A stronger chin can balance the whole profile. This guide compares hyaluronic acid chin filler with surgical chin implants so you can decide which route fits your goals and your Seoul trip.
Chin filler uses hyaluronic acid gel to add projection and length to the chin in about 20–30 minutes with mild swelling for a few days; results last roughly 6–18 months and can be adjusted or dissolved. A chin implant is a surgical procedure that places a permanent implant through an incision, with longer recovery. Filler suits mild to moderate changes and people who want to try a new shape. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong offers chin filler from ₩150,000 per cc (KRW, excluding 10% VAT) but does not offer chin implants.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation. Dernia does not offer chin implant surgery.
Chin filler vs chin implant: the short answer
Chin filler is a non-surgical, reversible way to add projection and definition to the chin. A chin implant is a surgical, long-term way to do the same thing. Filler suits people who want a mild to moderate change, little downtime and the option to adjust. An implant may suit people who want a larger, permanent change and are ready for surgery and recovery.
Dernia Clinic Myeongdong is a dermatology and aesthetic clinic, so we offer chin filler but do not currently offer chin implants. If your doctor feels your goals are beyond what filler can achieve, they will say so and suggest seeing a surgeon.
What is chin filler?
Chin filler uses a firm hyaluronic acid (HA) gel placed on or near the bone to bring the chin forward, lengthen it slightly or refine its shape. In Korea, it is popular for creating a balanced side profile and a smoother line from lips to chin to jaw.
- Treatment time: about 20–30 minutes including numbing.
- Typical volume: often 1–2cc, depending on your starting shape.
- Results: visible straight away, settling as swelling fades over a few days.
- Duration: roughly 6–18 months depending on the product and your metabolism.
Read more on the dermal filler page and the chin treatment area guide.
What is a chin implant?
A chin implant (genioplasty with an implant) is a surgical procedure. A surgeon makes an incision, usually inside the mouth or under the chin, and places a solid implant over the chin bone. Some people instead have a sliding genioplasty, where the bone itself is moved. These are operations performed under local or general anesthesia.
Recovery commonly involves swelling and tightness for one to two weeks or more, stitches, a soft diet if the incision is inside the mouth, and follow-up visits. The result is long-lasting, but changing it later means further surgery.
Implants can create a larger, more defined change than filler, especially when the chin is significantly set back. They are also not affected by gradual absorption. On the other hand, surgery requires more planning time, more recovery before flying, and a surgeon who can follow you up if problems such as infection or implant shifting appear later. For international visitors, that follow-up is an important practical consideration.
Chin filler vs chin implant compared
| Chin filler | Chin implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Injection, non-surgical | Surgery |
| Anesthesia | Numbing cream, lidocaine in gel | Local or general anesthesia |
| Downtime | Mild swelling for 1–3 days | Typically 1–2 weeks or more |
| Size of change | Mild to moderate | Moderate to large |
| Duration | About 6–18 months | Long-term |
| Adjustable | Yes; HA can be dissolved | Requires revision surgery |
| Offered at Dernia | Yes | No |
Who is a good candidate for chin filler?
Usually a good fit
- A slightly recessed or short chin
- Wanting a more balanced side profile
- Trying a new shape before considering anything permanent
- Visitors who need to be back to normal within days
Talk to the doctor first
- A strongly retruded chin or bite problem (a surgical or orthodontic opinion may suit better)
- Previous chin implant or permanent filler
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, acne or cold sores near the area
Chin filler is often combined with jaw slimming to create a V-line. See the V-Line Contour Package and jawline treatments.
What happens on chin filler treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor looks at your profile, lips, nose and jawline together, because chin proportion is judged against the whole face. You agree the product, volume and price before anything starts.
- Photos and marking. Front and side photos are taken, and the doctor may mark the ideal chin point.
- Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for about 20–30 minutes; most chin fillers also contain lidocaine.
- Injection. Using a fine needle or a blunt cannula, the doctor places the filler in small amounts, checking your profile as they go.
- Review and aftercare. You check the result in the mirror, receive written aftercare in English, and are told who to contact if anything feels unusual.
Chin filler results: what to expect and when
You will see more projection right away, but the chin may look slightly bigger than the final result for the first few days because of swelling. Most people see their settled shape after about one to two weeks. The filler then softens gradually over many months. Some people choose a top-up after six to twelve months to maintain the shape, often needing less product than the first time.
Because filler can be adjusted, many people use it as a trial. If you love the new profile and want something permanent later, you will have a clear idea of the change you are asking a surgeon for.
Is chin filler safe? Risks and side effects
Chin filler is a common procedure, but it carries real risks that a doctor should explain.
- Common: swelling, tenderness and bruising for a few days, plus a firm feeling while the gel settles.
- Less common: asymmetry, lumps or migration, which can usually be corrected or dissolved.
- Rare but serious: vascular occlusion, where filler blocks a blood vessel and can damage skin. Signs include sudden severe pain, blanching or a dusky color. Doctors use careful technique, aspirate or inject slowly, and keep hyaluronidase on hand.
- Infection: uncommon, and reduced by sterile technique and good aftercare.
Chin implants carry surgical risks such as infection, implant shifting, numbness and scarring. Read side effects and when to contact us.
How much does chin filler cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean HA filler, 1cc | Locally made HA | ₩150,000 |
| Korean HA filler, 2cc | Common for the chin | ₩280,000 |
| Restylane, 1cc | Imported (Galderma) | ₩290,000 |
| Juvéderm, 1cc | Imported (Allergan) | ₩350,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see the VAT refund guide. Dernia does not offer chin implants, so no implant price is listed. Full details on the filler price page.
Surgical implant costs depend on the surgeon, implant type, anesthesia and aftercare, and are quoted by surgical clinics. When comparing the two routes, remember that filler is a repeat cost while an implant is mostly a one-time cost with a larger upfront fee and recovery time. For many visitors, the deciding factors are not price alone but how much change they want, how much downtime their trip allows and whether they want the option to adjust. If you are still undecided, see questions to ask at your consultation.
Planning chin filler around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send your dates and a side-profile photo through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Treat from day two, and ideally early in your stay so the doctor can check you before you leave.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Plan photos. Allow a few days for swelling to settle before important photos.
Flying home? Most people can fly the day after chin filler. Avoid pressing on the chin, alcohol and saunas for the first day or two. See flying after fillers.
Frequently asked questions
Is chin filler or a chin implant better?
Filler suits mild to moderate changes with little downtime and can be adjusted. An implant suits larger, permanent changes but requires surgery.
How long does chin filler last?
About 6–18 months, depending on the product, amount and your metabolism.
Does Dernia offer chin implants?
No. Dernia offers non-surgical chin filler. If your goals need surgery, your doctor will tell you and suggest seeing a surgeon.
How much chin filler will I need?
Many people need 1–2cc. Your doctor recommends the amount after examining your profile.
Can chin filler be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed.
What are the risks of chin filler?
Swelling and bruising are common. A rare but serious risk is vascular occlusion, which needs immediate treatment by a doctor.
Considering chin filler in Seoul?
Send us your profile photo and travel dates. A doctor examines you in person, tells you honestly whether filler can reach your goal, and confirms your plan and price in English.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.