Abstract

• Microbotox is a mesotherapy treatment using botulinum toxin, in which a highly diluted solution of botulinum toxin is injected into the superficial layer of the skin.
• The treatment is primarily directed at the skin and the sebaceous and sweat glands, not the facial muscles themselves.
• Microbotox reduces sebum production, controls sweating, and shrinks enlarged pores.
• The treatment reduces superficial lines and smooths the skin's surface while preserving the face's natural expressions.
• People who suffer from couperose and rosacea also often find relief from microbotox treatment.
• For example, treatment for excessive sweating of the face and hairline is performed using Microbotox injections.
• Microbotox can be administered using an injection technique, the SkinPen device, or the Aquagold technique.
  • Injection therapy provides the best and most long-lasting treatment results.
  • Since a modest amount of scientific research and our extensive clinical experience have demonstrated the benefits of the injection technique, VM-Aesthetics’ Microbotox treatments are performed specifically using this injection technique.
  • The treatment can also be performed using the Aquagold or microneedling techniques, if the client so desires.
• The effects usually last about 2–4 months, after which the treatment can be repeated.

Microbotox solves a wide range of skin problems

The goal of Microbotox treatment is not to relax facial muscles but to affect the surface layers of the skin, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and very superficial muscle fibers. Systematic reviews and clinical studies published in recent years show that Microbotox may be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions. The research evidence is strongest for the treatment of rosacea-related redness, facial flushing, increased sebum production, and enlarged pores. In addition, several studies have observed a smoothing of the skin’s surface and a reduction in superficial fine lines.

However, based on research, microbotox is not a universal treatment for all signs of aging. It does not eliminate visible superficial blood vessels, correct deep wrinkles, or tighten sagging skin. In these cases, more effective options include, for example, traditional Botox, laser treatments, dermal fillers, or surgical procedures.

Researchers also emphasize that there are not yet fully established treatment protocols for microbotox. The dilutions, injection techniques, and doses used vary from one study to another, making it difficult to compare results. For this reason, the success of the treatment depends significantly on the practitioner’s experience, the correct injection technique, and careful patient selection.

(Surgeon Ville Männistö)

Treatment Topics

• Facial redness (erythema) associated with rosacea.
• Facial flushing.
• Enlarged pores.
• Oily skin and increased sebum production.
• Superficial streaks.
• Uneven skin texture.
• Dullness of the skin.
• Mild sagging of the skin, particularly on the lower part of the face and the neck.

Although the study results are promising overall and patient satisfaction has been high, the researchers consider the evidence to be only moderate at this point. Before microbotox can be established as part of international treatment guidelines, more high-quality randomized studies are needed that use standardized treatment methods and longer follow-up periods than in previous studies.

Prices for Microbotox Treatment

The cost of Microbotox treatment is determined by the number of areas being treated. The treatment uses a highly diluted botulinum toxin solution, which is administered to the skin in tens or even hundreds of microdoses. The final treatment plan is always tailored to each individual during the consultation.

Microbotox is a botulinum toxin treatment administered to the skin

Microbotox is a specialized botulinum toxin treatment technique in which a highly diluted solution of botulinum toxin is administered to the surface layer of the skin in tens or even hundreds of microdoses. Unlike in classic botulinum toxin treatment or “baby Botox,” the medication is not injected into the facial muscles themselves but rather into the skin. The treatment primarily affects the skin’s surface as well as the sebaceous and sweat glands.

The goal of Microbotoxin is not to reduce facial movement but to alter the skin’s function. The treatment reduces sebum production, curbs sweating, and shrinks enlarged pores. At the same time, the skin’s surface may become smoother and very superficial lines may be reduced without altering the face’s natural expression.

Microbotox differs from traditional botulinum toxin treatment primarily in terms of injection depth. In traditional botulinum toxin treatment, botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle, temporarily reducing muscle activity. With Microbotox, injections are administered much more superficially into the skin. As a result, the effects of the treatment are primarily directed at the skin rather than facial expressions.

Microbotox can be administered using several different techniques. The most common methods include intradermal microinjections, microbotox combined with SkinPen treatment, and the Aquagold treatment, also known as the “Botox Facial.” Based on current research evidence, intradermal microinjections are likely to produce the best and most long-lasting treatment results.

"Microbotox is not a new drug, but a new way of administering botulinum toxin. The effects of the treatment are based on the fact that botulinum toxin acts on the skin rather than on the facial muscles themselves," Ville notes.

Microbotox is suitable for people who suffer from oily skin, enlarged pores, or excessive facial sweating. The treatment can also be performed on the neck and décolleté, where the applications of traditional botulinum toxin treatment are more limited.

Microbotox is not a substitute for traditional botulinum toxin treatment. The two treatment methods complement each other, but their mechanisms of action and treatment goals are different.

Mesotherapy, using a diluted botulinum toxin as the active ingredient

Microbotox treatment always begins with a personalized consultation and treatment plan. During the consultation, the condition of the skin, sebum production, the visibility of pores, sweating, and any other treatment concerns are assessed. At the same time, the most suitable treatment technique is selected. Microbotox can be administered via intradermal microinjections, the SkinPen device, or the Aquagold technique. Based on preliminary research, the intradermal injection technique is the preferred option among these.

Pre-Treatment Consultation

The treatment begins with a consultation to assess your health, previous cosmetic treatments, and your goals. During the consultation, we’ll also evaluate whether Microbotox is right for your specific skin type or if the desired results might be better achieved with, for example, classic Botox, Baby Botox, or another aesthetic treatment.

At the same time, we ensure that there are no contraindications to the treatment. For example, botulinum toxin treatment is not performed during pregnancy or while exclusively breastfeeding, nor is it performed on individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

A diluted botulinum toxin solution is applied to the skin

During the procedure, a very dilute solution of botulinum toxin is administered to the surface layer of the skin in tens or even hundreds of microdoses. The injections are administered in a dense grid pattern to ensure that the botulinum toxin is distributed evenly throughout the entire treatment area.

The treatment usually lasts 20–30 minutes. The injections feel like small pinpricks, and most clients find the procedure tolerable.

If necessary, an anesthetic ointment is applied to the skin about half an hour before the injections.

Instructions After Microbotox Treatment

After treatment, the skin may become red, and small bumps may appear at the injection sites. These reactions are common and usually disappear within a few hours. Since there are many injection sites, bruising is a common side effect of the treatment.

You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after treatment. However, during the first 24 hours, you should avoid going to the sauna, strenuous physical activity, and vigorous rubbing of the injection sites.

When will the results be available?

The effects of microbotoxin develop gradually. The first changes are usually noticeable within a few days, and the final treatment results are assessed after about two weeks. A reduction in sebum production, shrinking of the pores, and a decrease in sweating occur gradually.

How long will the results last?

The effects of microbotoxin typically last 2–4 months. Factors affecting the duration of the effects include the treatment technique used, the dosage, the treatment area, and individual differences in metabolism.

Microbotox is an off-label treatment

Microbotox is what is known as an off-label treatment. This means that botulinum toxin is used as a medically approved drug, but the dosage and method of use differ from the official indications described in the summary of product characteristics. Off-label use is at the discretion of the physician. Off-label treatments are permitted procedures. They are an established part of many medical specialties.

It is important to understand that the response to microbotoxin treatment varies from person to person. Some clients achieve excellent results from the treatment, while for others the effects are more modest than expected. Factors influencing the response to treatment include skin characteristics, the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, and individual biological differences.

It's best to think of your first microbotox treatment as a trial.

(Ville Männistö)

The first treatment session will reveal how your specific skin reacts to the treatment and what dosage or treatment technique produces the best results. If necessary, the next treatment can be planned based on the experience gained from the first session.

The treatment can be repeated

Microbotox can be repeated as the effects wear off. As with other botulinum toxin treatments, it is not recommended to have it done more frequently than every three months in order to minimize the risk of developing resistance to botulinum toxin.

Each treatment session is planned individually. If necessary, Microbotox can be combined with other aesthetic treatments if they are deemed to support your treatment goals.