Korean-made vs. imported fillers: what’s the difference?

When choosing a filler, many people ask whether to go with a Korean-made or an imported product. More important than that distinction are the manufacturing standards, which differ from company to company.

Products differ in how the hyaluronic acid is produced, how the cross-linking agent is treated, how thoroughly it’s washed out at the end (and so how much of it remains) and what physical properties the filler has. These processes and figures vary from product to product. That said, any filler approved for use in people has had its safety confirmed.

At consultations, I compare it to choosing a car. Cars differ in performance and convenience, but in the end, which one you buy is up to you. Filler goes into your own body, so the choice should be yours.

One thing I do say clearly: filler is a tool, and the result it produces depends on the judgment of the doctor using it. That’s why I talk about where to place filler, and how much, before we talk about brand names.