✅ What it is

• Perioral lines refer to the fine vertical wrinkles that appear around the upper and/or lower lip (around the mouth) due to repeated lip movements, aging, sun exposure, etc.
• The treatment uses a neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) injected into very small, superficial muscle fibres around the lip (such as the orbicularis oris) to relax them, thus reducing the appearance of those lines.
• It’s not a filler. The goal is smoothing via relaxing muscle movement rather than adding volume.

⚙️ How the procedure works & what to expect

• Consultation: The practitioner assesses your lip area (how deep the lines are, how much movement you have when you speak/smile/purse your lips), skin quality, and discusses your aesthetic goals (e.g., smoother upper-lip lines, less visible verticals).
• Injection session: Usually a small number of fine injections placed around the mouth area. Often takes ~5-10 minutes since the treatment zone is relatively small.
• Onset & duration:
• Effects may begin within ~3-7 days.
• Full effect may emerge in ~1–2 weeks.
• Duration generally around 3-4 months, though this may vary depending on brand, dose, individual metabolism, muscle activity. Some sources list 3-5 months.
• Downtime: Minimal. You may have very mild redness/pin-prick marks. Most people resume normal activity shortly after.

💰 Typical cost range in Seoul

• Many clinics list a range of ₩ 30,000 to ₩ 80,000 KRW for perioral-lines Botox in Seoul (i.e., approx. USD $20-60) for the standard treatment.
• That said, some clinics quote much higher ranges—e.g., up to ₩ 300,000 to ₩ 1,000,000 KRW depending on extent of lines, brand of neuromodulator used, and combined treatments.
• Because the area is delicate, cost depends on brand, number of units, injector experience, clinic location, etc.

🧐 What to ask / check before you go ahead

• Which brand of neuromodulator will be used (imported vs local, product authenticity).
• How many units or injection sites are planned, and how that was determined (based on muscle activity, line depth).
• The injector’s experience with perioral anatomy and fine-line injections—this area has delicate anatomy, and mis-dosing may affect lip movement.
• What your realistic outcome is: smoother vertical lines, but not the same as lip volume increase or filler effect.
• If you have other issues (lip volume loss, skin laxity, deep static lines) ask whether Botox alone is sufficient or if complementary treatments may be needed (fillers, laser, skin-booster).
• After-care instructions: what to avoid (e.g., heavy lip-pursing, extreme movement, massage around mouth) in first 24-48 hours.
• Maintenance plan: how long the result is expected in your case, when a follow-up might be needed, what cost will be.
• Full cost transparency: consultation fee, injection cost, follow-up, any extra units, any language/foreign-patient service fee, etc.

📋 Smart tips & after-treatment care

• After treatment: avoid pressing or massaging around the treated mouth area for at least 24 hours (or as advised) so the neuromodulator can settle.
• Avoid extreme lip movements (exaggerated purse, heavy kissing, etc.) for first day or two if recommended.
• Use good skincare around the lip area—while Botox addresses muscle movement, skin quality (hydration, sun-protection) still matters.
• If you smoke or drink through straws frequently, or frequently purse your lips, discuss lifestyle factors with your injector since these may affect longevity or outcome.
• Keep a record of what brand, what dose/units, where injected for future reference.
• Understand that while Botox can smooth movement-lines, it doesn’t fill deep static grooves caused by volume loss or skin damage—additional treatments may be needed for that.