Dr. Jang of Velderma Clinic (W Clinic)
Effects, Pros & Cons, Longevity, Cost, Patient Experiences, and How to Choose the Right Clinic — Explained by a Dermatology Physician with Over 15 Years of Experience
Dr. Woong Chul Jang
W Clinic (Velderma Clinic)
As we age, some of the first changes we notice are sunken cheeks, deeper nasolabial folds, loss of forehead volume, and reduced facial firmness.
When it comes to restoring facial volume, three of the most commonly considered treatments are Sculptra, Juvelook Volume, and HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers.
Although all three treatments can improve facial volume, their mechanisms, results, longevity, and ideal candidates are quite different.
After more than 15 years of performing Sculptra and filler treatments and treating thousands of patients, one thing I have learned is that there is no single “best” treatment.
The best treatment is the one that suits your face.
In this article, I will answer some of the questions patients most frequently ask during consultations.
Sculptra1. What Are HA Fillers?
HA fillers are among the most commonly used injectable treatments for facial volume enhancement.
Popular brands include:
Juvéderm
Restylane
Belotero
Neuramis
HA fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that can immediately restore volume to areas where volume has been lost.
Advantages of HA Fillers
Immediate improvement in volume
Precise facial contouring and shaping
Results can be adjusted depending on the treatment area
HA fillers can usually be dissolved with hyaluronidase if necessary
Particularly useful for precise areas such as the nose, lips, and chin
Disadvantages of HA Fillers
Gradually absorbed by the body
Maintenance treatments may be necessary
Excessive amounts can sometimes create an unnatural appearance
Which Areas Are Best Treated with HA Fillers?
HA fillers are commonly used for:
Nose
Lips
Chin
Tear troughs
Under-eye hollows
Nasolabial folds
Hollow cheeks
In particular, HA fillers remain one of the most suitable options for precise contouring of the nose and lips.
2. What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) collagen stimulator manufactured by Galderma.
Unlike conventional fillers, Sculptra does not simply fill an area with gel.
Instead, it works by stimulating your own collagen production, gradually restoring facial volume over time.
Why Does the Initial Sculptra Volume Disappear?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask.
Immediately after a Sculptra treatment, the face may look fuller because of the sterile water used to prepare the product.
For example, if the apparent volume immediately after treatment feels like a “10,” much of that initial fullness may disappear within several days.
This is normal.
Over the following weeks, collagen production gradually increases, creating a more natural improvement in volume.
Visible improvement generally develops progressively rather than immediately.
For this reason, I often recommend a series of treatments, commonly:
3 sessions at approximately 6-week intervals
The exact number of sessions should, however, be individualized according to facial structure, degree of volume loss, and treatment goals.
Advantages of Sculptra
Very natural-looking results
Gradual restoration of facial volume
Can create an overall more youthful appearance
Relatively long-lasting results
May also improve skin firmness and quality through collagen stimulation
Disadvantages of Sculptra
Results are not immediate
Multiple sessions may be needed
Results can vary depending on injection technique and practitioner experience
Where Does Sculptra Work Particularly Well?
Based on my clinical experience over the past 15 years, some of the areas where patients tend to be highly satisfied include:
Hollow cheeks
Nasolabial folds
Temples
Forehead
Interestingly, Sculptra can also produce very natural and aesthetically pleasing forehead volume in appropriately selected patients.
3. What Is Juvelook Volume?
Juvelook Volume is a collagen-stimulating injectable containing PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactic acid) and HA (hyaluronic acid).
It has become increasingly popular in Korea.
Compared with traditional HA fillers, the results are generally intended to appear more gradual and natural.
Compared with Sculptra, some patients may perceive volume changes somewhat earlier, although individual responses vary.
Advantages of Juvelook Volume
Natural-looking volume enhancement
May also improve overall skin texture
Relatively convenient recovery for many patients
Disadvantages of Juvelook Volume
Less long-term clinical experience compared with Sculptra
Not generally suitable for areas requiring precise shaping, such as the nose and lips
Practitioner experience and injection technique are important
Which Treatment Is Best for Each Area?
Forehead
★★★★★ Sculptra
★★★★☆ HA filler
★★★☆☆ Juvelook Volume
Hollow Cheeks
★★★★★ Sculptra
★★★★★ HA filler
★★★★☆ Juvelook Volume
Nasolabial Folds
★★★★★ HA filler
★★★★★ Sculptra
★★★★☆ Juvelook Volume
Under-Eye Hollows
★★★★★ HA filler
★★☆☆☆ Sculptra
★★☆☆☆ Juvelook Volume
Lips
★★★★★ HA filler
Sculptra: Generally not recommended
Juvelook Volume: Generally not recommended
Nose
★★★★★ HA filler
Sculptra: Generally not recommended
Juvelook Volume: Generally not recommended
Which Treatment May Be Right for You?
Consider HA Fillers If You:
Want an immediate visible change
Have an important event coming up
Want precise contouring of the nose or lips
Prefer a treatment whose shape and volume can be carefully controlled
Consider Sculptra If You:
Have generalized facial volume loss
Want to look naturally younger rather than “filled”
Prefer gradual improvement
Want relatively long-lasting collagen-based volume restoration
Consider Juvelook Volume If You:
Prefer subtle, natural-looking changes
Want to improve both volume and skin quality
Are hesitant about conventional fillers
Prefer a collagen-stimulating approach
How Much Do Sculptra, Juvelook Volume, and HA Fillers Cost in Korea?
Prices vary considerably depending on the clinic, product, treatment area, and amount required.
Typical price ranges in Korea may be approximately:
| Treatment | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Korean HA filler, 1 cc | KRW 100,000–300,000 |
| Imported HA filler, 1 cc | KRW 300,000–600,000 |
| Sculptra, 1 vial | KRW 400,000–800,000 |
| Juvelook Volume | KRW 300,000–700,000 |
However, price should not be the only consideration.
What matters is not simply how much product is injected, but where it is placed and how the overall face is designed.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The duration of results varies depending on the product, injection area, amount used, individual metabolism, and treatment technique.
HA fillers generally provide immediate results, with longevity varying considerably by product and treatment area.
Sculptra works differently. Rather than leaving a gel-like filler in the tissue, it stimulates collagen formation. Improvement develops gradually and can remain noticeable for an extended period.
Juvelook Volume also stimulates collagen, so its results develop progressively rather than behaving exactly like conventional HA fillers.
Because individual responses vary, longevity should be discussed during an in-person consultation rather than predicted solely from the product name.
How Do You Choose a Clinic That Is Good at Sculptra and Fillers?
Collagen stimulators and fillers are highly dependent on the physician's understanding of facial anatomy, injection technique, and aesthetic design.
When choosing a clinic, I recommend considering the following questions:
Does the physician have extensive experience treating different facial shapes?
Does the clinic offer both HA fillers and collagen stimulators?
Does the physician recommend different products depending on the patient rather than relying on one product?
Is the overall balance of the face considered during consultation?
Does the clinic provide appropriate follow-up after treatment?
The product itself is important, but the physician's ability to determine where volume has been lost, how much should be restored, and which areas should not be treated can be equally important.
My Approach at W Clinic
After more than 15 years of performing Sculptra and HA filler treatments, one of the most important principles in my practice is choosing the right product for each individual face.
For example:
For the nose and lips, I generally prefer HA fillers.
For hollow cheeks and generalized facial volume loss, Sculptra can provide highly satisfying results in appropriately selected patients.
For patients seeking both natural volume enhancement and improvement in skin quality, Juvelook Volume may also be considered.
Rather than recommending the same product to every patient, I believe the key to achieving a good result is evaluating the patient's facial anatomy, skin condition, degree of volume loss, desired outcome, and preferred longevity.
Conclusion: Sculptra vs. Juvelook Volume vs. HA Fillers
Sculptra, Juvelook Volume, and HA fillers should not necessarily be viewed as competing treatments.
Each has different strengths.
Choose HA fillers when you want immediate results and precise contouring.
Consider Sculptra when you want gradual, natural-looking and relatively long-lasting facial volume restoration through collagen stimulation.
Consider Juvelook Volume when you want subtle volume enhancement combined with potential improvement in skin quality.
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision and improve the likelihood of achieving a result that suits your face.
At W Clinic (Velderma Clinic), I have performed facial volume treatments including Sculptra and HA fillers for more than 15 years.
Instead of recommending one treatment for everyone, I evaluate each patient's facial aging pattern, anatomy, skin condition, and desired outcome to develop an individualized treatment plan.
If you are considering Sculptra, Juvelook Volume, or HA fillers in Seoul, a detailed consultation can help determine which approach is most appropriate for your face.
Dr. Woong Chul Jang
Medical Director, W Clinic (Velderma Clinic), Samsung Branch
Seoul, Korea
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