[Beauty Insight] Botox vs Filler for Smile Lift in Korea – What’s the Difference?
- koreanplasticsurge
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
💬 Why Koreans Love the “Smile Lift in Korea” Trend
In Korean aesthetics, the mouth plays a huge role in your first impression.Even without smiling, slightly lifted corners create a friendly, youthful, and approachable appearance.That’s why many people — especially women in their 20s to 40s — visit clinics for Smile Lift in Korea, using Botox, fillers, or both.
💉 Botox vs Filler: What’s the Real Difference?
Category | Botox for Smile Lift | Filler for Smile Lift |
Main Purpose | Relaxes downward muscles (DAO) | Adds volume and structure around mouth corners |
Mechanism | Blocks muscle movement to stop drooping | Fills hollow or depressed areas to support a lifted shape |
Result | Turns downturned lips slightly upward | Smoothens shadow lines, enhances contour |
Duration | 3–4 months | 6–12 months |
Effect On Expression | Subtle, natural smile correction | Fuller, youthful lip corners |
Downtime | None | 1–2 days (mild swelling) |
💡 How Korean Clinics Combine Both
Many aesthetic doctors recommend a hybrid Smile Lift —injecting micro-Botox into the depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO) to stop downward pull,then adding a small amount of filler just beneath the mouth corners for a soft upward curve.
“It’s not about making the smile wider — it’s about relaxing tension and restoring balance,”explains Dr. Lee from Seoul Aesthetic Clinic.
This dual approach creates the signature “soft-smile look” that Korean celebrities often have,where lips appear naturally positive even at rest.
💸 Cost Comparison
Treatment | Average Cost (KRW) | Duration |
Botox | ₩80,000 – ₩150,000 | 3–4 months |
Filler | ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 | 6–12 months |
Botox + Filler Combo | ₩300,000 – ₩500,000 | up to 1 year |
📈 Why It’s Popular Internationally
Quick, non-surgical, no downtime — fits well with medical tourists’ tight schedules
Results are subtle enough for both men and women
Enhances facial harmony, especially when paired with chin filler or lip contouring
✨ If you’re curious about other natural anti-aging procedures, check this:
Comments