Filler by Zone: Nose Smile Line Lips Forehead Clinical Criteria

First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

This is a guide to filler by area, compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes walk from Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1).

When we receive a request in the consultation room like "I want to get a filler injection," we always ask for more details. Even within the same category of 'HA (hyaluronic acid) filler,' the product and injection depth vary by area. For the nose, a firm product; for the lips, a soft product; for nasolabial folds, different depths – different areas require different suitable products. Here, we summarize the criteria used in the clinic for each area.

Even with the same hyaluronic acid, products differ in particle size, viscoelasticity (G prime), and bonding method.

• Firm products (high G prime) — Areas that need to maintain shape, such as the nose and chin.
• Medium products — Areas that need to fill smoothly while also maintaining shape, such as nasolabial folds and jawline.
• Soft products (low G prime) — Areas where natural movement is important, such as the lips and under-eyes.

The products handled at SHINE U Clinic Konkuk include: Soonsoo-Fill (Korean), Restylane (Sweden), Juvederm (USA), and Belotero (Germany). In the clinic, the most suitable product is determined based on the area, the patient's skin thickness, and previous treatment history.

This is the most frequently treated area. Since the nose is an area that needs to maintain its shape, firm products with a high G prime are the primary candidates.

Nose filler is recommended in the clinic for the following cases:

• Those with a low nose bridge who lack definition even with makeup.
• Those with a round or drooping nasal tip, making their impression appear dull.
• Those with a flat glabella, making their side profile appear monotonous.
• Those who desire a change in definition through non-incisional, non-surgical methods.

However, the nose is an area where side effects must be handled with the utmost care. The center of the nasal bridge is sensitive to irritation due to its vascular distribution, so sufficient anesthesia and precise injection depth are prioritized in the clinic.

Nasolabial folds are an area where surface wrinkles + deep sagging occur simultaneously. Trying to fill the entire area with a single product often results in an unnatural appearance, with the upper part bulging and the lower part remaining empty.

The criteria for treating nasolabial folds in the clinic are as follows:

• Deep layer (subcutaneous / above ligaments) — Use firm to medium products to support and lift sagging tissue.
• Surface layer (close to the dermis) — Use soft products to smooth out fine wrinkles.

For those with deep nasolabial folds, a combination of filler and lifting treatments like Ultherapy PRIME is often more natural than filler alone. After lifting the sagging itself, filler is used as a supplementary measure.

The lips are an area with a lot of movement and where expressions are formed, so soft products (low G prime) are preferred. Injecting firm products into the lips can easily lead to nodule risk and unnatural changes in expression.

Lip filler is recommended in the clinic for the following cases:

• Those with thin upper lips, making their impression appear cold.
• Those with drooping corners of the mouth, making their expressionless face appear sad.
• Those with an unclear lip line, making makeup application difficult.
• Those who want to create a clearer M-shaped curve (Cupid's bow).

Rather than injecting a large volume at once, gradual, small amounts tend to create a more natural result.

The forehead and temples are areas where thin skin covers the bone structure, making control of injection depth extremely important.

• Forehead — Be careful of vascular distribution in the center. Fill the rounded lines on both sides to restore definition.
• Temples — Primarily recommended for those whose temples have sunken, making their cheekbones more prominent and their impression stronger.

Forehead filler can be challenging to control in terms of volume and depth, so it is often more natural to first smooth wrinkles with Botox and then supplement volume with filler.

Since the recommended cycle and suitable product type vary by area, for requests like "I want to get everything done at once," the clinic prioritizes and divides the treatment by area.

Consult by chat now for each area

Q1. "Once injected, does it stay permanently?" HA fillers gradually break down and are absorbed over time. While there are differences depending on the area, product, and patient's metabolism, it is generally reported to last for 6 months to 1 year. The fact that it is not permanent is actually an advantage in terms of safety and the possibility of adjustment.

Q2. "If the filler looks unnatural, can it be dissolved?" HA fillers can be rapidly broken down by hyaluronidase (a dissolving enzyme). If you are not satisfied with the results or suspect side effects, the ability to quickly address this in the clinic is the biggest safety margin of HA fillers.

Q3. "Can I get filler frequently?" Repeated treatments at short intervals are not recommended. A yearly cycle is typical, and the recommended cycle varies slightly by area. Too frequent touch-ups can lead to cumulative tissue changes.

Regardless of the area, the following are generally recommended:

• Avoid strong massage or rubbing on the day of the procedure.
• Temporary swelling, redness, and small bruises will gradually improve (usually within 3-7 days).
• Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol on the day of the procedure.
• Be sure to use sunscreen.
• If you have any dental procedures scheduled within a week, please inform us during the consultation.

After nose filler, it is best to avoid pressure from glasses for a few days, and after lip filler, refraining from strongly stimulating foods for a few days can aid recovery.

Q. Can I get filler and Botox together? It is common in the clinic to perform them on the same day. The flow of smoothing muscle movement with Botox and supplementing volume with filler is natural. The area and amount will be determined in the clinic.

Q. How are collagen skin boosters and fillers different? Fillers provide immediate volume, while collagen skin boosters work by stimulating self-collagen regeneration, making them different methods. If immediate line changes are needed, filler is suitable; if you want to slowly restore overall skin texture and elasticity, a skin booster is appropriate.

Q. If I'm getting it for the first time, where should I start? We recommend starting with one area that bothers you most when looking in the mirror. Injecting multiple areas at once can make it difficult to assess the results. It is more natural to address one area first and then supplement other areas.

Filler is a procedure where the appropriate product and depth vary by area. If you consider which area bothers you most in the mirror, the consultation will be simpler. You can inquire directly via chat for non-face-to-face consultation.

Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Completed courses at the Korean Academy of Fillers, Korean Society for Filler and Botox Research, Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society, Restylane Workshop, and Juvederm Seminar) Last Reviewed: 2026-05-17

This article provides general information about procedures and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for procedures and results may vary by individual.