Wrinkle Treatment in Fukuoka, Tenjin | Wrinkles That Respond to Botox and Those That Don't

How to read this article

The treatments described here are those performed at our Fukuoka clinic (Tenjin). All are private pay (not covered by insurance). Clicking on a treatment name will take you to a page with detailed explanations and the latest price list. Botulinum toxin preparations have approved indications for certain areas under domestic law and not for others; this distinction is also noted in the text.

The most common misconception when consulting about wrinkles isthinking of Botox as a "wrinkle-erasing drug."What botulinum toxin preparations do is

temporarily suppress muscle movement—nothing more. They do not erase wrinkles themselves. Therefore,Wrinkles that appear when muscles move

1. — caused by muscle activity, so they respond wellWrinkles that remain even at rest
2. — the skin itself has a crease, so they respond poorlyFine lines from dehydration
3. — unrelated to muscle, so they do not respondLines from sagging (skin laxity)
4. — caused by descent, so they do not respondIn front of a mirror,

hold your face still.If the wrinkle disappears, Botox may be an option; if it does not, consider another approach. That is the only judgment needed.Conclusion of this article

Botox is not a cure-all, butfor wrinkles it suits, there is no alternative.The problem is that many people continue to receive injections for wrinkles it does not suit and feel it "didn't work." Before receiving injections, confirm whether your wrinkles appear from muscle movement.Look at both your

hold your face still."neutral face" and "face making expressions."Comparing these two alone will tell you most of what you need to know.

Expression lines (appear when moving)

Laughing, frowning, looking surprised—they appear only then.They disappear when you return to a neutral expression.The typical examples are vertical lines between the eyebrows, lines at the corners of the eyes, and horizontal lines on the forehead.

The muscles are pulling the skin together, but the skin itself is not yet damaged.This is the type that responds best to Botox.

• How to tell the differenceIf the lines disappear when you stop making expressions, they are expression lines.

Etched wrinkles (lines that remain even when you stop)

The lines are visible even at rest. They have depth, and makeup settles in them.

As a result of repeating expression lines for many years,the skin develops a permanent crease pattern.Even if you stop the muscles, the creases remain, so Botox alone will not make them shallower. In this case, we combine injections with skin quality treatments.

• How to tell the differenceIf lines remain even when you stop making expressions, they are etched wrinkles. They almost always overlap in the same location as expression lines.

Dryness-related fine lines (crepey wrinkles)

Fine, shallow lines clustered together under the eyes or around the mouth.They become less noticeable when moisturized—that is the characteristic.

Since they are unrelated to muscle movement, Botox will not change them. We treat them as an issue of hydration and skin quality.

• How to tell the differenceIf they become less noticeable right after applying cream, they are caused by dryness.

— caused by descent, so they do not respond

Nasolabial folds and marionette lines arenot wrinkles but "the boundary where tissue has sagged."They will not lift even if you stop the muscles.

This requires a different approach, so please see our article on sagging (skin laxity) .

Overlap is normalIt is typical for the same area between the eyebrows to have both "components that deepen when you move" and "components that remain even when you stop." That is why treatment usually proceeds in stages: first stop the movement, then address the remaining creases with other approaches.If you expect Botox alone to resolve everything, you will likely feel dissatisfied with the results.

It is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum that has been purified and made into a pharmaceutical product. The bacterium itself is not injected.

How it works

It suppresses the release of the substance that transmits the signal 'move' from the nerve to the muscle. As a result, the muscle's strength weakens, the skin-pulling force decreases, and wrinkles become less pronounced.

It is more accurate to describe it as weakening the force rather than paralyzing and stiffening.By adjusting the amount, it is possible to keep facial expression intact while making lines less noticeable.

Time to effect and duration

• Time to onset2–3 days onward. Full effect is reached in about 2 weeks. There is no change immediately after injection.
• Duration3–6 months is the guideline. This varies depending on the site, amount, and muscle strength.
• How it wears offMovement gradually returns rather than suddenly reverting one day.

Starting earlier makes wrinkles less likely to become etched.

Because expression lines become set as folds through repeated facial movement,during the period when movement is suppressed, the progression of etching stops.Starting when lines are still shallow is more advantageous in the long term than starting after they have already become deeply etched.

However, it does not mean that you will miss your chance if you do not receive injections while young. Even after lines have become etched, you can make them shallower by combining injections and other treatments.

There are sites approved domestically and sites that are not

Botulinum productshave domestically approved indications for expression wrinkles between the eyebrows and at the outer corners of the eyes.On the other hand, when used on other sites such as the forehead, nose, chin, and jawline, it is use outside the scope of approved indications.

Outside-label use does not mean it is dangerous; it is a practice generally performed worldwide. However,you should be aware of this positioning.Which sites and what areas we treat will be explained during your consultation.

What can be accomplished differs greatly depending on the wrinkle type.

For dryness-related fine lines, hydration works best.

Fine creped wrinkles become less noticeable when moisture is restored.For this type alone, at-home skincare can match professional treatment.Use a moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid immediately after cleansing.

For expression wrinkles, sun protection and retinoids

• SunscreenUltraviolet radiation reduces skin elasticity and makes folds more likely to set. It is also a foundation for wrinkle prevention.
• RetinoidsImprove skin quality and work on shallow lines. However, they cannot stop movement itself.

What not to do

Massage that stretches wrinkles.Pulling stimulation works in the direction of promoting sagging. Facial muscle training also increases the frequency of movement, so it can be counterproductive for expression wrinkles.

There is alsounconscious habitFurrowing the brow, narrowing the eyes, puckering the lips. If any of these apply to you, simply adjusting ill-fitting eyeglasses or contact lenses, or screen brightness can sometimes make a difference.

Treatments are divided by wrinkle type and the goal of the treatment. Pricing and detailed information are available at the link for each treatment name.

For wrinkles that appear with movement

Botox

Suppresses muscle movement to weaken the skin-pulling force. The typical sites are between the eyebrows, outer corners of the eyes, and forehead. By adjusting the amount, you can keep facial expression intact while making lines less noticeable.

• GuidelineEvery 3–6 months
• DowntimeMinimal. Redness or bruising may occur at the injection site.
• Good forThose concerned about wrinkles that disappear when facial expression is neutral.
• Not suitable forThose whose only concern is deep lines that remain even at rest. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For etched wrinkles and eye area aging

JUVGEN Young Eye

A preparation containing amino acids for use around the eyes is injected to work on the quality of the skin itself. Rather than stopping movement, it works to restore the foundation of folded skin.

• GuidelineEvery 2–3 weeks, 3–4 times
• DowntimeSmall swelling at injection site, bruising
• Good forFine lines under the eyes, those unsatisfied with botulinum toxin alone
• Not suitable forThose whose main concern is shadowing from sagging (skin laxity)

Dry fine lines, skin hydration

JUVEDERM VOLIFT

Soft hyaluronic acid is distributed finely throughout the skin to enhance its capacity to retain moisture. Unlike volumizing injections, this positions the treatment as a means to improve skin quality.

• GuidelineEvery six to nine months
• DowntimeSmall swelling at injection site lasting a few days, bruising
• Good forFine crepe-like wrinkles, dullness from dryness
• Not suitable forThose who wish to soften deeply etched lines

Massage peel (PRX-T33)

The product reaches deep layers without causing exfoliation and stimulates collagen production. With minimal downtime, it can be performed between injection treatments.

• GuidelineEvery 1–2 weeks, 4–5 sessions
• DowntimeEssentially none. Mild redness immediately afterward, dryness for a few days
• Good forThose who want to address overall skin quality and firmness together
• Not suitable forThose with active acne or wounds

Build-up approachFirst, use botulinum toxin to reduce movement,Then assess remaining lines two weeks later.This is the order least prone to error. What remains after movement is stopped represents the 'etched portion,' and you can then decide whether to add injection or skin-quality treatment. Doing everything at once makes it impossible to tell what worked.

As someone who performs nasal surgery, I write about the nose and botulinum toxin—a topic rarely addressed in cosmetic dermatology wrinkle articles.

The tip droops when smiling

Beneath the nose, there isa muscle that pulls the nasal tip downward when smiling.In those with a strong muscle, the nose appears shorter and lower in photos taken while smiling. If the nose looks different between a neutral photo and a smiling photo, this is the cause.

Using a small amount of botulinum toxin on this muscle weakens the pulling force, and the change when smiling may become less pronounced.An option to try over months without surgeryWhat botulinum toxin preparations do is

Horizontal wrinkles at the nasal bridge

Lines that run diagonally or horizontally across the nasal bridge when smiling. After botulinum toxin is used at the outer corners of the eyes,surrounding muscles may compensate and become more active,causing these lines to appear.

Some have them from the start, while others notice them after treatment. Adjustment is often possible with additional injections, so please let us know if it concerns you.

Observe with botulinum toxin or change with surgery

For those bothered by nasal movement when smiling, there are two paths.Use botulinum toxin on the premise of repeated treatments every few months, or have surgery to change the structure itself.What botulinum toxin preparations do is

Neither is inherently better. The choice depends on the extent of change desired, how costs accumulate, and how easily downtime can be scheduled.

From Dr. Hane, Medical DirectorFor those who come for nasal surgery consultation, I sometimes propose botulinum toxin first. Experiencing change with a reversible method over a few months before pursuing surgery reduces regret. Conversely, some find surgery better than repeated injections. Since we offer both, we will honestly tell you which suits you.

I will be straightforward.

• Completely erasing deeply etched linesEven when movement is stopped, the fold remains. It can be softened, but not reduced to zero.
• Dry fine linesThese are unrelated to muscle. Moisturization and skin-quality treatment are responsible.
• Nasolabial folds, marionette linesThese lines result from drooping, so stopping muscle movement will not lift them.
• The effect ends after one injectionIt reverses in 3–6 months. This is a treatment where you regularly choose whether to continue.
• Sagging (skin laxity)Excessive amount may actually reduce supporting strength and cause a sagging appearance.

This last point is important.It is not a drug where 'the more you use, the better.'The principle is the necessary amount in the necessary places.

Will my expression look unnatural

It depends on amount and placement. Excessive amounts cause immobility, and the brows may appear lower. For first-time patients, starting with a smaller amount and adding more after seeing the result two weeks later is safer.

Will it get worse if I stop

No. Once the effect wears off, movement returns to what it was before injection. Moreover, during the period you were using it, the progression of lines was halted, putting you ahead of those who did nothing.

How often should I have it done?

Every 3–6 months is the guideline.We do not recommend repeating at shorter intervals.There is a risk that the effect may diminish with too-frequent treatment, so it is safer to wait until the effect wears off before the next session.

What should I be careful about on the day of treatment?

Do not lie down for several hours, do not rub the treated area, and avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol on that day. That's about it.

Can I have it done while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Please avoid this period, including if there is any possibility of pregnancy.

Can men receive it?

Yes. Men often have stronger facial muscles, so the amount needed tends to be higher for the same area. The vertical lines between the eyebrows are a particularly common concern.

The treatments introduced on this page areall self-funded procedures (not covered by insurance).

Possible effects of botulinum products

• Bruising and rednessMay occur at the injection site. Resolves in a few days.
• Heaviness in the headAfter treatment to the forehead or between the eyebrows, you may feel a heavy or dull sensation for several days.
• AsymmetryThe effect may differ between sides. We will adjust at a follow-up visit after 2 weeks.
• Drooping eyelids or eyebrowsRare. It reverses as the effect wears off.
• Unnatural facial expressionIf the amount is too large, movement may be excessively reduced.
• Reduced efficacyIf repeated at short intervals, the effect may be diminished.

Possible effects of injection treatment

• Bruising and swellingA few days to about 1 week.
• Small nodules or lumpsMay temporarily appear at the injection site.
• Vascular occlusionWith hyaluronic acid-containing preparations, in extremely rare cases the material may enter a blood vessel, potentially causing skin damage or vision problems.
• Individual variation in resultsThe expected change may not be achieved.

Pricing, number of sessions required, and risks specific to each treatment are listed on the linked page for each treatment name.

Supervising physician for this page

Kazuhide HaneDirector, Zetith Beauty Clinic Fukuoka Branch

Graduated from Kobe University School of Medicine in 2021. Previously served as director of the Osaka branch, and from 2025 is director of Zetith Beauty Clinic Fukuoka Branch. In addition to surgical procedures focused on rhinoplasty, he also performs injection treatments and device treatments in cosmetic dermatology.

When unsure which wrinkles to treat

It can be difficult to distinguish on your own whether wrinkles are from movement, already engraved in the skin, or from dryness when they overlap in the same area. During consultation, we observe your face both when you make an expression and when you relax, and propose where to start treatment. For first-time patients, we also explain how to begin with a smaller amount. We offer free consultations at our Fukuoka branch (Tenjin), so please feel free to ask.

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Related pages

• Fukuoka cosmetic dermatology guide Pores, acne scars, age spots, and sagging (skin laxity) by concern
• Nose pore guide Comedones, enlarged pores, and dark spots—3 types
• Acne scar guide Redness, pigmentation, and depressions—different treatments for each
• Age spots and melasma guide How to distinguish melasma, freckles, and ADM
• Sagging (skin laxity) guide Classified by whether the cause is skin, fat, or support structures
• About Fukuoka branch Access, hours, and physicians on staff

※ This page is intended to provide general medical information and does not guarantee results. All treatments listed are self-funded procedures (not covered by insurance). Suitability for treatment, cost, and risks are determined individually during consultation. Results vary by individual. ※ All photos shown are for illustrative purposes. They are not before-after cases from our clinic.