Microtox: Glass Skin Treatment
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— sometimes called “mesotox” or “dermatox” — is a specific 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 conventional muscle-relaxing injections: skin texture improves, pore size reduces, oil production decreases, and the overall complexion takes on a smoother, more refined quality without significantly affecting facial expression.
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. Improved 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 the small muscles and reducing sebum production around the follicle, pore visibility decreases. Effect develops over 2-4 weeks.
Excessive oiliness producing shiny, greasy-looking skin throughout the day. Microtox reduces sebaceous gland activity, with patients typically noticing less midday shine.
Fine surface lines 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 and rosacea-prone skin. The reduction in capillary can soften redness associated with or triggers.
Mild acne. By reducing sebum production — the substrate that feeds the bacteria causing acne — Microtox can produce noticeable improvement in oily/acneic skin. It’s not a primary acne treatment but works well as adjunctive therapy.
Forehead expression lines for patients who don’t want full forehead muscle relaxation but want subtle softening. Particularly useful for patients with heavy brows or upper eyelids who’d be poor candidates for conventional 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 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. Topical anaesthetic is usually not required — the are superficial and minimally . Some practitioners use cooling devices for added comfort.
The injection.
Immediate effects. Tiny bumps at each injection point that settle within minutes. 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 visible change yet. The toxin is gradually 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 in the same overall plan. Microtox is typically performed as a standalone session, with other treatments sequenced appropriately.
Aftercare
These precautions reduce the small risk of the product migrating to nearby muscles, which could affect facial expression in ways the patient doesn’t want.
For the broader aftercare framework that applies across treatments, see our .
How long the result lasts
The Microtox effect typically lasts:
Maintenance 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 comprehensive results:
Microtox + conventional anti-wrinkle injection. Most common combination — Microtox addresses skin texture while conventional addresses 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.
+ Profhilo or . Layered skin quality improvement — Microtox 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 treatment.
, 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 substantially reduces these risks through careful patient selection, conservative dosing, and placement technique.
Common questions
No — that’s exactly what Microtox is 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.
— the fine needle and placement make it less uncomfortable than conventional anti-wrinkle treatment for most patients. Topical anaesthetic isn’t usually needed.
Yes — many patients have both done together. Conventional treatment 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 primary treatment.
Mesotherapy involves injecting cocktails of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and sometimes hyaluronic acid into the dermis. It addresses different concerns (hydration, nutrient delivery, hair restoration). is specifically diluted toxin for the effects listed above. The two are different treatments that occasionally appear together in marketing material.
They address 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 beneficial for men with oily skin, enlarged pores, 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, treatments (Profhilo, polynucleotides, skin boosters) are more appropriate.
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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, 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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