Treatment
MicroTox
Superficial microdroplets of neuromodulator used to address excess oil production, enlarged pores, rosacea flushing and acne.
What it is
MicroTox uses the same botulinum toxin as standard neuromodulator treatment, but placed very superficially — hundreds of tiny microdroplets across the surface layer of the skin, rather than into the muscles beneath it.
At that depth it acts on oil glands and small blood vessels instead of on movement. It is used to reduce oiliness, redness and flushing, enlarged pores, and acne breakouts.
How I approach it
This is where my dermatology background matters most. Rosacea has subtypes and they do not all respond the same way, and oily skin has causes worth identifying before treating.
MicroTox is often one part of a plan rather than the whole of it. Skincare and, where relevant, prescription treatment usually do some of the work alongside it.
What to expect afterwards
All of the following are normal, and all of them settle.
The first few hours
Widespread pinpoint redness and tiny bumps across the treated area — expected, given the number of injection points. Mild stinging or tenderness is common. Both usually settle within a few hours.
Pinpoint bruising
Small pinpoint bruises may appear and can take one to two weeks to fade completely.
Dryness
Mild dryness may develop over the first week or two. That is a sign the treatment is working on oil production. A gentle fragrance-free moisturizer as needed.
Heaviness
Some patients notice mild cheek heaviness or tightness. It is usually subtle and temporary.
Before, during and after
My own patient, treated for rosacea flushing and published with written consent. Shown as a sequence because the middle stage is the part nobody explains.
Flushing across the cheek, with the treatment area marked out.
Each raised bleb is one microdroplet, sitting just under the surface. These settle within about an hour and are not the result.
Reduced background redness and a calmer, more even cheek.
Patient photos property of Tiffany Walker CCPA, published with written consent, not to be reproduced.
Individual results. Rosacea has subtypes that respond differently, and MicroTox is often one part of a plan rather than the whole of it. No outcome can be guaranteed.
When to expect results
Results develop gradually, and the timeline depends on what is being treated.
Oiliness and pore size
Improvement may begin as early as one week, with best results usually by four weeks.
Redness and flushing
Improvement typically begins within two to four weeks, with continued gains through to eight weeks.
Acne
The most gradual of the three. Improvement may continue developing over one to four months.
Full results are generally seen four to eight weeks after treatment. Effects typically last three to four months, though some improvements persist up to six. Repeat treatment is needed to maintain the result.
Aftercare
Click here for aftercare
The same instructions I hand you in clinic.
For 24 hours
- Don’t rub, massage or press on the treated areas. The product is placed precisely in the skin, and handling the area could shift it from where it was put
- Avoid excessive heat — very hot showers, saunas, steam rooms — as heat can increase flushing and swelling
- Skip vigorous exercise and alcohol on the day, to keep flushing and bruising down
For 4–6 hours
- No makeup on the treated area, to reduce irritation or infection at the many small injection points
If you need it
- A cold compress applied gently — not ice directly on the skin — for swelling or discomfort
Ongoing
- Resume your usual skincare routine the following day, unless I’ve told you otherwise
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, daily, on the treated areas. This matters especially with rosacea, where sun exposure triggers flares
A note on the standard Botox rules. Unlike conventional neuromodulator treatment, there is no strong evidence that you need to stay upright for hours or avoid all exercise after MicroTox. The restrictions above are the ones that actually apply.
Worried about something after a treatment? Call the clinic on 204-416-5433.
What it costs
MicroTox is $200–$500 depending on the area treated. The cost is confirmed at your consultation.