Body botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is known to block, for a while, the movement signals that nerves send to muscles, so the injected muscle is used less. A muscle that is used less may gradually shrink in volume over time, which can help refine the line of areas where developed muscle stands out.

As the effect wears off, muscle strength gradually returns, and the volume may slowly get closer to how it was before. That's why, rather than a one-off treatment, people often decide whether to have it again after watching how things progress.

The trapezius is the muscle that runs from the back of the neck to the shoulders; when it is well developed, the shoulder line can rise and the neck can look shorter. Trapezius botulinum toxin is considered when the volume of this shoulder line is a concern. Stiff or painful shoulders can have various causes, so these symptoms are assessed at your appointment separately from concerns about the line.

Calf botulinum toxin is considered when the muscles at the back of the calves stand out and make the leg line look uneven. The right approach may differ depending on whether the calves look thick because of muscle, fat or swelling, so this is assessed first at your appointment.

Please tell us in advance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a nerve or muscle disorder that weakens muscle strength, or have inflammation or a skin condition in the treatment area. If you take blood-thinning medication, please mention it too, as you may bruise more.

If you have exercise that works your calves a lot, plans that involve long walks, or work that uses your shoulders and arms a lot, please let us know at your consultation. It helps us choose the date for your procedure.

You can usually go straight back to your daily routine, but it's best to avoid alcohol, saunas and strenuous exercise for about 1 week. It's best not to massage or rub the injection sites hard.

Injection marks, small bruises and a dull ache are common and mostly settle with time. Rarely, you may feel temporary weakness or fatigue — in the calves when walking or climbing stairs, and in the trapezius when raising your arms. If the discomfort keeps getting worse, please contact the clinic.

We advise that the effects of botulinum toxin usually appear within 2 to 4 weeks. A decrease in muscle volume may be felt more slowly than that, so it's best to watch how things progress over several weeks rather than judging too quickly.

The time for a repeat treatment is generally about every 3 to 6 months, decided at your consultation based on how much the muscle has recovered. How long the effect lasts differs from person to person depending on muscle strength and lifestyle habits.

Trapezius botulinum toxin, 100 units, is ₩150,000, and calf botulinum toxin, 100 units, is ₩190,000, plus 10% VAT on cosmetic procedures. A unit is the measure of the amount of botulinum toxin used in one treatment. Please confirm the treatment plan that suits your body at your consultation.