The latest revival of the micro-Botox trend has us asking, is there anything new under the sun? Neurotoxins like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau have entered an era of popularity with patients across genders and in nearly every generational category. More men than ever are receiving neurotoxin treatments. And younger patients reportedly view these treatments as offering an “executive edge.” So, it’s not really a surprise to see the return of micro-Botox, or baby-Botox. 2025 trend predictions have forecasted a big year for the trend, but what do the experts think?
Featured Experts
- B. Aviva Preminger, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York
- Sean Simon, MD is a double board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami
- Kelly Bomer, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Scottsdale, AZ
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
What is micro-Botox?
“Micro-Botox, also known as ‘baby-Botox’ or intradermal Botox, is a technique where Botox is injected in very small, diluted amounts into the superficial layers of the skin rather than deep into the muscle,” explains New York plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger, MD. “Unlike traditional Botox, which targets muscle movement to reduce wrinkles, micro-Botox works by affecting the sebaceous glands, sweat glands and fine muscle fibers in the skin. This results in a smoother, more refined texture, reduced pore size and a subtle lifting effect.”
That said, the technique is by no means new to experienced injectors.
“Micro-Botox is mostly a marketing term,” says Miami plastic surgeon Sean Simon, MD. “We’re talking about smaller doses in an effort to get a more ‘natural’ effect. That’s nothing new to any experienced injector. It’s really just tailoring your technique to achieve the patient’s goals and needs.”
What can it treat?
So, we’re talking about smaller-than-typical neurotoxin treatments injected into the more superficial layers of the face. What kind of results does this technique hope to achieve, and where?
“Micro-Botox is used to achieve a more airbrushed skin appearance,” Dr. Preminger explains. “It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles without freezing facial expressions, minimizes pore size, controls excess oil production and improves mild skin laxity, especially in areas like the jawline (Nefertiti Lift) and neck.”
“When micro-dosing botulinum toxin, the injection only targets the skin where the build-up of oil is produced, breakouts occur and facial flushing happens,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill.
How do experts feel about micro-Botox?
When targeting these areas of concern, micro-Botox can result in a smoother complexion with less shine, according to Dr. Preminger.
That said, not every practitioner agrees it’s the best option, given the other treatments that can target these same concerns.
“I don’t use the micro-Botox approach in my practice because I do not find it to be particularly effective,” says Scottsdale, AZ plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD.
“Its use as a marketing term is nothing new,” Dr. Simon adds. “Ultimately, this technique should only be used in the appropriate patient with the specific goals that micro-Botox has been shown to address.”
