WINKFEEL HERA Vaginal Filler: Benefits, Longevity, and Side Effects

WINKFEEL HERA is a cross-linked dextran tissue-repair material approved
by Korea’s MFDS for the temporary improvement of symptoms caused by vaginal laxity.
Dextran particles stimulate fibroblasts and support the formation of collagen and new blood vessels, helping restore vaginal volume.
Possible side effects include swelling, increased discharge, itching, infection, and loss of injected material.
The appropriate injection amount and location should be determined according to each patient’s vaginal tissue condition.

Aging, childbirth, and changes in overall health can cause the vagina to feel looser or less firm.

Some women may also notice vaginal flatulence or a sensation of air escaping from the vagina.

Today, I would like to introduce WINKFEEL HERA, a vaginal filler designed to add volume and improve tightness inside the vagina.

WINKFEEL HERA received approval from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, or MFDS,

for the temporary improvement of symptoms associated with vaginal laxity in adult women.

What Is WINKFEEL HERA Made Of?

WINKFEEL HERA is primarily made from cross-linked dextran derived from sugar cane.

Dextran has been used in the medical field for many years. It is designed to biodegrade naturally within approximately one to two years.

The material is considered to have a relatively low risk of inflammatory or allergic reactions. However, as with any injectable medical device, individual reactions and complications may still occur.

How Much Filler Is in One Syringe?

Each syringe contains approximately 1 mL of WINKFEEL HERA.

Because multiple syringes may be required depending on the patient’s vaginal tissue and desired degree of volume restoration, the total treatment cost may not be inexpensive.

I believe this procedure can help women restore their natural confidence, individuality, and femininity.

How Does Dextran Create Vaginal Volume?

Why is WINKFEEL HERA described as producing longer-lasting volume than some other fillers?

When dextran filler is injected into the vaginal tissue, macrophages gather around the positively charged dextran particles.

These macrophages release signaling molecules such as TGF-β and other interleukins. These molecules stimulate fibroblasts, which support collagen formation and the development of new blood vessels.

As different types of collagen gradually form around the particles, the tissue develops additional volume and structural support.

Collagen Formation and Long-Term Volume

Clinical observations have shown the development of new blood vessels around dextran particles at different stages, including four days, eight months, and sixteen months after injection.

At approximately twenty months, newly formed blood vessels and a collagen capsule may remain around the treated area.

The collagen capsule has been described as approximately 0.3 to 0.5 mm thick.

Although the dextran itself is expected to biodegrade within one to two years, the surrounding collagen structure may remain longer.

However, the duration of visible or functional improvement varies, and a result lasting five years cannot be guaranteed for every patient.

The product’s authorized indication is the temporary, rather than permanent, improvement of symptoms associated with vaginal laxity.

Possible Side Effects of WINKFEEL HERA

Patients often ask about the possible side effects of dextran vaginal fillers.

1. Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common reactions after treatment.

It usually lasts for approximately two to three days, although it may continue for up to two weeks in some patients.

If swelling develops in the lower vaginal area, patients may experience pelvic pressure, mild lower abdominal discomfort, a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying, or the feeling that they need to have a bowel movement.

2. Increased Vaginal Discharge

Some patients may notice an increase in vaginal discharge.

This can occur together with swelling and may feel like an increase in normal vaginal secretions.

3. Itching

Mild itching may occur in some cases.

Even when the symptoms are not caused by an allergic reaction,

a temporary itching or tingling sensation may develop as the newly injected material settles into the surrounding tissue.

4. Infection

WINKFEEL HERA is administered by injection, so infection at the treatment site is possible, although it is uncommon.

Some doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics.

If an infection develops, antibiotic treatment may be required depending on its severity.

5. Tissue Necrosis

Tissue necrosis caused by vascular occlusion is a known concern with some facial filler procedures.

The dextran particles used for vaginal injection are relatively large, and tissue necrosis has not been reported in the available clinical information referenced in the original script. Nevertheless, no injectable procedure should be described as completely risk-free.

6. Loss or Extrusion of the Filler

After the filler is injected, the vaginal tissue becomes fuller and is placed under additional pressure.

If the tissue cannot tolerate this pressure, some of the injected material may be lost or extruded through the injection site.

If this occurs, the tissue may need time to heal before retreatment can be considered.

Because skin and mucosal thickness and tension vary between patients, this complication may occasionally occur.

7. Can the Filler Be Removed?

Patients sometimes ask:

“Can the filler be removed if I do not like the result?”

During the early stage after injection, part of the material may be removed by expressing it through the injection site.

Depending on the product and clinical situation, additional removal methods may also be considered.

However, claiming that it can always be removed completely would be too absolute. The feasibility and extent of removal depend on how long ago the treatment was performed, where the filler was placed, and how much collagen has already formed.

At DAUM Women’s Clinic in Gangnam, we refer to our WINKFEEL HERA vaginal filler procedure as the Point Injection.

WINKFEEL HERA is a tissue-repair material authorized by the MFDS for the temporary improvement of symptoms associated with vaginal laxity.

Women who have been considering treatment may first undergo an examination and consultation to determine

whether vaginal filler is suitable for their tissue condition and concerns.