Dermal Filler in Korea: Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid Fillers 2025

Dermal fillers have become the cornerstone of non-surgical facial enhancement in Korea, offering immediate volume restoration, wrinkle correction, and facial contouring with minimal downtime. Using hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the body—Korean practitioners have perfected the art of subtle, natural-looking enhancement that defines the "K-beauty" aesthetic: soft, youthful features rather than exaggerated changes.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels made primarily of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule that naturally exists in human skin and joints. When injected beneath the skin, these biocompatible gels add volume, smooth wrinkles, enhance contours, and restore youthful fullness to the face.

How Fillers Work

Immediate Volume Addition

• Physically fills depressions, lines, and hollow areas
• Provides instant visible improvement
• Adds structure and support to skin

Hydration Attraction

• Hyaluronic acid attracts water (up to 1,000x its weight)
• Creates plumping effect beyond the filler itself
• Improves skin hydration and appearance

Collagen Stimulation (Secondary Effect)

• Presence of filler triggers mild collagen production
• Provides some continued benefit after filler dissolves
• Gradual skin quality improvement

Filler vs Other Treatments

Filler:

• Adds volume and structure
• Immediate results
• Reversible with hyaluronidase
• Lasts 6-24 months

Botox:

• Relaxes muscles
• Prevents dynamic wrinkles
• Takes 3-7 days for effect
• Lasts 3-6 months

Rejuran/Skin Boosters:

• Improves skin quality
• No volume addition
• Gradual results over weeks
• Lasts 6-12 months

Lifting Treatments (Ultherapy, Thermage):

• Tightens existing tissue
• No volume addition
• Results develop over months
• Lasts 12-24 months

Fillers are unique in providing instant, visible volume restoration—no other treatment can do this.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Korea uses primarily two categories: imported (premium) and domestic (budget-friendly).

Imported Fillers (Premium)

Juvederm (Allergan/USA)

• Most popular imported brand globally
• Vycross technology (smooth, cohesive gel)
• FDA-approved product line
• Long-lasting formulations

Restylane (Galderma/Sweden)

• Second most popular import
• NASHA technology (stabilized HA)
• Firm, robust gel
• Excellent for structure

Belotero (Merz/Germany)

• Ultra-smooth integration
• Excellent for fine lines
• Very natural appearance

Domestic Fillers (Budget)

Korean Brands:

• Neuramis
• Revolax
• Cleviel
• Yvoire

Characteristics:

• More affordable (30-50% less than imports)
• KFDA-approved (Korean FDA)
• Good quality but shorter duration
• Popular for maintenance and touch-ups

Duration Comparison:

• Domestic: 6-12 months
• Imported: 12-24 months

Juvederm Product Line

Understanding the Juvederm family helps choose the right product for your needs:

Juvederm Volbella (Softest)

Characteristics:

• Lowest G-prime (softest gel)
• Smooth, spreadable consistency
• Minimal swelling

Best For:

• Lip augmentation
• Fine lip lines (smoker's lines)
• Tear troughs (under eyes)
• Delicate areas requiring smooth integration

Duration: 12 months

Price in Korea: ₩300,000-₩450,000 ($230-$345) per syringe

Juvederm Volift (Medium)

Characteristics:

• Medium G-prime
• Balanced firmness and flexibility
• Versatile application

Best For:

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines
• Cheek volume (mild to moderate)
• Overall facial lines

Duration: 12-18 months

Price in Korea: ₩350,000-₩500,000 ($270-$385) per syringe

Juvederm Voluma (Firmer)

Characteristics:

• High G-prime (firmer gel)
• Excellent lifting capacity
• Maintains structure well

Best For:

• Cheek augmentation
• Chin enhancement
• Temples
• Forehead volume
• Structural support

Duration: 18-24 months

Price in Korea: ₩400,000-₩600,000 ($310-$460) per syringe

Juvederm Volux (Firmest)

Characteristics:

• Highest G-prime
• Very firm, robust gel
• Maximum projection

Best For:

• Jawline definition
• Chin projection
• Lower face contouring
• Maximum structural enhancement

Duration: 18-24 months

Price in Korea: ₩450,000-₩650,000 ($345-$500) per syringe

Restylane Product Line

Restylane offers comparable options with slightly different characteristics:

Restylane (Classic)

Best For:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Lip augmentation
• General facial lines

Duration: 9-12 months

Price: ₩300,000-₩450,000 ($230-$345)

Restylane Lyft

Best For:

• Cheek augmentation
• Mid-face volume
• Hand rejuvenation
• Structural support

Duration: 12-18 months

Price: ₩400,000-₩550,000 ($310-$425)

Restylane Refyne/Defyne

Best For:

• Natural movement areas
• Moderate to severe wrinkles
• Maintaining facial expressions

Duration: 12 months

Price: ₩350,000-₩500,000 ($270-$385)

Restylane Kysse (Lips)

Best For:

• Lip augmentation
• Lip lines
• Natural lip enhancement

Duration: 12 months

Price: ₩350,000-₩500,000 ($270-$385)

Common Treatment Areas

Face

Lips

• Volume enhancement
• Lip line correction
• Asymmetry correction
• Border definition

Typical Amount: 0.5-1.5cc per session Price: ₩300,000-₩600,000 ($230-$460)

Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)

• Smooths deep creases from nose to mouth
• Restores mid-face volume

Typical Amount: 1-2cc total (both sides) Price: ₩400,000-₩700,000 ($310-$540)

Cheeks

• Volume restoration
• Lift effect
• Youthful contour
• Apple cheek creation

Typical Amount: 2-4cc per session Price: ₩600,000-₩1,200,000 ($460-$925)

Chin

• Projection enhancement
• Asymmetry correction
• Profile improvement

Typical Amount: 1-3cc Price: ₩400,000-₩900,000 ($310-$695)

Jawline

• Definition and contouring
• Squaring or softening
• Symmetry correction

Typical Amount: 2-4cc Price: ₩800,000-₩1,600,000 ($615-$1,230)

Nose (Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty)

• Bridge augmentation
• Tip projection
• Correction of bumps or asymmetry

Typical Amount: 0.5-1.5cc Price: ₩400,000-₩800,000 ($310-$615)

Temples

• Volume restoration
• Softens hollow appearance
• Creates rounder, youthful contour

Typical Amount: 1-2cc per side Price: ₩500,000-₩1,000,000 ($385-$770)

Forehead

• Smooths forehead
• Corrects depressions
• Creates gentle convex shape

Typical Amount: 2-4cc Price: ₩600,000-₩1,200,000 ($460-$925)

Tear Troughs (Under Eyes)

• Reduces dark circles
• Fills hollow appearance
• Smooths eye-cheek junction

Typical Amount: 0.5-1cc per side Price: ₩400,000-₩700,000 ($310-$540)

Hands

Hand Rejuvenation

• Reduces visible veins/tendons
• Restores youthful plumpness
• Improves skin texture appearance

Typical Amount: 1-2cc per hand Price: ₩500,000-₩900,000 ($385-$695)

Dermal Filler Prices in Korea (2025)

By Brand Category

Average Costs

National Survey (13 Seoul Clinics):

• Average: ₩323,231 ($248) per syringe
• Budget: ₩242,000 ($186)
• Premium: ₩418,000 ($322)

Full Treatment Examples

Natural Lip Enhancement: ₩350,000-₩600,000 ($270-$460)

• 1cc Volbella or Kysse

Nasolabial Fold Correction: ₩500,000-₩800,000 ($385-$615)

• 1.5-2cc Volift or Restylane

Full Cheek Augmentation: ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 ($615-$1,155)

• 3-4cc Voluma or Lyft

Complete Facial Contouring: ₩2,000,000-₩4,000,000 ($1,540-$3,080)

• 6-10cc across multiple areas

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD.

Price Factors

Higher Costs:

• Gangnam/Apgujeong clinics
• Premium imported brands (Juvederm, Restylane)
• More ccs required
• Experienced "celebrity" doctors
• Difficult areas (nose, tear troughs)

Lower Costs:

• Clinics outside central Seoul
• Domestic Korean brands
• Smaller volumes
• Promotional pricing
• Straightforward areas (lips, nasolabial folds)

Treatment Process

Consultation

Assessment:

• Facial analysis and proportions
• Discussion of desired outcomes
• Product selection based on area and goals
• Volume estimation
• Before photos

Critical: Ensure realistic expectations and natural-looking goals align

Before Treatment

Preparation (1 Week Prior):

• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil)
• No alcohol 48 hours before
• Discontinue vitamin E supplements
• Avoid facial treatments (peels, lasers)

Day of Treatment:

• Come with clean, makeup-free skin
• Eat beforehand (don't come on empty stomach)
• Bring sunglasses for after

During Treatment (15-45 minutes)

Step 1: Numbing (Optional)

• Topical numbing cream (20-30 minutes)
• Dental blocks for lip injections (highly effective)
• Ice application

Step 2: Preparation

• Cleanse and disinfect area
• Mark injection points
• Prepare filler syringes

Step 3: Injection

Technique Varies by Area:

• Linear threading: Long needle/cannula tracks
• Serial puncture: Multiple small injection points
• Cross-hatching: Layered approach
• Bolus: Single depot injection

What You Experience:

• Pressure sensation
• Brief pinching with each needle entry
• Stretching feeling as filler is deposited
• Multiple injection points per area

Pain Level:

• With numbing: 2-4/10
• Without numbing: 5-7/10
• Lips (no block): 6-8/10
• Lips (with dental block): 1-2/10

Step 4: Massage and Adjustment

• Doctor sculpts and molds filler into position
• Checks symmetry
• Makes final adjustments

Step 5: Post-Treatment

• Ice application
• Post-care instructions
• Evaluate results

Immediately After

Appearance:

• Moderate swelling (especially lips)
• Slight redness at injection sites
• Possible small bumps or irregularities
• May look overcorrected initially (swelling)

Sensation:

• Fullness and tightness
• Mild tenderness
• Possible throbbing (lips especially)

Recovery & Downtime

Days 1-2: Peak Swelling

Appearance:

• Maximum swelling (especially lips)
• Bruising may appear
• Uneven appearance possible
• Overcorrected look

Management:

• Ice packs (15 minutes on, 15 off)
• Sleep elevated (2-3 pillows)
• Avoid heat and exercise
• Take arnica supplements

Social Downtime: Moderate to high, especially for lips

Days 3-5: Improvement

Appearance:

• Swelling 60-70% resolved
• Bruising fading
• Results looking more natural
• Can wear makeup

Activities:

• Resume work
• Light exercise allowed
• Gentle skincare

Week 1-2: Near Final Result

Appearance:

• Swelling 90%+ resolved
• True result visible
• Filler settled into position
• Natural appearance

Activities:

• All restrictions lifted
• Full exercise allowed
• Can receive other treatments

Weeks 2-4: Final Result

Appearance:

• Complete swelling resolution
• Filler fully integrated
• Final outcome achieved
• Time for assessment and potential touch-up

Aftercare Instructions

First 24 Hours

❌ Avoid:

• Touching or massaging area
• Makeup application
• Strenuous exercise
• Alcohol consumption
• Extreme temperatures (sauna, hot yoga, ice facial)
• Lying flat (sleep elevated)
• Dental work (if lip/perioral filler)

✅ Do:

• Apply ice packs gently
• Sleep elevated
• Stay hydrated
• Take arnica (reduces bruising)

First Week

❌ Avoid:

• Facial massage
• Aggressive facial expressions (especially after lip filler)
• Facials or facial treatments
• Direct sun exposure (use SPF 50+)
• Flying (can increase swelling)

✅ Do:

• Gentle cleansing
• Light moisturizer
• Sun protection
• Follow-up appointment if needed

Long-Term Maintenance

• Avoid excessive UV exposure (breaks down HA faster)
• Maintain stable weight
• Stay hydrated
• Use quality skincare
• Touch-ups as needed (typically 12-24 months)

Side Effects & Risks

Common (Expected)

Swelling

• Duration: 2-7 days
• Severity: Mild to moderate (severe with lips)
• Universal occurrence

Bruising

• Duration: 5-14 days
• Occurrence: 30-50% of patients
• More common in vascular areas

Tenderness

• Duration: 3-7 days
• Mild discomfort at injection sites

Lumps/Bumps

• Duration: 1-2 weeks
• Usually resolves as filler integrates
• Can massage gently after 48 hours

Redness

• Duration: 1-3 days
• Mild, easily covered with makeup

Uncommon

Asymmetry

• Can be corrected with additional filler or dissolving
• Often due to uneven swelling initially

Prolonged Swelling (Lips especially)

• Can last 2-4 weeks
• More common with larger volumes

Tyndall Effect

• Bluish discoloration from superficial filler
• Requires dissolution and re-injection

Nodules

• Firm lumps under skin
• May require massage or dissolution

Rare but Serious

⚠️ Vascular Occlusion (Emergency)

• Filler blocking blood vessel
• Signs: Severe pain, skin blanching/darkening, vision changes
• Requires immediate hyaluronidase injection
• This is a medical emergency

⚠️ Blindness (Extremely Rare)

• From retrograde flow to retinal artery
• Permanent if not treated within minutes
• Most risk with nose, glabella (between eyebrows) injections

⚠️ Skin Necrosis

• Tissue death from vascular compromise
• Appears as darkening, blistering skin
• Requires immediate treatment

⚠️ Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction

• Can occur months to years later
• Swelling, redness, inflammation
• Requires steroids and possibly dissolution

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

🚨 Seek Emergency Care If:

• Severe, sudden pain during or after injection
• Skin turning white, purple, or black
• Vision changes or loss
• Severe swelling not improving with ice
• Blistering or skin breakdown
• Persistent severe headache

Dissolving Fillers: Hyaluronidase

One major advantage of HA fillers: they're completely reversible.

Hyaluronidase Injection

What It Does:

• Enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid
• Dissolves filler within hours to days
• Returns area to pre-filler state

When It's Used:

• Complications (vascular occlusion emergency)
• Unsatisfactory results
• Asymmetry correction
• Overcorrection
• Lumps or irregularities

Process:

• Injected into area with unwanted filler
• Multiple injections may be needed
• Filler dissolves within 24-48 hours
• Some native HA also dissolved (temporary)
• Can re-treat with filler after 1-2 weeks

Cost in Korea: ₩100,000-₩300,000 ($77-$230) per treatment

Important: Hyaluronidase dissolves ALL hyaluronic acid in the area—both filler and natural HA. This means treated areas may temporarily look more hollow than baseline before natural HA regenerates.

Who Should Get Fillers?

Ideal Candidates

✅ Age 25+ with volume loss or contour concerns ✅ Realistic expectations - Subtle enhancement, not transformation ✅ Good overall health ✅ Stable weight ✅ Understanding of temporary nature - Requires maintenance ✅ Wanting immediate results - Unlike treatments requiring months ✅ Specific volume/contour goals - Clear idea of desired outcome

Best Results For

• Lip augmentation and definition
• Nasolabial fold softening
• Cheek volume restoration
• Chin enhancement
• Jawline definition
• Under-eye hollows
• Hand rejuvenation

Not Recommended For

❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding ❌ Active skin infections in treatment area ❌ Bleeding disorders or on blood thinners ❌ History of severe allergies to HA ❌ Unrealistic expectations (wanting dramatic transformation) ❌ Autoimmune conditions (discuss with doctor) ❌ Keloid scarring tendency

Korean Filler Philosophy: Natural Enhancement

Korean aesthetic approach differs significantly from Western trends:

Korean Style:

• Subtle, natural-looking enhancement
• "No one should know you had work done"
• Soft, youthful features
• Conservative volumes
• Emphasis on harmony and balance

Avoid:

• Overfilled "pillow face"
• Exaggerated lip size
• Unnatural projections
• Obvious augmentation

Korean practitioners excel at:

• Minimal amounts for maximum effect
• Strategic placement
• Natural movement preservation
• Age-appropriate enhancement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much filler do I need? A: Highly variable by area and goals. Lips: 0.5-1.5cc. Nasolabial folds: 1-2cc total. Cheeks: 2-4cc. Your doctor will assess and recommend during consultation. Start conservatively—you can always add more.

Q: Does filler injection hurt? A: With numbing cream: 2-4/10. Lips with dental block: 1-2/10. Without any numbing: 5-7/10. Brief discomfort with each needle entry, but tolerable for most.

Q: Can I fly after filler? A: Best to wait 48-72 hours. Cabin pressure and dehydration can worsen swelling. If you must fly sooner, stay very hydrated and expect more swelling.

Q: Will filler make me look fake? A: Not if done properly with conservative amounts. Korean practitioners specialize in natural-looking results. Overfilling creates "fake" appearance—volume, not technique, is usually the culprit.

Q: Can filler migrate to other areas? A: Modern cohesive gels rarely migrate when properly injected. However, massage or pressure can shift filler in first few days. Follow aftercare instructions carefully.

Q: Should I get imported or domestic filler? A: Imported (Juvederm, Restylane): Longer-lasting (12-24 months), more clinical data, smoother gels. Worth it for many patients. Domestic: Budget-friendly, good quality, shorter duration (6-12 months). Good for trial or maintenance. Both are safe—choose based on budget and longevity preference.

Q: How long until I can work out? A: Wait 24-48 hours. Exercise increases blood flow, worsening swelling and bruising. Light walking is fine; avoid high-intensity or hot yoga for 3 days.

Q: What if I don't like the results? A: Hyaluronidase can dissolve HA filler within 24-48 hours. This reversibility is a major advantage over permanent procedures. Discuss concerns with your injector first—minor issues often resolve with time and swelling reduction.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers have earned their place as the most popular non-surgical facial enhancement procedure in Korea, offering immediate, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Whether you're seeking subtle lip enhancement, wrinkle correction, or comprehensive facial contouring, modern hyaluronic acid fillers provide safe, reversible, and predictable outcomes in skilled hands.

With Korean pricing of $230-$460 per syringe for premium imported fillers (30-40% less than Western countries), access to the latest products (Juvederm, Restylane), and practitioners renowned for natural, balanced aesthetics, Seoul has become a global destination for filler treatments.

The key to success: Choose experienced injectors who prioritize natural results, start conservatively, and remember that filler is an art—subtle enhancement that makes you look like the best version of yourself, not someone else.

Ready to enhance your natural beauty with dermal fillers? Book a consultation at a Seoul clinic to discuss your goals and discover how strategic filler placement can refresh your appearance while maintaining your unique features.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about dermal filler treatments and should not be considered medical advice. Dermal fillers carry risks including vascular occlusion, skin necrosis, blindness (rare), infection, and allergic reactions. Results vary significantly based on individual anatomy, product selection, and injector skill. Always choose board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons with extensive filler experience—complications are almost always related to inexperienced injectors. Vascular occlusion is a medical emergency requiring immediate hyaluronidase treatment. Overfilling creates unnatural appearance and increases complication risk. HA fillers are temporary (6-24 months) and require ongoing maintenance. Never inject permanent fillers or non-HA substances (liquid silicone, etc.)—reversibility is crucial. The information provided is based on general practices in Korea as of 2025 and may not reflect specific clinic protocols or the most current medical guidelines. Do not use this article as a substitute for professional medical consultation.

Last Updated: November 7, 2025 Reading Time: 11 minutes