Wrinkle Botox in Korea: Forehead, Crow's Feet & Frown Lines Guide 2025
Expression lines got you down? Botox remains the gold standard for treating dynamic wrinkles - those lines that appear when you smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows. Korea offers this treatment at a fraction of Western prices, with techniques refined for Asian facial features.
How Wrinkle Botox Works
Botox (botulinum toxin) works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When injected into specific facial muscles, it:
- Relaxes the targeted muscles
- Softens existing wrinkles
- Prevents new lines from forming
- Creates a smoother, more youthful appearance
Key point: Botox works best on "dynamic" wrinkles - lines caused by muscle movement. Static wrinkles (visible even at rest) may need additional treatments like fillers.
Common Treatment Areas
Forehead Lines (이마 주름)
What causes them: Raising eyebrows repeatedly Units typically needed: 10-20 units Results: Smoother forehead, lifted brow appearance
Important consideration: Forehead Botox requires careful dosing. Too much can cause a heavy feeling or dropped brows. Many Korean doctors recommend treating the frown lines and crow's feet first, which can indirectly improve forehead lines.
Frown Lines / Glabellar Lines (미간 주름)
What causes them: Frowning, concentrating, squinting Units typically needed: 15-25 units Results: Softer, less angry appearance
These "11 lines" between the eyebrows are often the first wrinkles people choose to treat, as they can make you look tired or upset.
Crow's Feet (눈가 주름)
What causes them: Smiling, squinting Units typically needed: 6-15 units per side Results: Smoother eye area, more youthful expression
Treating crow's feet is very common and has minimal risk compared to forehead treatment.
Wrinkle Botox Prices in Korea (2025)
| Treatment Area | Korean Brand (KRW) | Korean Brand (USD) | Premium (Allergan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | ₩30,000-80,000 | $23-60 | $75-150 |
| Frown lines | ₩30,000-80,000 | $23-60 | $75-150 |
| Crow's feet (both) | ₩40,000-100,000 | $30-75 | $100-200 |
| 3-Area Package | ₩80,000-150,000 | $60-115 | $150-350 |
Per unit pricing:
- Korean brands: ₩2,000-5,000 ($1.50-4) per unit
- Allergan Botox: ₩8,000-15,000 ($6-12) per unit
Prices as of January 2025. Package deals for multiple areas offer significant savings.
Popular Korean Botox Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botulax | Hugel | $ | Most popular Korean brand |
| Nabota | Daewoong | $ | Strong international presence |
| Meditoxin | Medytox | $ | Long track record |
| Coretox | Medytox | $$ | Newer, premium Korean option |
| Xeomin | Merz (Germany) | $$$ | No complexing proteins |
| Botox | Allergan (USA) | $$$$ | Original brand |
Results Timeline
When Will You See Results?
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | No visible change |
| Day 3-5 | Effects start appearing |
| Day 7-10 | Significant improvement visible |
| Week 2 | Optimal results |
| Month 3-4 | Effects begin to fade |
| Month 4-6 | Return to baseline |
How Long Does It Last?
- First treatment: 3-4 months typically
- With regular treatments: 4-6 months (muscle memory effect)
- Factors affecting duration: Metabolism, muscle strength, units used, activity level
The Treatment Process
Before Your Appointment
- Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) for 1 week
- No alcohol 24 hours before
- Arrive with clean skin, no makeup on treatment areas
- List any medications you're taking
During Treatment (15-20 minutes)
- Consultation - Doctor assesses your wrinkles and goals
- Marking - Injection points are identified
- Cleansing - Treatment area is cleaned
- Injection - Multiple small injections (feels like tiny pinches)
- Review - Post-treatment instructions given
After Treatment
- Immediately: Small bumps that resolve in 15-30 minutes
- First 4 hours: Stay upright, don't lie down
- First 24 hours: No exercise, alcohol, or heat exposure
- First week: Avoid massaging the treated area
Achieving Natural Results
The Korean Approach
Korean practitioners are known for achieving natural-looking results. Key principles:
- Conservative dosing - Start with less; add more if needed
- Strategic placement - Preserve some movement for expression
- Understanding Asian features - Different muscle structure requires adapted techniques
- Subtle enhancement - Looking refreshed, not frozen
Signs of Good vs. Over-Treatment
Well-done Botox:
- Natural facial expressions remain
- Friends notice you look "refreshed"
- Wrinkles softened but face moves
- No heavy or drooping sensation
Overdone Botox:
- Frozen, expressionless appearance
- Eyebrows look surprised or heavy
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Obvious "work done" look
Special Considerations for Each Area
Forehead Botox Tips
Pros:
- Smooths horizontal lines effectively
- Can create subtle brow lift
Cons:
- Can cause heaviness if overdone
- May affect eyebrow movement
- Not ideal for people with naturally low brows
Pro tip: If you're concerned about forehead Botox, ask your doctor about treating only the frown lines and crow's feet first. This can reduce forehead lines indirectly by relaxing the muscles that pull eyebrows down.
Frown Line Botox Tips
Pros:
- Very effective treatment area
- Minimal risk of complications
- Makes you look less tired/angry
Cons:
- May take 2 weeks for full effect
- Some people need higher doses
Crow's Feet Botox Tips
Pros:
- Safe and effective area
- Natural results easier to achieve
- Complementary to eye treatments
Cons:
- May slightly affect smile appearance initially
- Needs precise placement
Who Should Avoid Wrinkle Botox?
Contraindications:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, etc.)
- Infection at injection site
- Allergy to botulinum toxin
- Certain medications (aminoglycosides, etc.)
Relative cautions:
- Very thin skin
- Excessive sun damage
- Unrealistic expectations
Combining with Other Treatments
For comprehensive anti-aging, Botox is often combined with:
| Treatment | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Fillers | Volume restoration, deep lines | Same day or separate |
| Skin Boosters | Skin quality improvement | 1-2 weeks after |
| Laser Treatments | Texture, tone improvement | 2 weeks after |
| Thread Lift | Lifting effect | 2-4 weeks after |
Choosing a Clinic
What to Look For
- Experienced practitioners
- Consultation before treatment
- Uses genuine, licensed products
- Clear pricing
- Before/after photos of similar patients
Questions to Ask
- Which Botox brand do you use?
- How many units do you recommend for my concerns?
- What happens if I'm not satisfied with results?
- How can I achieve natural-looking results?
- When should I schedule my next appointment?
FAQ
Q: Does Botox hurt? A: Most people describe it as a slight pinching sensation. The needles are very fine, and discomfort is minimal.
Q: Will I look frozen? A: Not with proper technique and conservative dosing. Communicate your desire for natural results to your doctor.
Q: Can I go back to work after? A: Yes, there's no downtime. Small bumps resolve quickly, and makeup can be applied after a few hours.
Q: What if I don't like the results? A: Botox effects are temporary (3-6 months). If unsatisfied, simply don't repeat the treatment.
Q: How often should I get Botox? A: Every 3-6 months for maintenance. Some doctors recommend "preventive Botox" every 4-6 months to prevent wrinkles from forming.
Q: Is Korean Botox safe? A: Korean brands are KFDA-approved and widely used. They undergo rigorous testing and are administered to millions safely.
Conclusion
Wrinkle Botox in Korea offers an effective, affordable way to address expression lines. With skilled practitioners, competitive pricing, and techniques refined for Asian features, it's no surprise that this is one of the most popular treatments for both locals and visitors.
Key takeaways:
- Results appear in 3-7 days, last 3-6 months
- Korean brands offer excellent value
- Natural results require skilled technique
- Package deals save money on multiple areas
- Consider treating frown lines and crow's feet before forehead
Ready to smooth those wrinkles? Book a consultation with a Korean dermatologist to discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Botox treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary.
Last Updated: January 2025 Reading Time: 9 minutes
