✅ What are smoker’s lines?

• These are the fine vertical wrinkles (“barcode” lines) that run from the upper lip toward the nose / philtrum area.
• They occur from repeated lip movements (puckering, pursing), ageing (loss of collagen & elastin), sun damage, and genetics.
• They make the area above the lips appear older, less smooth, and can affect lip aesthetics.

⚙️ How filler treatment works

• A dermal filler (commonly a hyaluronic acid [HA] filler) is injected into the skin around the upper lip / philtrum area to fill in and smooth the vertical lines.
• The injector designs a treatment plan based on how deep the lines are, your lip shape, and the amount of volume loss.
• Procedure time: often short (e.g., ~10-30 minutes) depending on the number of injections.
• Immediate result: you’ll likely see smoother skin; full settling may take a few days.
• Duration: Depending on filler brand, location, metabolism, you can expect around 6-12 months before touch-up is needed.
• In Seoul, the treatment is offered as a targeted solution for smoker’s lines with minimal downtime.

💰 Typical cost range in Seoul

• According to available price lists, lip region filler (1 mL) in Korea starts from around ₩ 200,000 KWR for basic Korean filler.
• Premium brands or deeper lines may cost more, with clinics listing higher rates.
• Because the smoker’s lines area is smaller than a full lip volume treatment, the cost may be somewhat less—but always confirm how many millilitres/ syringes will be used.

🧐 What to ask / check before treatment

• Which filler brand is being used? Ensure it’s approved for perioral use and the clinic has genuine product.
• How many mL/syringes will be used for your lines? Sometimes multiple small injections are needed because of the fine lines.
• Injector’s experience with perioral / smoker’s line areas — that zone has specific anatomy and risk (e.g., lip movement, muscle, blood vessels).
• Expected longevity of the filler in that specific area (lines vs volume areas behave differently).
• Aftercare guidelines: What you should avoid (heavy lip movement, lip-pursing, vigorous face massage) for the first day or two.
• Cost clarity: Does the quoted price include consultation, numbing, follow-up, any touch-up?
• Realistic expectations: Even with filler, very deep lines or extremely lax skin may not be fully “erased.”
• Combination options: Sometimes a filler + skin-booster or laser may be recommended for best smoothing results.

📋 Smart tips for best outcomes & aftercare

• Avoid heavy lip expression or puckering for the first 24-48 hours so the filler can settle.
• Use a mild cold compress if there’s swelling or mild bruising.
• Avoid high heat (sauna, hot yoga) and heavy exercise first day.
• Stay hydrated and keep lips moisturised — good skin health helps maintain results.
• Use sun protection — UV exposure accelerates collagen loss around the lips and can make lines worse.
• If you smoke, reduce or quit — while the filler can reduce appearance, continued puckering will increase strain on the area.
• Plan for maintenance: since filler is absorbable, you may need touch-ups in 6-12 months depending on product and lifestyle.
• Bring realistic expectation: aim for smoother, younger-looking skin around the lips, not an entirely different lip shape.