Dermal Filler — Material, Plane, and Who Injects It
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Filler restores volume and refines contour. Two material families are used at Cellon: stabilised hyaluronic acid, which occupies space immediately and can be dissolved if needed, and polycaprolactone-based filler, which also stimulates collagen and is fully absorbed over about two years.
The two material families
- Stabilised hyaluronic acid
- Uniform particle size and stable structure limit migration after injection. Lidocaine is included in the product, which reduces discomfort during treatment. Volume is present from the moment of injection, and the material can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if correction is required.
- Polycaprolactone-based filler
- Provides volume and also stimulates the skin's own collagen over time. It is fully broken down and absorbed by around two years, so it does not remain permanently. Unlike hyaluronic acid it cannot be dissolved on demand, which makes plane and volume decisions more consequential.
Neither material is superior in the abstract. The choice depends on the area, the goal, and whether reversibility matters to the patient.
Treatment areas
- Temple
- Under-eye (tear trough)
- Nose
- Cheek and midface
- Nasolabial fold
- Chin and jawline
The under-eye and nose are the two areas where plane and volume matter most, and where complications are most consequential.
What patients should know before deciding
Filler is a medical procedure with recognised complications. Nodule formation, asymmetry, migration, and vascular occlusion are all documented in the literature. Vascular occlusion is rare but serious, and the nose and glabella carry the highest risk.
Cellon does not claim these complications cannot occur. What is within a clinic's control is the material selection, the injection plane, the volume per pass, and the ability to recognise and manage a complication promptly. Hyaluronidase is kept on site.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of areas |
| Anaesthesia | Topical numbing cream; lidocaine is included in the product |
| Recovery / downtime | Swelling for 2 to 3 days; bruising possible, particularly under the eye |
| Duration | Varies by material and area. Polycaprolactone-based filler is fully absorbed by around 2 years |
| Reversibility | Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase; polycaprolactone-based filler cannot |
| Suggested stay | Cellon suggests at least 3 days in Seoul so the result can be checked in person |
| Cost | Korean and international patients pay identical prices. Final cost is confirmed at consultation |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — anatomy, volume loss pattern, and goal are assessed, and material and plane are selected.
- Topical anaesthesia.
- Injection at the planned plane, with aspiration and slow delivery in higher-risk areas.
- Immediate review of symmetry and contour; adjustment where required.
- Aftercare instructions, including what symptoms require immediate contact with the clinic.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults with volume loss, contour irregularity, or fold depth who want an immediate and adjustable change.
- Limited benefit
- Filler does not lift significantly lax tissue and does not improve skin quality. Where laxity or texture is the main issue, lifting or skin treatments are considered instead.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active skin infection at the treatment site, known hypersensitivity to the material, active autoimmune flare, recent dental work in the treatment area.
- Side effects
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary lumpiness are common in the first days. Nodule formation, asymmetry, and migration are recognised complications. Vascular occlusion is rare but serious and requires immediate treatment. Any sudden pain, colour change, or visual symptom after injection should be reported to the clinic immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Which filler is better?
Neither, in the abstract. Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved if correction is needed; polycaprolactone-based filler stimulates collagen and is absorbed by around two years but cannot be dissolved. The choice follows the area and the goal.
Can filler be removed if I do not like it?
Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Polycaprolactone-based filler cannot, which is why plane and volume decisions matter more with it.
Can nodules form?
Yes — nodule formation is a recognised complication of filler. It is uncommon but possible with any material and any injector. If it occurs, it is assessed and managed.
What is the most serious risk?
Vascular occlusion. It is rare but serious, and the nose and glabella carry the highest risk. Sudden pain, skin colour change, or visual symptoms after injection require immediate contact with the clinic.
How long does it last?
It depends on the material and the area. Areas with more movement break material down faster. Polycaprolactone-based filler is fully absorbed by around two years.
Is the injection painful?
Manageable. Topical anaesthetic is applied and lidocaine is included in the product itself.
Can I have this and go straight to an event?
Not advisable. Swelling lasts 2 to 3 days and bruising is possible, particularly under the eye. Allow at least a week before an important occasion.
Can filler be combined with lifting?
Yes, with sequencing. Energy-based lifting is usually performed first and filler staged afterwards.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Collagen Biostimulation
- Related: Complication Correction Clinic