Board-certified dermatologist markKAHF mark (Korea Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients)Led by a board-certified dermatologist
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care
Ministry of Health and Welfare
KAHF-accredited hospital

DM DERMATOLOGY

Aqua Glow Injection

AQUA INJECTION

A hyaluronic acid skin booster
that adds hydration within the skin

Aqua Glow Injection is a hydrating skin booster treatment that places hyaluronic acid into the dermis in small portions.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the skin. It holds on to water, so it plays a part in keeping skin hydrated. Aqua Glow Injection places small amounts of it at many points in the skin with a fine needle. The aim is to support hydration and glow in skin that looks dry and lackluster.

Skin booster is a general term for injection treatments that care for the skin's foundation. Among them, Aqua Glow Injection is a hyaluronic acid–based treatment focused on hydration. Depending on your skin condition and concerns, we choose one or plan it together with other skin boosters.

At DM Dermatology in Apgujeong, we first check your skin condition during a consultation. Then we set the treatment areas, the amount injected, and the interval. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Into the dermis
  • Hydration · glow
  • Amount adjusted by area

Hyaluronic acid, which holds water, is injected into the skin with the goal of moist, supple skin and a brighter skin tone.

DM Dermatology's DM Whitening program · Aqua Glow Injection guide — results vary from person to person.
Side profile of a model with moist, glowing skin
  • 2.5cc

    DM Dermatology's standard Aqua Glow Injection volume

  • 2–4wk

    Typical interval for initial sessions

  • 2–3sessions

    Typical number of initial sessions

HOW IT WORKS

How hyaluronic acid holds moisture in the skin

Hyaluronic acid binds large amounts of water. Hyaluronic acid in the skin is known to decrease with age and UV exposure. The hyaluronic acid placed by Aqua Glow Injection binds with the water around it to add moisture to the dermis, and it breaks down gradually in the body over several months.

  • Hyaluronic acidHyaluronic acid (HA)A substance found naturally in the skin. It binds with water and plays a part in keeping skin hydrated.
  • DermisInto the dermisPlaced thinly and evenly in the dermis, below the epidermis. This works differently from filler, which adds volume.
  • Micro-doseSmall amounts, many pointsA very small amount goes into each point, and many closely spaced points are injected so it spreads evenly.
  • Cross-linkCross-linkingHow much the molecules are linked together during processing changes how long the product stays in the skin and how far it spreads.
3D illustration of hyaluronic acid chains holding water droplets to fill the dermis with moisture
A simplified illustration of hyaluronic acid binding with water and holding moisture in the dermis.

Hydration

If your skin feels tight and dull,
start by looking at hydration

Unlike filler, which adds volume, Aqua Glow Injection places very small amounts thinly and evenly within the dermis. It is a treatment focused on supporting skin texture and hydration.

DM DermatologySkin BoosterPersonal
Hydration Care
AquaHyaluronic acid
into the dermis

CHECK LIST

If these concerns sound familiar,
consult us about Aqua Glow Injection

  • Skin that feels tight soon after cleansing — dryness lingers even after you apply moisturizer.
  • Makeup often looks cakey — flakes appear, and by afternoon your skin looks cracked.
  • Skin that looks dull and lackluster — you often hear that you look dull and tired.
  • Fine lines that stand out from dryness — fine lines around the eyes or on the cheeks are noticeable.
  • Skin that reacts to the seasons and indoor air — your skin texture turns rough whenever the heating, air conditioning, or season changes.
  • Exploring skin boosters for the first time — you want to start with hydration care.

Whether this treatment suits you is decided after we check your skin at your appointment.

POINT

Changes you can expect from Aqua Glow Injection

The degree and timing of changes vary from person to person, depending on skin condition and lifestyle habits.

  1. Hydration within the skin

    It may help improve hydration in skin that feels dry and tight.

    A model with hydrated skin
  2. Glow and skin texture

    When skin holds moisture, it may look more radiant, and it may help rough skin texture feel smoother.

    A model with glowing skin texture
  3. Fine lines from dryness

    It may help fine lines that stood out because of dryness look less visible. For deep wrinkles or sagging, other treatments may be a better fit.

    Close-up of a moist eye area and cheek
  4. Planned with other treatments

    It can be planned together with lasers, lifting, or other skin boosters on separate dates. The order and interval are decided based on your skin condition.

    A woman with dry, rough cheek skin touching her cheek with her fingertips
  5. An injection treatment without incisions

    It is done with a fine needle, so return to daily life is relatively quick. However, redness, swelling, or bruising may remain for a few days.

    A skin booster being injected into the cheek with a fine needle

SKIN BOOSTER

Where Aqua Glow Injection fits among skin boosters

Regenerative · collagen-stimulating skin boostersPolynucleotides (PN), biodegradable polymers, and others
Hyaluronic acid hydrating skin boostersAqua Glow Injection
Varies by productMain ingredientHyaluronic acid
Supporting the skin's renewal environment, stimulating collagen productionMain goalHydration within the skin, skin texture, glow
Described as working by stimulating the activity of collagen-making cells (fibroblasts)How it worksHyaluronic acid binds with water to add moisture to the dermis
Loss of elasticity, skin that feels thinner, rough textureConcerns most often discussedDryness, tightness, dullness, fine lines from dryness

This does not mean one is better than the other. We choose one or combine them based on your skin condition and concerns.

PROCESS

Aqua Glow Injection treatment process

  1. step 01

    Consultation and skin check

    We check dry areas and skin texture. We ask about your current medications, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and past treatments.

  2. step 02

    Cleansing and disinfection

    We remove your makeup and thoroughly disinfect the treatment area.

  3. step 03

    Numbing

    Numbing is used to reduce pain. We explain the numbing method and time during the consultation.

  4. step 04

    Hyaluronic acid injection

    With a fine needle, small amounts are placed at many points in the dermis. The amount for each area is adjusted to your skin condition.

  5. step 05

    Soothing and aftercare guidance

    If needed, we cool the treated area to soothe it and explain precautions for daily life.

INFORMATION

Treatment info

Typical treatment schedule

  1. Session 1First treatment
  2. 2–4 weeks
  3. Session 2
  4. 2–4 weeks
  5. Session 3Depending on your skin
  6. A few months later
  7. MaintenanceEvery few months

Typically, 2–3 sessions at 2–4-week intervals are done first, and maintenance sessions are then planned every few months.

Hyaluronic acid breaks down gradually over several months. How long results last depends on the product, skin condition, and lifestyle habits.

  • Procedure time

    It varies by person; the injection itself typically takes about 15–20 min. Numbing takes extra time.

  • Numbing

    Typically, numbing cream is applied or a product containing a numbing agent (lidocaine) is used. We explain DM Dermatology's numbing method during the consultation.

  • Recovery

    Typically, redness, swelling, and small bumps settle within a few days. Bruising can rarely last about 2 weeks.

  • Volume

    At DM Dermatology, it is 2.5cc. How much goes into each area is decided based on your skin condition.

Caution

After Aqua Glow Injection,
here's how to care for your skin

Keep irritation to your skin low until redness and swelling settle.

  1. D-DAYDay of treatment

    • Don't rub the treated area

      On the day of treatment, do not press hard on or rub the injected areas. Small bumps usually settle within a few days.

    • Avoid alcohol and intense exercise

      Avoid alcohol and intense exercise on the day of treatment. Increased blood circulation can make swelling and bruising worse.

  2. D+1From the next day

    • Skip makeup for a day

      Avoid makeup right after treatment. Typically, you can start with light makeup after about one day.

  3. FEW DAYSUntil redness and swelling settle

    • Avoid heat and UV light

      Until redness and swelling settle, avoid saunas, hot packs, and strong sunlight. Apply sunscreen when you go out.

  4. ONGOINGAfterward, too

    • Regular moisturizing

      Apply moisturizer regularly after cleansing. Moisturizing the skin surface also helps keep skin hydrated.

    • Space out other treatments

      For treatments that cause a skin reaction, such as lasers or peels, set the interval with our medical staff first.

Side effects and precautions to know
  • Redness, swelling, pain, itching, or bruising may occur at the treatment site. These usually settle within a few days, and bruising can rarely last about 2 weeks.
  • Right after injection, small raised bumps may form at the injection points (often called 'embo' in Korean). They usually settle within a few days, but rarely a lump you can feel may remain for several months.
  • Rarely, inflammation, infection, or an allergic reaction (severe swelling, hives) may occur. If the treated area becomes swollen, hot, and painful, contact the clinic.
  • If you have had cold sores (lip herpes), they may come back, so please tell us during the consultation. If you have a darker skin tone, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur.
  • Very rarely, if hyaluronic acid blocks or presses on a blood vessel, serious complications such as skin necrosis or reduced vision may occur. If pain keeps getting worse, the skin turns white or bluish-black, or your vision becomes blurry, contact the clinic right away.
  • Before treatment, please tell us if you are allergic to hyaluronic acid or the numbing agent (lidocaine), take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, or use immunosuppressants. Do not stop any medication on your own; talk to the doctor who prescribed it.
  • If there is inflammation, acne, or infection in the treatment area, treatment is done after it has healed. Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for anyone under 18.

Results, how long they last, and recovery vary from person to person, depending on skin condition and lifestyle habits.

Dr. Shin Young-ik, Medical Director, board-certified dermatologist

DM DOCTOR

A board-certified dermatologist as medical director
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care

Thorough care from a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of treating skin

At DM Dermatology, our medical director, a board-certified dermatologist, examines your skin in person and plans treatment around your concerns and daily life.

Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist

  • M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
  • Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
  • Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
  • Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA

Care by a board-certified dermatologistPatients here are seen by a dermatologist certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare

Meet our doctor

FAQ

01When will I notice changes from Aqua Glow Injection?

Once swelling and redness settle after the first session, you may notice a change in hydration. Changes usually appear gradually and are described as becoming clearer after the first few sessions. How much you notice, and when, varies from person to person.

02How long does Aqua Glow Injection last?

The injected hyaluronic acid breaks down gradually over several months. That is why maintenance sessions every few months are often planned after the initial sessions. How long it lasts depends on the product, skin condition, and lifestyle habits, so we cannot promise a set duration.

03How often should I get Aqua Glow Injection?

A common approach is 2–3 initial sessions at 2–4-week intervals. After that, the timing of maintenance sessions is set based on your skin condition. At DM Dermatology in Apgujeong, we explain the interval and number of sessions after checking your skin in a consultation.

04Does Aqua Glow Injection hurt a lot?

Because a fine needle is used at many points, you will feel a stinging sensation. Numbing before treatment reduces pain, but how much you feel varies by person and area.

05How long do bruising, swelling, and bumps last after Aqua Glow Injection?

Small bumps at the injection points, redness, and swelling usually settle within a few days. Bruising may not occur; if it does, it can rarely last about 2 weeks. If bumps or lumps last a long time, do not touch them yourself; contact the clinic.

06Can I wear makeup or go to work right after Aqua Glow Injection?

Injection marks and redness may remain, so it is better not to schedule treatment right before an important event. Typically, light makeup can start after about one day. Avoid saunas and intense exercise until redness and swelling settle.

07Is Aqua Glow Injection different from a skin booster?

Skin booster is a broad term for injection treatments that care for the skin's foundation. Aqua Glow Injection is one of them: a hyaluronic acid treatment focused on hydration.

08Aqua Glow Injection and filler both use hyaluronic acid. What is the difference?

Filler is used to restore volume in hollow areas, with a relatively large amount placed in one area. Aqua Glow Injection places small amounts thinly in the dermis, with the aim of supporting skin hydration.

09What does 2.5cc for DM Dermatology's Aqua Glow Injection mean?

2.5cc is DM Dermatology's standard volume for Aqua Glow Injection. How much goes into each area of the face is decided based on your skin condition, and we explain the product and setup used during the consultation.

10Are there cases where I shouldn't get Aqua Glow Injection?

If there is inflammation or infection in the treatment area, treatment is done after it heals. Treatment is not recommended if you are allergic to hyaluronic acid or numbing agents, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder, be sure to tell us during the consultation.

CONSULTATION

Consultation comes first

Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.

DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building

Weekdays
am 10:00 - pm 07:00
Saturday
am 10:00 - pm 04:30
Lunch break
pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
Sun & holidays
By appointment only
  • Subway

    3Apgujeong StationExit 5

    Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building

  • Bus

    Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429

    Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211

    Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104

    Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318

  • By car

    Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원

    Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building

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DM Dermatology WeChat QR code

WeChat ID : dmderma

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