Dermalift
Dermalift is a non-surgical injectable treatment that works on the skin itself, rather than the muscles underneath it. Instead of relaxing muscles the way standard botulinum toxin injections do, Dermalift uses many tiny, highly diluted micro-injections placed just under the skin’s surface — a technique also known in clinical literature as intradermal microtoxin injection, mesobotox, or microdroplet botulinum toxin.
Because it’s placed at the skin level, it can affect the tiny structures there — fine muscle fibres, oil and sweat glands, and skin cells called fibroblasts — without paralysing the larger muscles that control your expressions. In practice, this means patients notice a subtle skin-tightening and lifting sensation, smaller-looking pores, less oiliness, and smoother skin texture, while still being able to move their face normally.
At EHA Clinic, Dermalift treatments are performed by our medical doctors and are customised based on the individual’s skin condition, treatment goals, and areas of concern. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Jaw Botulinum Toxin & Jawline Treatment Singapore
V-Shaped Facial Contouring
Dermalift is a non-surgical injectable treatment that works on the skin itself, rather than the muscles underneath it. Instead of relaxing muscles the way standard botulinum toxin injections do, Dermalift uses many tiny, highly diluted micro-injections placed just under the skin’s surface — a technique also known in clinical literature as intradermal microtoxin injection, mesobotox, or microdroplet botulinum toxin.
Because it’s placed at the skin level, it can affect the tiny structures there — fine muscle fibres, oil and sweat glands, and skin cells called fibroblasts — without paralysing the larger muscles that control your expressions. In practice, this means patients notice a subtle skin-tightening and lifting sensation, smaller-looking pores, less oiliness, and smoother skin texture, while still being able to move their face normally.
At EHA Clinic, Dermalift treatments are performed by our medical doctors and are customised based on the individual’s skin condition, treatment goals, and areas of concern. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Treatment at a Glance
Procedure type
Injectable. Highly diluted botulinum toxin A is delivered as multiple microdroplets into the intradermal (skin) layer, rather than into the underlying facial muscles.
Expected Results
Subtle skin tightening and lifting sensation; reduction in the appearance of fine lines; reduced pore size and oil production; improved skin texture — while facial expression is largely preserved. Results vary with individuals.
Downtime
Treatment Areas
Face (forehead, periorbital area, cheeks, jawline, and other areas as assessed)
Procedure Time
30 minutes, depending on the treatment area
What is Dermalift?
Dermalift is EHA Clinic’s application of the intradermal microtoxin injection technique. It is a treatment approach that has been studied in aesthetic medicine literature for over 15 years and is also referred to as mesobotox, microbotox, or “skin botox.”
How it differs from standard botulinum toxin injections
Dermalift (Intradermal Microtoxin)
Injection depth
Intradermal (into the skin layer)
Primary target
Superficial dermal structures — fine muscle fibres, glands, fibroblasts
Effect on expression
Facial expression is largely preserved
Number of injection points
Multiple (many small microdroplets spread over the treatment area)
Primary aesthetic goal
Skin quality, pore size, subtle lift, texture
Typical duration
Approximately 3–4 months
Standard Botulinum Toxin Injection
Injection depth
Intramuscular (into the facial muscle)
Primary target
Larger facial muscles responsible for expression
Effect on expression
Reduces movement in the targeted muscle group
Number of injection points
Fewer, more concentrated injection points
Primary aesthetic goal
Reduction of dynamic wrinkles (e.g. frown lines, crow’s feet)
Typical duration
Approximately 3–4 months (varies by area and dose)
The idea behind the technique is simple: give patients some of the skin-tightening benefits of botulinum toxin, without the reduced facial movement that comes with standard injections into the muscle. It does this by spreading a more diluted amount of toxin across a wider, shallower area, rather than concentrating it into a smaller number of muscle targets.
Step-by-step Treatment Process
1. Consultation
The doctor assesses the patient’s skin condition, areas of concern, medical history, and treatment goals. The appropriate dilution, dosage, and injection pattern are planned based on the treatment area. Risks and expected outcomes are discussed. Informed consent is obtained before any treatment proceeds.
2. Preparation
The treatment area is cleansed thoroughly. A topical numbing cream is applied to improve comfort during the multiple injection points.
3. Injection
The doctor administers multiple small injections of diluted botulinum toxin A into the intradermal layer across the planned treatment area, using a fine needle. The technique involves many more injection points spread more widely than a standard intramuscular botulinum toxin treatment. Treatment time is typically 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
4. Post-treatment
Mild swelling, redness, and small bumps at injection points can be expected immediately after treatment. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities and facial movement without restriction.
How Does Dermalift Work?
Skin Cell (Fibroblast) Contraction
One explanation for the subtle lifting effect is that the toxin causes a slight contraction in fibroblasts — the skin cells responsible for producing and maintaining collagen. Laboratory studies have shown that botulinum toxin A can trigger this contraction, with the strength of the effect depending on the specific product and dilution used. Researchers believe this, combined with the physical stimulation from the many injection points themselves (similar to what happens with dermal needling), contributes to the tightening sensation patients notice.
Superficial Muscle Fibre Relaxation
Some of your facial muscles have fine fibres that connect directly into the skin above them, including small “downward-pulling” muscles in the lower face. Because Dermalift is injected at the skin level, it can relax these fine fibres specifically, easing the downward pull on the skin, while leaving the deeper muscles that control your broader expressions largely unaffected. This is why the technique is associated with a natural, “non-frozen” look rather than the more fixed appearance of standard treatment.
Oil and Sweat Gland Effects
The treatment also reduces oil and sweat gland activity in the area treated — this is well documented and happens because the toxin partly blocks the nerve signals that trigger these glands. Less oil production is linked to the smaller-looking pores and smoother, less shiny skin texture patients often notice.
What Can Dermalift Address?
FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
By easing muscle pull and gently tightening the skin, the treatment may soften the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the forehead and eye area.
ENLARGED PORES
By reducing oil gland activity, the treatment is associated with smaller-looking pores in multiple published studies.
EXCESS OIL PRODUCTION
The same effect on oil glands helps reduce excess shine and oiliness.
MILD SKIN LAXITY AND SUBTLE LIFT
The skin-tightening and muscle-relaxing effects together may contribute to a subtle lift and firmer feel, particularly along the jawline and lower face.
SKIN TEXTURE AND TONE
Patients who undergo a course of treatment have reported an overall improvement in skin texture and evenness over time.
JAW CONTOUR (V-SHAPED FACE EFFECT)
When injected along the jawline, the treatment relaxes fine fibres in the platysma muscle (the muscle that runs down the neck and lower face), which can lift the cheeks and jowls slightly. Some patients describe this as giving a more tapered, V-shaped contour — the degree of effect depends on individual facial anatomy.
Note: Individual results depend on skin condition, facial anatomy, and the specific areas treated. Suitability and expected outcomes are assessed at consultation.
What Results Can You Expect
Immediately after treatment
Small bumps, mild redness, and swelling at injection points are expected and normal. These typically subside within a few hours to 3 days.
1-2 weeks
Initial effects, including subtle skin tightening and early improvement in skin texture, may begin to be noticeable as the toxin takes effect in the superficial tissue.
4 weeks and beyond
The full effect on pore size, oil production, and skin texture typically becomes more apparent by around 4 weeks post-treatment.
Longevity
The effects of Dermalift are generally observed to last approximately 3–4 months, consistent with published clinical literature on intradermal botulinum toxin techniques. Individual duration varies based on the dose and dilution used, treatment area, and individual metabolism.
Maintenance
Because the effect is temporary, repeat treatment every 3–4 months is generally recommended to maintain results. A combination approach with other treatments (such as HIFU-based skin tightening, thread lifts, or fillers) may be recommended depending on the individual’s concerns.
Results vary between individuals. The degree of improvement depends on baseline skin condition, the specific areas treated, the dilution and technique used, and adherence to post-treatment care. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Side Effects and Risks
Common, expected side effects
- Small bumps at injection points immediately after treatment (normal; resolve within hours to a few days)
- Mild redness and swelling at treated areas
- Mild bruising — reported in a minority of patients across published studies
- Tenderness at injection sites
Less common side effects
- Temporary facial asymmetry as the treatment settles — reported in some published studies, more commonly in younger patients
- Headache
- Mild swelling lasting longer than a few days
Rare side effects
- If some toxin spreads deeper than intended, it can cause temporary, localised muscle weakness — this is uncommon and the risk is reduced by careful, shallow injection technique
- Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to the toxin product used
- Infection at injection sites
Published clinical studies of intradermal botulinum toxin injection have generally reported favourable safety profiles, with most studies noting no severe adverse effects. At EHA Clinic, Dermalift treatments are performed only by trained medical doctors. Full details of potential risks and side effects are discussed at consultation, and informed consent is obtained before treatment.
Who May Be Suitable for Dermalift?
Suitable candidates:
- Adults seeking a subtle skin-tightening and lifting effect without restriction of facial expression
- Individuals with enlarged pores, or oily skin seeking a non-topical treatment option
- Those with fine lines and mild skin laxity, particularly in the forehead, periorbital area, and jawline
- Patients interested in a more tapered jaw or facial contour effect
- Individuals who have found standard intramuscular botulinum toxin treatment to feel too restrictive on facial expression
- Those willing to undergo repeat treatment every 3–4 months to maintain results
Dermalift may NOT be suitable for individuals with:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin
- Active skin infections or inflamed skin in the treatment area
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g. myasthenia gravis) — assessed individually
- Current use of certain medications that may interact with botulinum toxin (e.g. certain antibiotics) — disclosed and assessed at consultation
- Unrealistic expectations regarding the degree and permanence of lift achievable — Dermalift produces a subtle, temporary effect and is not equivalent to a surgical facelift or a structural thread lift
Suitability is assessed at consultation. The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, current medications, and treatment goals before recommending a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dermalift?
Dermalift is EHA Clinic’s application of the intradermal microtoxin injection technique, in which highly diluted botulinum toxin A is injected as multiple microdroplets into the superficial skin layer rather than the underlying muscle. This technique — also known in clinical literature as mesobotox or microbotox — is designed to produce a subtle skin-tightening and lifting effect, reduce pore size and oil production, and improve skin texture, while largely preserving normal facial expression.
How is Dermalift different from regular Botulinum Toxin injections?
The main difference is where it’s injected. Standard injections go into the facial muscles to relax them and soften wrinkles caused by expression. Dermalift instead uses a more diluted amount, injected as tiny droplets into the skin itself — targeting fine muscle fibres, glands, and skin cells rather than the bigger muscles that control your expressions. In short: Dermalift is aimed at skin quality and a subtle lift, while standard treatment is aimed at softening specific wrinkles.
Will my face look "frozen" after Dermalift?
Dermalift is designed to work at the skin level rather than on the larger muscles that control your expressions, and studies show that normal facial movement is usually preserved. That said, everyone responds a little differently, and very mild, temporary changes to your expression are possible depending on the dose and your own anatomy. Your doctor will talk you through what to expect at consultation.
What areas can be treated?
Dermalift is commonly used on the forehead, periorbital (under-eye) area, cheeks, and jawline. The specific areas and technique are customised based on your skin concerns and goals at consultation.
How long do results last?
Published clinical literature on intradermal botulinum toxin techniques generally reports a duration of approximately 3–4 months. Individual duration varies depending on the dose and dilution used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism. Repeat treatment is generally recommended every 3–4 months to maintain results.
Is there scientific evidence behind this technique?
Yes. This technique has been studied in peer-reviewed clinical literature for over 15 years. Published research has reported improvements in oil production, pore size, wrinkles, and skin texture following treatment, although researchers have noted that the evidence base would benefit from larger studies to reach more definitive conclusions.
Can Dermalift treat enlarged pores and oily skin?
Yes. By calming down oil gland activity, the treatment is linked to less oil production and smaller-looking pores across multiple published studies, including studies comparing treated and untreated sides of the same face.
Is Dermalift the same as a facelift?
No. Dermalift produces a subtle, temporary lifting sensation through its effect on superficial skin structures and fine muscle fibres. It is not equivalent to a surgical facelift, which involves direct surgical repositioning of deeper facial tissue, nor to structural treatments such as thread lifts or HIFU-based skin tightening. Dermalift may be used as part of a broader combination treatment plan alongside these other approaches, depending on your goals.
What are the side effects?
The most common effects are small bumps, mild redness, and swelling at injection points, which typically resolve within a few hours to a few days. Mild bruising occurs in a minority of patients. Less common effects include temporary facial asymmetry as the treatment settles. Your doctor will discuss the specific risk profile for your treatment plan at consultation.
Can Dermalift be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Dermalift is often used as part of a combination treatment approach alongside HIFU-based skin tightening, thread lifts, and dermal fillers, depending on the individual’s concerns and goals. The combination approach and sequencing are discussed with your doctor at consultation.
Who performs Dermalift treatments at EHA Clinic?
All Dermalift treatments are performed only by registered medical doctors at EHA Clinic, in accordance with the SMC Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors and Singapore’s Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) regulatory framework.
Can you show before-and-after photos or guarantee results?
In accordance with Singapore’s MOH/HCSA advertising regulations, before-and-after photos are not displayed in public advertising materials. Example images may be viewed in-clinic during consultation for educational purposes, with appropriate clinical context. Results cannot be guaranteed; individual outcomes vary.
How is cost determined?
Cost depends on the treatment areas, the dosage and dilution required, and the number of sessions in the treatment plan. A personalised estimate will be provided at consultation.
Post-treatment care
- Small bumps, redness, and swelling at injection points are expected and typically resolve within a few hours to 3 days
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and steam rooms for 24 hours after treatment
- Avoid lying face-down or applying pressure to treated areas for several hours after the session
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily
- Use gentle skincare; avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients directly over injection points for a few days
- Attend follow-up sessions every 3–4 months to maintain results, as advised by your doctor
- Contact the clinic if you notice unusual swelling, asymmetry that does not resolve, or any symptoms that concern you
Book a Consultation
Dermalift is suitable for adults seeking a subtle, non-restrictive approach to skin firmness, pore reduction, and facial contour. A consultation with our medical doctors is required to assess your skin condition and goals, and to determine if Dermalift is suitable for you.
Alternatively, reach out to us for a non-obligatory consultation
Meet your EHA Clinic Doctor
Dr. Elias Tam, the Doctor Trainer
Dr. Elias Tam, with over 30 years in medicine, leads EHA Clinic, focusing on advancing technical standards in aesthetic medicine. He holds the position of Clinical Lecturer at University College London. Throughout his many years as an aesthetic doctor, Dr. Tam has held multiple hands-on training sessions and seminars, sharing his vast knowledge and expertise with aspiring doctors in the field.
Under his guidance, EHA Clinic offers a safe and comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments for the face, body, and hair; including clinically established treatments such as hair transplants, non-surgical face-lifting, body sculpting, fillers and other injectable treatments.