An overview of the fillers used in Korean clinics, what each type does, where they work best and the safety points every international visitor should check before booking in Seoul.
Most facial fillers used in Korea are hyaluronic acid (HA) gels that add volume and shape straight away and can be dissolved if needed. They are used for the chin, cheeks, temples, lips, smile lines and under-eyes, and last about 6–18 months depending on the area and product. Collagen stimulators such as Sculptra or Juvelook Volume work differently, building volume gradually. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, HA filler starts from ₩150,000 per cc for Korean HA and ₩290,000–₩350,000 per cc for Restylane or Juvéderm (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What are facial fillers?
Facial fillers are injectable gels or suspensions placed under the skin to restore volume, refine contours or smooth folds. As we age, the face loses fat, bone support and collagen, which leads to hollow temples, flatter cheeks, deeper smile lines and a less defined chin. Fillers replace or support some of that lost structure.
In Korean clinics, fillers are also widely used for subtle contouring in younger patients, for example to project a short chin or soften a flat forehead profile. The Korean aesthetic generally favors balance and natural proportions over dramatic change. Our dermal filler page explains the treatment in more detail.
Types of filler used in Korea
1. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers
HA is a sugar molecule found naturally in skin. Filler-grade HA is cross-linked so it lasts months rather than days. HA fillers come in different firmness levels: firmer gels hold shape in the chin and nose, while softer gels move naturally in the lips and under-eyes. Their biggest safety advantage is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if there is a problem or you dislike the result.
Korea has a large domestic HA filler industry, and Korean brands sit alongside imported Restylane (Galderma) and Juvéderm (Allergan). Our HA filler brands guide explains the differences.
2. Collagen stimulators
Products such as Sculptra(PLLA) and Lenisna(PDLLA, also called Juvelook Volume) do not fill immediately. They prompt your body to build collagen over several months, giving gradual, longer-lasting volume. They cannot be dissolved, so they are planned carefully and are not used in every area.
3. Skin boosters
Non-cross-linked HA and polynucleotide boosters such as Rejuran improve hydration and skin quality rather than shape. They are often confused with fillers but serve a different purpose. See skin boosters explained.
Filler types compared
| Type | How it works | Onset | Typical duration | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HA filler | Adds volume and shape directly | Immediate | About 6–18 months | Yes, with hyaluronidase |
| PLLA (Sculptra) | Stimulates collagen gradually | 2–3 months | Up to about 2 years after a series | No |
| PDLLA (Lenisna) | Stimulates collagen with soft volume | 2–3 months | About 12–24 months | No |
| Skin booster | Hydrates and supports skin quality | Days to weeks | About 1–6 months | Varies by product |
Benefits of facial fillers
- Immediate change. HA filler shows a result the same day, with final settling over about two weeks.
- Adjustable. Small amounts can be added gradually, and HA can be dissolved if needed.
- Non-surgical contouring. Chin, cheek and temple filler can improve facial balance without incisions.
- Short recovery. Most people have mild swelling for a few days.
- Combines well. Fillers are often paired with Botox, lifting devices or boosters for a more complete result.
Where are fillers used? Common areas
- Chin: projection and a smoother jaw-to-chin line. See chin treatments.
- Cheeks and temples: restoring lost volume and softer contours.
- Nasolabial folds: softening deep smile lines, often alongside cheek support.
- Lips: shape, definition and hydration with soft HA.
- Under-eyes and nose: possible but high-risk areas that need an experienced doctor and a very careful assessment.
What happens on filler treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your face at rest and in motion, asks about previous fillers and medical history, and agrees the product, volume and price with you before anything starts.
- Photos and marking. Standard photos are taken and the planned injection points are marked.
- Numbing and cleansing. Most HA fillers contain lidocaine, and topical numbing cream may also be used. The skin is thoroughly disinfected.
- Injection. The doctor uses a fine needle or a blunt cannula, depending on the area, injecting slowly and checking shape as they go.
- Review and aftercare. You check the result in a mirror, receive written aftercare in English and learn which warning signs need a call to the clinic.
The whole visit usually takes about an hour, including consultation and numbing. The injection itself often takes 15–30 minutes.
Is filler safe? Risks you should know
Filler is a medical procedure. Most side effects are mild, but serious complications, though uncommon, can happen and need immediate treatment.
- Common: swelling, tenderness, bruising and mild redness for a few days.
- Less common: lumps, unevenness, visible product or a bluish tint (Tyndall effect) under thin skin. HA can usually be dissolved to correct these.
- Uncommon: infection or delayed inflammatory nodules, sometimes weeks or months later.
- Rare but serious: vascular occlusion, where filler blocks a blood vessel. This can cause skin damage and, in very rare cases near the nose, glabella or eyes, vision loss. Early signs include severe pain, blanching or mottled skin. It requires urgent treatment with hyaluronidase.
The risk of vascular events is higher in the nose, between the brows and under the eyes. A doctor should know the vascular anatomy, use appropriate techniques, keep hyaluronidase on hand and explain what warning signs to watch for after you leave. Read side effects and when to contact us.
Usually a good fit
- Mild to moderate volume loss or a short chin
- Healthy adults with realistic expectations
- People who prefer a gradual, adjustable approach
- Visitors with at least a few days in Seoul after treatment
Talk to the doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Autoimmune conditions or a history of filler reactions
- Unknown filler or permanent filler already in the area
- Active infection, cold sores or dental work planned soon
How much does filler cost in Seoul (2026)?
In Korea, HA filler is priced per cc (one milliliter). Most areas need 1–2cc, and the brand makes the biggest difference.
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean HA filler, 1cc | Locally made hyaluronic acid filler | ₩150,000 |
| Korean HA filler, 2cc | Common for the chin or both cheeks | ₩280,000 |
| Restylane, 1cc | Imported HA filler (Galderma) | ₩290,000 |
| Juvéderm, 1cc | Imported HA filler (Allergan) | ₩350,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. Full details on the dermal filler price page. Lip and under-eye filler are priced separately.
Recovery, flying and planning your Seoul trip
- First 24–48 hours: avoid pressing or massaging the area unless told to, and skip saunas, intense exercise and alcohol.
- Sleeping: sleep on your back with your head slightly raised for the first night or two.
- Book ahead: send photos and dates through our consultation form; avoid your arrival day.
- Allow buffer days: ideally stay at least three to five days after filler so early swelling or any concern can be checked in person.
- Getting here: Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Most people can fly a day or two after filler. Swelling can increase slightly on a long flight, so stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on board. Read flying after Botox and fillers before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What filler brands are used in Korea?
Korean clinics use both locally made HA fillers and imported brands such as Restylane and Juvéderm. Your doctor recommends a product based on the area and the result you want.
How long do fillers last?
HA fillers usually last about 6–18 months depending on the area, product and your metabolism. Lips tend to fade faster than the chin or cheeks.
Can filler be removed?
HA filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Collagen stimulators such as Sculptra cannot be dissolved, which is why they are planned carefully.
What is the biggest risk with filler?
The most serious risk is vascular occlusion, where filler blocks a blood vessel. It is rare but needs urgent treatment, and the risk is higher in the nose, between the brows and under the eyes.
How much is filler in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Korean HA filler starts from ₩150,000 per cc, and Restylane or Juvéderm cost ₩290,000–₩350,000 per cc, excluding 10% VAT.
Can I fly after filler?
Most people can fly a day or two later. Staying a few days allows the doctor to check swelling or any concerns before you leave.
Considering filler in Seoul?
Send us photos, your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor assesses your face in person, explains which product suits each area and confirms volume 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.