Why “steroid-free” has become the new standard for Korean contour injections
Why Have “Steroid-Free” Contouring Injections in Korea Become the New Standard?
💉 2026 Edition・The Latest Trends in Japanese-Korean V-Line Injections
Brought to you by YEPPURIKO.
Based on interviews with multiple clinics in Seoul, Korea, and information from our editorial staff’s firsthand experiences, we organize and bring you the latest local trends.
🎯 Even with the Same “V-Line Injection,” Japan and Korea Are This Different
In Japan, BNLS is the standard when it comes to V-line injections.
But when you visit a Korean clinic, the menu is filled with unfamiliar names such as “contouring injections (Yunkak Chusa),” “cut injections,” and “sculpting injections.”
If they are all supposed to be fat-dissolving injections, why are there such differences in variety and price?
The answer lies in the “concentration of the ingredients” and “whether or not steroids are included.”
💉 What Is the Difference Between Japan’s BNLS and Korea’s Contouring Injections?
Japan’s BNLS (including Ultimate) is a mild formula primarily made with plant-derived ingredients.
Although it causes relatively little swelling, some people feel that multiple treatments are needed to achieve noticeable results (individual results may vary).
On the other hand, Korean contouring injections are mainly “highly concentrated fat-dissolving cocktails” formulated independently by each clinic.
Because they contain higher concentrations of ingredients that break down and eliminate fat cells themselves—not merely shrink their size—many people find it easier to notice changes after just 1–2 treatments (individual results may vary).
✅ The Approach to Injection Volume Is Also Very Different
In Japan, pricing is generally calculated per cc, while in Korea, the entire face line (6cc–12cc) is commonly offered as one package. Even though both are called “V-line injections,” the underlying approach is fundamentally different.
⚠️ Why Has “Steroid-Free” Become the New Standard?
Some inexpensive Korean contouring injections in the past contained steroids (such as triamcinolone) to produce rapid results and reduce swelling.
They certainly worked quickly. However, some specialists have pointed out potential risks related to side effects.
⚠️ Hollowing of the Cheeks・Indentation of the Tissue
It has been pointed out that excessive fat atrophy may cause unintended areas to become unnaturally sunken.
⚠️ Effects on Hormonal Balance
For women, some specialists have issued warnings about possible effects on hormonal balance, such as menstrual irregularities (these may vary depending on the individual and their condition).
Against this backdrop, the latest formulas in Korea have evolved toward naturally derived ingredients and amino acid compositions whose fat-reduction effects have been verified through clinical data, without relying on steroids.
The era of choosing based solely on “low prices” is over; we have entered an era of checking “what is not included.”
📊 A Quick Comparison of Fat-Dissolving Injections in Japan and Korea
Organized around four key factors—ingredients, effects, and cost—the comparison looks like this.
| Comparison Item | Japan BNLS | Korea Contouring Injections |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Plant-derived ingredients／deoxycholic acid, etc. | Highly concentrated cocktail with a proprietary formula (steroid-free is becoming mainstream) |
| Perceived Effects | Mild／continued treatment for 3–5 or more sessions is recommended | Many people notice changes after 1–2 treatments (individual results may vary) |
| Side Effect Risk | Relatively low／some people may find the effects insufficient | Tends to be reduced when steroid-free |
| Typical Cost | Approximately ¥4,000–¥8,000 per cc | Approximately ₩50,000–₩150,000 per package (6–12cc) |
※ Costs are as of the time of reporting in 2025 and vary depending on the clinic and medication.
🎯 For a double chin, “DCA ingredients” are the top choice for 2026
If the area that concerns you is a “sagging double chin,” there is a more specialized option than regular contour injections.
These include injections with deoxycholic acid (DCA) as the main ingredient, such as “V-Olet” and “Wonder V.”
Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is known as a fat-dissolving ingredient approved by the FDA in the United States (Kybella, a product intended for submental fat).
⚠️ Please note
FDA approval applies to the specific product Kybella; it does not mean that the products used at Korean clinics have themselves received FDA approval. Please note that “contains DCA” does not equal “FDA-approved medication.”
Because the broken-down fat cells are eliminated from the body, the treatment is thought to be less likely to cause rebound weight gain (results vary depending on the individual and their condition).
Whether you want to “improve your overall facial contour” or “target and reduce your double chin,” the medication you should request will vary depending on your goal.
📝 What to confirm during your consultation
Whether in Korea or Japan, it is reassuring to ask about the following during your pre-treatment consultation.
✅ 4 Points to Check
・Whether the medication contains steroids
・What the main ingredients are (DCA / plant-derived / amino acid composition, etc.)
・The injection volume per pack and the recommended number of sessions
・Whether the treatment area design suits your fat volume and bone structure
The appropriate medication varies depending on your condition. Since this is something that requires a doctor's judgment, it is important to ask questions until you are satisfied.
✨ Summary
☑ Japan's BNLS is a mild formula, while Korea's contour injections are highly concentrated cocktail formulas
In Korea, treatments are designed using 6–12 cc packs, while in Japan, they are calculated in 1 cc increments
☑ In 2026, “steroid-free” is an important point to check
☑ For a double chin, injections with DCA as the main ingredient are an option
☑ Be sure to confirm the ingredients, injection volume, and recommended number of sessions during your consultation
Choose based not on “low price,” but on “what is not included.” That is the standard in Korean beauty treatments today.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Between BNLS and Korean contour injections, which is ultimately better?
A. It depends on your goals. BNLS tends to be suitable for those who want to take a mild approach and monitor the results or minimize swelling, while Korean contour injections tend to be suitable for those who want to see changes in a short period (individual results may vary).
Q. How can I confirm whether it is steroid-free?
A. The most reliable way is to directly confirm the “ingredient list of the medication used” and “whether steroids are not used” during your consultation. Choose a clinic that provides clear answers.
Q. Is a contour injection also suitable if I am only concerned about a double chin?
A. If you want to reduce a double chin specifically, an injection with DCA as its main ingredient is more likely to be recommended than a contour injection intended for the entire jawline. Please consult with a doctor before choosing.
📱 For those who want to learn more about the latest Korean beauty information
On the Instagram account of YEPPURIKO, we share reports from interviews with local clinics and checklists to review before traveling to Korea.
→ Follow Instagram @yeppuriko
※ The information published in this article is current as of the interviews conducted in 2025. The medications used and costs vary depending on the clinic and timing. For the latest information, please contact each clinic directly. Be sure to consult a doctor regarding the suitability of the procedure and potential side effects.
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