Botox or Fillers for Wrinkles in Korea | Anti-Aging Guide

Quick Answer

• Botox (neuromodulators) soften dynamic wrinkles made by repeated muscle movement (frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, neck bands).
• Fillers (hyaluronic acid, etc.) address static wrinkles/folds and volume loss (nasolabial folds, marionette lines, under-eye hollows, cheek/temple thinning, lip lines).
• Many Korean clinics combine both for a natural, smooth look—Botox to relax lines; filler to lift shadows and restore youthful contours.

How Botox Works (And When It’s Best)

Botox temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles so the overlying skin creases less. Lines soften over 1–2 weeks and movement is refined rather than frozen when dosed conservatively.

Best for:

• Frown (glabella) lines
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines (nose scrunch)
• Chin dimpling / pebbled chin
• Neck bands (platysma)

What to expect:

• Onset: 3–7 days; peak: ~2 weeks
• Longevity: ~3–4 months (varies by area and metabolism)
• Downtime: Minimal—tiny bumps/redness at injection points fade quickly
• Look: Smoother expression lines without changing your face shape

How Fillers Work (And When They Shine)

Fillers are gels (commonly hyaluronic acid) placed to replenish lost volume, soften etched lines, and correct shadows that make wrinkles look deeper.

Best for:

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines (corners of mouth)
• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs; careful assessment required)
• Cheek/temple volume loss that drags the lower face
• Vertical lip lines; subtle lip restoration
• Jawline and chin definition (indirect wrinkle improvement by support)

What to expect:

• Onset: Immediate improvement; settles in ~1–2 weeks
• Longevity: Often 6–12 months depending on area/product
• Downtime: Mild swelling/bruising possible for a few days
• Look: Softer folds and better light reflection (less “tired” shadowing)

Korea’s Combo Strategy for Wrinkles

Korean clinics often stage treatments for the most natural finish:

1. Relax overactive muscles (Botox) → prevents creasing that etches lines deeper.
2. Restore structure (filler) → lifts tissues and softens static folds.
3. Refine skin quality (lasers/skin boosters) → improves texture and glow so fine lines are less noticeable.

This layered approach reduces the total filler needed and preserves natural expression.

Choosing Between Botox and Fillers: A Simple Decision Path

• Your lines deepen when you move? Start with Botox.
• Your lines remain even at rest or look like grooves/shadows? Consider filler.
• Both movement lines and grooves? Plan a combo (often Botox first, then filler after 1–2 weeks).
• Hollowing/deflation makes wrinkles worse? Filler to restore volume, then maintain with Botox where needed.

Popular Treatment Areas in Korea (Wrinkle Focus)

• Upper face: Botox for frown/forehead/crow’s feet; occasional micro-filler for etched creases after Botox.
• Midface: Filler for cheek support; improves nasolabial appearance indirectly.
• Lower face: Filler for marionettes/chin/jawline; Botox micro-dosing for DAO/chin dimpling when appropriate.
• Neck: Botox for bands; skin boosters or energy devices for texture if needed.

Safety, Natural Results, and Doctor Selection

• Choose a doctor-led clinic with anatomical expertise, conservative dosing, and a clear follow-up plan.
• Ask for a staged plan (not just a single procedure).
• For high-movement areas (mouth/chin), precise technique is essential to keep expressions natural.
• If you’re prone to swelling or have had previous procedures, mention it—Korean clinics tailor doses and product choices carefully.

Aftercare Essentials

• Avoid heavy workouts, saunas, alcohol, or facial massages for 24–48 hours post-treatment (as advised).
• Sleep slightly elevated the first night after fillers; don’t press treated areas.
• SPF every day; UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and deepens lines.
• Report unusual pain, blanching, vision changes, or progressive swelling to the clinic immediately.

How Long Do Results Last—and When to Maintain?

• Botox: Plan refreshers every 3–4 months (some extend longer with consistent care).
• Fillers: 6–12 months depending on area, product, and metabolism.
• Skin quality add-ons: Quarterly or biannual sessions (e.g., laser toning, thulium, skin boosters) to keep lines soft and the surface luminous.

FAQs

Will Botox make me look frozen?
Not when dosed well. Korean protocols favor “soft relax,” preserving expression while smoothing lines.

Can fillers make wrinkles worse if they wear off?
No. When fillers dissipate, you return to baseline aging; good placement often stimulates subtle collagen, so you may look slightly better than before.

Which is better for smokers’ lines around the mouth?
Often a combo: micro-dosed Botox to reduce puckering + fine filler for etched lines; skin boosters/laser can refine texture further.

I want a very natural look—where do I start?
Start with a conservative plan: small-dose Botox for movement lines, then reassess. Add filler only where shadows or grooves persist.

Bottom Line

• Botox is best for movement-made wrinkles; fillers for etched folds and volume loss.
• Korea’s best results come from thoughtful combinations and staged plans tailored to your features.
• Aim for subtle, camera-ready smoothness—not overcorrection—and protect your investment with sunscreen and consistent maintenance.