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Skin Botox (Microbotox) x Aquaphor injection
"What kind of treatment is Skin Botox?"
"I want to give my skin a healthy glow."
"I'd like to receive Skin Botox easily and conveniently."
"I'm looking for a clinic where I can receive Skin Botox at a great value."
Do you have questions or concerns like these about Skin Botox Water Light Injection?
Hello. I am a doctor at the cosmetic dermatology practice Smart Skin Clinic.
In this article, a cosmetic dermatology practice with a track record of more than 10,000 injection treatments per year carefully explains the key points you may be wondering about—the features and effects of Skin Botox Water Light Injection, as well as pain, downtime, and risks.
*If you'd like to know the pricing, you can also jump to it from the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is Skin Botox (Micro Botox) × Water Light Injection?
Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection is a skin-beautifying treatment in which a procedure called "Skin Botox" is performed using a device known as the "Water Light Injection."
You can expect benefits from both the formulation used for Skin Botox and the stimulation provided by the Water Light Injection.
What is Skin Botox?
Skin Botox is a treatment in which a botulinum toxin formulation—represented by "Botox"—is diluted with saline and finely injected across the entire face at the level of the "skin."
Because the injection ranges from the shallow layers of the skin (the dermis) to the surface of the facial muscles (the fascia), it may help with skin-related concerns such as sebum and fine lines.
It goes by various names: "Micro Botox," because botulinum toxin (Botox) is dispersed and injected in very small (micro) unit doses (U) over a wide area; "Dermotoxin," because botulinum toxin is injected into the skin (dermo); and "Meso Botox," because the technique of injecting the agent directly into the treatment area with a syringe or similar is called "mesotherapy."
Botulinum toxin is one of the proteins extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by inhibiting the release of a chemical called "acetylcholine," which transmits signals from nerve cells to other cells, thereby blocking the nerves involved in muscle movement as well as those of the glands that secrete sebum and sweat. When excessive muscle movement is suppressed, this can lead to improvement of expression wrinkles.
The name "Botox" is a registered trademark of Allergan. Allergan's type A botulinum toxin preparation "Botox Vista®" is approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the term "Botox" generally refers to this product.
However, botulinum toxin preparations from other companies are also commonly referred to as Botox. Likewise, the formulations used for Skin Botox (Micro Botox) are produced by a variety of manufacturers.
What Is Water Light Injection?
The Water Light Injection is a machine that injects the formulation quickly and evenly, with minimal pain, using nine stamp-like needles per shot. In addition to the effect of the formulation, its action in healing the needle marks may help support collagen production.
For more information about Water Light Injection, please see the following article.
Note that botulinum toxin carries a risk of unnatural-looking expressions if the amount or placement of the injection is incorrect; with the Water Light Injection, however, the depth and volume can be kept consistent.
Difference between Skin Botox (Micro Botox) and standard Botox
Because Skin Botox differs from standard Botox in the amount and area injected, the effects you can expect are also different.
| Skin Botox (Micro Botox) | Standard Botox | |
| Injection layer | Finely injected from the shallow layers of the skin to the muscle surface | Injected directly into the muscle |
| Injection area | full face | Forehead, between the eyebrows, outer corners of the eyes, around the mouth, jawline, and more |
| Expected benefits | Preserves muscle movement while helping to improve fine lines, firmness, mild sagging, and excessive sebum secretion, along with a skin-beautifying effect | Suppresses muscle movement to help improve wrinkles and a squared jawline caused by the facial muscles |
| Risks | Bruising, swelling immediately after injection, and the like | Bruising, left-right asymmetry, unnatural expressions, and the like |
Standard Botox injections deliver a sufficient amount mainly into the facial muscles.
Because botulinum toxin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the "commands to move the muscles" transmitted by the nerves are suppressed, weakening muscle movement.
Its main effect is to make "expression wrinkles"—caused by the movement of the facial muscles in areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the outer corners of the eyes and the mouth—less noticeable. It is also used to reduce the tension of a jawline that has developed from habits such as clenching, giving the appearance of a smaller face, and to fine-tune the smile by injecting into the muscles around the mouth.
Skin Botox (Micro Botox), on the other hand, is injected into a layer shallower than the muscle, aiming to improve skin quality and appearance while preserving muscle movement.
The four benefits of Skin Botox
Skin Botox may mainly offer the following benefits.
- Reducing sweat and sebum, and improving acne
- Improving fine lines while maintaining natural facial expression
- Tightening pores and a skin-beautifying effect
- Tightening the skin and improving mild sagging
Benefit ➀ Reducing sweat and sebum, and improving acne
Sweat and sebum are secreted through the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine sent to the sweat and sebaceous glands. When botulinum toxin is injected into the dermal layer, where the sweat and sebaceous glands are located, acetylcholine is suppressed, which can help reduce sweat and sebum secretion.
When excess sebum leads to clogged pores and the proliferation of acne bacteria, inflammatory acne can result. Skin Botox may help improve acne at its root cause. In addition, by reducing sweat and sebum, it can also help prevent makeup from breaking down.
Note that the following study reports that sebum secretion in patients with oily skin was reduced by Skin Botox.
Twenty-five patients with oily skin underwent treatment of the forehead area with intradermal injections of botulinum toxin (= Skin Botox). (omitted) Treatment with botulinum toxin significantly reduced sebum secretion at 1 week and at 1, 2, and 3 months after injection (p < 0.001, t-test). Twenty-one patients (91%) reported satisfaction (50-75% improvement) with intradermal botulinum toxin injection as a treatment for oily skin.
Amy E Rose, David J Goldberg. Safety and efficacy of intradermal injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of oily skin. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]. 2013 Mar;39(3Pt1);443-8. doi: 10.1111/dsu.12097.
Benefit ② Improving fine lines while maintaining natural facial expression
The outer corners of the eyes and the area above the eyebrows are prone to fine wrinkles, due to dryness and everyday eye movements.
By injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin from the shallow layers of the skin toward the surface of the facial muscles, fine lines can be improved without making the eyelids feel heavy or affecting facial expression.
Benefit ③ Tightening pores and a skin-beautifying effect
By finely injecting botulinum toxin from the shallow layers of the skin toward the surface of the facial muscles, excessive sweat and sebum secretion is reduced, pores and sweat glands contract, pores tighten, and a skin-beautifying effect can be achieved.
It also slightly reduces muscle movement, smoothing the surface of the skin.
Benefit ④ Tightening the skin and improving mild sagging
When botulinum toxin is injected into the dermal layer, it reaches the fascia on the surface of the facial muscles that lie in contact with the dermis. For mild sagging, improvement can be expected without inhibiting muscle movement, preserving a natural facial expression.
In addition, the needles of the Water Light Injection stimulate the dermal layer, helping to promote the production of collagen and elastin, the source of firmness and elasticity. As the skin tightens, you may notice a natural lifting effect.
[Who Skin Botox is recommended for]
- Those bothered by oily skin or acne
- Those concerned about shine, makeup breakdown, or visible pores
- Those bothered by fine lines
- Those who want to prevent wrinkles
- Those who, since there will be some downtime anyway, would like to receive several treatments at the same time
When the effects of Skin Botox (Micro Botox) appear, how long they last, and how often to have treatment
- When the effects appear: 1 to 2 weeks later
- Duration of effect: peaks after 3 to 4 months; not permanent
- Recommended treatment interval: every 4 to 9 months
The way effects appear varies from person to person.
Because the effect gradually fades after its peak, regular maintenance is recommended. Also, the effect tends to be easier to appreciate and to last longer with repeated sessions than after the first.
Yes, there is some pain during the Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection procedure
- A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted.
- Pain is eased with the use of anesthesia during the procedure
Because the Water Light Injection involves repeated needle insertions, this treatment is recommended with topical and local anesthesia. Both are performed while you remain conscious. For 1 to 2 hours after the procedure, skin sensation may remain dulled by the anesthesia.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation can help ease anxiety, but it is Smart Skin Clinic's policy not to use anesthesia that places more financial and physical burden on patients than necessary.
Downtime period, symptoms, and recovery course of Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection
- Little to no disruption to daily life
- Temporary redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site
- Any bruising that appears can be covered with makeup
Please rest assured that ordinary activities will not be significantly affected.
You may feel some temporary discomfort after the procedure, but it settles within 2 to 3 weeks.
In rare cases where bruising occurs, it may take about 10 to 14 days to fade. The area around the eyes is prone to bruising, but in most cases it can be concealed with foundation or concealer.
[On the day]
- Redness, swelling, and pain subside within a few hours
- Injection marks settle within a few days
[The next day]
- Makeup can be applied 24 hours later
[1 to 2 weeks]
- Results begin to appear; any bruising gradually fades
[2 to 3 weeks]
- Any sense of discomfort settles
Skincare and how to care for yourself after Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection
Here are things you should not do, or are better off avoiding, in order to enhance the results after Skin Botox.
[Key points]
- Refrain from activities that promote blood circulation
- Moisturize and protect against UV rays
- Avoid touching the treated area more than necessary
[What not to do within 24 hours]
- Strenuous exercise
- Sauna
- Bathing in hot water
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of retinol and hydroquinone cream
[What is best avoided within 24 hours]
- Exercise
- Bathing
- Alcohol consumption
- Makeup over the injection site *OK from 24 hours after the injection (the next day is also fine)
[What you may do within 24 hours]
- Face washing｜Please wash gently so as not to create friction.
- Skincare｜Please use gentle, non-irritating products and focus mainly on moisturizing.
[What is best avoided within 1 week]
- Massage around the treated area
- Use of retinol and hydroquinone cream
- Strenuous exercise, sauna, alcohol consumption, etc.
There are two main reasons why you should not warm the body.
- Because it delays wound healing
- Because botulinum toxin may denature or fail to settle
After treatment, there are tiny needle holes on the surface of the skin and invisible micro-injuries within it. Warming the skin while these wounds are healing can impair recovery, so please avoid it.
In addition, botulinum toxin is made of protein, which is sensitive to heat and is said to denature at high temperatures. If your body temperature rises from hot baths or saunas, the effect of the formulation may be lost, or increased blood flow may make it harder for the formulation to settle.
Risks and precautions for Skin Botox (Micro Botox)
- Allergy
- Infection
- Long-term, high-volume use can lead to antibody formation
- If there are issues with the nature or handling of the formulation, the desired effect may not be achieved
Because botulinum toxin is a protein, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction. In addition, resident bacteria are present on the skin, and because needles are used, the risk of infection is never zero. After treatment, avoid touching the treated area more than necessary, and if redness, swelling, or pain intensifies, please consult the clinic.
The amount of Skin Botox injected is very small, but repeating treatments over a short period without observing the proper intervals may lead to antibody formation and render the treatment ineffective.
Advantages and disadvantages of Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection
[Benefits]
- Preserves a natural facial expression
- Minimal pain
- Little to no downtime
- Repeated treatments can provide greater results
- Can be performed at the same time as injections such as Juvelook and Rejuran
[Disadvantages]
- No immediate results
- The effects are not permanent
- Not effective for deep wrinkles or sagging
The disadvantages of Skin Botox are within a reasonable range once you understand how it works and what to expect.
Skin Botox takes 1 to 2 weeks to take effect. In addition, the effect peaks after 3 to 4 months and then gradually subsides, so regular maintenance is needed to sustain results.
Wrinkles include fine lines, expression wrinkles, and deep wrinkles that remain even with a relaxed face; Skin Botox is not indicated for deep, grooved wrinkles caused by sagging skin. Suitability will be confirmed during your consultation.
Where can Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection be administered?
Can be administered to the entire face (forehead, between the eyebrows, outer corners of the eyes, lower eyelids, cheeks, nose, and facial line)
Standard Botox acts on the facial muscles, so the injection sites are limited; Skin Botox, however, acts on the shallow layers of the skin, so it can be injected across the entire face.
Can be performed on the same day as other agents
Skin Botox can also be combined with other agents such as Juvelook, Rejuran, and Kiarareju, as well as with standard Botox. Receiving them on the same day may provide an even greater skin-beautifying effect.
For the effects of Rejuran, Juvelook, and Kiarareju, please see the following articles.
Features of Smart Skin Clinic's Water Light Injection
Skin Botox (Micro Botox) pricing
Skin Botox is cosmetic medicine and is therefore not covered by insurance. The fee structure, treatment areas, injection volume, and formulation vary from clinic to clinic.
The fees for Skin Botox at Smart Skin Clinic are as follows.
Skin Botox / Micro Botox
*A method in which a small amount of Botox is administered to the shallow layers of the skin.
| Full face | Price |
|---|---|
| Once | 23,800 yen |
| 3 times | 65,400 yen (per session21,800 yen) |
| 4 sessions | 79,200 yen (per session 19,800 yen) |
Need for Anesthesia | High
Prices shown are all-inclusive, covering anesthesia and other fees.
This is because anesthesia is recommended for this treatment, so the standard practice is to perform it after applying anesthetic cream or administering local anesthesia.
Juvelook + Skin Botox
| 3cc | Limited-time discount price (until July 31) | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once (10% off) | 48,400 yen | 16,100 yen |
| 3 times (20% off) | 119,500 yen (per session 39,800 yen) | 13,300 yen |
| 4cc | Limited-time discount price (until July 31) | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once (10% off) | 55,700 yen | 13,900 yen |
| 3 times (20% off) | 143,500 yen (per session 47,800 yen) | 11,900 yen |
| 6cc | Limited-time discount price (until July 31) | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once (10% off) | 61,900 yen | 10,300 yen |
| 3 times (20% off) | 155,500 yen (per session 51,800 yen) | 8,600 yen |
Rejuran (HB) + Skin Botox
| 1 bottle (2cc) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once | 72,200 yen | ¥36,100 |
| 3 times | 224,400 yen (per session 74,800 yen) | 37,400 yen |
| 4 sessions | 288,800 yen (per session 72,200 yen) | ¥36,100 |
Need for Anesthesia | High
Prices shown are all-inclusive, covering anesthesia and other fees.
This is because anesthesia is recommended for this treatment, so the standard practice is to perform it after applying anesthetic cream or administering local anesthesia.
Chiara Reju(Rejuran Generic) + Skin Botox
| 1 bottle (2.2cc) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once | 34,800 yen | ¥15,818 |
| 3 times | 98,400 yen (per session 32,800 yen) | ¥14,909 |
| 4 sessions | 119,200 yen (per session 29,800 yen) | ¥13,545 |
| 2 bottles (4.4cc) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once | 44,800 yen | ¥10,181 |
| 3 times | 122,400 yen (per session40,800 yen) | ¥9,272 |
| 4 sessions | 155,200 yen (per session 38,800 yen) | ¥8,818 |
| 3 bottles (6.6cc) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | 46,800 yen | ¥7,090 |
| Once | 49,800 yen | ¥7,545 |
| 3 times | 134,400 yen (per session44,800 yen) | ¥6,787 |
| 4 sessions | 171,200 yen (per session 42,800 yen) | ¥6,484 |
Need for Anesthesia | High
Prices shown are all-inclusive, covering anesthesia and other fees.
This is because anesthesia is recommended for this treatment, so the standard practice is to perform it after applying anesthetic cream or administering local anesthesia.
How to avoid a disappointing outcome with Skin Botox (Micro Botox)
- Choose a trustworthy clinic based on its case results and reviews.
- Make sure the pricing is something you can sustain over time.
- During counseling, share your concerns and goals with the doctor, confirm suitability, treatment details, and downtime, and proceed only once you feel fully informed and comfortable.
- Follow the aftercare instructions.
- Receive treatment at the recommended frequency and maintenance intervals.
Even for the same treatment, the level of skill, the results, and the fee structure vary from clinic to clinic. Before your visit, review case studies and reviews on official websites and social media, and clear up any questions during your consultation.
The skin you hope to achieve is different for each person. If you receive treatment overseas, symptoms may be more pronounced because attitudes toward downtime differ from those in Japan. Of course, even when receiving treatment in Japan, be sure to fully share your ideal outcome with the doctor before proceeding.
No treatment will be effective unless your general health and skin condition are in good shape. Likewise, spending the post-treatment period improperly can cause the results to be lost.
To achieve long-term skin-beautifying results, it is important to choose a clinic where treatment is easy to continue.
The formulation used for Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Water Light Injection
Hearing that there are various formulations, some people may worry, "Doesn't the effect differ depending on the formulation used?"
At Smart Skin Clinic, we use "Botulax."
Botulax is a botulinum toxin manufactured by Korea's Hugel and approved by the KFDA, Korea's equivalent of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Although not approved in Japan, it is a generic equivalent of Botox Vista, which allows us to offer it at a reasonable price.
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During counseling, please feel free to share any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales.
We perform the injection while chatting with you.
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and what to keep in mind in daily life. From a prevention and maintenance standpoint, we also suggest suitable home care, such as oral medications and skincare products that can support improvement of your concerns.
FAQ
- Won't my facial expression become stiff after the Skin Botox procedure?
-
The amount of formulation injected is very small, and because it is not injected directly into the muscle, the impact is minimal. With the Water Light Injection, the needle depth can be adjusted in advance.
- Is it safe to keep receiving Skin Botox repeatedly?
-
Receiving high-unit formulations at extremely short intervals may lead to the development of tolerance. As long as you follow the recommended intervals, there is generally no problem. If you have concerns about continued treatment, please consult your doctor.
- What is the downtime for Skin Botox?
-
It varies from person to person, but there is little to no downtime. Individual variation applies, but mild redness, swelling, and pain settle within a few days.
Details
| Treatment Time | About 30 to 40 minutes (not including counseling) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | Recommended at intervals of approximately 4 to 9 months |
| Downtime | About 2 to 3 days |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Possible from about 24 hours later |
| Skincare | Possible right after the treatment |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
*Results vary from person to person.
[Legal Notices]
Water Light Injection includes procedures using drugs or medical devices that are not approved in Japan. The drugs and devices used in treatment have been imported through personal importation at the discretion of our physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medications and similar items that require caution in personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medications and Similar Items That Require Caution in Personal Importation."
For Skin Botox × Water Light Injection, choose Smart Skin Clinic
Smart Skin Clinic's Skin Botox Water Light Injection is offered with an easy-to-try single-session price and easy-to-continue 3- and 4-session set prices. By eliminating waste and using generic-type formulations, we are able to offer it at an affordable price.
It can also be performed on the same day as the popular Rejuran and Juvelook.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask during a free consultation. Our doctors will recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
Reference
Related Pages
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Clinic
〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a Smart Skin Clinic supervising physician.
This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025