To be honest, I’ve always felt that my lips were a bit thin, and my lip lines weren’t very distinct when I smiled; even applying lip balm didn’t help define their shape. Before going to South Korea this time, I saw many people on REDnote sharing their experiences with Korean lip augmentation procedures, saying that the prices were much cheaper than in Taiwan and the results looked very natural. I hesitated for a while, but finally, during my trip to Seoul, I made up my mind to go to Myeongdong and find a Dermatology clinic to get my lips treated.

The final choice was Beautyon Dermatology, located on the 16th floor of the SEMICOLON Building in Myeongdong. It’s only about 50 meters away from Exit 6 of the Eupji-ro entrance station – really extremely convenient. I originally thought that getting lip treatments would require traveling a long distance, but in fact, it was just a chance to take advantage of my visit to Myeongdong and get the treatment done while I was there.

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What preparations did I make before setting off?

Before going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, I was actually extremely nervous—not because I was afraid of pain, but because I was worried that I wouldn’t understand what was being told and would end up being pressured into buying unnecessary services. It wasn’t until I read some guides recommending that many clinics in Myeongdong offer Chinese-speaking services that I felt a bit more at ease.

Here are the main steps I take before getting my lips treated:

  • Stop using retinol and acid-based skincare products one week in advance. This is very important; otherwise, it may cause bruising after the treatment.
  • Do not drink alcohol or stay up late the night before (doctors say that alcohol can exacerbate swelling).
  • On the day of the procedure, please avoid wearing makeup, especially around the lips. (The clinic will help you clean the area, but it’s easier if you don’t apply any makeup yourself.)
  • Prepare the lip photos you want to use as references; I used screenshots from Pinterest for my reference.
  • Bring cash, as some clinics charge an additional fee for using credit cards.

These preparatory tips were shared with me by a friend who had personally experienced visiting a Dermatology clinic in Myeongdong, South Korea. She also reminded me that if I was worried about language barriers, I could make an appointment through BeautsGO, where Chinese-speaking consultants would assist me throughout the process.

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Why did I choose Beautyon instead of other companies?

To be honest, there are absolutely countless Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong – one can find them every few steps along the way, and choosing which one to go to can be quite confusing. In the end, I decided on Beautyon (Korean name: 뷰티온) mainly for these reasons:

  • Comprehensive Chinese support: From consultation to payment, the entire process is conducted in Chinese, eliminating any language barriers completely.
  • Transparent pricing: All costs will be clearly explained during the consultation process, with no hidden fees.
  • Super convenient location: right in the heart of the Myeongdong shopping district, so you can go shopping right after the treatment.
  • Friendly business hours: It is open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 7 p.m. on weekends, which is really considerate towards tourists.
  • You don’t need to make an appointment in advance; I decided to go on the same day, so walk-ins are also welcome.

I had previously read reviews of HeyDay Dermatology and LIJIN Dermatology, and they seemed quite good. However, due to time constraints this time, I chose Beautyon, which is located closest to the subway station.

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The complete process of getting lip fillers on that day: from entering the clinic to leaving.

I arrived around 2 p.m. because I was worried that if I finished too late, my lips would swell and make it difficult to eat. The whole process took about 40 minutes, which was much faster than I expected.

Step 1: Fill out the questionnaire + receive consultation (about 10 minutes)

Upon entering, you first need to register at the front desk. They gave me a Chinese questionnaire to fill out, which included questions about my basic personal information, any history of allergies, and the medications I am currently taking. After completing the form, I was taken to a consultation room where a consultant would confirm with me in Chinese what treatments I wanted to undergo and what results I expected to achieve.

I showed my consultant the reference images I had prepared and explained that what I wanted was a result that looked “slightly plumper but still natural.” The consultant was very patient and didn’t recommend the most expensive options. Instead, based on the condition of my lips, she suggested two different procedures: one that focused only on defining the lip lines and making slight adjustments to the corners of my mouth (for a more natural look), and another that involved a small amount of filler for my entire lips (to achieve a more noticeable plumpness). I chose the second option because my lips are naturally quite thin.

Step 2: Apply the anesthetic and wait (about 15 minutes).

After confirming the treatment plan, the nurse led me into the procedure room. First, she removed the skincare products from my lips and then applied an anesthetic ointment. I asked if it would be very painful, and the nurse said, “Most people find it tolerable.” She also assured me that they were using Filler certified by South Korea’s MFDS, so there was no concern regarding safety.

During the numbing procedure, I lay inside the treatment room. The room was quite clean, with music playing and air conditioning – it didn’t have that cold, hospital-like atmosphere. I had visited another clinic near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station before, and the environment at Beautyon was indeed quite good.

Step 3: Administration (approximately 5–8 minutes)

After entering the room, the doctor first cleaned my lips with disinfectant before starting the injection. Since I had received local anesthesia, it didn’t really hurt much; I just felt something on my lips—as if someone was pressing them firmly. Occasionally, there was a slight stinging sensation, but it was completely within tolerable limits. The doctor was very gentle; as he injected, he also let me look in the mirror to check the shape of the results. At one point, I asked him to raise the right corner of my lip a bit more, and he promptly adjusted it accordingly.

This time, I used approximately 0.5 centum core of Filler. The doctor said that 0.5 centum core is just right for someone doing it for the first time; if I wanted more volume, I could get another injection in two weeks. As for the cost, it was around ₩250,000 (approximately NT$6,000). The actual price may vary depending on the brand and dosage of the product used. I recommend everyone to check the latest prices directly on BeautsGO.

Step 4: Apply ice compress + complete the payment (about 10 minutes)

After the procedure, the nurse applied ice compresses to my Lip surgery for about 10 minutes. My Lip surgery was slightly swollen, but it wasn’t too serious. When it was time to pay, the cashier could also speak Chinese; I could use a credit card or pay in cash. They also provided me with a Chinese instruction manual detailing post-operative precautions, which I found very considerate of their part.

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Is it really okay to go shopping at Olive Young right after getting my lips done?

This is the part I really want to share with you. I’ve seen many people ask whether it’s possible to go shopping after getting Filler injections, but few of them actually share their personal experiences.

My answer is: You can go for a stroll, but you need to control the time and the way you do it.

After coming out of Beautyon, my mouth was in a slightly swollen state – it looked as if I had just drunk very hot soup, but upon closer inspection, it was hard to tell what exactly had been done. I hesitated for a moment whether to go straight back to the homestay to rest, but then I thought since Myeongdong was right next door, I might as well stop by Olive Young.

When browsing Olive Young, there are a few things I keep in mind:

  • Do not try samples: Right after the treatment, your lips will still have tiny needle holes; therefore, do not use sample lipsticks or lip balms.
  • It’s best to spend around 30 to 40 minutes doing this. If you stay longer, your lips might become too dry, and you’ll need to return to your homestay for some extra care.
  • Avoid areas where mask trials are being conducted: Such trial areas are usually crowded, and it’s easy to come into contact with people’s mouths.
  • Buying lip masks and moisturizing creams: I took this opportunity to purchase Laneige lip masks and Filler moisturizing creams, which are perfect for post-treatment care.

To be honest, the experience of getting my lips treated at Olive Young was actually quite wonderful. While choosing lip masks, I even thought to myself, “My lips already look better than these lipsticks now” (just kidding, haha). But I did take the opportunity to buy some products needed after the treatment: repair serums, saline solutions, and cold compresses. Anyway, Olive Young has everything you need, which is really convenient.

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How was the recovery period after the surgery? I kept a daily record of it.

I would like to share with you the recovery timeline after getting my lips done, so that those who are considering this procedure can use it as a reference.

On the same day (after the procedure): My lips were slightly swollen, feeling as if I had been punched, but it didn’t hurt. In the evening, I applied ice packs to my lips at the homestay for two sessions, each lasting about 15 minutes. Before going to bed, I applied a thick layer of lip balm for recovery.

Days 1-2: The swelling was at its most noticeable; when I smiled, my lips felt a bit tight. During these two days, I didn’t apply any makeup, only sunscreen and basic skincare products. By the evening of the second day, about 70-80% of the swelling had subsided.

Days 3 to 5: Recovery is nearly complete, and you can now apply makeup. The shape of your lips becomes increasingly natural, but when you touch them, you may notice slight hard areas around the edges of the lips—this is normal, as the Filler has not yet fully integrated into the tissue. At this stage, I make sure to avoid pressing on my lips at all.

Days 7 to 10: The results had basically stabilized by then. My lips were fuller than before, but the look was still very natural. Friends always commented, “How come your lips look so great lately?” It was completely impossible to tell that I had undergone any cosmetic procedures. It was only at this time that I finally felt confident enough to use colored lipsticks again.

After 14 days: The Filler has completely integrated, and the shape of the lips is fixed. I am extremely satisfied with the results; it looks just like naturally full lips – neither fake nor giving the appearance of “sausage lips”.

Overall, the recovery period was much shorter than I had expected. I had seen online that lip injections usually cause swelling for about a week, but in my case, the swelling subsided after around 3 days. This might be because I only received 0.5 centum core of the substance.

⚠️ Essential tips to avoid common mistakes when getting lip injections

I’d like to share some points that I consider very important, hoping everyone can avoid making the same mistakes I have.

⚠️ Don’t request too much volume: When I went for the consultation, I originally wanted to have 1 centum core injected, but the doctor advised me to start with just 0.5 centum core for my first treatment. I’m really glad I listened to the doctor’s advice—because the results after 0.5 centum core were already much better than I expected. If I had had 1 centum core injected at once, the result would have looked too artificial. For your first treatment, don’t be greedy for more volume; it’s better to wait a couple of weeks and get another injection if needed, rather than getting too much in one go.

⚠️ Do not drink hot beverages within 24 hours after the procedure: That night, I was so hungry that I ordered spicy stir-fried rice cakes (looking back, it was really a stupid decision), and as a result, my mouth swelled so much that it didn’t subside until the next morning. Everyone, please stick to drinking room-temperature water on the first day after the procedure – don’t bring trouble upon yourself.

⚠️ Do not rub your lips: In the first few days after receiving Filler injections, if your hands feel itchy, avoid touching your mouth. Rubbing the area can cause the Filler to shift, resulting in an uneven lip shape. When sleeping, try to lie on your back to prevent pressing on your face.

⚠️ Avoid making exaggerated facial expressions within one week after the procedure: Try not to smile too broadly or pout. Although the Filler will not be damaged by such expressions, it’s still better to be cautious in the initial days.

Frequently asked questions about DO lip treatments

Q: Will getting lip fillers be very painful?

A: After applying the anesthetic cream, the pain level is approximately 2-3 out of 10. The areas around the edges of the lips, which are more sensitive, may experience a slight stinging sensation, but it passes quickly. Compared to Potenza, it’s definitely much more comfortable.

Q: How long does the effect last?

A: The effect of Filler injections in the lip area usually lasts for 6 to 12 months, which is slightly shorter than the duration in the nose or chin area due to the greater mobility of the lips during activities such as speaking and eating. Generally, the effects begin to diminish after 6 months, and it may be necessary to get additional injections after 8 to 10 months.

Q: How much cheaper is lip surgery in South Korea compared to Taiwan?

A: Based on my experience this time, the price is approximately 30-40% lower. However, the cost may vary depending on the brand of Filler used (for example, large-molecule or small-molecule Filler) and the dosage. It is recommended to check the latest prices on BeautsGO for specific details.

Q: Can I wear makeup after getting my lips treated?

A: Do not apply makeup within 24 hours after the procedure. You can start wearing makeup later, but it is recommended to wait at least 3 days before applying colored lip balm to the lips. In the first few days after the surgery, I only used colorless lip balm and sunscreen; for other areas of the face, it is completely okay to apply regular makeup.

Q: Can you apply lipstick after getting Filler injected on your lips?

A: It is recommended to wait at least 3 to 5 days until the Filler has fully integrated before applying colored lip balm. Applying it too early may cause the friction from applying and removing makeup to affect the positioning of the Filler.

In conclusion: Is it worth going to South Korea for lip augmentation?

To be honest, I would give this experience at Beautyon in Myeongdong an 85 out of 100. The only reason I deducted 15 points is that I couldn’t resist eating spicy fried rice cakes after the procedure.

The positive aspects are: reasonable prices, fast procedures, no barriers to communication in Chinese, convenient location (right in the Myeongdong shopping district), natural results, and a shorter recovery time than expected. Moreover, after the treatment, one can also take the opportunity to visit Olive Young and purchase post-treatment care products. I really think this integrated experience of “medical beauty treatment + shopping” is fantastic.

If you are also considering undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea, I sincerely recommend adding Beautyon to your list of options. Especially for newcomers who are going to Myeongdong for the first time, the service process at this clinic is very smooth, and you won’t feel like you are just another customer in a fast-paced system.

If you still have questions after reading this, feel free to come to BeautsGO for direct consultation—I really will respond to you. 🙌

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