As spring arrives, demand is increasing to tidy facial lines that were disrupted by swelling and fat accumulated during winter. As outdoor activities increase and mask-wearing decreases, interest in more natural, well-balanced facial contours is also rising.

Woo Su-wan, Director of Uline Clinic

Recently, rather than focusing solely on making the face smaller, the trend of ‘contour refinement’ that considers overall proportions and harmony has been emphasized. In particular, approaches to improve an impression of a long-looking midface are drawing attention.

One cited cause of a long-looking midface is a developed lateral cheekbone. When the volume of the lateral cheekbone is emphasized, it can create the illusion that the midface appears longer. In such cases, simply removing cheek fat has limits, and adjusting lateral cheekbone volume together is needed to expect more balanced proportions.

Also, in so-called ‘peanut-shaped faces,’ where lateral cheekbone prominence and deep cheek hollowing appear simultaneously, it is difficult to achieve satisfying results by addressing only a single area. Clinicians explain that it is important to precisely analyze the location and depth of fat and facial structure, then design a combined plan.

Amid this trend, contour injections are also evolving from simple fat reduction to customized designs based on structural analysis. Contour injections can be applied not only to the face but also to the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs, and are being used to tidy overall lines.

However, there has been a recent rise in cases where specific procedure names are being misappropriated, calling for consumer caution. It is pointed out that one must verify patent status and whether authentic products and procedures are used.

A representative example is the patented procedure ‘Cut Injection,’ which can be applied to various areas, including not only the face but also the upper arms, abdomen, and thighs. The Cut Injection is a contour injection for which Uline Clinic has obtained patents in the United States and Korea, and it is said to have had its safety and efficacy verified through animal studies and clinical trials. It is also characterized by excluding PPC (phosphatidylcholine) and steroid ingredients to minimize skin irritation and the risk of adverse effects. In addition, it is explained that it promotes lymphatic circulation and may positively influence the elimination of waste.

Experts advise that when choosing a clinic for contour injections, it is important to check whether it has a precision analysis system. One should see whether it analyzes body shape and facial lines with 3D body and facial contour scanners and quantifies circumference, amount of change, and left-right balance by area to objectively compare before and after.

It is also cited as a checkpoint whether the clinic operates a dedicated measurement floor and has a systematic care system by functionally separating measurement, consultation, and procedure spaces. In addition, one should consider whether it holds U.S. and Korean patents; whether efficacy and safety have been verified through animal studies at domestic research institutions; whether there is a procedure system based on various technology patents; whether ingredients with confirmed safety are used; and whether private procedure rooms are operated.

Woo Su-wan, Director of Uline Clinic, advised, “Contour injections are a procedure in which dosage and components must be adjusted precisely according to facial shape, skin condition, and fat distribution,” adding, “Through sufficient consultation, a plan tailored to the individual should be made to expect natural, highly satisfying results.”