Skin Boosters in Korea (Gangnam, Seoul):
Types and How to Choose
"Skin booster" is not a single treatment. It is a general name for injections that place ingredients in the skin to support hydration, firmness and renewal. Each type works differently, so the right one depends on your main concern and the condition of your skin on the day. Depending on your concerns, treatments are combined when needed.
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Same name, different ways of working
Skin boosters are grouped by what they are made of and what they do in the skin. There are four broad approaches.
- Hydrate: fill the skin with moisture.
- Support renewal: help the skin's own repair and regeneration.
- Stimulate collagen: prompt the skin to build collagen gradually.
- Replace structure: place structural components directly in the dermis.
Because the approach differs, so do the direction of the effect and how long it lasts. That is why we choose by concern and examination, not by name.
Skin booster types at a glance
A general guide, not a ranking. No type is better in every case.
| Type | Examples | How it acts | Mainly considered for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid (HA) | Water-glow injections, SKINVIVE, HILO WAVE | Fills the skin with moisture. Particle size and structure differ between products | Dryness, dullness, rough texture |
| DNA-derived | Rejuran (PN), PDRN | PN (polynucleotide) and PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) are DNA extracted from salmonid fish such as salmon and trout, placed in the dermis to support the skin's own renewal | Rough texture, skin renewal |
| PDLLA | Juvelook Skin | Gradually stimulates collagen production | Reduced firmness, pores, scars |
| ECM-based | Re2O | Places human-derived extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and elastin, directly in the dermis | Reduced firmness, reduced dermal density |
| Skin Botox | Micro-dose botulinum toxin | Intradermal botulinum toxin may reduce oiliness, make pores less noticeable and soften fine lines. | Pores, oiliness, fine lines |
| PRP | Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood | Platelets concentrated from your blood are injected into the skin to support renewal | Skin texture, dullness, fine lines, skin renewal |
| Own-blood cell treatment | Secret ReturnCell | Uses a dedicated Novastem kit to concentrate cells and growth factors from your blood. Given as a skin injection, or by intravenous injection | Skin renewal, anti-aging |
Which type fits which concern?
Even when patients have the same concern, such as fine lines or enlarged pores, the underlying causes can be different. At Secret Plastic Surgery, we assess skin hydration, oiliness, thickness, volume loss and firmness together before choosing a treatment. For example, enlarged pores related to excess oil production may be approached with skin Botox, while pores that appear vertically elongated due to reduced skin firmness may require a different approach. The following are examples of how different skin concerns may be approached, rather than fixed treatment rules.
Skin that feels tight, looks dull or lacks moisture is often approached with hyaluronic acid (for example water-glow injections, SKINVIVE or HILO WAVE), which fills the skin with moisture.
When the surface feels rough or the skin looks tired and needs renewal, we may consider Rejuran or PDRN, which support the skin's own renewal, or treatments using your own blood (PRP or Secret ReturnCell).
When skin has lost firmness or the dermis feels thinner, we may consider Re2O, which places structural components directly, or Juvelook Skin, which stimulates collagen gradually. Juvelook Skin is also considered for pores and scars.
When excess oiliness is the main concern, skin Botox may be considered. Pores that look elongated as firmness decreases may need a different approach. For fine lines, we also look at hydration and skin thickness before deciding on a treatment.
Can I combine types? How often?
It is possible, and the combination and order depend on how deep and in what way each ingredient works, so we plan them together after examination. We combine treatments according to your concerns when needed, and two or more types can be used together.
Intervals depend on the type. Hydration-focused treatments are repeated at relatively short intervals. Types that stimulate collagen are usually given in several sessions, typically a month or more apart. At our clinic, skin Botox is repeated about every 4–6 months. The exact schedule is set at your consultation.
Recovery, scheduling and what to tell us
Recovery and side effects
These are injections, so depending on the treatment, small bumps can last about 3–5 days and bruising about 7 days. Redness, swelling, needle marks and pain can also occur, and there is a possibility of allergic reaction and infection. Pain and recovery vary with the ingredient and the person. If anything unexpected continues, contact the clinic.
Planning around your schedule
When you book, tell us about any important dates, such as an event, a work trip or a flight. Because bumps and bruising can last several days, we will plan the treatment around them.
Please let us know before treatment
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Safety data are not sufficient, so we do not recommend skin boosters.
- If you have inflammation, infection or a wound in the treatment area.
- If you are prone to keloids or heal slowly.
- If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
- If you recently had another laser or filler treatment.
Skin boosters: questions
What are skin boosters?
Skin boosters are a general name for treatments that place ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, DNA-derived components or collagen-related materials into the dermis with fine injections, to support hydration, firmness and renewal. Because the ingredients and the way they act differ, the direction and duration of the effect differ too.
How much do skin boosters cost?
The cost depends on the type, the amount and whether treatments are combined, and it is decided after examination, so we do not list prices on this page. To ask, message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. A Korean-language skin booster guide is also available.
One-on-one appointments · Your doctor personally handles every step, from consultation to treatment.
Not sure which type suits you?
Ask us about appointment availability or planning your treatment.