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Body Botox — Body Botox · trapezius · calf · sweat control

Body Botox · trapezius · calf · sweat control

Body Botox

Body Botox at Delight uses Allergan Botox® and Merz Xeomin® for trapezius, calf, biceps and triceps, and hyperhidrosis (underarm, palm, sole). Daily 400U cumulative cap across zones for safety.

Board-Certified

Dermatologist

AAD International Fellow

IFAAD

FDA-cleared

Where applicable

MFDS-registered

Korean MoH&W

Dr. SangYoul Yun
Reviewed by Dr. SangYoul Yun
Board-certified Dermatologist · Chief Director · AAD Member
01

Overview

Body Botox in Seoul by a board-certified dermatologist — trapezius, calf, biceps, triceps, and axillary / palmar / plantar hyperhidrosis using Allergan Botox® or Merz Xeomin® only, with a 400-unit single-day cumulative cap.

Best for

  • Bulky upper trapezius softening shoulder line, neck-and-shoulder tension, or 'forward-head' posture-related discomfort
  • Enlarged calf (gastrocnemius hypertrophy) common as an East Asian aesthetic concern
  • Visible biceps or triceps bulk preferring a slimmer arm contour (off-label, individualized dosing)
  • Excessive underarm sweat (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) that interferes with work, social life, or clothing
  • Excessive palmar (handshake / device-use) or plantar (foot-odor / shoe-damage) sweating

Suited for

  • Patients with visibly bulky upper trapezius who want non-surgical shoulder-line refinement
  • East Asian patients with prominent calf muscle preferring an injectable rather than surgical calf reduction
  • Patients with arm-muscle bulk who understand the off-label nature and accept conservative dosing with grip-strength monitoring
  • Patients with Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) 3-4 axillary, palmar, or plantar sweating that has not responded to topical aluminum chloride or oral anticholinergics
  • Repeat travelers planning maintenance — body botox onset is 1-2 weeks for muscle and within 1 week for hyperhidrosis, with re-treatment typically every 4-6 months
Duration

20-40 min depending on number of zones

Sessions

Single session per zone; repeat every 4-6 months for maintenance

Downtime

None (mild needle marks 1-2 days; faint bruising in a minority of sites resolves in 5-7 days)

Peak result

2-4 weeks (hyperhidrosis), 4-8 weeks (muscle protocols)

02

Timeline

  1. Day 0 (immediately post)

    Mild needle marks at injection sites; minor pinpoint bleeding resolves within minutes. Treated muscle and skin feel normal — no immediate change.

  2. Days 1-3

    Possible faint bruising at a minority of sites; resolves over 5-7 days. No functional change yet.

  3. Week 1

    Hyperhidrosis: sweat reduction becomes evident (Lowe 2023, PMID 37499084). Muscle protocols: no visible change yet.

  4. Weeks 1-2

    Muscle protocols: trapezius softening / calf relaxation / arm-bulk reduction begin to appear. A sense of 'lightness' in the treated muscle is commonly reported.

  5. Weeks 4-8 (peak)

    Maximum aesthetic effect for muscle protocols — visible contour change in shoulder line, calf circumference, or arm silhouette. Hyperhidrosis effect at plateau.

  6. Months 4-6

    Gradual return toward baseline as nerve terminals regenerate. Re-treatment typically scheduled here. Some patients with repeated cycles report longer durability as the treated muscle adapts.

03

Devices

Allergan Botox® onabotulinumtoxinA vial — MFDS-licensed botulinum toxin used for body botox at Delight Dermatology

Allergan Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA)

Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie)FDA-approved (BOTOX Cosmetic — glabellar 2002, crow's feet 2013, forehead 2017; BOTOX therapeutic — primary axillary hyperhidrosis 2004); Korean MFDS-licensed; procured through authorized Korean distribution with traceable lot numbers

Key specs

Active ingredient
onabotulinumtoxinA, the original branded botulinum toxin type A with the largest global safety registry
Mechanism
blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction (muscle protocols) and at cholinergic sympathetic nerve terminals supplying eccrine sweat glands (hyperhidrosis protocols)
Onset
muscle protocols 1-2 weeks, hyperhidrosis within 1 week (Lowe 2023, PMID 37499084)
Duration
muscle 4-6 months, axillary hyperhidrosis 4-7 months per level A evidence (Lakraj 2013, PMID 23612753)
Typical body protocols
trapezius 100-200 U bilateral, calf 100-200 U bilateral, axillary ~50 U per side; biceps / triceps off-label individualized
Delight policy
400-unit cumulative cap per single treatment day across all zones

Merz Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA)

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbHFDA-approved (Xeomin Cosmetic — glabellar 2011); Korean MFDS-licensed; procured through authorized Korean distribution with traceable lot numbers

Key specs

Active ingredient
incobotulinumtoxinA, the purified 150 kDa neurotoxin with accessory proteins removed during manufacture
Accessory-protein-free formulation may suit patients concerned about antibody response with long-term repeat dosing
Noninferiority vs onabotulinumtoxinA demonstrated in a Phase 3 Chinese cohort glabellar trial (Wu 2023, PMID 37250827); cross-product clinical equivalence supports use in body protocols
Onset, peak, and duration profile comparable to onabotulinumtoxinA at equivalent dosing units
Selected at consultation based on prior exposure, antibody-response concerns, and current clinic stock
04

Process

  1. 01

    Dermatologist examines target muscle bulk (palpation + visual symmetry) or sweat severity (HDSS 1-4 grading) and reviews medication / allergy history including neuromuscular disease and aminoglycoside antibiotic use

  2. 02

    Brand selection — Allergan Botox® or Merz Xeomin® — discussed with the patient based on prior exposure, antibody-response concerns, and current clinic stock

  3. 03

    Trapezius — injection sites mapped to the descending part (sections b + c per Bae 2018 anatomical study, PMID 29946827); typical total 100-200 U bilateral, paired across symmetric sites

  4. 04

    Calf (gastrocnemius) — medial and lateral heads palpated during active tip-toe; multi-point intramuscular injections; typical total 100-200 U across both calves (Cheng 2020 East Asian review, PMID 31977500)

  5. 05

    Biceps / triceps — off-label individualized dosing keeping per-side total conservative; grip strength tested before and at 2-week review

  6. 06

    Axillary hyperhidrosis — Minor starch-iodine test optional to map sweat zones; intradermal grid of micro-injections, ~50 U per axilla typical (Lowe 2023 pivotal program, PMID 37499084)

  7. 07

    Palmar / plantar hyperhidrosis — regional nerve block or topical anesthesia; intradermal grid with reduced dose per site; counselling on transient grip weakness for palmar protocol

  8. 08

    Daily cumulative cap of 400 U verified at the chart before the final syringe — if total approaches the cap, remaining zones are deferred to a separate visit ≥4 weeks later

  9. 09

    Aftercare card issued (no massage of treated area 24 hours, no sauna or vigorous exercise day-of)

We refuse to delegate injectables and energy devices to non-physician staff — every patient is treated by a board-certified dermatologist.

Dr. SangYoul Yun · Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD IFAAD
05

Aftercare

  1. First 24 hours

    Avoid massage or firm pressure on the treated area. No sauna, hot bath, or vigorous exercise. Mild needle marks may show — do not cover with heavy makeup; use clean fingertips and gentle skincare only.

  2. Days 2-7

    Resume normal activity and skincare. Light exercise from day 2. Hot showers OK from day 2. Faint bruising at a minority of sites is normal and resolves over 5-7 days.

  3. Weeks 1-2 (onset window)

    Muscle softening or sweat reduction becomes visible during this window. If asymmetry or unexpected weakness appears, contact the clinic via KakaoTalk / WhatsApp / LINE — early review at 2 weeks allows minor adjustment if needed.

  4. Weeks 4-8 (peak review)

    Optional review visit to document peak effect, grip strength (arm protocols), or HDSS score (hyperhidrosis). Photos at peak provide a baseline for the next maintenance cycle.

  5. Months 4-6 (maintenance)

    Schedule the next session as the effect returns toward baseline. International patients typically time the next Seoul visit around the 4-6 month interval. Dose may be adjusted up or down based on the prior cycle response.

06

FAQ

Which botulinum toxin brands?

Two brands only: Allergan Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) or Merz Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA, accessory-protein-free). Both MFDS-licensed with traceable lot numbers.

What is the 400 U daily cap?

Operator-set safety policy across all zones in a single day. If your goal exceeds 400 U, remaining zones scheduled for a separate visit ≥ 4 weeks later. Chart verified before final syringe.

How long does body botox last?

Muscle: onset 1-2 weeks, peak 4-8 weeks, duration 4-6 months. Hyperhidrosis: within 1 week onset, 4-7 months durability. Maintenance every 4-6 months.

Permanent muscle weakness?

No, reversible. Nerve terminals regenerate over 4-6 months. Repeated cycles may produce some disuse atrophy (the desired aesthetic effect) but nerve and contractile capacity remain intact.

Biceps / triceps body botox?

Off-label for aesthetic slimming. Conservative individualized dosing with pre/post grip strength documentation. Patients whose work or sport relies on upper-body strength counseled candidly; we will decline if functional needs and aesthetic dose are not compatible.

Body vs skin vs face botox?

Body: intramuscular for bulk reduction (or intradermal grid for hyperhidrosis). Skin botox: superficial facial dermis micro-dose for pores / sebum. Face botox: standard wrinkle relaxer. Same brands, different dilution / depth / zone.

Exercise / athletic impact?

Avoid heavy exercise 24h. Trapezius rarely affects overhead sport. Calf can reduce sprint power for several months. Biceps / triceps may reduce max-effort load for months — defer if competition within 3 months.

Hyperhidrosis vs cosmetic body botox?

Hyperhidrosis: intradermal grid targeting eccrine sweat glands (level A evidence for axillary; ~50 U/axilla). Onset within 1 week, duration 4-7 months. Palmar / plantar may produce transient grip weakness or foot-fatigue for 2-4 weeks.

Insurance coverage for hyperhidrosis?

Korean NHI does not cover BoNT for hyperhidrosis as aesthetic indication. Some home-country private plans cover HDSS 3-4 with prior topical failure. Itemized receipt provided; we do not bill insurers directly.

Who should NOT receive body botox?

Hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin; active infection at site; neuromuscular junction disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, ALS); pregnancy or lactation. Relative: aminoglycoside antibiotics, bleeding disorders / anticoagulation, prior antibody response.

Notice

Tell the dermatologist at consultation if any of the following apply.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or formulation components
  • Active infection at any planned injection site
  • Neuromuscular junction disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, ALS)
  • Current aminoglycoside antibiotics or other neuromuscular-blocking agents — physician review required
  • Active bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy — physician clearance
  • Athletic or professional functional needs incompatible with the cosmetic dose — declined or deferred

For your visit

  • Single-session treatment for any one zone is realistic in a Seoul day-trip — no overnight stay required
  • Mild needle marks and minor bruising may be visible 1-2 days; same-day flights are fine
  • Onset: trapezius / calf / biceps / triceps muscle softening becomes visible at 1-2 weeks, peak 4-8 weeks; hyperhidrosis sweat reduction appears within 1 week per Lowe 2023 (PMID 37499084)
  • Re-treatment interval 4-6 months typical — international patients commonly plan a single Seoul visit per maintenance cycle
  • Avoid heavy gym day-of and the first 24 hours (mild bruising risk plus diffusion concern); resume activity from day 2
  • If multiple zones are planned and total would exceed 400 U, the second zone is scheduled for a separate visit ≥4 weeks later — plan trip dates accordingly
07

References

The clinical claims on this page — device specs, efficacy timelines, safety profile — are supported by the primary sources below. Each citation links to the original paper or regulatory record.7 refs
  1. [1]Accessory nerve distribution for aesthetic botulinum toxin injections into the upper trapezius muscle: anatomical study and clinical trial. Surg Radiol Anat (Bae et al., PMID 29946827) — cadaver N=13 + clinical N=13, reproducible BoNT injection sites for shoulder contouring (2018).
  2. [2]Anatomical guide for botulinum neurotoxin injection: Application to cosmetic shoulder contouring, pain syndromes, and cervical dystonia. Clin Anat (Yi et al., PMID 32996645) — modified Sihler's method N=16 cadaver, intramuscular neural distribution mapping (2020).
  3. [3]Botulinum Toxin Injections for Leg Contouring in East Asians. Dermatol Surg (Cheng et al., PMID 31977500) — literature review of gastrocnemius BoNT for calf reduction in East Asian patients (2020).
  4. [4]Treatment of hyperhidrosis with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact. Medicine (Lowe, Naumann, Eadie, PMID 37499084) — onabotulinumtoxinA hyperhidrosis development program review (2023).
  5. [5]Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins. Toxins (Lakraj, Moghimi, Jabbari, PMID 23612753) — level A evidence for BoNT-A in axillary hyperhidrosis (831 patients) (2013).
  6. [6]Hyperhidrosis: Management Options. Am Fam Physician (McConaghy, Fosselman, PMID 30215934) — clinical algorithm placing BoNT first/second-line for focal hyperhidrosis (2018).
  7. [7]IncobotulinumtoxinA for Glabellar Frown Lines in Chinese Subjects: A Randomized, Double-blind, Active-Controlled Phase-3 Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open (Wu et al., PMID 37250827) — Phase 3 N=503 noninferiority of Xeomin vs Botox in an Asian cohort (cross-product equivalence anchor) (2023).
Reviewed byDr. SangYoul Yun· Board-Certified Dermatologist · AAD International Fellow (IFAAD)· Last reviewed 2026-05-22

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Notice: Individual results may vary depending on skin condition, treatment history, and recovery factors. All treatment plans are determined through individual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. The information on this page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice or guarantee specific outcomes.

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Gangnam, Seoul

Personalized dermatology care in Gangnam for local and overseas patients.

Delight Dermatology Clinic focuses on doctor-led consultation, warm service, and personalized treatment planning.

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Clinic

Delight Dermatology Clinic

4th Floor, Building B, 509 Gangnam-daero

Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Parking is available in the building.

02-517-9991

Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 20:00

Lunch break: 13:00 - 14:00

Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00

Sunday and public holidays: Closed

Location

Gangnam · Seocho-gu, Seoul

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Officially registered by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea (Reg. No. M-2024-01-08-8248) · 외국인환자 유치의료기관

Medical information on this site is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment planning.