A widely studied injectable neuromodulator used to soften expression lines, slim the jaw, and balance facial proportions through small, targeted doses delivered by a trained aesthetic team.
Botox is a purified neuromodulator derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A. When injected in micro-doses into specific muscles, it temporarily relaxes contraction, softening dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines. It is also widely used for masseter slimming, brow lifting, and reducing a gummy smile. Sessions are short — typically 10 to 20 minutes — with no required downtime, and visible results emerge within 3 to 7 days, lasting approximately 3 to 4 months depending on dose, muscle activity, and metabolism. Pricing varies by indication, brand, and unit count, but the Korea market range regional market average per session (ASAPS 2024 + ISAPS 2025 + KHIDI 2025 Medical Tourism Survey) is broadly aligned with international benchmarks, making Seoul a competitive destination for treatment by an experienced aesthetic team.
Abbreviation for botulinum toxin type A, the active neurotoxin used in all aesthetic botulinum toxin products.
Standard unit of biological activity used by onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and most reference comparisons in aesthetic dosing.
Proprietary potency unit used by abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport); not interchangeable with Allergan units.
Region between the eyebrows above the nose, primary anatomical site for treating frown lines ("11 lines").
Lateral periorbital wrinkles radiating from the outer corner of the eye, caused by orbicularis oculi muscle activity.
Powerful jaw muscle whose hypertrophy creates a square or wide lower face; common BTX-A target for facial slimming.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Treatment day; mild erythema common. | |
| Surface response settles; routine resumed. | |
| Early collagen remodeling visible. | |
| Full outcome consolidation captured. |
| Name | Brand | Country of Origin | Molecular Size | Onset (days) | Duration (months) | Price per Unit (USD) | FDA / Korean MFDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergan Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) | United States (Ireland mfg) | 900 kDa (complex) | 3-7 | 3-4 | $10-$25 | FDA approved / MFDS approved | |
| Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) | United Kingdom (Ipsen) | 500-900 kDa (mixed) | 2-5 | 3-4 | $3-$8 (Speywood unit) | FDA approved / MFDS approved | |
| Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) | Germany (Merz) | 150 kDa (naked, complex-free) | 3-7 | 3-4 | $10-$20 | FDA approved / MFDS approved | |
| Nabota (Jeuveau in US) | South Korea (Daewoong) | 900 kDa (complex) | 3-5 | 3-4 | $3-$6 | FDA approved (as Jeuveau) / MFDS approved | |
| Coretox | South Korea (Medytox) | 150 kDa (complex-free) | 3-5 | 3-4 | $3-$7 | Not FDA approved / MFDS approved | |
| Innotox | South Korea (Medytox) | 150 kDa (liquid formulation) | 2-5 | 3-4 | $3-$6 | Not FDA approved / MFDS approved |
The summaries below draw on peer-reviewed studies covering device class, efficacy endpoints, and adverse-event profile within this category.
Carruthers JA, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2020;46(2):245-260. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000002066
Kim NH, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2010;36 Suppl 4:2080-2087. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01797.x
Park MY, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(6):1759-1764. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000091223.97232.D9
Brin MF, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(6):961-970. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.06.040
Naumann M, et al. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(6):548-552. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa061559
Most patients see initial muscle relaxation within 2-7 days, with peak effect at 10-14 days. Aesthetic effects typically last 3-4 months for facial wrinkles and may persist 4-6 months for masseter or calf reduction. Duration varies with brand, dose, and individual metabolism.
BTX-A is a maintenance treatment. Most patients schedule one session every 3-4 months for facial wrinkles. Masseter and calf reduction protocols may extend intervals to 4-6 months once volume reduction is established. Treatment frequency can be tailored to clinical response.
Global per-unit pricing typically ranges from USD 10-25 in North America and Europe, while the Korean market averages USD 3-8 per unit due to local manufacturing of MFDS-approved products such as Nabota, Coretox, and Innotox. Per-session totals depend on units used per area.
Pricing differences reflect manufacturer tiers, currency exchange, clinic overhead, regulatory environment, and local market competition. Korea's lower per-unit average is largely driven by domestic MFDS-approved manufacturing and a high-volume aesthetic market, where local toxins typically price 50-70% below imported equivalents at the same per-unit potency.
BTX-A has an extensive safety record across more than three decades of clinical use, including FDA and Korean MFDS approvals for multiple aesthetic and therapeutic indications. Side effects are typically mild and transient (bruising, mild headache, temporary asymmetry) when injection is performed by a qualified medical provider.
The most frequently reported side effects are localized bruising, mild swelling, transient headache, and short-lived asymmetry or eyelid heaviness. Most resolve within 1-2 weeks. Serious adverse events are rare in aesthetic doses and are documented in pooled clinical safety analyses.
Neutralizing antibody formation is uncommon at typical aesthetic doses, but the risk increases with high cumulative doses and frequent dosing intervals. Complex-free formulations (e.g., Xeomin, Coretox) have been studied for their reduced immunogenic profile. Switching brands may be considered if clinical non-response occurs.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Standard aftercare includes avoiding heavy exercise, saunas, and significant heat exposure for 24 hours, refraining from facial massage of treated areas, and sleeping with the head slightly elevated on the first night to reduce diffusion and bruising.
BTX-A relaxes overactive muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers add volume to lift hollow areas or static folds. They address different aesthetic concerns and are often used in combination as part of a broader facial plan, rather than as substitutes for one another.
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) contain complexing proteins, while Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a complex-free formulation. Onset, diffusion, and unit potency differ between brands, so clinicians select formulations based on treatment area and patient history rather than treating units as interchangeable.
Korean MFDS-approved brands such as Nabota, Coretox, and Innotox are widely used in Korean aesthetic clinics. Comparative studies report similar onset and duration to imported reference products at the same dose. Innotox is notable as a ready-to-use liquid formulation, while Coretox uses a complex-free design.
Suitable candidates are generally healthy adults with dynamic wrinkles, masseter hypertrophy, axillary hyperhidrosis, or calf hypertrophy. BTX-A is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in patients with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and in patients with active injection-site infection.
Yes. Intramuscular BTX-A injection into the masseter has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to reduce masseter volume and soften the lower-face contour. Typical doses are 25-50 units per side. Clinical results appear 4-8 weeks after injection and can be maintained with sessions every 4-6 months.
BTX-A is FDA-approved for severe axillary hyperhidrosis. Intradermal injection into the affected axilla can substantially reduce sweat production, with effects typically lasting 4-6 months. Both axillae are usually treated in a single session, and maintenance injections are scheduled when sweating returns.
Dose is individualized based on muscle mass, gender, prior response, and aesthetic goals. Typical ranges are 20-25 units for the glabella, 10-20 units for the forehead, 10-15 units per side for crow's feet, and 25-50 units per masseter. BTX-A is commonly combined with hyaluronic acid fillers, energy-based devices, and skin boosters when sequenced by the clinician.
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