Dermal fillers (필러, pilleo) are injectable gels used to add volume or soften lines. They are popular in Korea, and they are also one of the treatments where technique and product matter a great deal. This guide summarises what the FDA says and what to ask.
At a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| What it is | An injectable gel, often hyaluronic acid (히알루론산, hialluronsan), placed under the skin. |
| Korean name to say | 필러 (pilleo) |
| How clinics usually quote it | By area and often by volume, for example in “cc”. Ask for the product name and the amount. |
| Who may inject | A trained, licensed doctor. Ask who will inject you. |
What the FDA says
- Approved fillers are for prescription use by a licensed professional, for specific uses such as moderate to severe facial wrinkles, lip and cheek fullness and acne scars on the cheek, in people aged 22 and older.
- Common effects include swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, bruising, redness, discoloration, itching and lumps.
- Less common risks include granuloma, an allergic reaction, infection and open or draining wounds.
- The most serious risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. It can cause tissue death, vision impairment or blindness, and stroke. These events are rare but serious.
- Removing a filler may need further procedures, and some materials are hard or impossible to remove.
- The FDA says there is no approved injectable silicone filler and warns against fillers for body contouring.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Which product will you use, and may I see the sealed package? Ask for the brand, the amount and the batch details.
- Who will inject, and what is their training?
- Which areas carry higher risk for me, and how do you reduce it? Ask about the technique and why they chose it.
- Is the product dissolvable? Some hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Ask if the clinic keeps it on hand.
- What do you do if a complication occurs, and how can I reach you after hours?
- What is the total price, and what does it include?
Warning signs that need urgent care
- Sudden, severe or increasing pain during or after injection.
- Skin that turns white, grey, dusky or blotchy.
- Any change in vision, or stroke-like symptoms such as weakness or trouble speaking.
Contact the clinic immediately, and go to an emergency room or call 119 if you have vision changes or stroke-like symptoms. See also what to do if a skin treatment goes wrong.
Red flags
- Filler sold or injected outside a medical clinic.
- A clinic that cannot name the product or will not show packaging.
- Very low prices or pressure to book on the day.
- Any offer of filler or silicone for body contouring.
Useful Korean words
| Korean | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 필러 | pilleo | Filler |
| 히알루론산 | hialluronsan | Hyaluronic acid |
| 용해 | yonghae | Dissolving (the filler) |
| 주사 | jusa | Injection |
| 부위 | buwi | Area |
| 멍 | meong | Bruise |
| 시력 | siryeok | Eyesight |
| 응급실 | eunggeupsil | Emergency room |
| 부작용 | bujagyong | Side effects |
Frequently asked questions
Are all fillers the same?
No. Products differ in material, thickness and intended area. Ask for the brand and the reason it suits your area.
Can filler be removed?
Hyaluronic acid filler can sometimes be dissolved, while some materials cannot be removed easily. Ask before you agree.
General information, not medical advice. Devices, products and rules change; confirm details with a licensed doctor. Before you book, check the clinic on our map, build a visit card to show the doctor, and read how to read a Korean clinic estimate. See the About page for our sources and corrections policy.