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Skin botox (microtox) in Korea: how long does it last? Pores, oil, its limits and September 2026 prices

Written by Dr. Jay (Yongheon Ha) · Doctor, Repic Clinic

Quick answer: Skin botox (microtox) places heavily diluted botulinum toxin in many small points in the shallow layers of the skin to calm oil, pores and texture. Your expressions keep moving normally, and it cannot erase pores or smooth deep wrinkles. At Repic Clinic in Gangnam, 2cc starts at KRW 105,000 with a Korean-made toxin (September 2026, VAT excluded).

What exactly is skin botox?

The same drug as wrinkle botox, used the opposite way. Instead of a few deep injections into a large muscle, heavily diluted toxin is spread in dozens of shallow points just under the skin. At that depth it does not reach the deep expression muscles. It acts on the oil glands, the tissue around pores and the fine muscle fibres attached to the skin. That is why Korean clinics list skin botox next to skin boosters.

How is skin botox different from regular botox?

Depth, dilution and purpose. Wrinkle botox goes into the muscle and reduces movement. Skin botox stays shallow and leaves movement alone.

  • Depth: wrinkle botox goes into the muscle; skin botox sits in the dermis and just below it.
  • Dose: skin botox is diluted much further and scattered across the cheeks, nose or forehead. The rule is never to pile it into one spot.
  • Purpose: wrinkle botox makes folding lines shallower. Skin botox works on oil, pores and surface texture.
  • Expression: unchanged. People around you will find it hard to tell you had anything done.

Does skin botox really shrink pores?

It makes them look smaller; it does not make them disappear. With less oil and less tension around the pores, the openings look less obvious. Midday shine drops, and makeup lifts less. Some people say the whole cheek feels slightly smoother. That is the honest list. Anything beyond it is advertising.

Deep, scar-type pores, established pigmentation and deep wrinkles need other tools. The result builds over about a week and fades over a few months; it is temporary. It does not replace your daily skincare.

Sometimes I talk people out of it. For very oily skin with wide pores, starting with laser toning or a booster can be the better move, and I will say so before you pay.

Is skin botox right for me?

If your concern is on the surface, yes. If it is structure or volume, no. Sort it like this:

  • Good fit: skin that turns shiny by afternoon and breaks up your makeup, visible pores on the cheeks and nose, wanting smoother texture while keeping your expressions.
  • Something else first: wrinkles that show even at rest, scar-type pores, pigmentation. Each needs a different tool.
  • Works well combined: if texture and hydration both bother you, we plan it alongside a skin booster. Whether to do both on the same day depends on your skin.
  • Not suitable: pregnancy, breastfeeding or a neuromuscular disorder. If you take blood thinners, tell us before booking.

How long does skin botox last? Is there downtime?

It builds over 3 to 7 days, looks its most refined at two weeks, and lasts around 3 to 4 months, varying by person. Many people repeat it two or three times a year. Right after, you will see a grid of shallow needle marks and faint redness, which usually settle the same day.

For 4 hours, do not rub the area or lie down, and skip the sauna and exercise that day. Can you get it the day before an event? You can, but two weeks before is better. That is when texture looks smoothest. For a wedding, it is safer to fit it into a countdown schedule.

How much is skin botox in Gangnam? (September 2026)

Prices are from Repic Gangnam's September 2026 price list and exclude 10% VAT, which is added at payment. The same prices apply to Korean and international patients; the tax-refund scheme for cosmetic procedures is no longer available in Korea. Pricing depends on area and dose, and you get an exact quote after assessment.

Skin botox (1 session, KRW)KoreanCoretoxXeominAllergan
2cc (full face)105,000180,000230,000310,000

Moving up a brand tier does not change onset or duration much. What differs is the manufacturer, purification method and price. If the area is wide, or you want the neck treated too, the dose goes up and so does the cost, so the exact quote is confirmed after assessment. Wrinkle botox is a separate item, from KRW 20,000 per area. The full list is on our price page, and the consultation fee is fully deducted if you are treated the same day.

How we do it at Repic

The doctor injects personally. Measuring comes first. Mark-Vu photographs oil, pores, redness and hydration on the surface, and the doctor examines the skin in person. From that we decide whether skin botox is the right tool right now, which brand tier makes sense, and what dose to use. Afterwards we give you home-care guidance to carry the matte finish through to your next session.

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Consultations and booking: Repic Clinic, B1 & 2F, 318 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Yeoksam-dong, TOWER837) · +82-2-6952-0312 · English-speaking staff on site · Book online

This is general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.

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Frequently asked questions

What is skin botox?

Skin botox, also called microtox, places heavily diluted botulinum toxin in dozens of shallow points in the skin. At that depth it does not reach the deep expression muscles. It acts around the oil glands and pores to calm shine and refine texture, and your expressions keep moving, so it rarely looks like you had anything done.

What is the difference between skin botox and regular botox?

Wrinkle botox goes into the muscle to reduce movement and soften expression lines. Skin botox is diluted much further and scattered shallowly in and just under the dermis to refine oil, pores and texture. One changes how your expressions look; the other changes the surface of the skin.

How long does skin botox last?

It builds over 3 to 7 days, looks most refined at two weeks and lasts around 3 to 4 months, so many people repeat it two or three times a year. Downtime is limited to shallow needle marks and faint redness that usually settle the same day, as we see at Repic Clinic in Gangnam.

Will skin botox get rid of my pores?

No. With less oil and less tension around the pores, they look less prominent and makeup lifts less. No injection permanently closes pores. Deep, scar-type pores need a different treatment, and at Repic Clinic in Gangnam the combination is decided after assessment.

How much is skin botox in Korea?

At Repic Clinic in Gangnam, skin botox 2cc costs KRW 105,000 (Korean-made), KRW 180,000 (Coretox), KRW 230,000 (Xeomin) or KRW 310,000 (Allergan), as of September 2026 and excluding VAT. A wider area means a larger dose and a different price, so the exact quote comes after assessment.

Does skin botox work for oily skin?

Oily, shiny skin is the main reason people ask for skin botox. Oil production drops for a few months, so the matte finish lasts. If active acne or deep scarring is also present, though, combining it with another treatment works better than skin botox alone, as the doctor at Repic Clinic will explain.

Can I go out right after skin botox?

Yes. Shallow needle marks and faint redness usually fade within a few hours, so you can carry on sightseeing or working. For 4 hours, do not rub the area or lie down, and skip the sauna and exercise that day. For an important event, Repic Clinic in Gangnam recommends treating two weeks ahead.

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