Skin Quality & Hydration · Category Hub
Three skin booster types are commonly offered in Gangnam. Rejuran is a salmon-DNA-based repair injection that helps the skin heal and recover. JUVELOOK is a hybrid that combines hyaluronic-acid hydration with slow collagen building over 8-12 weeks. Sculptra is a longer-acting collagen builder, with results developing over months. These are not interchangeable — selection follows the patient's primary concern: repair, density, deflation, or pure hydration. A fourth class (HA microdroplet, brand SkinVive) is addressed in the FAQ below.
Board-Certified
Dermatologist
AAD International Fellow
IFAAD
FDA-cleared
Where applicable
MFDS-registered
Korean MoH&W
Skin booster selection in Gangnam by a board-certified dermatologist. Compare Rejuran (salmon-DNA repair injection), JUVELOOK (collagen-stimulating hybrid), and Sculptra (long-acting collagen builder) — class-by-class decision-aid.
Best for
Suited for
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | 20-40 minutes per session across classes |
| Sessions | Rejuran / JUVELOOK: 3-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals; Sculptra: 2-3 sessions over 4-6 weeks |
| Pain & comfort | Rejuran moderately uncomfortable; JUVELOOK / Sculptra mild — topical anesthetic is standard |
| Downtime | Rejuran: visible papules for 24-48 hours; JUVELOOK / Sculptra: mild swelling under 24 hours. Makeup typically next day |
| Onset of results | Peak at week 4-8 (Rejuran), week 8-12 (JUVELOOK), month 3-6 (Sculptra) |
| Duration & maintenance | Rejuran every 3-6 months; JUVELOOK 12-18 months; Sculptra 18-24 months |
| Category | Rejuran | JUVELOOK | Sculptra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Polynucleotide from salmon DNA — repair signaling via the adenosine pathway | PDLLA microspheres + non-crosslinked HA — gradual fibroblast collagen stimulation | PLLA microparticles — long-acting collagen biostimulation over months |
| Onset of results | Subtle smoothing by week 4; peak at week 8-12 | Collagen build visible 8-12 weeks after the course | Effect develops over 3-6 months |
| Sessions | 3-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals | 3 sessions at about 1-month (4-week) intervals | 2-3 sessions over 4-6 weeks |
| Best-suited concern | Skin healing, post-acne texture, weakened barrier | Early density loss; hydration plus slow collagen | Mid-face deflation, long-term collagen support |
| Regulatory status | MFDS Class IV (Korea), CE-marked — not FDA-approved as injectable | MFDS-approved, CE-marked — not FDA-approved | FDA-approved, MFDS-approved, CE-marked |
Comfort varies by class. Rejuran is the most noticeable — moderately uncomfortable — while JUVELOOK and Sculptra injections feel mild. Topical anesthetic is standard before every session, and the Rejuran HB Plus formulation additionally contains lidocaine. Any visible papules and tenderness settle within 24-48 hours after treatment.
For a 3-7 day trip, a single biostimulator session is the realistic plan — the result then develops 4-12 weeks after departure. Multi-session Rejuran or JUVELOOK courses (3-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals) suit repeat visitors. International flights are permitted from 24 hours after treatment.
Maintenance intervals differ by class: Rejuran and HA boosters are typically refreshed every 3-6 months, JUVELOOK every 12-18 months, and Sculptra every 18-24 months. The dermatologist confirms your schedule after reviewing how the skin responded to the induction course, rather than fixing dates upfront.
20-40 min per session across classes
3-4 induction at 2-4 wk apart (Rejuran, JUVELOOK); 2-3 (Sculptra over 4-6 wk)
24-48 hours visible papules (Rejuran); minimal for JUVELOOK / Sculptra
Week 4-8 (Rejuran); Week 8-12 (JUVELOOK); Month 3-6 (Sculptra)
During injection
Rejuran moderately uncomfortable; JUVELOOK / Sculptra mild. Topical anesthetic standard. HB Plus contains lidocaine.
Immediately post
Rejuran: visible papules at each site. JUVELOOK / Sculptra: mild swelling and redness. Resolves 24-48h.
Days 1-2
Papules flatten; mild redness may persist. Makeup typically resumed day 2.
Week 1-4
Subtle texture and hydration improvement visible (Rejuran, HA).
Week 8-12
Peak effect for biostimulators. Skin density and elasticity stabilize.
Week 16-24
Sustained effect; PLLA results continue developing to 24+ months.
Key specs
Key specs
Key specs
01
Consultation identifies the patient's primary concern (repair / density / deflation / hydration) before any specific product is selected
02
Dermatologist matches a class to the indication; combination protocols across two classes — common in Korean clinical practice — are discussed when appropriate
03
Repeat-visit patients typically build a 3-4 session course at 2-4 week intervals (Rejuran or JUVELOOK)
04
Quick-trip patients (3-7 days in Seoul) usually receive a single biostimulator session; visible results develop 4-12 weeks after departure
05
Maintenance schedule explained based on the selected class — every 3-6 months for Rejuran/HA, every 12-18 months for JUVELOOK, every 18-24 months for Sculptra
“Injectables and energy devices are performed by physicians — never delegated to non-physician staff. The clinic is led by a board-certified dermatologist.”
Cases shown are Fitzpatrick III–IV (East Asian skin). Results in lighter (I–II) or darker (V–VI) skin types may differ — discussed at consultation.
First 24-48h
Avoid touching or massaging sites. No hot showers, saunas, vigorous exercise. Rejuran papules — do not pick. Cool compress OK. No alcohol.
Days 3-7
Resume normal skincare gradually. Avoid retinoids and acid exfoliants until skin settles. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily.
Weeks 2-4
Strict sun protection. Schedule next session per class protocol.
Long-term
Daily SPF 50+. Combination with botulinum toxin, HA filler, CO2 laser, RF microneedling, or HIFU discussed at consultation.
Fillers (HA gel) add immediate volume by occupying space under the skin. Skin boosters either repair the skin's barrier (Rejuran), stimulate collagen over months (JUVELOOK, Sculptra), or hydrate the surface with microdroplet hyaluronic acid (SkinVive). Boosters do not produce filler-level volume change — they improve skin quality.
Match the dominant concern to the class. Skin healing, post-acne texture, sensitive or fragile barrier → Rejuran (polynucleotide). Early density loss, want hydration plus slow collagen build over 2-3 months → JUVELOOK (PDLLA + HA hybrid). Mid-face deflation, jowl or cheek scaffolding need, long-term collagen restoration → Sculptra (PLLA). Pure hydration and surface glow, no biostimulation desired, brief downtime → SkinVive (HA microdroplet, brand availability in Korea varies — confirm at consultation). Final selection happens at consultation, not online.
Rejuran peaks at 4-8 weeks with maintenance every 3-6 months. JUVELOOK effects develop 8-12 weeks after the course and last about 12-18 months. Sculptra durability typically runs 18-24 months, with some patients showing effect at 24+ months. HA microdroplet products last about 6 months.
No. Rejuran is approved in Korea (MFDS Class IV medical device — the highest regulatory tier for injectable medical devices in Korea, comparable to FDA Class III) and CE-marked in the EU. JUVELOOK is MFDS-approved in Korea and CE-marked in the EU. Neither is FDA-approved as an injectable in the United States. Sculptra (PLLA, FDA premarket approval P030050 from 2004, aesthetic indication supplement S002 from 2009) and SkinVive (HA microdroplet, FDA PMA P110033/S059 approved May 2023) are FDA-approved.
Yes, in many cases — and combining a polynucleotide injection with an energy-based device (RF or HIFU) is common Korean clinical practice. What matters is sequencing and depth, which the dermatologist plans during consultation rather than improvising on the day. We discuss combination protocols based on your treatment history and primary concern.
Most polynucleotide and PDLLA hybrid protocols use a 3-4 session induction at 2-4 week intervals. Texture changes typically become visible between sessions 2 and 3, with continued improvement 4-8 weeks after the final session. Sculptra results develop more slowly — typically 2-3 sessions over 4-6 weeks, with effect peaking at 3-6 months.
Rejuran produces visible papules at injection sites for 24-48 hours; bruising (if any) resolves within 5-7 days. JUVELOOK and Sculptra show mild swelling that fades within 24 hours. Strenuous exercise, sauna, and prolonged sun exposure are avoided for 24-48 hours. Makeup is typically resumed the following day. Alcohol is avoided for the first 24 hours. International flight is permitted from 24 hours post-procedure.
Rejuran shows promise as an adjunct for atrophic acne scars (small preliminary RCT, 20 patients). Korean practice combines Rejuran with fractional CO2 laser, subcision, or TCA CROSS for moderate-to-severe scarring — Rejuran is not used as monotherapy.
SkinVive (HA microdroplet) addresses surface hydration and light reflection with about 6 months of duration. FDA-approved in the US in May 2023. Korean clinic availability varies — confirm with the clinic at consultation. As an alternative within Korea, Rejuran HB (the HA hybrid variant) provides hydration plus light barrier repair.
Exosome therapy is heavily marketed in Korea but is not currently MFDS-approved as an injectable. Licensed clinics in Korea may use exosome-containing products as a topical adjunct after laser or microneedling. The peer-reviewed evidence base for exosomes in skin booster contexts is smaller than for polynucleotide, PDLLA, or PLLA. We discuss when this category is appropriate at consultation.
Skin booster pricing depends on the product class, number of sessions, and treatment area — quoting a single number would mislead. We discuss specific pricing at consultation. For a range across products, see our pricing page.
Skin booster injection is deferred during pregnancy and lactation across all classes (no published efficacy or safety data — elective procedure). Active autoimmune connective-tissue disease is a relative contraindication requiring dermatologist review. Active infection at the injection site is an absolute contraindication. History of cold sores (HSV) at the injection site requires antiviral prophylaxis at consultation. Recent isotretinoin (within 6 months) is a relative contraindication for biostimulator injection.
Notice
Tell the dermatologist at consultation if any of the following apply.
For your visit
Related procedures
Notice: Individual results may vary depending on skin condition, treatment history, and recovery factors. All treatment plans are determined through individual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. The information on this page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice or guarantee specific outcomes.
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