A friend asked me how my face had suddenly become smaller; actually, I just had botulinum toxin injections at the Dermatological Plastic Surgery Department in Seoul.

In the past, whenever I took photos with my friends, I was always the one with the biggest face. It wasn’t because I was overweight, but rather because my Masseter was particularly well-developed; from the front, my jawline looked very square, so I always felt too embarrassed to take frontal photos. Later on, a friend from South Korea casually mentioned to me, “Have you ever considered getting Botox injections? In South Korea, it’s as common as using a facial mask.” That’s when I really began to research Botox. After studying a lot of information, I finally mustered the courage to get my first injection at a Dermatology clinic in Seoul last year, and the results were much better than I expected. Now, whenever my friends see me, their first question is always, “How come your face has gotten smaller all of a sudden?” And I can only say that I owe all of this to Botox.

What exactly is botulinum toxin? Why is it so common for everyone in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics to use it?

Simply put, Botulinum Toxin is a protein produced by bacteria. When injected into specific muscles, it blocks the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, causing that muscle to relax temporarily and stop contracting. It’s important to note that this effect is temporary only, and it does not permanently alter the structure of the muscle. The reason why so many people in South Korea choose to use this treatment is that its effectiveness has been clinically proven for over 20 years, and it is considered very safe. In Taiwan, the brands approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for use include Botox and Dysport. In South Korea, other popular brands on the market include Coretox, Botulax, and Letybo, offering a wider range of options at more competitive prices.

Many people become frightened at the mere mention of the word “botulinum toxin,” assuming it is a poison. In fact, the dosage used in the field of Dermatology is extremely small, and it only affects the local muscles where the injection is administered; it does not enter the blood circulation system. As long as the procedure is carried out in a licensed Dermatology clinic by a professional physician, the risks are actually very low. When I went for a consultation in a Seoul Dermatology clinic, the doctor spent a lot of time explaining the principles behind this treatment and the possible side effects. The experience was much more satisfactory than in some clinics in Taiwan, where doctors would rush you to get the injection after just a few brief questions.

Botulinum toxin is not only used for facial slimming; there are actually these 5 other applications that I didn’t know about before.

Before going to South Korea, I always thought that botulinum toxin could only be used for facial slimming and wrinkle removal. However, during my consultation at a Dermatology clinic in Seoul, the doctor told me that it has several other uses as well, and each of them surprised me greatly.

• Masseter muscle reduction for face slimming: This is the most traditional method. The substance is injected into the Masseter muscles on both sides, causing the muscles to gradually atrophy. As a result, the face shape changes from square to V-shaped. Effects can be observed approximately 2 weeks after the treatment.
• Wrinkle removal: Dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines can all be treated. The principle behind these treatments is to prevent those muscles from contracting so frequently.
• Lifting of the eyebrow shape: Injecting substances at specific areas around the eyebrows can cause the outer ends of the eyebrows to rise slightly, achieving an effect similar to that of getting eyebrow embroidery.
• Reduction surgery of the Legs: Injections are administered into the leg muscles. This method is suitable for individuals with well-developed leg muscles and is relatively popular in South Korea.
• Sweat suppression treatment: People who experience excessive sweating in the armpits or palms can also use botulinum toxin to inhibit the secretion of sweat glands, and the effects can last for approximately six months.

I only had the Masseter treatment for facial slimming. However, at that time, I saw many South Korean girls undergoing combined treatments for 3 to 4 different areas at once. The doctor explained that since the distribution and development of facial muscles vary from person to person, the dosage and injection sites need to be customized accordingly. This is also why it is so important to find an experienced doctor.

The prices of botulinum toxin in South Korea compared to those in Taiwan and Hong Kong: is the difference significant enough to warrant a flight?

This is probably the question that everyone is most concerned about. I spent an entire evening comparing the prices in these three regions, and my conclusion is: if you are only getting Botox injections, the price differences alone may not be enough reason to fly to South Korea just for this purpose. However, if you are already planning to travel to South Korea and take the opportunity to undergo some cosmetic procedures, then it can indeed save you a considerable amount of money.

Project	South Korea (Seoul)	Taiwan	Hong Kong
Face slimming injections (both sides of the Masseter)	₩100,000 to 250,000 (appro ximately NT$2,400 to 6,000)	NT$5,000–12,000	HK$1,200 – 3,500
Wrinkle-reducing injections (for frown lines and crow’s feet)	₩80,000 – 200,000 (appr oximately NT$1,900 – 4,800)	NT$4,000–10,000	HK$1,000–2,800
South Korean brands (Coretox/Botulax)	₩80,000 – 150,000 (appr oximately NT$1,900 – 3,600)	Less common	Less common
Botox (original brand)	₩150,000 to 300,000 (appro ximately NT$3,600 to 7,200)	NT$8,000-15,000	HK$2,000 – 4,500

It is evident that the price of botulinum toxin in South Korea is approximately 50-70% of that in Taiwan and 60-80% of that in Hong Kong. In particular, local Korean brands such as Coretox and Botulax are nearly half the price of imported Botox, yet their effectiveness and safety have been proven through over a decade of clinical use in Dermatology clinics in South Korea, earning them an excellent reputation. The Coretox face slimming injections I got in Gangnam cost only ₩120,000 for both sides of the Masseter muscle, which is less than NT$3,000 when converted—half the price I was quoted in Taipei.

What is the experience like of getting Botox injections at a Dermatology clinic in Seoul? The entire process takes less than 20 minutes.

Let me state the conclusion first: it was much simpler than I had imagined. The following is the complete process of getting facial slimming injections at Gangnam Dermatology; from entering the clinic to leaving, it took approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The first step is to fill out basic information and a questionnaire, which mainly aims to determine whether you have any history of allergies, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and whether you have taken antibiotics recently. Then comes the in-person consultation phase. During this stage, the doctor will ask you to bite down firmly and then use their hands to examine the size and position of your Masseter muscle, in order to determine how many injection sites are needed and what the dosage for each site should be. In my case, a total of about 12 injection sites were required on both sides of my Masseter muscle.

Next comes the disinfection and ice application. The doctor will first clean the injection area with alcohol swabs and then apply an ice pack for about 2-3 minutes. This step is mainly intended to reduce pain and swelling. The sensation of getting the injection is similar to that of a mosquito bite; each injection takes approximately 1-2 seconds, and the entire procedure for both sides of the Masseter takes less than 3 minutes. After the injection, another 5 minutes of ice application is recommended. The doctor will also provide some instructions (such as avoiding massage, not lying down within 4 hours, and not wearing makeup on the same day), and then you can leave.

Let me add some clarification regarding language issues. This time, I made the appointment through BeautsGO, and a Chinese translator was present throughout the entire consultation process, so there were no obstacles at all in communicating with the doctor. If your Korean is not very good, I highly recommend making appointments this way – it’s much more convenient than trying to use translation software on your own.

How long does it take to see the effects after receiving Botox injections? And how long do these effects last?

This is also the question I am asked the most. Based on my own experience and what Dermatology doctors have said, the duration of the effects of botulinum toxin is roughly as follows:

• On the same day of the injection: The injection site may show some small red spots and mild swelling, but this generally does not affect daily activities. I got the injection in the afternoon and went to eat Korean barbecue that evening.
• 3 to 7 days: You will begin to notice that your Masseter has become harder, and you will feel that you no longer have as much strength when biting things; however, any visible changes in its appearance are not yet apparent.
• After about 2 weeks: The results become most noticeable at this point. When you look in the mirror, you will see that the jawline has become sharper, and the appearance of a square face has significantly decreased. Indeed, when I took photos before and after, the difference was quite obvious.
• After 1 month: The results begin to stabilize, and this is when you will achieve the “final outcome” of your treatment.
• 3 to 6 months: The effects gradually diminish, and the Masseter begins to recover slowly. Most people consider getting another injection around 4 months after the first treatment.

As for the duration of effect, the doctor told me that it generally ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on an individual’s metabolism and the amount of injectable material used. Some people receive injections more frequently (once every 3 months), and in such cases, the duration of effect tends to increase over time because the Masseter muscle has already begun to atrophy after multiple injections. I have received the injections three times so far, and I feel that the duration of effect since my most recent injection is nearly 2 months longer than after the first injection.

Honest advice for those who are considering trying botulinum toxin for the first time

After having the treatment three times, I have some insights I would like to share with those who are still hesitating. First of all, don’t expect to become a petite beauty after just one treatment. The effects of botulinum toxin are gradual, and it can only address the issue of a large Masseter. If you have a square face due to bone structure or a round face due to excess fat, the results will be limited. Secondly, choosing the right clinic and doctor is very important. Although Dermatology treatments in South Korea are relatively inexpensive, it is essential to ensure that the clinic has a valid license and that the products used are genuine. This time, I went to the Betterme Gangnam Dermatology clinic in Gangnam, where both the equipment and the professionalism of the doctors were excellent.

Finally, I would like to say that although botulinum toxin injections are a very common procedure in Dermatology in South Korea, they are ultimately a medical treatment, not a cosmetic procedure. Before getting the injections for the first time, it is essential to do your research thoroughly to understand whether this treatment is suitable for you, which brand of product will be used, and what the dosage will be. If, like me, you have a large face with a well-developed Masseter, botulinum toxin injections can truly become a significant turning point in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botulinum Toxin

Q1: Does botulinum toxin have any side effects?

Common short-term side effects include mild redness and bruising at the injection site, as well as headaches. Less common but worth noting are possible issues such as unnatural facial expressions (for example, asymmetrical smiling or difficulty raising the eyebrows) if the injection site or dosage is inappropriate. In most cases, these symptoms will resolve on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. Choosing an experienced doctor can help minimize the risk.

Q2: At what age is it best to start using botulinum toxin injections?

If the goal is to slim the face, it is generally recommended that people over 20 years old consider this option, as the development of the Masseter muscle is basically complete after adulthood. For the purpose of wrinkle prevention, it has become very popular in South Korea to start receiving such treatments around the age of 25, so as to intervene before the wrinkles become more pronounced. However, since individual circumstances vary, it is advisable to have a consultation first so that a doctor can assess your specific situation.

Q3: Are the botulinum toxin brands in South Korea significantly different from Botox?

Local South Korean brands such as Coretox, Botulax, and Letybo are widely used in Dermatology clinics in South Korea, and their prices are approximately 50-60% of the cost of Botox. According to studies conducted by South Korean doctors and in clinical trials, the effectiveness and safety of these brands meet international standards. The main difference lies in the higher precision and stability of Botox; however, if budget is a concern, South Korean brands are definitely a cost-effective option.

Q4: Can pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding receive Botox injections?

No. Although the amount of botulinum toxin administered locally is extremely small, for safety reasons, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is advisable to wait until after the end of breastfeeding before considering this option.

Q5: Can botulinum bacteria develop resistance to drugs?

If the same brand is used frequently over a long period of time, it is theoretically possible for antibodies to develop, resulting in reduced effectiveness. The solution is to wait at least 3 months before using it again or to alternate between different brands. South Korean doctors generally advise patients not to use the product too frequently, in order to give the muscles sufficient time to recover.

Q6: What should foreigners do if they have language barriers when receiving Botox treatment at a Dermatology clinic in Seoul?

This was the issue that worried me the most at first, but practical experience has shown me that there’s absolutely no need to worry. Through platforms like BeautsGO, which specialize in medical beauty appointments, it’s possible to book consultations at clinics that offer Chinese translation services in advance, ensuring that a translator is present throughout the entire visit. From filling out the medical form to receiving consultation from the doctor and even to being informed about post-treatment precautions, the entire communication process is completely barrier-free.