I flew to Seoul, South Korea for Botox
I finally did it, I got Botox!
Before I dive into the details, I want to make one thing clear: this is just my personal experience. My goal is to encourage you to do your own research and find what works best for you. I’m not a medical professional, so I can’t give you advice. Consult with your doctor before pursuing any cosmetic or medical treatment.
Let’s get straight to it.
I got masseter Botox to help with nighttime jaw clenching, also known as sleep bruxism. I’ve dealt with this for years and cycled through countless mouth guards with little relief.
Before committing, I looked into several medical spas in San Francisco. While reputable, most offered high price points, and I wasn’t even sure the treatment would work for me.
Since I already had a trip to Seoul planned, I decided to compare options abroad. I did a ton of research before and during my stay. One major challenge? Many clinics required a positive review before the procedure, which made it tough to know who was truly credible. I dug through endless reviews, used ChatGPT to search for reputable options, reached out to multiple clinics about masseter Botox, and even asked locals for recommendations.
Eventually, a Korean friend of a friend who frequently visits Seoul shared her go-to clinic. Coincidentally, it already topped my list, so I took that as a sign and booked the appointment.
The Medical Spa for Me
I scheduled my visit with Toxnfill_Gangnam, and everything about the experience felt smooth, professional, and painless. I booked through WhatsApp, and their staff replied quickly and helpfully in the days leading up to the appointment.
When we arrived, I immediately felt confident in my choice; everyone in the waiting room was Korean, which reassured me that this wasn’t just a clinic catering to tourists. After check-in, we waited a few minutes in a clean and calming lounge before heading to the consultation.
In the exam room, a staff member walked me through a health questionnaire, explained potential side effects, described the different types of Botox, and assessed how many units I would need to treat my jaw properly.
They recommended 75 units, which cost just under $100 USD—a fraction of the price in San Francisco.
Toxnfill offered three Botox options:
- Korean Botox ($): budget-friendly and effective
- German Botox ($$): mid-tier with high precision
- American Botox ($$$): premium, often longer-lasting
I went with German Botox, which felt like the perfect balance of price and quality.
After signing the medical consent form and paying, I waited less than five minutes before the doctor called me in. We walked to the back where the procedure would take place. The clinic was spotless and organized, and everyone remained incredibly kind and attentive.
The doctor reviewed my previous consultation notes and confirmed that 75 units would be the right amount. He explained something important: if you underdose masseter Botox, you might end up with a ball-like lump in the muscle due to uneven relaxation. In most cases, it’s better to use a little more to ensure a smooth, even result.
He numbed the area and was so gentle that I didn’t even realize the injections had started, let alone that we were done. It was over in minutes, and honestly, completely painless.
The Recovery
After the procedure, the staff told me I might feel some soreness and recommended avoiding hard foods for a few days but honestly, I felt nothing. No pain, no swelling, no discomfort. It was like nothing had even happened.
They mentioned that results typically start to show within 1–2 weeks. By day 7, I already noticed a difference, not just in how my face looked, but in how my jaw felt. Now, approaching the two-week mark, I can clearly see the muscle has relaxed. When I smile or bite down, the area that used to bulge from overuse now looks and feels frozen in the best way possible.
More importantly, I’m sleeping so much better. No more waking up with tension headaches or a sore jaw. I still wear my mouthguard out of habit, but honestly, it’s not even necessary anymore.
My overall reccomendations
- Always consult with a doctor!
- Do your research and trust your gut!!
- Get into contaxt with the medical spas early to ask questions, compare prices and book an appointment. Most of the communication was on whatsapp so dont be alarmed if that feels sketchy.
- If this is your first time with Botox, like me, start your research from home and reach out to local medical spa to learn more and get an understanding of costs.
- Do your research and trust your gut!!
- Always consult with a doctor!
