Botox (보톡스, botokseu) is a brand name that many people use for all botulinum toxin injections. In Korea the toxin is a prescription medicine, and a number of brands are sold, both imported and made in Korea. This guide explains what the label warns about and what to ask before an injection.
At a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| What it is | A prescription medicine injected into specific muscles. It temporarily relaxes the muscle. |
| Korean name to say | 보톡스 (botokseu). Ask which brand, because there are several. |
| How clinics usually quote it | By area and by units (단위, danwi). Ask how many units and which brand. |
| Who may inject | A licensed doctor. Ask who will inject you. |
What the FDA label says
The US label for BOTOX Cosmetic lists these adult uses: a temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) and forehead lines. Other areas, such as the jaw muscle, are commonly offered in Korean clinics but are not among those labelled cosmetic uses, so ask the doctor to explain the reason and the risks.
The label carries a boxed warning about distant spread of toxin effect. The effect of the toxin can spread beyond the injection area. Symptoms include general muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of bladder control and breathing difficulty. They can appear hours to weeks after injection, and swallowing and breathing problems can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you have breathing, speech or swallowing difficulty.
Common reactions listed on the label include eyelid drooping (3% in glabellar line studies), eyelid swelling (1% in crow’s feet studies), and headache (9%) and brow drooping (2%) in forehead line studies. The label lists a known allergy to any botulinum toxin product and an infection at the injection site as reasons not to inject.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Which brand will you use, and may I see the box or vial? Ask for the product name and the batch details.
- How many units, into which muscles, and what is the total price?
- Who injects, and are they a licensed doctor?
- What result is realistic, and how will you avoid a heavy or drooping look?
- What should I do if I notice drooping, vision changes, or trouble swallowing?
- When is a touch-up possible, and is it included?
Who should be careful
- Tell the doctor about pregnancy or breastfeeding, nerve or muscle disease, allergies, and any recent injections.
- Tell them about every medicine and supplement you take.
- If you are travelling soon after, ask when effects usually appear and whether you should avoid long flights or strenuous activity.
Fake and unregistered product
Fake botulinum toxin has harmed patients in other countries, and the FDA has warned about fake and unapproved products. In Korea, ask the clinic to show the original packaging, and be wary of unusually low prices or a clinic that cannot name the brand. Be cautious about agents who arrange procedures; see our guide to illegal medical brokers.
Useful Korean words
| Korean | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 보톡스 | botokseu | Botox or botulinum toxin |
| 단위 | danwi | Unit (dose) |
| 주름 | juleum | Wrinkle |
| 미간 | migan | Between the eyebrows |
| 이마 | ima | Forehead |
| 눈가 | nunga | Around the eyes |
| 사각턱 | sagakteok | Square jaw (masseter area) |
| 정품 | jeongpum | Genuine product |
| 부작용 | bujagyong | Side effects |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it last?
The effect is temporary and varies by person and area. Ask the doctor what to expect rather than relying on a general figure.
Is Korean toxin as good as imported toxin?
Many brands are sold in Korea, and they are different products with different approvals. Ask the doctor why they chose a particular brand for you.
General information, not medical advice. Devices, products and rules change; confirm details with a licensed doctor. Before you book, check the clinic on our map, build a visit card to show the doctor, and read how to read a Korean clinic estimate. See the About page for our sources and corrections policy.
Sources
- FDA warns 18 websites for selling fake Botox linked to injuries (HealthDay)
- BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information (FDA)