What is the difference between domestic and imported dermal fillers?

"Good viscoelasticity" means that the balance between the elasticity (G') that resists compressive forces and the flowability (viscosity) of the filler is well-suited to the purpose of the area. A firm product with high elasticity is suitable for areas requiring volume and support, while a soft, easily spreadable product is suitable for fine wrinkles or delicate areas.

Among imported fillers, many brands use cross-linking technology to finely segment viscoelastic properties and offer a dense product line for different areas, which is why the phrase "excellent viscoelasticity" is often used. For example, products for areas requiring support, like the cheeks, are designed with high elasticity.

However, high viscoelasticity is not always better; the property that matches the area and goal is "good viscoelasticity." Some domestic fillers also have excellent properties for specific areas, so it is more reasonable to judge based on suitability for the purpose rather than the numerical value itself.

Yes, it is common to use domestic and imported products separately according to the required characteristics of the area. For areas where support and volume are important, a product with high elasticity is chosen, and for areas where softness and naturalness are important, a product with low viscosity and good spreadability is selected.

Here, the primary criterion is not whether it is domestic or imported, but whether it has the right properties for the area. Since multiple products may be combined to balance the overall face, it is helpful to plan for each area together with a specialist.

Duration is more greatly influenced by the product's cross-linking technology and viscoelasticity, the treated area, and individual metabolism than by whether it is domestic or imported. Products with higher cross-linking density and stronger cohesion are known to resist breakdown and tend to last relatively longer.

In general, high-elasticity products for volume tend to last relatively longer, while soft products for fine wrinkles tend to last somewhat shorter. However, actual duration varies with many factors, such as being shorter in areas with more facial muscle movement, so it is difficult to specify a particular number of months.

Therefore, a simple comparison like "imported ones last longer unconditionally" is not accurate. There is significant variation among products within the same origin, so it is more practical to consult about which product is suitable for the desired duration characteristics and area.

The key to safety is not whether the product is domestic or imported, but whether it is a genuine, approved product and whether the procedure is performed by a skilled practitioner. If a dermal filler is officially approved and distributed in Korea, both domestic and imported products have passed the standards, so using a genuine product with a clear source is most important. In consultations, it is often advised to first check whether the product is genuine and approved rather than which country it is from.

Even with a genuine product, mishandling the treatment area, volume or injection layer can create a risk of side effects; conversely, low-cost products of unclear origin can be dangerous regardless of the country they are made in. That is why, for HA fillers, the fact that they can be reversed with hyaluronidase if a problem occurs is emphasized, along with the use of genuine products and accurate technique as the foundation of safety.

Ultimately, safety comes not from the product's country of origin label, but from verifying the genuine product, a hygienic environment, and the specialist's anatomical understanding. It is recommended to confirm the product to be used and its authenticity before the procedure, and to make a decision after receiving an explanation of how to manage potential side effects.