The ultimate guide to Botox in South Korea

Last fact-checked: 14 October 2019

Discover one of the world’s favorite anti-ageing treatments in South Korea. Botox© is a quick procedure with virtually no downtime that immediately eliminates wrinkles and up to 80% of other imperfections. Results are temporary – lasting for around three to five months – but, if incorporated as part of your beauty routine, you'll be able to keep those wrinkles at bay for years to come.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is a botulinum toxin injection. Essentially, it works by inhibiting the release of a chemical that weakens muscles by temporarily paralyzing them. This means that for wrinkles caused by expressions, the muscle under the skin is frozen and prevented from forming a line or furrow.

Why Should I Have Botox in South Korea?

You won’t feel out-of-place getting cosmetic treatments in South Korea – the country can be, to outsiders, obsessed by looks. You'll see adverts everywhere for cosmetic surgery clinics, beauty brands and the latest treatments to get you looking good. For many South Koreans, making the most of themselves is the norm; in fact, for some schoolgirls, cosmetic surgery is a rite of passage – a gift for graduating or passing exams.

This means that you will be in experienced hands. Although Botox is not an invasive treatment like surgery, it should be administered by someone who knows what they are doing. South Korea is an advanced country, with training and technology on a par with the West. In some cases in supersedes it – certainly from a technology standpoint. Technology giant Samsung is from here; it is one of the only countries in the world with 100 nationwide Mbit/s broadband, HDTV broadcasting and a network of high-speed trains allow people to travel quickly around the country.

Healthcare services are also excellent, and South Korea now has more JCI-accredited facilities than any other country in North Asia.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do some homework of your own and do a little research before you choose any facility. This is where Medical Departures can help. We pre-check our clinics, including doctor qualifications and professional memberships, as well as collating real patient reviews. These are listed alongside high definition photos and other useful information, allowing you to choose and make the right decision yourself.

What Is the Procedure for Botox?

Botox is quick, easy and will probably be over before you know it.

Your practitioner and you will decide which areas to treat as Botox is not effective for all wrinkles. You will most likely be given a local anesthetic prior to the Botox being administered, and your skin will be wiped with an antiseptic.

The Botox is administered directly into the skin with a fine needled syringe. Each area will only take a few minutes.

What is the Recovery Time from Botox?

Immediately after the injection, you may see some localized skin reddening, as well as slight swelling and bruising. These will usually disappear fairly quickly, but you can wear a little makeup if you want to calm down the redness after your treatment.

When Will I See Results?

You should notice an immediate result from the Botox which will last for three to six months, although these will be more natural-looking once the swelling goes down. The effect can be topped up regularly, and with regular use, the results are cumulative and could last for up to a year.

How Much Can I Save on Botox in South Korea Compared to Australia or New Zealand?

The cost of Botox in South Korea is around 50% less than in Australia or New Zealand, for example. This is obviously an approximate estimate; Botox is charged per unit, so your overall savings will depend on how much you are receiving. 

Check out these top South Korean clinics for Botox that are all listed with Medical Departures.

• The Plus Plastic Surgery
• Oracle Clinic (Cheongdam)
• BANOBAGI Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

How Do I Get Started?

First browse our list of clinics and doctors in South Korea, checking out photos, prices, maps, reviews and more. 

Scroll down to find a number of easy ways to book your free appointment, or get in touch with our Customer Care Team to discuss Botox in South Korea. 

Sources:

Freedman, Samantha. 9 things I learnt from having botox in my 20s... Cosmopolitan. 29 October 2018. 
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a15069580/botox-before-and-after-review/

Lee, Alexa. South Korea's Plastic Surgery Boom: A Quest To Be 'Above Normal'. Huff Post. 18 September 2019. 
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/korea-plastic-surgery_l_5d72afb0e4b07521022c00e1

Brannon, Heather MD. The Simple Truths About Botox. Very Well Health. 8 September 2019. 
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-science-of-botox-1069224

(Image by: DongShin Sohn)