What is Micro Botulinum Toxin (Baby Botulinum Toxin)?
Micro Botulinum Toxin is short for Microdroplet Botulinium Toxin injections (also known as Baby Botulinum Toxin or intradermal Botulinum Toxin) is a skin rejuvenation technique where very small, diluted doses of botulinum toxin (like Botulinum Toxin, Dysport, or Xeomin) are injected into the superficial layers of the skin, rather than the muscles that control facial expressions. This treatment aims to refine skin texture, minimise pores, and reduce fine lines without causing muscle paralysis or altering facial expressions
Unlike conventional Botulinum Toxin face injections, which are used to relax the muscles of facial expression, Micro Botulinum Toxin targets the superficial layer of the skin and tiny muscles around the pores and sweat glands. After micro Botulinum Toxin, pores shrink and skin becomes tighter and less oily, giving the smooth and flawless “Glass Skin” aka “Baby Skin” appearance. The skin tightness seen after micro Botulinum Toxin injections is known as the “dermalift” effect.
Micro Botulinum Toxin works by:
Reducing sweat and sebum (oil) production: Micro Botulinum Toxin induces atrophy (shrinkage) of sebaceous (oil) glands and sweat glands by blocking nerve signals to the glands.
Tightening the skin: Micro Botulinum Toxin acts on the superficial fibres of facial muscles, attached to the lower dermis. The higher dilution and low-concentration inhibit the “pulling” effects of the superficial muscle fibers while preserving the function of the deep muscle fibers, imparting a rested and lifted appearance to the face. The lifting action of micro Botulinum Toxin is known as the Botulinum Toxin Dermalift
Increasing skin hydration: Micro Botulinum Toxin induces relaxation of muscles guarding lymphatic channels and an increased osmolarity in the dermis, leading to fluid retention in the skin. This is seen as increased skin smoothness and luminosity.
Shrinking pore size: Micro Botulinum Toxin relaxes the tiny muscles (known as erector pili) that pull open the pores, leading to a smaller pore size
Benefits of Micro-Botulinum Toxin (Baby Botulinum Toxin)
Improved skin texture and firmness: Micro Botulinum Toxin can help to create a smoother, more refined complexion.
Reduced pore size: The treatment can minimise the appearance of pores, making the skin appear more even.
Fine line reduction: Micro Botulinum Toxin can help to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
"Glass skin" effect: the smooth, poreless and radiant appearance achieved with Micro Botulinum Toxin.
Control of oil and sweat production: The treatment can help to regulate oil and sweat production, reducing grease and improving skin clarity.
Mini "facelift" effect: By tightening the skin, Micro Botulinum Toxin can create a subtle lifting effect.
Micro Botulinum Toxin for glass skin
Enlarged pores on the nose aka “Strawberry nose”
Enlarged pores can be treated with Micro Botulinum Toxin
Types of pores
What are enlarged pores?
Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow sweat and oil to escape, and they are surrounded by sebaceous glands that produce sebum to keep the skin moisturised. When these glands become overactive, or as skin ages and loses elasticity, pores can appear larger and more noticeable. Enlarged pores, aka “open pores”, are often seen in individuals with oily, acne-prone skin types and often co-exist with active acneand acne scars.
What are Platysmal Bands?
While the most popular target area is the T-zone (forehead & cheeks), Micro Botulinum Toxin is also effective for:
Oily or acne-prone cheeks
Enlarged pores along the nose
Shine and texture irregularities on the chin
Neck crepiness or décolletage
Jawline refinement and mild sagging
Treatment indications for Micro-Botulinum Toxin include
Enlarged, open pores
Oily, acne-prone skin
Fine lines and sagging skin
Neck lines and ageing neck
Korean Glass skin is trending
Micro-Botulinum Toxin and Korean Glass Skin
Known on social media as “glass skin,” “mirror skin,” or “baby skin”,- this refers to clear, blemish-free, poreless and glowing skin that needs minimal make-up or filters. Often seen in Korean Celebrities and beauty influencers, their secret is revealed: Micro Botulinum Toxin.
Helps makeup sit better, with less shine and creasing
Makes you look younger in selfies and video calls
Treatment Process: What to Expect at Bay Aesthetics
1. Personalised Skin Assessment
We will examine your skin texture, pore size and oil levels. We’ll also assess your suitability for Micro Botulinum Toxin and design a treatment map targeting your concerns.
2. Cleansing & Numbing
Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly, and a numbing cream will be applied for 15–20 minutes.
3. Micro Injection
Using a very fine needle or microinjector device, we will deliver micro-droplets of diluted Botulinum Toxin into the skin’s surface in a grid-like pattern. Micro-Botulinum Toxin is often performed together with JuveLook skinboosters and Picosure Laser. This takes around 10-15 minutes.
4. Post-Treatment Care
There’s little to no downtime. You may experience slight redness or tiny bumps immediately after, which resolve within a few hours.
Aftercare tips:
No makeup for 24 hours
Avoid hot saunas, facials, or workouts for 24–48 hours
Keep skin hydrated and protected with SPF
5. Results
Improvements can be seen in 3–5 days, with full effects at 1–2 weeks. Skin appears:
Refined
Less oily or shiny
Glowing, with reduced texture under harsh lighting
Traditional technique of administration of botulinum toxin into the deeper fibres of the muscle vs Micro Botulinum Toxin via Microdroplet technique showing administration of neurotoxin in the intradermal plane, into the superficial muscle fibres
How Many Units Are Needed?
Because the Botulinum Toxin is diluted and spread across a wider surface area, the amount of units required for this procedure is different from other Botulinum Toxin procedures.
Treatment Area
Typical Units
Full face
15-20 Botulinum Toxin units
Full face + neck
20-30 Botulinum Toxin units
Your treatment plan will be adjusted based on your pore size and skin oiliness thickness.
Risks & Side Effects
Micro Botulinum Toxin is well tolerated and safe when performed by trained doctors. Because the injections are shallow and doses are low, the risk of muscle weakness or frozen expression is minimal.
Possible side effects include:
Mild redness or bumps post-injection (resolves in hours)
Bruising at injection points
Note: These risks apply to all Botulinum Toxin treatments. To minimise any complications, it’s important to have your treatment done by a doctor who has experience tailoring procedures based on Botulinum Toxin micro-dosages.
Micro Botulinum Toxin at Bay Aesthetics Clinic
Why Choose Bay Aesthetics Clinic for Your Micro Botulinum Toxin?
Our Medical Directors, Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min, bring over 20 years of experience in non-surgical aesthetic treatments, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to natural-looking results.
Can Micro Botulinum Toxin be performed together with other treatments?
Yes, Micro Botulinum Toxin works well when combined with Laser and skinbooster treatments
Is there any downtime from Micro Botulinum Toxin?
No, clients can resume normal activity right away
Do I still need Botulinum Toxin on my Face if I am doing Micro-Botulinum Toxin?
Yes, as the treatment has different targets and outcomes, Botulinum Toxin treatment of the face is still required
Does micro Botulinum Toxin help with acne scars?
No, micro Botulinum Toxin does not help resurface acne scars, and treatments such as fractional CO2 laser are required
References:
Kandhari et al. Microdroplet Botulinum Toxin: A Review. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun;15(2):101-107.
Wu WTL. Micro Botulinum Toxin of the lower face and neck: Evolution of a personal technique and its clinical effects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015
With over 10 years of experience in aesthetic treatments, Dr Hoe Ying Min serves as the Medical Director at Bay Aesthetics Clinic. She has extensive hands-on experience in lasers, injectables, body-shaping and skin-rejuvenation procedures, and is known for her careful, personalised approach that aims for natural-looking outcomes.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa is a doctor-led clinic located in the Marina Bay Financial Centre that delivers medical aesthetics and medispa treatments in a calm, professional setting. With a focus on safety, visible results and accessibility, the team uses only US FDA and HSA-approved technology, applies a holistic view to beauty and wellness, and avoids hard-selling or pressure tactics.
Open from 11 am daily (until 8 pm Mon-Fri; 6 pm Sat/Sun) and conveniently situated within walking distance of two MRT stations
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B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
