First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This is a guide to skin booster injections compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes' walk from Konkuk Univ. Station, Exit 1).
When we receive a request in the consultation room, "I want to get a skin booster," we always ask again. A skin booster is not a single procedure but a category of medications, and the results vary depending on which medication is injected, where, and at what depth. Here's how we categorize medications in the examination room.
1. Why there isn't just one type of skin booster
Although grouped under the same term "skin booster," there are groups of medications with completely different mechanisms of action.
- HA (Hyaluronic Acid) boosters: Immediate hydration and texture improvement. Decomposes and is absorbed.
- PDRN (Salmon DNA) boosters: Stimulates dermal regeneration, restores skin's recovery ability.
- PDLLA/PLLA (Collagen Stimulators): Induces autologous collagen production for gradual volume and elasticity restoration.
- CaHA (Calcium Hydroxyapatite): Combination of immediate contouring + autologous collagen stimulation.
- Exosomes: Stem cell-derived signaling substances, restores texture and soothing effects.
- ECM (Extracellular Matrix): Boosters that reinforce the dermal structure itself.
Knowing which medication is right for you will help set accurate expectations for the results.
2. HA Boosters: Immediate hydration and texture restoration
Skinvive, Belotero Revive, and Filorga 135 (NCTF) fall into this category.
Recommended in the examination room for:
- Those whose primary concern in the mirror is dryness and skin texture.
- Those who need texture restoration after pigmentation or melasma treatments.
- Those who need immediate radiance before a wedding or important event.
- Those receiving a skin booster for the first time (less intense).
HA boosters are strong in immediate changes, and since they are decomposed and absorbed, regular touch-ups are necessary.
3. PDRN Boosters (Rejuran series): Dermal regeneration
Rejuran Healer, Rejuran HB, and Eye Rejuran fall into this category.
PDRN is a salmon DNA fragment that activates regeneration signals in the dermal layer.
Recommended in the examination room for:
- Those whose recovery is slow and skin is dry after treatment.
- Those concerned about fine lines and rough texture.
- Those who want a gentle booster for fine lines around the eyes (Eye Rejuran).
- Those with residual marks from acne or traumatic scars.
The most accurate description of Rejuran is a booster in the recovery ability domain.
4. PDLLA/PLLA Collagen Boosters: Gradual collagen regeneration
Sculptra (PLLA), Juvelook, Juvelook i, and AestheFill (PDLLA) fall into this category.
These medications do not provide immediate hydration but induce autologous collagen production, so changes appear over time.
"A booster where changes may not be immediately visible, but clear improvements appear in the mirror 2-3 months later." This is the most frequent explanation we give to patients in the examination room.
Recommended in the examination room for:
- Those who are starting to experience sagging and desire gradual elasticity restoration rather than immediate volume.
- Those who prefer a natural look and are hesitant about fillers.
- Those whose cheekbones, cheeks, or temples are starting to hollow.
- Those who prefer to achieve results over time rather than in a single session.
Collagen skin boosters are chosen from Sculptra, Juvelook, Juvelook i, and AestheFill options, tailored to the patient's skin and area.
5. CaHA, ECM, Exosomes: Special categories
- CaHA (Radiesse): Combination of immediate volume effect + autologous collagen stimulation. Injected deep into the dermis.
- ECM Booster (Elravie Re2O): A booster containing allogeneic dermal ECM components to reinforce the dermal structure itself.
- Exosomes: Stem cell-derived signaling substances, for soothing, texture, and regeneration.
These medications are used in fewer cases in the examination room than general HA/PDRN, and are carefully selected based on the patient's specific case.
6. At-a-glance comparison of medications
| Medication Group | Main Action | Result Timeline | Recommended Sessions | Recommended for in Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HA (Skinvive, Belotero Revive, NCTF) | Immediate hydration, texture | Immediate ~ 2 weeks | Once every 3-4 weeks | Immediate texture change needed |
| PDRN (Rejuran series) | Dermal regeneration | 1-3 months cumulative | Once every 4-6 weeks | Recovery ability, fine lines |
| PDLLA/PLLA (Sculptra, Juvelook) | Autologous collagen | Gradual over 2-6 months | 1 session, then touch-ups | Gradual elasticity |
| CaHA (Radiesse) | Immediate volume + collagen | Immediate ~ several months | 1 session, then touch-ups | Deep reinforcement |
| Exosomes | Soothing, texture restoration | Immediate ~ gradual | Once every 4 weeks | Overall recovery, texture |
| ECM (Elravie Re2O) | Dermal structure reinforcement | Gradual | Once every 4-6 weeks | Weakened structure itself |
Within the single term "skin booster," there are such diverse tools.
Consult about medication selection via chat now
7. Single medication vs. Package options
The two common approaches in the examination room are:
1) Single injection: Skin booster injection with only the medication customized for the patient.
2) Package option: Skin booster package combining enzyme peel + LaseMD + skin booster + LDM + Bellalux light + modeling in one session (choice of NCTF135, Rejuran, Madekiel, or Exosomes).
For those trying it for the first time, the package option is good for stable results, while for those with a clear preference for a specific medication, a single injection is more efficient.
8. Common confusions brought up in the examination room
Q1. "Are Juvelook and Sculptra the same?" They belong to the same PDLLA/PLLA collagen booster category, but their decomposition rate, particle size, and result manifestation patterns differ. Sculptra shows results more slowly, while Juvelook shows them more quickly. The medication is chosen differently depending on the area and the patient's skin.
Q2. "I heard Rejuran creates collagen." PDRN is a medication that stimulates dermal regeneration, and it belongs to a different category than PDLLA/PLLA, which directly induces autologous collagen. Since the categories are different, there are often cases where these two medications are alternated seasonally.
Q3. "Does one session last a year?" HA is absorbed as it decomposes, lasting around 6 months; PDRN lasts 3-6 months; and PDLLA/PLLA can maintain autologous collagen for nearly 2 years in some cases. We first inform you in the examination room that the duration of effect varies completely for each medication.
9. Post-procedure care
Post-procedure care varies slightly for each medication.
Common instructions:
- Avoid strong massage or rubbing on the day of the procedure.
- Apply sunscreen diligently to the treated area.
- Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for one week.
- Temporary bruising and swelling will gradually improve (3-7 days).
PDLLA/PLLA Collagen Booster (Juvelook, Sculptra) 5-5-5 rule: To enhance effectiveness and prevent nodules, massage the treated area sufficiently for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. We will provide instructions immediately after the procedure in the examination room.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I'm getting it for the first time, which medication should I start with? It depends on what changes you are most concerned about in the mirror. If it's dryness or texture, HA is a priority; if it's recovery ability or fine lines, PDRN; and if it's gradual elasticity, PDLLA. We will decide together in the examination room.
Q. Can I receive it with lifting procedures? It is common in the examination room to combine it with lifting procedures such as Ultherapy PRIME, Thermage FLX, and Tuneface. It is better for stable recovery to have a 1-2 week interval rather than on the same day.
Q. Can I inject multiple medications at once? It is possible if the areas and depths are separated. However, since the characteristics of the medications are different, it is recommended to start with one medication at a time for accurate assessment of results.
A skin booster is not a procedure that creates all changes with a single medication. The starting point in the examination room is to identify the changes you are most concerned about in the mirror, and then determine the appropriate medication and approach. If you find medication selection difficult, you can inquire directly via chat for non-face-to-face consultation.
Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of Korean Academy of Laser Dermatology and Hair, Korean Academy of Filler, Korean Filler and Botox Research Society / Sculptra certified) Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This article provides general information about procedures and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for procedures and results may vary by individual.