkle-erasing procedure creates a mismatch between expectations and results.
Why is it a different treatment if the ingredient is the same?
Some ask, "If the ingredient is the same, shouldn't the effect be the same?" The answer is that different depths and concentrations target different layers, changing the nature of the result. Conventional Botox is injected relatively deeply to reach expression muscles and regulate their strength. Skin Botox is an intradermal injection: a drug of the same class is diluted much more and divided into shallow, closely spaced injections in the dermis near the skin surface, rather than the muscle. Injections are shallow enough to avoid reaching the muscle and are spread over multiple points across a broad area rather than confined to one spot. This is why the same drug can be used either to regulate muscle movement or to aim for subtle changes near the skin surface. When people worry, "But it is still Botox—won't my expression become stiff?", I explain that muscle is not the target of the injections. By definition, this treatment uses a dilute concentration in a superficial layer. If performed accurately, a change in expression like that of conventional Botox is neither the intended outcome nor what one would ordinarily anticipate. That accuracy is essential, of course, which makes a technique that maintains consistent injection depth central to this treatment.
What changes are reasonable to expect?
When asked, "Will my pores disappear?", I give a precise answer: pores do not disappear. The changes one may expect are that stretched-looking pores appear tighter, very fine lines look more refined, and the skin surface appears smoother. It is closer to a change noticed in person than in photographs—for example, skin looking more even under lighting or makeup sitting closely without separating. It can be considered when small surface irregularities or rough texture are the concern. Conversely, deep expression lines or pronounced hollows call for other approaches, such as conventional Botox or filler. When this distinction becomes unclear, expectations can easily be misplaced. Changes are generally not immediate but become gradually noticeable over several days to 2 weeks. Duration is usually about 2–3 months, shorter than conventional Botox, and the degree of perceived improvement varies between individuals. I believe setting accurate expectations accounts for half of satisfaction with this treatment.
Are certain skin types better suited to Skin Botox?
It is difficult to answer "Will it suit my skin?" without an examination. A concern described as texture can actually involve several different issues. The approach changes depending on whether the problem is surface texture, elasticity, or dehydration. If surface irregularities and pores are central, Skin Botox may be considered. If hydration and the skin's underlying resilience are the issue, skin boosters such as Rejuran or water-glow injections may be more appropriate; a combination can be preferable in some cases. For example, if skin is dry and dull as well as rough, we may first address hydration and the underlying skin condition, then refine the surface. Even similar-sounding concerns can call for different sequences when the affected layers differ. Rather than selecting a treatment because its name is familiar, I try to begin by identifying which skin layer is causing the problem. Once that layer is identified, the treatment choice follows naturally.
At LUNN Clinic, I personally conduct the initial examination, treatment, and follow-up. Among clinics in Cheongdam, LUNN Clinic operates with a single lead physician, allowing the skin's response to the previous treatment and how long its effects lasted to be directly reflected in the next plan. For treatments continued periodically, such as Skin Botox, I believe this continuity contributes to more consistent results. Care takes place privately in an individual room, and we are a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, making frequent visits relatively convenient.
If you are considering Skin Botox in Gangnam, first check what changes you can reasonably expect. If a clinic describes it as a treatment that smooths out wrinkles, it may be worth reconsidering that explanation.
Related articles: Botox side effects: Is dosage really to blame? · Why pores do not shrink after a single laser session: A candid explanation Related treatment information: Botox
