In the Republic of Korea, only licensed medical doctors are legally authorized to perform filler injections. This regulation includes board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and general practitioners with aesthetic training. While nurses may assist during clinical procedures, they cannot independently perform injections under the Medical Service Act.
- Provider qualification: Only licensed medical doctors (MDs) may legally inject dermal fillers.
- Specialist preference: Most patients choose board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists for enhanced safety.
- Legal facility: Procedures must occur in registered clinics regulated by the Ministry of Health.
- Product safety: All used fillers must hold approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While any MD can legally inject fillers, top-tier clinics often feature doctors with massive procedural volumes. For example, Dr. Yeom Jihye at Forena Clinic has performed over 14,000 procedures. Choosing a doctor who also trains other physicians, like Dr. Jooyoung Park who has taught 300+ doctors, ensures higher technical expertise than a standard general practitioner.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize verifying the injecting doctor’s medical license (의사면허증) upfront to avoid unlicensed `ghost injectors.` Experience shows that sticking to established clinics listed on official platforms prevents the majority of complications and poor results.