A friend told me that she got the Juvelook natural beauty injection at Betterme Gangnam in Gangnam, so I finally went there half a year later.
At the beginning of this year, I came across a comparison photo of a South Korean girl on Instagram. Her skin had changed from visibly rough and dull to glowing, almost reflecting light like a boiled egg. Many people in the comments section asked her what she had done. She replied with just three words: “natural beauty injections.”
At that time, I had never heard of this before and thought it was just another name for hyaluronic acid injections. It was only after watching many South Korean YouTubers sharing about medical aesthetics that I realized that “natural beauty injections” were actually a type of regenerative injectable that became extremely popular in South Korea starting in 2024 – and they are truly different from traditional hyaluronic acid injections. After struggling with this for over half a year, I finally decided to give Betterme Gangnam Dermatology a try. The reason was that it was located very close to Exit 6 of Gangnam Station, and their official website stated that the prices were the same for both Chinese and foreign customers, so there would be no extra charges just because I was a foreigner.
What exactly is the Juvelook facial treatment, and what makes it different from regular hyaluronic acid injections?
The most well-known brand in the field of cosmetic injections is Juvelook (sometimes referred to as Juvelook or ANEW in Chinese). It was developed by the South Korean company Humedix and has received certifications from both South Korea’s KFDA and the US’s FDA. It is available for sale in over seventy countries around the world. For two consecutive years, it has won the “Skin Booster of the Year” award at South Korea’s Consumer Awards, which is considered a highly credible recognition in the field of cosmetic medicine in South Korea.
The main difference between it and ordinary hyaluronic acid injections lies in their ingredients. Ordinary hyaluronic acid injections contain only Filler (HA), whose primary function is to hydrate the skin. After the injection, the skin will appear more moist for a while, but after a few months, the Filler is metabolized and the skin returns to its original state. However, the “natural beauty injection” is different; it contains both PDLLA (poly-dl-lactic acid) and non-linked Filler, in a ratio of approximately 85:15.
Filler is responsible for providing immediate visible results – after injection, it causes the skin to absorb water and swell immediately, making the skin tone appear brighter. However, PDLLA is the real star: its effects begin 2 to 4 weeks after injection, and it gradually stimulates your own fibroblasts to produce new Collagen. In simple terms, filler provides quick relief, while PDLLA helps your skin improve over time.
Can bare-faced injections really make you look good without makeup?
This is something that concerns me the most. Usually, I’m quite lazy when it comes to applying makeup, but if my skin quality is too poor, I really lose confidence when going out without makeup. The effect of the bare-faced injection isn’t that you instantly become a “Korean internet Deesse” after the treatment; rather, it makes the skin finer, brighter, and the Pores smaller, making one look “much better, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what changes have taken place.”
The problems it can effectively address include rough skin texture, enlarged Pores, fine lines on the face (especially around the eyes and corners of the mouth), superficial acne scars, and dull, lackluster skin. If you are looking to treat deeper depressions such as Tear trough correction or Nasolabial Fold Correction, it is recommended to use the high-molecular-weight version of Lenisna for more precise results. In my case, since I have enlarged Pores and dull skin, my doctor suggested that the standard version of Juvelook would be sufficient.
When will the effects be visible? After the injection, the Filler will take effect immediately, and you will notice that your skin appears more hydrated. However, DL . requires 2 to 4 weeks to trigger collagen production, and the actual noticeable changes usually occur around 4 to 6 weeks later. It is recommended to undergo 3 treatments in a complete course, with each treatment spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. The effects can last for 12 to 18 months after the final treatment.
Why did I choose Betterme Gangnam Dermatology?
To be honest, there are so many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam that you can find one within just three steps, from Apgujeong to Yeoksam Station. I chose Betterme Gangnam for three main reasons: First, its location is very convenient – it’s just a minute’s walk from Exit 6 of Yeoksam Station, on the 11th floor of the subway station building, so there’s no need to fumble around on a map. Second, their official website clearly states, “We do not recommend unnecessary treatments” and “We only recommend solutions that suit our clients.” Although these might also be marketing slogans, at least their attitude is clear. Third, they offer unified prices for both South Koreans and foreigners, which is extremely important for people from other regions, since some Dermatology clinics in South Korea charge significantly more to foreigners than to locals.
For making an appointment, I used the BeautsGO app. Just search for “Betterme Gangnam Dermatology” on it, and you will find the clinic’s information and the reservation option. Their business hours are from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. Going there around 4 or 5 pm means you won’t have to wait in line for too long.
What is the process of getting hyaluronic acid injections at Betterme Gangnam?
Upon arriving at the site, I first filled out some basic information, and then a Chinese consultant greeted me. They have six assistants, so they must work in shifts. The consultant conducted a skin examination for me, using a device to scan my entire face. The results displayed on the screen included data such as the size of my Pores, the location of my skin spots, and my skin’s moisture level. After reviewing the report, a doctor came in for a face-to-face consultation. He examined my skin condition, asked about my needs, and then recommended that I try the combination of Juvelook and Signature Gold XV injections. After some consideration, I decided to start with just Juvelook to see how it would work for me.
The application of the anesthetic takes approximately 30 minutes. Very fine needles are used during the injection, and the sensation is similar to that of being bitten by a small ant; some areas may feel more painful (such as the Forehead and the sides of the nose), but overall, it is much more tolerable than receiving Botox injections. The entire procedure takes around 20 minutes. After the injection, the face may become slightly red and swollen, but this effect usually subsides within about an hour. When looking in the mirror that evening, I noticed that my skin seemed a bit brighter, but this might have been due to the effects of the fading anesthetic and the hydration provided by the Filler. The actual results will only become apparent after a few weeks.
What should be noted after receiving facial injections without makeup? Postoperative care and some necessary follow-up steps.
The care after receiving DL injections is actually quite simple, as one of the advantages of PDLLA is that there is no need for post-operative massage, unlike with PLLA. This is particularly convenient for those who are reluctant to take extra steps. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
Do not apply makeup or touch your face in the first 48 hours to avoid infection. Avoid exposure to saunas, ovens, or any other high-temperature environments for one week. Increase the use of moisturizers and sunscreens; it is recommended to use products with an SPF of at least 50. For one month, refrain from undergoing laser or radiofrequency treatments on the same area. Additionally, try to avoid drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods in the first three days after the treatment.
About 3 to 7 days after the injection, some small papules may appear at the injection site. This is a normal reaction, as the PDLLA particles are gradually being absorbed under the skin. If the redness does not subside after a week or if there is severe itching, it is necessary to return to the doctor for a check-up. In my case, a slight swelling appeared on the third day but disappeared by the fifth day.
In summary, the Juvelook bare-faced injection has indeed become very popular in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry over the past six months. It is not a treatment that produces immediate dramatic results; rather, it requires regular use, just like skincare products. Its advantage lies in its ability to promote the production of your own Collagen at the dermal level, resulting in much more effective outcomes than topical care products. If you, like me before, are tired of having large Pores and dull skin, you might consider flying to Seoul to give it a try. When choosing a clinic, compare several options to ensure that you are getting the genuine Juvelook product. Then, make your reservation through BeautsGO or the official website to guarantee transparent pricing and avoid any unnecessary surcharges.
If you want to learn more about the treatment options and prices offered by Betterme Gangnam Dermatology, please refer to the following information: Details and reservations for Betterme Gangnam Dermatology.
