DM DERMATOLOGY
SkinVive
SKINVIVE
Hyaluronic acid
in microdroplets
for cheek skin texture
SkinVive is a skin booster that places soft hyaluronic acid gel into the dermis of the cheeks in very small droplets. Its full name is 'SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®.'
SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®
Skin booster · SkinVive
SkinVive is made by Allergan Aesthetics, the maker of Juvéderm fillers. In some countries it is sold as 'Juvéderm Volite,' and it was launched in Korea in April 2024. Each syringe contains 1 mL, and the dose listed for SkinVive at DM Dermatology is also 1 cc.
Unlike volume fillers that fill hollow areas, very small amounts are spread evenly within the dermis of the cheeks. The gel contains an anesthetic (lidocaine) that eases the sting of injection.
At DM Dermatology in Apgujeong, we first check your cheek skin, allergies, and medications at your visit. Then we decide the areas and amount. Results and recovery time vary from person to person.
- Skin Boosters
- Hyaluronic acid
- Cheek skin texture
- Microdroplet injection
Skin Care
soft hyaluronic gel
CHECK
If you have these cheek texture concerns
If any of these apply, we start by examining your cheek skin at your visit.
- Rough cheek textureUp close, the skin on my cheeks looks bumpy and uneven in texture.
- Fine lines on the cheeksWhen I smile or make expressions, fine lines overlap on my cheeks.
- Texture that stands outWhen I apply foundation, the texture on my cheeks stands out and my makeup looks patchy.
- Not looking for volumeRather than filler that changes the shape of my face, I am looking for a treatment for skin texture.
- Choosing a skin boosterI want to know how SkinVive, Revive, Aqua Glow Injection, and Rejuran differ before I choose.
Whether the treatment suits you is decided after we check your skin and medical history at your visit.
KEYWORDS
Three words
to understand SkinVive
SkinVive differs from volume fillers in the nature of its gel and how it is placed. The key is how small and how evenly it is placed.
- MicrodropletMicrodropletsThe gel is divided into very small droplets and placed evenly across the cheek. This differs from volume fillers, which are placed together in one spot.
- Soft GelSoft gelA gel made of cross-linked hyaluronic acid at 12 mg/mL. Its viscosity and cohesiveness tend to be lower than those of gels for volume fillers.
- LidocaineAnestheticThe gel contains 0.3% lidocaine, a local anesthetic. It eases the sting of injection.
HOW IT WORKS
Hyaluronic acid microdroplets
placed evenly in the dermis
The skin is divided into the outer epidermis and the dermis beneath it. The dermis is a layer of collagen fibers woven like a net, with hyaluronic acid between them. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that draws in and holds water.
SkinVive is a gel of cross-linked hyaluronic acid at 12 mg/mL. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid breaks down more slowly in the skin than non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The manufacturer describes this gel as having relatively low viscosity and cohesiveness among Juvéderm products.
Typically, the gel is placed into the cheek dermis at 0.01–0.05 mL per point, 0.5–1 cm apart. This method is called microdroplet injection. Over time, the gel breaks down and is absorbed in the body.
- 1
Epidermis The outermost layer of the skin. The fine needle passes through this layer to reach the dermis.
- 2
Dermis The layer responsible for the skin's elasticity and thickness. SkinVive is placed within the dermis.
- 3
Hyaluronic acid microdroplets Gel placed in very small amounts at each point. They are spaced evenly across the whole cheek.
- 4
Moisture Water that hyaluronic acid draws in and holds. In the illustration, it is shown as small light-blue droplets around each microdroplet.
- 5
Collagen fibers Net-like fibers that support the dermis. The microdroplets settle between these fibers.
COMPARE
Three hyaluronic acid injections:
how they are used
| SkinVive | Aqua Glow Injection | Volume filler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid, 12 mg/mL | Hyaluronic acid Non-cross-linked or cross-linked; other ingredients are sometimes added | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid Usually about 20 mg/mL |
| Injection depth | Within the dermis | Dermis | Deep dermis to subcutaneous fat Varies by area and product |
| Main use | Cheek skin texture and fine lines | Skin hydration | Adds volume to hollow areas or contours |
| Injection method | 0.01–0.05 mL droplets placed evenly 0.5–1 cm apart | Small amounts divided among many points | Placed together where needed |
| Anesthetic (lidocaine) | Contains 0.3% | Varies by product | Included in many products |
This table shows only general differences in ingredients and injection methods. It does not mean one is better. Which treatment suits you is decided at your visit based on your skin.
1cc
Amount of gel
in one syringe0.5–1cm
Spacing between
microdroplets12h
No makeup
after treatment6months
When to consider
a repeat treatment
PROCESS
SkinVive
treatment process
Below is the general flow. The actual steps and timing are decided after your examination.
step 01
Examination and consultation
We look at your cheek texture and areas of concern. We ask about allergies, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, cold sores (lip herpes), and any recent filler, laser, or peel.
step 02
Cleansing and numbing cream
We remove your makeup and disinfect your face. Numbing cream is applied to the cheeks, and you wait 20–30 minutes.
step 03
Marking the areas
We mark the injection area and points on the skin, from below the cheekbones to the jawline and from beside the mouth to the front of the ears.
step 04
Microdroplet injection
Using a fine needle, we place the gel evenly into the dermis, divided into very small droplets. Injection usually takes 15–20 minutes.
step 05
Soothing and guidance
We disinfect the injection sites and cool them with a cold pad if needed. We explain aftercare and set a check-up date 1 month later.
AFTER CARE
Recovery after treatment
- Day of treatment
Needle marks may be red and slightly raised. Skip makeup for 12 hours, and avoid intense exercise, heat, and alcohol for 24 hours.
- 1–3 days
Redness, small raised bumps (wheals), and swelling usually settle around this time.
- 7 days–2 weeks
Most injection-site reactions go away within 7 days. If you have a bruise, it can last up to about 2 weeks.
- 1 month
We review the results and, if needed, you have one touch-up treatment.
- 6 months
This is when we decide whether to repeat treatment, based on your skin.
Recovery speed and results vary from person to person. If you have unexpected symptoms, do not wait; please contact the clinic.
INFORMATION
Treatment info
to check before treatment
- Procedure time
- About 15–20 min of injection
Plus 20–30 minutes of waiting with numbing cream - Numbing
- Numbing cream 20–30 min before injection
The gel also contains an anesthetic (lidocaine) - Recovery
- Redness, bumps, swelling: 1–3 days
Most settle within 7 days; bruises can last up to 2 weeks - Daily life
- Makeup after 12 hours
For 24 hours, avoid intense exercise, saunas, strong sunlight, and alcohol - Interval
- Touch-up 1 month after the first treatment
The next treatment is decided from 6 months on, based on your skin - Sessions
- 1 treatment
After 1 month, one touch-up if needed based on the results - Volume
- In units of 1 cc (1 syringe)
2 cc or more is sometimes used for both whole cheeks - Keeping results
- About 6 months
Hyaluronic acid breaks down gradually, so we then decide whether to repeat treatment
Timing and schedule vary with your skin condition. Your actual schedule is set after your examination.
Caution
SkinVive aftercare
and precautions
For a day after treatment, the injection sites may be red and sensitive.
- 01Skip makeup for 12 hours
Do not wear makeup for 12 hours after treatment. Wash your face gently with lukewarm water when the clinic tells you it is okay.
- 02Cut back on exercise, heat, and alcohol for 24 hours
For the first 24 hours, avoid intense exercise, saunas and hot baths, strong sunlight, and alcohol. These can temporarily make redness, swelling, and itching worse.
- 03No pressing or rubbing
Do not press or rub the injection sites with your hands. Also skip facial massage and massage devices for a few days.
- 04Tell us about medications in advance
If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or anticoagulants, please tell us before treatment. Do not stop any medication on your own.
- 05Tell us about other treatment plans
If you have planned laser, peels, or other injection treatments before or after, please tell us in advance. The intervals are decided at your visit.
- 06Contact us right away about warning signs
If your vision becomes blurry, your skin turns pale white, pain keeps getting worse, or you develop warmth and pus, contact the clinic right away.
- Redness, bumps, swelling, bruising, tenderness, pain, firmness, skin discoloration, and itching may occur at the injection sites. Most are mild to moderate and go away within 7 days. Bruises can last longer, up to about 2 weeks.
- Rarely, bumps or small lumps may remain for more than 1 month. Cases have also been reported where lumps could be felt for more than a year and then went away on their own. If a lump lasts a long time, do not touch it; have it checked at the clinic.
- Rarely, inflammation, firm nodules, bacterial infection, or pus pockets (abscesses) may form at the injection sites. Inflammation can also appear late, weeks to months after filler treatment. If you have had cold sores, blisters may come back.
- With facial injections, very rarely the gel can enter a blood vessel and block it. This can cause vision loss or blindness, stroke, scabs, or scars, and in many cases it is hard to reverse. If your vision becomes blurry, your skin turns pale white, you have unusual severe pain, or your speech becomes slurred, tell us immediately or get emergency care.
- Treatment is not given in these cases: if you have had a severe allergy such as anaphylaxis, have multiple severe allergies, are allergic to lidocaine, are allergic to the Gram-positive bacterial proteins used in making the product, or have had an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid filler.
- If you have a wound, acne, rash, hives, cyst, or infection in the treatment area, treatment is postponed until it heals.
- Safety has not been established during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people prone to thick scars such as keloids, or in people with pigmentation disorders. The approval abroad is for people aged 21 and older, and safety and effectiveness outside the approved area have not been established either.
- Taking blood-thinning medicines, such as pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, or anticoagulants, can increase bruising and bleeding. Do not stop any medication on your own; talk with the prescribing doctor first.
- If you are receiving treatment that suppresses the immune system, the risk of infection may be higher. Laser treatment or chemical peels on the treated area can cause an inflammatory reaction, so please tell us your schedule in advance.
- If a reaction lasts a long time, the doctor may use antibiotics, steroids, or an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (hyaluronidase). However, the manufacturer states that the effectiveness of dissolving the filler has not been separately verified.
The degree of results, how long they last, and recovery time depend on skin condition, age, and lifestyle, and vary from person to person. Results may fall short of expectations, or you may not notice a change.
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
DM DERMATOLOGY
Related treatments
FAQ
01What kind of treatment is SkinVive?
SkinVive is a skin booster treatment that places soft hyaluronic acid gel into the dermis of the cheeks in very small droplets. The product is 'SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®' from Allergan Aesthetics, and each syringe contains 1 mL. The gel contains cross-linked hyaluronic acid at 12 mg/mL and 0.3% lidocaine, an anesthetic.
02Is SkinVive a filler too?
SkinVive is a hyaluronic acid gel made by the same company as Juvéderm fillers. But unlike volume fillers that fill hollow areas, it is spread evenly in very small amounts at many points in the cheek dermis. So it is used as a treatment for cheek skin texture rather than facial contour.
03How long does SkinVive last?
In clinical trials for approval abroad, results were followed for 6 months after the first treatment and, when needed, a touch-up 1 month later. Hyaluronic acid breaks down gradually in the body, so results do not last indefinitely. How long they last varies from person to person with skin condition and lifestyle.
04How many SkinVive treatments do I need, and how often?
Typically, you have 1 treatment, and after 1 month, one touch-up if needed based on the results. In clinical trials for approval abroad, treatment was repeated after 6 months. At DM Dermatology, we look at your skin at your visit and decide the timing of the next treatment together.
05Does SkinVive hurt?
Because it is injected at many points with a fine needle, you will feel a sting. The gel contains an anesthetic (lidocaine), and numbing cream is also usually applied before injection. The level of pain varies by person and area.
06What are SkinVive's side effects, and how long do bumps and bruises last?
Common reactions are redness, bumps, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The manufacturer states that most of these go away within 7 days. Bruises can last up to about 2 weeks, and rarely, small lumps can be felt for more than a few months. If anything lasts a long time or gets worse, please let the clinic know.
07How is SkinVive different from Rejuran?
Both place very small amounts into the dermis at many points, but their main ingredients differ. SkinVive's main ingredient is cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and Rejuran's is polynucleotide (PN), a salmon-derived DNA ingredient. This does not mean one is better; which treatment suits you is decided at your visit.
08How are SkinVive, Aqua Glow Injection, and Revive different?
Aqua Glow Injection is a broad name for treatments that place small portions of hyaluronic acid into the dermis, and the product used differs by clinic. SkinVive and Revive are names of specific products. SkinVive contains hyaluronic acid at 12 mg/mL with lidocaine, an anesthetic; Revive contains hyaluronic acid at 20 mg/mL with glycerol, a moisturizing ingredient, and no lidocaine. This does not mean one is better.
09Are there cases when I should not get SkinVive?
Do not get it if you have had a severe allergy such as anaphylaxis, have multiple severe allergies, or are allergic to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid filler. If you have a wound, acne, rash, or infection in the treatment area, treatment is postponed until it heals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take blood-thinning medicine, be sure to tell us at your visit.
10How do I get to DM Dermatology from Apgujeong Station?
DM Dermatology is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. The address is 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro (579-1 Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul. On your first visit, we will first ask about allergies, medications, and recent treatments.
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
