Filler types hyaluronic acid vs calcium hydroxylapatite guide

South Korea has firmly established itself as the global capital of aesthetic medicine. Walking through the streets of Gangnam in Seoul, you are never more than 50 meters away from a dermatology clinic. For international travelers, the allure isn't just the K-Pop aesthetic; it is the combination of advanced technology, skilled practitioners, and competitive pricing. One of the most common dilemmas visitors face when booking their treatments is choosing between filler types: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) versus Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA).

Understanding the chemical and functional differences between these two injectables is crucial before you step onto a plane. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about these filler types to ensure your medical tourism experience in Korea is safe, effective, and transformative.

For more details, check out our guide on Laser Treatment in Korea.

The Korean Aesthetic Market: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the chemistry, it is essential to understand the scale of the market you are entering. As of 2026, the Gangnam district alone houses over 500 registered dermatology and plastic surgery clinics within a 10-square-kilometer radius. This high density drives fierce competition, resulting in high service standards and accessible pricing.

Approximately 40% of medical tourists visiting Seoul specifically request non-surgical facial contouring, with dermal fillers being the top requested procedure alongside botulinum toxin. The efficiency of these clinics is legendary; a full-face filler treatment, including consultation and numbing, rarely exceeds 90 minutes.

Understanding Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, found primarily in the skin, eyes, and connective tissue. Its primary function is to retain water; a single gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water.

In the context of Korean aesthetic treatments, HA fillers are the "bread and butter" of the industry. They are gel-like substances that add volume, smooth lines, and hydrate the skin from within.

The "K-Filler" Advantage

Korea manufactures its own high-quality HA fillers. Brands like Neuramis, Yvoire, and Elravie are FDA-approved in many countries (or K-FDA approved) and offer results comparable to Western brands like Juvéderm or Restylane but at a fraction of the cost. A syringe (1cc) of a Korean domestic HA filler typically costs between ₩100,000 to ₩200,000 ($75 - $150 USD), whereas imported brands in Seoul can cost ₩350,000 to ₩600,000 ($260 - $450 USD).

Best Areas for HA

Due to its texture and reversibility, HA is the gold standard for:

• Lips: 95% of lip augmentations in Korea use HA.
• Under-eyes (Tear Troughs): Requires a soft, fluid filler.
• Nasolabial Folds: Softens deep lines without feeling rigid.

Understanding Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Calcium Hydroxylapatite is a heavier, more rigid compound. It consists of microscopic calcium particles suspended in a smooth gel. The most famous brand name associated with this type is Radiesse. CaHA is biostimulatory, meaning it doesn't just fill space; it triggers your body to produce its own collagen.

The Biostimulator Effect

While HA is like a sponge, CaHA is like a scaffold. Once injected, the gel provides immediate volume, but as the body absorbs the gel over 3 to 4 months, the calcium microspheres remain, stimulating fibroblasts to generate Type I and Type III collagen. This results in structural improvement that lasts significantly longer than HA—typically 12 to 18 months, with some patients seeing results up to 2 years.

However, the cost is higher. A standard treatment involving CaHA in Seoul starts around ₩500,000 ($370 USD) per syringe, often requiring 2-3 syringes for full facial harmonizing.

Best Areas for CaHA

Because of its high viscosity and lifting capacity (G-prime), CaHA is preferred for:

• Jawline and Chin: Creates a sharp, defined "V-line" shape popular in K-Beauty.
• Cheekbones: Provides structural lift.
• Hand Rejuvenation: FDA-approved for correcting volume loss in hands.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When sitting in a consultation chair in Sinsa-dong or Apgujeong, the doctor will assess your skin thickness and bone structure. However, having this comparison data beforehand empowers you to ask the right questions.

Cost Analysis: The "Korea Discount"

One of the primary drivers for medical tourism is cost efficiency. In the United States or Western Europe, a single syringe of Voluma (a premium HA filler) can cost upwards of $800 to $1,000 USD. In Korea, due to the high volume of procedures and domestic manufacturing, the prices are significantly lower.

Travelers should budget approximately ₩1,000,000 ($750 USD) for a comprehensive session that might include 3-4cc of filler, which is often enough for a "full face" refresh (cheeks, chin, and lips).

The Patient Journey: What to Expect in Seoul

Navigating a foreign medical system can be daunting. However, Korean clinics are streamlined for efficiency. Most clinics in the "Beauty Belt" (Gangnam Station to Cheongdam) operate like high-end hotels.

Step-by-Step Procedure

The entire process usually takes less than 2 hours. This fits perfectly into a travel itinerary, allowing you to have a procedure in the morning and enjoy a cafe in Seongsu-dong by the afternoon.

Choosing the Right Clinic

Do not rely solely on Instagram ads. Look for clinics that specialize in "Dermatology" (look for 'Pibu-gwa' in Korean) or "Plastic Surgery" ('Seong-hyeong-oe-gwa'). Clinics located near Gangnam Station Exit 10/11 or Sinsa Station Exit 8 are in the highest density areas, ensuring competitive pricing and English-speaking staff.

Travel and Recovery Logistics

Recovery from fillers is generally minimal, but when you are traveling, there are specific considerations. Swelling is most prominent in the first 24 to 48 hours. If you are planning to visit Lotte World Tower or hike Bukhansan, schedule your treatment accordingly.

Dealing with Swelling

Korean pharmacies are excellent. If you experience bruising, ask for "Bruise Cream" (Meong-cream). You can also buy pumpkin juice (Hobak-즙) at any convenience store (CU, GS25), which is a popular local remedy for reducing facial swelling.

Flying After Fillers

A common concern is air pressure. There is no medical consensus that cabin pressure significantly affects fillers, but most Korean doctors recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before flying to ensure no immediate complications (like vascular occlusion) occur while you are in the air and away from medical help.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite ultimately comes down to your aesthetic goals and your risk tolerance.

If you are a first-time medical tourist in Korea, Hyaluronic Acid is generally the safer, more flexible recommendation. The ability to reverse the procedure provides peace of mind, and the lower price point of Korean HA brands makes it a low-risk investment for a "glow up."

However, if you are an experienced aesthetic patient looking for significant structural changes—specifically in the jawline or chin—and you want results that justify the long-haul flight, Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) offers a durability and finish that HA often cannot match.

Frequently Asked Questions