What Should You Avoid After Korean Botox Treatment?

Why aftercare matters after Botox

Botulinum toxin, usually called Botox, relaxes targeted muscles to soften expression lines, slim the jaw or reduce the bulk of muscles such as the trapezius or calves. Korean clinics commonly use Korean-made toxins as well as imported brands. Whichever product is used, the injection itself is quick, but the first hours and days afterwards are when the toxin binds to the nerve endings in the treated area.

Aftercare advice is designed to help the product stay where the doctor placed it and to reduce bruising and swelling. Exact instructions differ a little between doctors, so always follow what your own clinic tells you. The guidance below reflects common, general advice.

The first four hours

This is the window many doctors focus on most:

Do not rub or massage the area. Pressing on injection points may encourage the toxin to spread to nearby muscles. Avoid facials and face massage.
Stay upright. Many clinics suggest not lying flat or napping face-down for a few hours after facial Botox.
Avoid tight headwear. Caps, headbands, helmets or goggles pressing on the forehead are best left off for the day after forehead or glabella treatment.
Keep your hands off. Try not to touch the injection points, which also helps reduce the chance of infection.

The first 24 hours

Skip strenuous exercise. Intense workouts raise blood flow and heart rate and may increase bruising. Light walking is usually fine.
Avoid heat. Saunas, jjimjilbang, hot springs, steam rooms and very hot baths are commonly avoided for at least a day.
Limit alcohol. Alcohol can make bruising and flushing more likely. Many doctors suggest avoiding it on the day of treatment.
Go easy on makeup. Light makeup may be allowed after some hours, but apply it gently without pressing hard on the injection points.
Delay other face treatments. Laser, facials, microneedling and lifting treatments on the same area are often scheduled for another day unless your doctor planned them together.

The first two weeks

Botox does not work instantly. Many people begin to notice a change after a few days, with the full effect typically visible at around two weeks. During this time:

Do not judge too early. Unevenness in the first few days is often just a difference in timing between sides.
Avoid pressing massage tools on the area. Gua sha, rollers and strong facial devices can wait.
Be thoughtful with jaw Botox. Some people notice that chewing feels slightly weaker. Hard or very chewy foods may feel tiring for a while.
Check in if something seems off. If the result looks uneven after two weeks, contact the clinic rather than seeking extra injections elsewhere.

Who should check with a doctor first

Tell the doctor before treatment if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, if you have a neuromuscular condition, take blood thinners or certain antibiotics, or have had a reaction to toxin before. Toxin treatment is generally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the doctor will advise you.

When to contact a doctor

Mild redness, small bumps at injection points and occasional bruising are common and temporary. Seek medical advice if you notice a drooping eyelid or brow, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, double vision, or widespread weakness. These are rare but should be checked promptly.

Botox prices at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon

Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon lists first-visit prices for several Botox treatments, in KRW with VAT excluded (10% VAT added at payment), checked October 2026:

Wrinkle Botox. Korean toxin, 1 area (forehead, glabella, nose bridge or eye area): 3,000 KRW.
Jaw Botox. 50 units: 9,900 KRW.
Body Botox. 100 units, Korean toxin, 1 area (calves, thighs, trapezius or arms): 29,000 KRW.

First-visit prices apply once per new patient per item. See the Botox overview and the full price list for details. If you want to ask about a particular imported brand, you can do so during consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly straight after Botox?

Many people do fly soon after Botox, as there is usually little downtime. It is still wise to follow the first-day aftercare and ask your doctor about your timing.