
Botox (Botulinum Toxin) in Songdo, Incheon | Songdo Human Dermatology
How botulinum toxin works and what to keep in mind
Keywords: Botox Treatment in Songdo, Botulinum Toxin, Expression Lines, Frown Lines, Masseter Botox (Jawline Slimming) |
At Songdo Human Dermatology, many patients tell us they want to smooth their forehead and frown lines. What most people call "Botox" is technically a botulinum toxin injection. Once you understand how it works, it is easy to see which wrinkles it can actually help.
How Does Botulinum Toxin Smooth Wrinkles?
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract, so the overactive muscles behind your facial expressions gently relax. This smooths the dynamic wrinkles (lines that appear when your face moves) that form as those muscles crease the skin over and over. The key point is that it works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while those caused by volume loss call for a different approach. The effect is not permanent — once muscle function returns after a few months, another injection is needed.

Which Areas Can Be Treated?
The most common areas are the expression lines of the upper face — frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet around the eyes. Botulinum toxin is also used to slim the jawline by relaxing the masseter (the jaw muscle), to soften vertical neck bands, and to treat excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis). Injection sites and doses vary by area and goal, so treatment should be planned by a specialist who knows facial muscle anatomy well.

How Long Does It Last, and How Is It Done?
The effect usually appears within days and lasts several months, then wears off gradually. For hyperhidrosis, the effect has been reported to last 4 to 5 months on average. Injections are given with a very fine needle (30 to 32 gauge). The procedure is quick, and most people get back to their normal routine soon afterward. Units are not interchangeable from one botulinum toxin product to another, so doses cannot be compared one-to-one — the right dose is determined at your consultation. Botulinum toxin is a prescription medication, so it must be prescribed and administered in a medical setting.
Side Effects and Precautions
The treatment is generally safe when performed by a trained provider, and minor bruising or swelling at the injection site is common but usually clears up within a few days. If the toxin spreads to a nearby muscle after a frown-line injection, a drooping, heavy-feeling eyelid (ptosis) can occur; with an experienced injector the rate is low (under 2%), and it usually resolves on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. Overtreating the forehead muscle can lead to brow drooping, and some people get a headache after injections in the upper face. Be sure to tell us before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a neuromuscular condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will botulinum toxin make my face look frozen or unnatural?
A. With the right dose for each area, you can keep your natural expressions. A stiff, frozen look comes from injecting too much, which is why we tailor the dose to your facial muscles.
Q. How often do I need injections?
A. The effect wears off as muscle function returns, and most people come back for a touch-up after a few months. Exactly how often varies by treatment area and by person, so we will suggest a schedule based on how your muscles respond.
Q. Can botulinum toxin treat hollow cheeks or smile lines (nasolabial folds)?
A. Botulinum toxin works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Lines and sagging that come from volume loss need a different treatment, so we start with a consultation to see which one is driving your concern before choosing an approach.
Q. What side effects can Botox cause?
A. Side effects mainly occur when the product spreads to a nearby muscle or when too much is injected, and can include eyelid drooping, unnatural expressions, asymmetry, bruising or itching at the injection site, and headache. Fortunately, most of these resolve on their own within 1 to 3 months.
If expression lines are bothering you, schedule a consultation at our Songdo clinic so we can pin down what kind of wrinkle you are dealing with. Whether it is an expression line or a volume issue, we can decide on the right approach together.
This content is general information about botulinum toxin treatment provided at Songdo Human Dermatology. Diagnosis and treatment are determined during an in-person examination, based on each patient's individual condition.


