3 Mistakes Before Getting Botox in Apgujeong That No One Tells You

“Doctor, I previously received forehead Botox in Apgujeong, but my eyes feel heavy and my facial expressions have become strange. Is this normal, or was it administered incorrectly?”

✅ Conclusion first

Even when getting the same Botox treatment in Apgujeong, some people are naturally satisfied, while others regret it and say, “I'll never do it again.” The difference between the two groups is just one thing: whether they checkedfore the procedure. Clinical data supports this, showing that the side effect rate for skilled practitioners is less than 1 percent, while it can rise to 5.4 percent for unskilled practitioners. Reference: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology

Hello. I am Kim Young-gyun, the representative director of Core Dermatology Clinic.

For 15 years, I've consulted with countless patients in my clinic about Apgujeong Botox treatments, many of whom came to me regretting procedures they'd had elsewhere. What's interesting is that the reasons for their regret are almost always the same — by the end of this post, you'll know exactly what that pattern is. Today, I'll outline three mistakes that people considering Apgujeong Botox should be aware of before getting treated, and how to avoid them.

Why do people say their face looks ‘frozen" after getting Botox in Apgujeong?

To be honest, the biggest reason for a stiff expression after Botox in Apgujeong is not ‘getting too much‘ but "injecting too much at once.".

Apgujeong Botox works by temporarily blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle, thereby reducing muscle movement. The key here is that it “reduces” the movement, not “completely stops” it.

However, among those receiving Botox for the first time, quite a few request a higher dosage with the mindset of “wanting to see definite results.” This is the first mistake.

Misconception 1: “The more times you get hit, the more effective it is.”

Forehead muscles, glabella muscles, and eye area muscles all have different thicknesses, strengths, and directions of movement. Even with the same 20 units, the results will be completely different when injected into the forehead versus the glabella.

The problem is when this difference is ignored and botox is administered uniformly, for example, “forehead 20 units, glabella 20 units, crow's feet 20 units.” According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), approximately 9.48 million Botox procedures were performed in 2023 alone, and most of the dissatisfaction cases were caused by uniform injections without customization by area, rather than the dosage itself. Reference: FACE Beauty Science

Dr. Rachel Ho from Singapore also explains this with the concept of “Baby Botox” – injecting small amounts into precise locations and then adding more in any deficient areas two weeks later. The key is that “it's easier to add more later than to remove too much.”. Reference: Dr. Rachel Ho

Director Kim Young-gyun's comment

저도 처음 압구정 보톡스를 배울 때는 ‘충분히 넣어야 효과가 확실하다’고 생각했던 적이 있습니다. 그런데 15년간 수만 건을 시술하면서 느낀 건, 오히려 소량을 정확한 위치에 넣었을 때 환자 만족도가 훨씬 높다는 겁니다. 주름이 100% 사라지진 않아도, 표정이 자연스러우면 “잘 맞았다”는 평가를 받거든요.

📝 One-line summary: In Apgujeong Botox, it's not better to inject more, but rather to divide it according to the muscle thickness of each area for a natural look.

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The reason your eyebrows might droop or lift after Botox injections in your forehead is due to how Botox works. Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily paralyzes or weakens muscles. Here's a breakdown: * **Forehead Muscles:** The primary muscle in the forehead is the frontalis. Its main job is to lift the eyebrows and the skin of the forehead, helping you to raise your eyebrows or create expressions like surprise. * **How Botox Affects the Forehead:** When Botox is injected into the forehead, it weakens or paralyzes the frontalis muscle. This prevents the muscle from contracting as strongly, which is what causes forehead wrinkles. * **Eyebrow Drooping (Ptosis):** If the Botox is injected too low on the forehead, too much of the frontalis muscle might be affected. Since the frontalis is responsible for lifting the brows, weakening it too much can cause the eyebrows to appear heavy or droop. This is more common if the Botox spreads to muscles that also influence eyebrow position. * **Eyebrow Lifting (Spock Brow):** Conversely, if the Botox is injected *only* into the central part of the forehead, or if the outer parts of the frontalis muscle remain active while the center is weakened, the active outer muscles can pull the eyebrows upward in an exaggerated way, creating a "Spock brow" or a very arched look. In essence, the eyebrows' position is a dynamic balance between the muscles that lift them (primarily the frontalis) and the muscles that pull them down (like the procerus and corrugator muscles between the brows, and the orbicularis oculi which closes the eyes). Botox alters this balance by weakening specific muscles. The outcome depends on the exact location of the injection, the dosage, and the individual's unique muscle anatomy.

To get straight to the point, the reason for an abnormal eyebrow shape after forehead Botox is not about the dosage, but rather the injection location.

The forehead has a wide muscle that raises the eyebrows (frontalis muscle, commonly known as the forehead muscle). If Botox is concentrated only on the central part of this muscle, the center loses strength while the outer parts are still pulling, causing the tail of the eyebrow to lift abnormally. This is what's called ‘Spock Brow.".

Conversely, if Botox is injected close to directly above the eyebrow, it can affect the muscles that lift the eyelid, leading to a heavy, drooping sensation in the eyes. Medically, this is known as ptosis (eyelid droop).

Mistake 2—Performing a procedure without confirming the injection site.

Clinical data shows that the incidence of ptosis by experienced practitioners is less than 1%, while it rises to 5.4%for less experienced practitioners. Reference: FACE Beauty Science It's almost a fivefold difference.

This is important because people's forehead muscles have different shapes. Some people's forehead muscles attach all the way up to right above their eyebrows, while others only go up to the middle of their forehead. Then you have people whose eyebrows are naturally low, people with narrow foreheads, and people with thin eyelids... If these individual differences aren't carefully checked before the procedure, the results will be completely different even if the same placement is used.

What if you already have a spook brow? Fortunately, it can be corrected by adding a small amount of Botox to the outer brow area. In the case of ptosis, it usually recovers naturally within 2-4 weeks, but you'll be uncomfortable during that time. Therefore, it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Reference: Dr. Rachel Ho

Director Kim Young-gyun's comment

Before performing forehead Botox, I always ask patients to move their eyebrows up and down. This movement helps me determine the distribution of the forehead muscles and the natural arch of the eyebrows. Skipping this step and injecting directly is, to be honest, like driving without a map.

📝 One-line summary: The success or failure of forehead Botox depends not on the dosage, but on the ‘injection site,' and it is essential to confirm muscle distribution before the procedure.

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Is it true that my cheeks will deflate after getting jaw Botox?

If I were to give you just one line, it's a phenomenon that can absolutely happen depending on facial structure, though it doesn't apply to everyone.

Jaw botox is a procedure that reduces the size of the muscles in the lower jaw (masseter muscles, or in simpler terms, chewing muscles) by injecting botox. It's one of the most popular procedures for people concerned about a square jaw.

The problem is that when the masseter muscle shrinks, the fat layer and skin on top of it lose their support. It's a similar principle to how the surface of a fully inflated balloon wrinkles when the air is let out.

Mistake 3: Following trends without knowing your face shape

Especially among Korean patients, Botox for the jaw is almost considered a “basic procedure.” However, if you fall into any of the following categories, you should consider jaw Botox more carefully.

✅ For those with a thin fat layer above the masseter muscle - if the muscle reduces, sunken cheeks can become noticeable
✅ Those whose square jaw is fatty rather than muscular – the contour change may not be significant even if the muscle is reduced
Over 30s whose skin elasticity has decreased compared to before - Muscle loss can cause the skin to sag because it doesn't shrink accordingly.

Additionally, you should be aware that although rare, a crooked smile can occur after masseter Botox injections. This happens when the Botox spreads to the depressor anguli oris muscle, which controls your smile, located next to the masseter. Simply avoiding lying down or touching the injection site for 4 hours after the procedure can significantly reduce this risk. Reference: Dr. Rachel Ho

Director Kim Young-gyun's comment

At consultations for chin Botox, many people say, “My friend got it, and she said it was good.” However, your friend's face and your face have different structures. Before administering chin Botox, I always check three things: the thickness of the masseter muscle, the thickness of the fat layer, and skin elasticity. If even one of these is not suitable for chin Botox, I will honestly tell you and suggest alternative methods. I'm not a miracle cure for everything.

📝 One-line summary: Jaw botox is not a suitable procedure for everyone, and prior assessment of masseter muscle thickness, fat layer, and skin elasticity is key to preventing sunk cheeks and asymmetry.

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Is it absolutely necessary to follow these instructions after a Botox procedure in Apgujeong?

To get straight to the point, the actions taken for exactly 4 hours on the day of the procedure will determine half of the Botox results.

Botox doesn't immediately bond to the muscle after injection. It takes some time for the injected substance to bind to the nerve receptors in the target muscle. During this period, if you physically rub or press the area, it can spread to unintended muscles.

Right after the procedure, 4 hours - 3 things you absolutely must not do

✅ Don't lie down. Lying down changes the direction of gravity, which can cause the medication to flow in an unintended direction.
✅ Do not touch or rub the treatment area. — Massage, facial cleansing, and makeup are all included.
✅ Joy, don't wear a hat or headband. Continuous pressure can cause drug movement.

Reference: Botox Singapore Aftercare Guide

24 Hours to 1 Week — Return to Daily Life Checklist

✅ No strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Increased blood flow can promote drug diffusion.
✅ No alcohol for 24 hours. - Increased risk of bruising and swelling (edema)
✅ Avoid saunas, jjimjilbangs, and hot showers for one week. Heat can amplify the inflammatory response.
✅ Refrain from facial massages, peels, and other skin treatments for 1-2 weeks. — It can disrupt the drug's position

Especially in Korea, there's a big change in seasons. If you get a procedure done in winter, the temptation to go to a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) is strong, but you have to resist for at least a week. In summer, surprisingly many people do high-intensity exercises that make them sweat a lot on the day of their procedure, but you should definitely avoid that for 24 hours as well.

And before the procedure, one more thing: stopping pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen (so-called NSAIDs), or supplements that hinder blood clotting like Vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba extract 5-7 days prior to the procedure can help prevent bruising. Reference: Botox Singapore Aftercare Guide

If symptoms such as persistent pain, severe swelling, drooping eyelids, or difficulty swallowing appear after the procedure, you must contact the hospital where you received the treatment immediately. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but it is important to respond quickly in case of unforeseen circumstances.

📝 One-line summary: After Botox injections in Apgujeong, refraining from lying down, touching, or applying pressure for 4 hours can significantly improve satisfaction with the results.

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Is the saying that the more often you get Botox in Apgujeong, the longer it lasts true?

To be honest, it's half right and half wrong.

The effects of Apgujeong Botox generally last for 3 to 4 months, and for some, they can last up to 6 months. This varies depending on individual metabolism and muscle activity levels. Reference: Botox Singapore Aftercare Guide

“The background of the saying ”If you get hit often, it lasts a long time‘ is this: when you consistently get Botox injections in Apgujeong, the targeted muscle repeatedly rests, gradually becoming thinner and weaker. This is a phenomenon medically known as ’disuse atrophy,' where unused muscles naturally shrink. As a result, wrinkles appear less frequently even without Botox, and you can gradually increase the intervals between injections.

In a long-term follow-up study involving identical twins, it was found that those who regularly received Botox injections in Apgujeong for over 12 years showed significantly fewer crow's feet and forehead wrinkles compared to those who received only two injections. Furthermore, they appeared younger even seven months after their last treatment. Reference: FACE Beauty Science

However, the word “often” is the problem here.

Appropriate retreatment intervals and risk of antibody formation

The recommended minimum interval between Botox injections by the manufacturer (Allergan) is 90 days, or 3 months. Repeated injections at intervals shorter than 3 months can lead to three problems.

First, the muscles can become excessively weakened, making facial expressions unnatural. Second, once our body starts creating antibodies to the botulinum toxin, the same dosage will have a diminishing effect over time. This is commonly referred to as ‘Botox resistance," but more precisely, it's the formation of neutralizing antibodies due to an immune response. Third, a 2020 review study confirmed that when the appropriate interval between treatments is maintained, no life-threatening side effects are reported in the long term. However, the risk increases with excessive procedures that disregard these intervals. Reference: FACE Beauty Science

Director Kim Young-gyun's comment

“Quite a few people ask, ”It's only been 2 months, can I get it again?" It is safer to wait at least 3 months rather than getting it immediately just because your muscle movement has slightly returned. If you feel the effects are wearing off quickly, adjusting the dosage or type of product is a much better approach than shortening the interval.

📝 One-line summary: If you get Botox consistently in Apgujeong, the muscle itself will shrink, allowing you to ‘increase’ the interval between treatments. However, getting it too ‘frequently’ (less than 3 months) increases the risk of resistance and unnatural results.

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What criteria should I use to choose a hospital for Apgujeong Botox?

To get straight to the point, the things you should check before price are ‘who is performing it‘ and 'what they check before the procedure.'.

It's natural to be concerned about where to go, given that there are dozens of places offering Apgujeong Botox treatments in the Apgujeong area alone. However, Apgujeong Botox is not a procedure where a machine dictates the results, unlike laser treatments. Even with the same product, the outcome can vary completely depending on who administers it, where it's injected, and how much is used.

Specialist qualifications, consultation hours, authenticity verification — 3 checkpoints

✅ Is the procedure performed by a dermatologist or a related specialist? — As you saw earlier, operator skill in clinical data can make the incidence of side effects vary by up to five times. Board certification is the minimum standard to objectively assess that skill. Reference: Korean Dermatological Association

✅ Does the doctor thoroughly examine my face during the in-person consultation before the procedure? — It's dangerous to inject immediately without checking muscle distribution, facial expression habits, left-right asymmetry, skin thickness, etc. It should be a place that explains things while you move your facial expressions in front of a mirror, not a place that just does a “5-minute consultation, 5-minute procedure.”.

✅ Is it possible to verify if authentic Botox is being used? — There are several Botox products approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in Korea — Botox (Allergan), Xeomin, Coretox Reference: Meditox Coretox, Botulex, Lightox Reference: Huons Biopharma Lytox Are representative. A place that transparently answers when asked what products they use is trustworthy. Reference: MFDS Medical Device Information Portal

Core Dermatology Clinic Patient Information

At Core Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Kim Young-gyun, a board-certified dermatologist, personally performs all Botox procedures. Before the procedure, he conducts a face-to-face consultation to meticulously examine muscle distribution and facial expression patterns, then designs a customized dosage for each area. We only use authentic products approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and we confirm the product name and expiration date with the patient before the procedure.

📝 One-line summary: When choosing a Botox clinic in Apgujeong, before comparing prices, first check these three things: whether a specialist performs the procedure directly, the adequacy of pre-procedure consultation, and the transparency of genuine product usage.

If you're considering Botox in Apgujeong, we highly recommend having a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist before the procedure to thoroughly assess your muscle distribution and facial expression patterns. This one step, more than comparing prices, will greatly influence your satisfaction with the results.

At Core Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Kim Young-kyun, a board-certified dermatologist with 15 years of experience, personally performs all Botox procedures. Our principle is to check facial expressions together in front of the mirror before the procedure and design customized dosages for each area. “It's not about injecting more, but injecting accurately.” This is the standard we've upheld for 15 years.

Apgujeong Botox may seem simple, but one check before the procedure can completely change the results. We recommend you compare thoroughly and make a decision after sufficient consultation.

Thank you for reading the long text.

Sincerely, Kim Young-gyun, Chief Director of Core Dermatology Clinic

⚠️ Legal Notice The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment. The effects and side effects of Apgujeong Botox procedures may vary depending on individual skin condition, health status, and treatment area. Therefore, please consult with a specialist directly before making a decision. Clinical figures and research results mentioned in this article are derived under the conditions of the respective studies and may not apply universally to all patients.

Reference materials

• Reference: Dr. Rachel Ho — Too Much BTX: Botulinum toxin Gone Wrong
• Reference: Botox Singapore — Botox Aftercare Guide Singapore
• Reference: FACE Beauty Science — Common Botox Mistakes That Affect Treatment Results
• Reference: Korean Dermatological Association
• Reference: MFDS Medical Device Information Portal
• Reference: Meditox Coretox
• Reference: Huons Biopharma Lytox