Calf Botox in Korea 2026: Leg Slimming Prices, Results & Best Clinics
If you have muscular calves that won't slim down no matter how much you stretch or diet, calf botox in Korea might be the non-surgical solution you have been looking for. South Korea is the world capital of aesthetic procedures, and calf reduction with botulinum toxin is one of the most popular body contouring treatments performed in Seoul clinics every day. This guide covers everything international visitors need to know — from how the procedure works and what it costs, to recovery timelines and the best clinics offering English-language support.
What Is Calf Botox?
Calf botox — also called calf reduction botox or leg slimming botox — is a non-surgical procedure that uses botulinum toxin injections to reduce the size of overdeveloped calf muscles. Unlike facial botox that targets fine lines, calf botox works by relaxing the gastrocnemius muscle, the large, bulging muscle at the back of the lower leg responsible for the "calf bulge" appearance.
When botulinum toxin is injected into the gastrocnemius, it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals the muscle to contract. With reduced nerve signals, the muscle gradually weakens, shrinks from disuse, and softens over several weeks. The result is a slimmer, smoother calf contour without surgery, scars, or significant downtime.
This procedure is especially popular among women in Korea — clinic data shows that approximately 97% of calf botox patients are female — and it has become a go-to treatment for international visitors looking for a quick, effective leg slimming solution during a trip to Seoul.
How Calf Botox Works: Units, Injection Pattern & Sessions
Units Required
Calf botox requires significantly more units than facial treatments. While a forehead treatment might use 20-30 units, calves are large muscles that need considerably higher doses:
- Standard treatment: 200 units per calf (400 units total for both legs)
- Moderate muscle: 150-200 units per calf
- Heavy muscle development: 200-300 units per calf
Your doctor will assess the size, firmness, and shape of your gastrocnemius during consultation to determine the exact dose.
Injection Pattern
The procedure typically involves multiple injection points across the inner and outer heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. Most doctors use 10-20 injection sites per calf, carefully mapping the muscle to ensure even distribution. The entire session takes 15-30 minutes, and most patients describe the sensation as mild pinching — far less painful than you might expect.
How Many Sessions?
A single session delivers noticeable results, but for optimal and longer-lasting slimming, most Korean clinics recommend 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 months apart. With repeated treatments, the muscle undergoes more significant atrophy, and some patients find their results last progressively longer between sessions.
Calf Botox Prices in Seoul (2026)
One of the biggest reasons international patients choose Korea for calf botox is the price. Treatments in Seoul cost a fraction of what you would pay in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calf Botox (Korean brand, 200 units) | ₩90,000 - ₩200,000 | $70 - $155 | Per calf; Nabota, Innotox, Coretox |
| Calf Botox (Korean brand, 300 units) | ₩230,000 - ₩300,000 | $175 - $230 | Per calf; for larger muscles |
| Calf Botox (Imported brand, 200 units) | ₩250,000 - ₩400,000 | $190 - $310 | Per calf; Botox (Allergan), Xeomin |
| Both Calves (Korean brand, 400 units total) | ₩180,000 - ₩400,000 | $140 - $310 | Most common package |
| Both Calves (Imported brand, 400 units total) | ₩500,000 - ₩800,000 | $385 - $615 | Premium option |
| Premium Clinic Package (consultation + both calves) | ₩700,000 - ₩1,200,000 | $540 - $925 | Imported brand, follow-up included |
Prices as of February 2026. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Actual costs vary by clinic, brand, and individual dosage. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.
Korean vs. Imported Brands
Korean-made botulinum toxin brands like Nabota (Daewoong), Innotox (Medytox), and Coretox (Medytox) are KFDA-approved and widely used in Korean clinics. They are significantly cheaper than imported options like Allergan's Botox or Xeomin. Many Korean dermatologists consider domestic brands equally effective for body botox, though some patients specifically request imported brands. Switching from a Korean brand to an imported brand typically adds ₩70,000 ($54) per 50 units.
How This Compares Internationally
| Country | Calf Botox (Both Legs) | Savings vs. Korea |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $140 - $615 | — |
| United States | $800 - $2,000 | 50-75% savings |
| United Kingdom | $700 - $1,500 | 50-70% savings |
| Australia | $900 - $1,800 | 55-70% savings |
The Procedure: What to Expect
Before Your Appointment
- Consultation: Most clinics offer free consultations (many via KakaoTalk or email before you arrive in Korea). The doctor will evaluate your calf muscles by asking you to stand on tiptoe and flex.
- Preparation: No special preparation is needed. Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) and alcohol for 24-48 hours before treatment.
During the Procedure
- The doctor marks injection points on your calves while you stand
- You lie face-down on the treatment bed
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution
- Botulinum toxin is injected at 10-20 sites per calf using a fine needle
- The entire process takes approximately 15-30 minutes
Most patients rate the pain at 2-3 out of 10. Some clinics offer numbing cream or ice packs, but many patients find it unnecessary.
Results Timeline
- Week 1-2: Minimal visible change; the toxin is beginning to take effect
- Week 2-4: You may notice the calves feel softer and slightly less firm
- Month 1-2: Visible slimming begins as the muscle starts to atrophy
- Month 2-3: Full results — calves appear noticeably slimmer and smoother
- Month 4-6: Effects begin to gradually wear off as nerve signals return
Side Effects and Recovery
Calf botox is considered a safe, low-risk procedure when performed by an experienced practitioner. However, there are some side effects to be aware of:
Common Side Effects
- Temporary leg heaviness: For 1-2 weeks after the procedure, your legs may feel heavier or slightly weaker, particularly when climbing stairs or walking uphill
- Mild bruising: Small bruises at injection sites that typically fade within 3-7 days
- Soreness: Mild tenderness at injection points for 1-2 days
Less Common Side Effects
- Compensatory muscle bulging: In rare cases, untreated surrounding muscles may become more prominent as the gastrocnemius weakens
- Uneven results: If the toxin is not distributed evenly, one calf may appear slightly different from the other (this can be corrected at a follow-up visit)
- Walking difficulty: Extremely rare and temporary; most patients walk normally immediately after treatment
Recovery Guidelines
- Resume normal walking and daily activities immediately
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially calf-intensive activities (running, hiking, stair climbing) for 1-2 weeks
- Skip high heels for approximately 2 weeks after treatment
- Avoid saunas, hot baths, and alcohol for 3-7 days
- Do not massage the treated area for 24 hours
Calf Botox vs. Calf Liposuction vs. RF Slimming
Calf botox is not the only option for leg slimming in Korea. Here is how it compares to other popular methods:
| Feature | Calf Botox | Calf Liposuction | RF (Radiofrequency) Slimming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Muscle reduction | Fat removal | Fat + mild skin tightening |
| Best for | Muscular calves | Fatty calves | Mild fat + loose skin |
| Procedure time | 15-30 minutes | 1-2 hours | 30-60 minutes per session |
| Anesthesia | None or topical | Local or general | None |
| Downtime | None (walk out same day) | 1-2 weeks compression | None |
| Results appear | 4-8 weeks | 2-3 months (swelling) | Gradual over 3-6 months |
| Duration of results | 4-6 months (temporary) | Permanent | Semi-permanent with maintenance |
| Price (Seoul) | $140 - $615 | $2,000 - $5,000 | $300 - $800 per session |
| Pain level | Low (2-3/10) | Moderate (5-7/10) | Low (1-2/10) |
| Sessions needed | 2-3 per year | Usually 1 | 3-6 sessions |
Key takeaway: If your calves are muscular rather than fatty, calf botox is the most appropriate and effective non-surgical option. Liposuction only removes fat, not muscle, so it will not help if your calves are large due to muscle development. RF slimming is best suited for mild fat reduction and skin laxity rather than significant size reduction.
Best Clinics for Calf Botox in Seoul
Here are five well-regarded clinics that offer calf botox to international patients with English-language support:
1. YAAN Skin Clinic (Gangnam)
- Location: Deokbong Building, 82-gil Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialty: Non-surgical calf reduction, body contouring
- English support: Full English-speaking staff; free consultations available
- Why we recommend: Specializes in non-surgical body slimming and offers personalized treatment plans with detailed before-and-after tracking
2. Ever Skin Clinic (Apgujeong)
- Location: 3-minute walk from Apgujeong Station, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialty: Board-certified dermatologists; calf contouring injections and calf PS injections
- English support: English-speaking dermatologist on staff
- Why we recommend: Board-certified doctors with specialized calf reduction protocols designed for international patients
3. Tox&Fill Clinic (Multiple Locations)
- Location: Multiple branches across Seoul including Gangnam and Sinsa
- Specialty: Botulinum toxin treatments for face and body; muscle-size assessment at consultation
- English support: Available at major branches
- Why we recommend: High-volume botox clinic with extensive experience in body botox; measures your exact muscle size to customize dosage
4. Three Wishes Clinic (Myeongdong)
- Location: 1-minute walk from Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
- Specialty: Calf reduction botox, body contouring for international tourists
- English support: Full English support; popular with tourists due to central Myeongdong location
- Why we recommend: Extremely convenient location for visitors; experienced with walk-in international patients and short-stay treatment plans
5. Cheongdam Skin Clinic (Gangnam)
- Location: 13-4F, Seorim Building, 330 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialty: Full-range dermatology and body contouring; brand-tiered botox pricing
- English support: English consultations available
- Why we recommend: Transparent brand-tiered pricing so you can compare Korean vs. imported botulinum toxin options before deciding
Tip for international visitors: If you are not a Korean citizen, you are eligible for a VAT refund on medical procedures when leaving the country. Keep all receipts from your clinic visits and process the refund at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does calf botox last? A: Results typically last 4-6 months before the muscle gradually returns to its original size. With repeated sessions (2-3 times per year), results tend to last longer as the muscle atrophies more significantly over time. Some patients who have had consistent treatments over 2-3 years report that their calves remain slimmer even between sessions.
Q: Is calf botox painful? A: Most patients rate the pain at 2-3 out of 10. The needles used are very fine, and each injection takes only a few seconds. The entire procedure is completed in 15-30 minutes. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand if you are sensitive to needles, but most patients find it manageable without anesthesia.
Q: Can I walk normally after the procedure? A: Yes. You can walk out of the clinic and resume normal daily activities immediately. Some patients experience a slight feeling of heaviness or weakness in the legs for 1-2 weeks, especially when climbing stairs. Serious walking difficulty is extremely rare.
Q: Will my calves look unnatural? A: No. Calf botox produces a gradual, natural-looking reduction. The slimming happens over 4-8 weeks, so the change is progressive rather than sudden. Your doctor will calibrate the dosage to achieve a proportional result that matches your body frame.
Q: How soon before my trip home should I get calf botox? A: You can get the treatment on any day of your trip, even the day before flying home. There is no downtime that would affect travel. However, keep in mind that visible results take 4-8 weeks to appear, so you will see the full slimming effect after you return home.
Q: Is it safe to get calf botox at a Korean clinic as a foreigner? A: Yes. South Korea has some of the world's strictest regulations for cosmetic procedures. All botulinum toxin products used in clinics must be approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The clinics listed above have experience treating international patients and offer English consultations. Always confirm that your doctor is a licensed physician and that the clinic uses KFDA-approved products.
Final Thoughts
Calf botox in Korea offers an affordable, effective, and low-risk way to achieve slimmer legs without surgery. With prices starting as low as $140 for both calves using Korean-brand botulinum toxin — compared to $800 or more in the United States — Seoul remains one of the best destinations in the world for this procedure. The key is choosing a reputable clinic with experienced doctors who specialize in body botox and can customize the dosage to your muscle size.
Ready to slim your calves in Seoul? Start by contacting 2-3 clinics from our list above for free consultations. Many offer remote consultations via KakaoTalk or email, so you can plan your treatment before you even arrive in Korea.
Prices as of February 2026, subject to exchange rate fluctuations (₩1,300 = $1 USD). Contact clinics directly for current pricing and availability.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about calf botox (botulinum toxin injections for calf reduction). It is not intended as medical advice. Individual results vary depending on muscle size, body composition, and other factors. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure. The information presented here should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Last Updated: February 23, 2026 Reading Time: 8 minutes