Gently soften habitual facial expressions for a natural impression
What is Botox (botulinum toxin preparation)?
Botox injections are treatments in which a preparation containing type A botulinum toxin as the active ingredient is injected in small amounts into facial muscles and other targets. By temporarily reducing excessive muscle contraction, it can help with expression lines, prevention of new lines, jaw/jawline reduction, hyperhidrosis, and shoulder stiffness.
Effects appear gradually after injection, peak at 2–3 weeks, and naturally return to baseline over several months. Because it places less burden on the body than surgery and has a shorter downtime, many patients choose it as their first aesthetic medicine treatment.
*”Botox” is a registered trademark of Allergan. Our clinic uses several different preparations (see the bottom of this page for details).
WORRIES — Recommended for
・Those concerned about expression lines
・Those looking for treatments with minimal downtime
・Those wanting natural-looking changes
・Those concerned about a square jawline
・Those wanting a more refined facial line
・Those concerned about bulky calves
・Those bothered by underarm sweat / hyperhidrosis
・Those concerned about teeth grinding or clenching
・Those experiencing shoulder stiffness
・Those considering aesthetic medicine for the first time
Botox is one of the most commonly chosen first treatments in aesthetic medicine. Because downtime is short and the effect is temporary, many patients appreciate the reassurance that “if it doesn’t suit me, I don’t have to continue.” It is recommended for those wanting to address skin or facial-line concerns for a defined period of time, or for those who want a natural-looking change.
EFFECTS — Concerns Botox can address
Depending on the area of injection, Botox can address a wide range of concerns.
| Expression lines | Approach to dynamic lines from facial muscles in the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet |
|---|---|
| Jaw / face slimming | Approach to refining the jawline by injection into the masseter |
| Hyperhidrosis / underarm sweat | Reduction of perspiration by suppressing eccrine sweat gland activity |
| Calves | Volume adjustment of overdeveloped muscles |
| Shoulder stiffness / shoulder line | Tension relief and shoulder line refinement via injection into the trapezius |
| Teeth grinding / clenching | Approach to excessive masseter tension |
Approach to expression lines
Expression lines on the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet form due to repeated movements of the facial muscles. By suppressing those muscle contractions, Botox can address dynamic lines. Use for prevention — before lines become deeply etched — has also become more common.
Approach to jaw / face slimming
One reason the face can appear square is masseter (chewing muscle) development. Injecting Botox into the masseter adjusts muscle volume and refines the appearance of the jawline. It can also be considered as part of an approach to teeth grinding and clenching. You may notice some change in chewing strength for several days to about a week after treatment, but everyday meals are usually unaffected.
Approach to hyperhidrosis / underarm sweat
Hyperhidrosis arises from excessive activity of the eccrine sweat glands. Botox reduces perspiration by suppressing nerve transmission from the sympathetic nerves to the eccrine glands. We can discuss concerns about underarm sweat stains and odor. Palm hyperhidrosis can also be considered, so please discuss it at your examination.
Approach to calves
Calf bulk is influenced by multiple factors including bone structure, muscle, and fat. For gastrocnemius muscles that have developed due to gait habits or exercise, Botox can be used to adjust volume. We aim for a change in silhouette within a range that does not interfere with daily life.
Approach to shoulder stiffness / shoulder line
Tension in the trapezius is considered a contributing factor to shoulder stiffness and a heavy-looking shoulder line. Injecting Botox into the trapezius can help relieve muscle tension. It is considered by patients with shoulder stiffness from desk work or prolonged smartphone use, and by those wanting a refined neck-to-shoulder line.
FEATURE — Our approach to Botox
Injections by experienced physicians
Our experienced physicians carefully assess facial balance and muscle movement, and adjust the injection sites, dose, and depth for each patient. Techniques such as micro-Botox can also be discussed.
Multiple preparations selected by case
We primarily use Botox Vista® (Allergan, US — approved in Japan) and Botulax® (Hugel, Korea), selecting between them based on each patient’s preferences and treatment area. We will explain each preparation’s characteristics and approval status in Japan in detail at your examination.
Free 2-week follow-up adjustment
For first-time treatments, we start with a small amount to assess the appropriate dose. Two weeks after treatment, we offer a complimentary effect check and any needed adjustments or top-up injections free of charge (additional drug fees apply). This is reassuring for those who want to start small or aim for a natural finish.
Backup options for unexpected effects
In the unlikely event that Botox affects an area outside the intended location, we have a supplementary medication (an acetylcholine chloride preparation) available for adjustment. Note that the effect of such supplementary measures is limited and does not completely cancel the effect of Botox. Generally, it is necessary to wait for the effect to wear off through natural metabolism.
Quick treatment with minimal downtime
The procedure takes about 5–10 minutes. Makeup is possible immediately after, and treatments can fit into your day after work or while running errands. Injection marks usually become unnoticeable within a few hours to a day.
Focus on natural-looking results
Botox is a treatment that gently softens habitual muscle movement. We focus only on the areas of concern while preserving the naturalness of your expressions. We aim for a subtle change at the level of “you seem somehow different — in a good way.”
Important notes (risks, side effects, downtime)
| Treatment time | Approximately 5–10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Injection areas | Facial muscles (forehead, glabella, crow’s feet, around the mouth), masseter, trapezius, calves, underarms, palms, etc. Please discuss at examination. |
| Pain | You may feel a pinprick during injection. We use cooling to minimize pain. |
| Downtime | Injection marks usually become unnoticeable within a few hours to a day. Bruising, if it occurs, naturally improves within 1–2 weeks. |
| Makeup | Possible immediately after treatment. |
| Notes | Massage or strong stimulation to the treated area on the day of treatment may cause the drug to spread, so please avoid them. Also avoid bathing, saunas, vigorous exercise, and alcohol on the day of treatment. |
| Side effects | Bruising, redness, swelling, discomfort at the injection site, headache, asymmetry, awkwardness of expression, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, unnatural smile, temporary reduction of chewing strength with masseter Botox, compensatory sweating (in hyperhidrosis treatment), allergic reactions, etc. Very rare serious side effects reported include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and reduced effect due to antibody production. |
| Onset and duration | You may begin to notice the effect 2–7 days after injection, with the peak at 2–3 weeks. Duration is typically 3–4 months for expression lines, 4–6 months for masseter, calves, and trapezius, and 6–9 months for underarm hyperhidrosis. Periodic treatment is recommended for sustained effect. |
| Those who cannot receive this treatment | Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those trying to conceive (contraception is recommended for 3 months for men and until two completed menstrual cycles for women after the last dose); those with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis; those with a history of hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin preparations; those with infection at the injection site; those with bleeding tendencies; etc. |
*The above is a general timeline; pain, downtime, and effects vary by individual.
*Treatment time does not include consultation.
*If you have any medical history or current medications, please disclose them at examination.
FLOW — Treatment process
We listen to your concerns and treatment areas of interest, and the physician examines your skin and muscle condition. We explain the injection sites, dose, expected effects, and risks, and propose a plan tailored to your wishes. The choice of preparation can also be discussed.
We cool the injection site with a cold pack to minimize pain, and then disinfect the area. For facial injections, you generally do not need to remove your makeup.
The physician injects carefully, adjusting the sites, dose, and depth. We check in with you throughout to make sure you are comfortable.
You can apply makeup and head home immediately after treatment. Effects appear gradually over 2–7 days and reach their peak at 2–3 weeks.
We perform an effect check 2 weeks after treatment. If you feel the effect is insufficient, additional injections can be made for fine-tuning (additional drug fees apply). We start with a small amount and aim for a natural finish.
Physician’s note
About Botox
Botox (botulinum toxin preparation) is a widely used, evidence-supported treatment in aesthetic and medical care worldwide. Many of our own physicians and staff use it for the glabella, crow’s feet, forehead, jaw, and shoulders, and it is chosen by patients who want to keep a natural impression as they age.
Expression lines deepen over time as repeated movements of the facial muscles leave habitual creases in the skin. The lines that appear when you frown or concentrate — at the glabella, forehead, crow’s feet, or below the corners of the mouth — can unconsciously give an impression of “age,” “fatigue,” or “displeasure.” A major advantage of starting Botox early is being able to address these lines before they become deeply etched.
Many patients ask, “Will I lose my expressions if I get Botox?” At our clinic, we inject conservatively from a small dose, prioritizing a natural result above all. With a free 2-week adjustment included, first-time patients can also feel reassured.
For volume adjustment of calves, shoulders, and the jaw area, we look at bone structure and habitual posture as we propose treatments aiming for a natural line. Many patients schedule their treatments around life events such as a class reunion or wedding. If you have an area of concern, please feel free to come for a consultation.
Together Menu — Recommended combinations
For deeply etched wrinkles, combining with hyaluronic acid is recommended; for jawline laxity, combining with thread lift is also a good option. Calf and shoulder Botox can pair well with medical weight loss. Same-day treatment along with a beauty IV drip is also possible.
Q&A (FAQ)
- How much time should I leave between Botox and other treatments?
-
Because Botox targets muscles, it is in a different layer from surface treatments such as Pico laser, Pico toning, or hyaluronic acid, and combines easily with them. Same-day treatment with hyaluronic acid is possible. With thread lift, we recommend a gap of about 1–2 weeks. Please discuss the details at your examination.
- I’m worried my expression will look unnatural or that others will notice.
-
We start small and prioritize a natural result. We aim for doses and locations that have minimal impact on the muscle movements you use in everyday communication, so the change is at the level of “you look somehow refreshed?” If you ever feel the effect is too strong, it usually returns to baseline within 1–2 months.
- Can I receive Botox while pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding?
-
Because safety has not been established, we do not perform this treatment on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For those trying to conceive, the package insert for botulinum toxin preparations recommends contraception for 3 months for men and until two completed menstrual cycles for women after the last dose. Please consult us if any of these apply to you.
- Will my brows feel heavy after forehead injections?
-
Depending on the injection sites and dose, forehead Botox can create a feeling of brow heaviness (brow ptosis sensation). At our clinic, in line with the package insert, we inject at least 1.5 cm above the brow, and for those prone to a heavy-feeling brow we adjust injection points more superiorly. If you feel the effect is insufficient, top-up at the 2-week adjustment is possible.
- What’s the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?
-
Botox acts on muscles and is suited to expression lines and muscle volume adjustment. Hyaluronic acid is an injection treatment that fills volume and is used for deeply etched wrinkles, structural enhancement, and lifting. Combining the two can be synergistic in some cases.
- Once I start Botox, do I have to keep getting it forever?
-
No, continued treatment is not required. Stopping does not worsen your condition; the effect simply wears off gradually and you return to baseline. That said, regular treatment may help prevent lines from becoming deeply etched, so many patients choose to continue every 3–6 months.
- Does the injection hurt?
-
We use needles thinner than those for blood draws or vaccinations, and we cool the area thoroughly before injection. Most patients describe it as a brief pinprick, with very few feeling significant pain. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, please discuss it during your consultation.
- From what age can I receive Botox?
-
There is no specific age restriction in the package insert, but considering bone development and other factors, our clinic generally treats patients aged 20 or older. Approaches can be tailored to age — preventive use in your 20s, treatment for emerging wrinkles in your 30s and beyond. Minors and those on regular medication for chronic conditions should consult us first.
- How often should I come in?
-
It varies by area and individual, but many patients come for expression lines every 3–4 months, masseter / calves / trapezius every 4–6 months, and underarm hyperhidrosis every 6–9 months. Considering peak effect and duration, we recommend a planned schedule.
- Can I choose which preparation is used?
-
We primarily offer Botox Vista® (Allergan, US — approved in Japan) and Botulax® (Hugel, Korea). We will explain the characteristics, approval status in Japan, and pricing of each preparation in detail at your examination. If you have a preference, please let us know.
Self-pay treatment / drug information (details)
■ Self-pay treatment
This treatment is self-pay and not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. Please refer to the “Pricing” page for details.
■ Main risks / side effects
Bruising, redness, swelling, discomfort at the injection site, headache, asymmetry, awkwardness of expression, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, unnatural smile, temporary reduction of chewing strength with masseter Botox, compensatory sweating (in hyperhidrosis treatment), allergic reactions, etc. Very rare serious side effects reported include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and reduced effect due to antibody production. Effects and side effects vary by individual.
■ Preparations used
We use the following preparations, selecting between them based on each patient’s preferences and treatment area.
① Botox Vista® (Allergan, US)
This preparation is approved in Japan for the treatment of glabellar and crow’s-feet lines, in adults under 65.
② Botulax® (Hugel, Korea)
This preparation is approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). It is a drug not approved in Japan and is obtained via personal-import by the physician.
③ Other Korean botulinum toxin preparations
These are drugs not approved in Japan and are obtained via personal-import by the physician.
When non-approved preparations are used, treatment is outside the scope of the Pharmaceutical Side Effects Relief System in Japan. The Japan-approved equivalent is Botox Vista®. We are currently not aware of any reports of serious health damage in other countries. Please discuss the choice of preparation with the physician at examination.
■ Backup medication for effect adjustment
In the unlikely event that Botox affects an area outside the intended location, we have a supplementary medication (an acetylcholine chloride preparation) available for adjustment. Note that the effect of such supplementary measures is limited and does not completely cancel the effect of Botox. Generally, it is necessary to wait for the effect to wear off through natural metabolism.
■ Those who cannot receive this treatment
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those trying to conceive (contraception is recommended for 3 months for men and until two completed menstrual cycles for women after the last dose); those with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis; those with a history of hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin preparations; those with infection at the injection site; those with bleeding tendencies; those taking anticoagulants; minors; etc.
Botox
PRICE
*This pricing is currently available because we do not invest in paid advertising such as listing ads.
Set pricing available upon request.
| Botox | Price |
|---|---|
| Expression Lines | *Includes ultra-fine 34G nano-needle |
| Forehead lines(8-10 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Glabella lines + nasal-root lines(14 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Crow’s feet(14 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Bunny lines(lines on the nose bridge – 6 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Chin(pebble chin / dimpled chin – 8 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Gummy smile(refined gum line – 6 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Platysmal bands / neck lines(20 units) | Regular price JPY 44,000 Campaign price: JPY 24,000 |
| Corner-of-mouth lift Botox(depressor anguli oris – 8 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Slim-Face Effects | |
| Masseter (jaw) Botox(50 units) | Regular price JPY 30,000 Campaign price: JPY 24,000 |
| Masseter (jaw) Botox – Double(100 units) | Regular price JPY 60,000 Campaign price: JPY 36,000 |
| Nostril (alar) Botox(12 units) | Regular price JPY 22,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Slimming Effects | |
| Shoulder (trapezius) Botox(50 units) | Regular price JPY 50,000 Campaign price: JPY 24,000 |
| Shoulder & neck line Botox(100 units) | Regular price JPY 65,000 Campaign price: JPY 36,000 |
| Shoulder & neck line Botox – Double(200 units) | Regular price JPY 110,000 Campaign price: JPY 70,000 |
| Calf-slimming Botox(200 units) | Regular price JPY 132,000 Campaign price: JPY 70,000 |
| Antiperspirant Effects | |
| Underarm (axillary) hyperhidrosis(100 units) *Please shave the area before treatment (includes numbing cream) | Regular price JPY 65,000 Campaign price: JPY 40,000 |
| Scalp hyperhidrosis(100 units) (includes nerve block anesthesia) | Regular price JPY 88,000 (includes nerve block anesthesia) Campaign price: JPY 50,000 |
| Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis Care | |
| Hay fever Botox treatment | Regular price JPY 24,000 Campaign price: JPY 12,000 |
| Lift-up Effects | |
| Botox lift – 1 area | Regular price JPY 88,000 Campaign price: JPY 66,000 |
| Full-face Botox lift(approx. 80 units) | Regular price JPY 120,000 Campaign price: JPY 60,000 |
| Full-face Botox lift + neck(approx. 120 units) | Regular price JPY 154,000 Campaign price: JPY 96,000 |
| Correction of Botox treated elsewhere(acetylcholine chloride) | Regular price JPY 54,000 Campaign price: JPY 40,000 |
*All prices include tax
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station