Filler Brands you can get in Korea : Differences and Costs

Dermal Fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures not only in Korea, but all around the world. As its name suggests, fillers basically fill volume to areas of our face which can subtly or dramatically change the complexion of our appearance - making it an easy but effective fix for many of our physical complexes from deep marionette lines to shallow nose bridges. Dermal Fillers are classified by the substance used, and the most popular type is the Hyaluronic Acid Filler. It’s safe as it’s a substance found in our body and is naturally absorbed inside our body over time, and even easily reversible if one is not satisfied with the results. In Korea, there is a wide range of HA filler brands available. You have the global favorites, Restylane and Juvederm, but you may have also been curious about Korean brands like Yvoire and Neuramis which are much cheaper in cost. Which begs the question, how are these brands different and which one should I get?

Hyaluronic acid would be completely absorbed by your body within a few days if injected as itself. A great point to prove its safety, but not the effect you want to be paying money for. This is why, HA when used as fillers are “cross-linked”. Dermal HA fillers exist as long chain structures and substances such as BDDE and DVS are used to link HA chains together so the filler keeps its form - this is called cross-linking. This not only prolongs the absorption of the HA, but also helps the filler maintain its shape. Depending on how the HA is cross-linked, its properties change. There are two types of cross-linking: monophasic and biphasic.

Monophasic cross-linking basically finely divides the Hyaluronic Acid into gel type structures, as shown in the image above. Monophasic filler brands include Juvederm & Teosyal. These fillers evenly spread within the area they are injected, but are not so volumetric. They are suitable for filling out light wrinkles and evenly spreading out across areas like the cheeks.

Image Source

Biphasic cross-linking, on the other hand, divides Hyaluronic Acid into gels and particle forms, again as shown in the image above. Biphasic filler brands include Restylane and Yvoire. The structure may be uneven, but it has a greater effect at giving volume. These fillers are suitable for deeper wrinkles and for maintaining shape for areas like the nose.

• Biphasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 ~ 12 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 350 USD (1cc)

Restylane is the number 1 filler brand globally in sales. It is FDA approved and has over 15 million cases of practice to support its case of reliability and safety. It has a product lineup of 8 sub brands, each of them having its own specific usage depending on the area of the face injected and its desired effect.

• Monophasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 ~ 12 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 350 USD (1cc)

Juvederm is an American Filler brand (made by the same manufacturer of the original Botox, Allergan). It’s soft gel type makes it easier to produce a natural-looking and smooth shape. Juvederm also has a line of sub-brands, all FDA approved.

• Monophasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 ~ 12 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 350 USD (1cc)

Teosyal is another popular FDA approved Filler brand. It is known to have the least adverse side effects, especially for delicate areas like around the eye. Its recipe also has reduced amounts of protein impurities, which can cause allergic reactions.

• Biphasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 200 USD (1cc)

Yvoire is a Korean Filler brand. It is KFDA approved and is known for its syringe design which gives high stability of injection (favored by doctors for its ease of use). It boasts the longest period of domestic use among local brands.

• Monophasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 130 USD (1cc)

Another KFDA approved Korean brand. Neuramis is becoming a local favorite for its smooth spread characteristic, showing an extremely high growth rate in the market.

• Monophasic Filler
• Filler Effect Duration : 6 months
• Filler Cost : approx. 130 USD (1cc)

Elravie, with Yvoire, has been in the domestic market for the longest period of time among Korean filler brands. For a monophasic filler, it shows high viscosity and elasticity commonly seen in biphasic fillers.

• Cross-linked HA in high concentration
• Filler Effect Duration : 2 years
• Filler Cost : approx. 450 USD (1cc)

Developed by a subsidiary company of Amore Pacific and now acquired by a growing Korean pharmaceutical company, PRP. Cleviel, KFDA approved, claims to have achieved extremely high concentrations of HA while still reducing impurities, making it highly elastic and viscose. This is how they last twice as long as other HA fillers.

• Hyaluronic Acid + PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
• Filler Effect Duration : 2 years
• Filler Cost : approx 450 USD (5cc)

Tissuefill, or more commonly known as Q.O Fill, is a premium Korean filler brand that has become popular as it is said to last for more than 2 years. Q.O Fill mixes PRP (platelet-rich plasma) with Hyaluronic Acid and uses a higher dosage than other HA fillers. Q.O Fill is also KFDA approved.

These are the different HA Filler brands, both imported and domestic, that you can get in Korea. Each brand markets its brand focusing on different benefits and are all FDA and/or KFDA approved. However, more important than which brand you get is getting them by an experienced and certified doctor, and how much they are accustomed to using a certain brand. They all have their own preferences from their experience with different brands, so make sure you consult with the doctor in depth before deciding to get fillers!