Microtox: Glass Skin Treatment

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Microtox — sometimes called "mesotox" or "dermatox" — is a anti-wrinkle injection technique where small doses of diluted botulinum toxin are placed superficially in the dermis rather than deep into the muscle. The result is different from injections: skin improves, pore size reduces, oil production decreases, and the overall complexion takes on a smoother, more refined quality without significantly affecting facial .

This is the "glass skin" look that’s increasingly requested at aesthetic clinics — that smooth, dewy, almost poreless quality associated with K-beauty and the curated complexions of skincare-focused celebrities. Microtox is one of the more effective treatments for achieving it, though the result is subtle and requires regular maintenance.

This guide covers exactly what Microtox does, who it suits, who it doesn’t, what to expect, and how it differs from conventional .

How Microtox differs from conventional anti-wrinkle treatment

Conventional anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing facial muscles. The botulinum toxin is placed into specific muscle groups (forehead, glabella, crow’s feet) where it interrupts the signal between nerve and muscle. The muscle relaxes, and dynamic lines (the wrinkles that appear with facial movement) soften.

Microtox uses the same active ingredient but in a fundamentally different way:

Placement. Superficial, in the dermal layer just beneath the skin surface — not in the muscle below.

Dose. Diluted so that each micro-droplet contains a very small amount of toxin. The total dose used across a face is similar to or less than conventional treatment but distributed across many more injection points.

Mechanism. The toxin affects:

Result. skin texture, smaller-looking pores, reduced oiliness, less flushing, and an overall "polished" quality to the skin — without altering facial expression or dynamic line patterns.

For the broader topic of how botulinum toxin can be used in different ways, see our comprehensive .

What Microtox can address

The treatment is particularly useful for:

Enlarged pores on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. By relaxing the small muscles and reducing sebum production around the follicle, pore visibility . Effect develops over 2-4 weeks.

Excessive oiliness producing shiny, greasy-looking skin throughout the day. reduces sebaceous gland activity, with patients typically noticing significantly less midday shine.

Fine surface lines without the deep dynamic wrinkles that conventional anti-wrinkle treatment addresses. The fine "crepiness" of mature skin or early ageing changes responds well to superficial dermal placement.

Facial flushing and rosacea-prone skin. The reduction in capillary reactivity can soften redness associated with or environmental .

Mild acne. By sebum production — the that feeds the bacteria causing acne — Microtox can noticeable improvement in oily/acneic skin. It’s not a primary acne treatment but works well as adjunctive .

Forehead expression lines for patients who don’t want full forehead muscle relaxation but want subtle softening. Particularly useful for with heavy brows or upper eyelids who’d be poor candidates for conventional forehead treatment.

Excessive forehead or facial sweating. The same effect that reduces oiliness also reduces sweat gland activity in the treated area.

What Microtox can’t do

The treatment doesn’t address:

Microtox is a refinement treatment, not a transformation. Patients with substantial skin concerns typically need it as part of a broader treatment plan.

The procedure

Consultation. Assessment of your skin concerns, suitability, and goals. The treatment plan is determined based on which specific areas need addressing.

Preparation. Skin is cleansed thoroughly. anaesthetic is usually not — the injections are superficial and minimally uncomfortable. Some practitioners use cooling devices for added comfort.

The injection.

Immediate effects. Tiny bumps at each injection point that settle within minutes. Minimal redness lasting 1-2 hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately.

What to expect after treatment

Immediately: mild pinkness at injection points, tiny bumps that resolve quickly. Occasional small bruise.

Days 1-3: no change yet. The toxin is taking effect.

Days 3-7: initial effects begin — slightly less oiliness, subtle skin smoothing.

Weeks 2-3: full effect develops. Pore visibility reduced, oiliness substantially decreased, skin texture more refined.

Weeks 3-12: stable result. The "glass skin" effect at its peak.

Months 3-4: effect begins to fade gradually. Maintenance treatment to sustain the result.

The treatment can be combined with conventional anti-wrinkle injections, dermal filler, and laser treatments in the same overall plan. Microtox is typically performed as a standalone session, with other treatments sequenced .

Aftercare

These reduce the small risk of the product migrating to nearby muscles, which could affect facial expression in ways the doesn’t want.

For the aftercare framework that applies across injectable treatments, see our .

How long the result lasts

The Microtox effect typically lasts:

Maintenance treatment every 3-4 months sustains the result. With consistent treatment over time, some patients find the effect lasts slightly longer as the underlying tissue adapts.

Who is a good candidate?

The ideal Microtox candidate has:

Less suitable for:

Combining with other treatments

Microtox combines well with several other treatments to produce results:

Microtox + conventional anti-wrinkle injection. Most common combination — Microtox addresses skin texture while conventional treatment addresses dynamic lines. Done in the same session.

Microtox + dermal filler. For patients needing volume restoration alongside skin quality improvement. Filler treats one set of concerns, Microtox another.

Microtox + Profhilo or polynucleotides. Layered skin quality improvement — addresses pore size and oiliness, biostimulators address dermal quality from a different angle. See our for more.

Microtox + skin boosters. Similar layered approach for hydration and surface quality.

Microtox + laser treatment. Microtox for ongoing oil/pore management, laser for pigmentation and surface texture. Typically sequenced rather than performed simultaneously.

For the broader non-surgical rejuvenation context, see our .

Cost

Microtox at Centre for Surgery is priced per session. Full-face treatment typically costs from £350-£500 depending on the area treated and the number of injection points required.

Maintenance every 3-4 months. Over a year, total cost is typically £1,050-£1,500 for ongoing .

, including 0% APR, are available across all treatment plans.

Risks and considerations

Common (mild and self-limiting):

Less common:

Rare:

A consultation with experienced injectors reduces these risks through careful selection, conservative dosing, and precise placement technique.

Common questions

No — that’s what Microtox is designed to avoid. The placement is superficial enough that facial expression is largely preserved. You’ll still be able to raise your eyebrows, smile, and produce all normal expressions. The change is in skin quality, not muscle function.

Initial changes within 3-5 days. Full effect at 2-3 weeks.

Minimally — the fine needle and superficial placement make it less than conventional anti-wrinkle treatment for most patients. Topical anaesthetic isn’t usually needed.

Yes — many patients have both done together. Conventional for forehead/glabella/crow’s feet, Microtox for cheek pores and oiliness.

For oily/acne-prone skin, yes — by reducing sebum production. For substantial active acne or acne scarring, Microtox is best as adjunctive rather than treatment.

Mesotherapy involves injecting cocktails of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and sometimes hyaluronic acid into the dermis. It addresses different concerns (hydration, nutrient delivery, sometimes hair restoration). is diluted botulinum toxin for the effects listed above. The two are different treatments that occasionally appear together in marketing material.

They different aspects of skin quality. Microtox reduces pore size and oiliness. and similar biostimulators improve dermal hydration, elasticity, and collagen content. Many patients benefit from both, sequenced appropriately.

Yes — particularly for men with oily skin, enlarged pores, Sunekos Revive or rosacea. The treatment approach is similar to that for women.

Microtox can worsen dryness in patients who already have very dry skin, since it reduces sebum production. For dry-skinned patients, hydration-focused treatments (Profhilo, polynucleotides, skin boosters) are typically more appropriate.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering and cosmetic surgery through specialist surgeons. Our spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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