Collagen Booster
Hilo Wave
A high-purity HA collagen booster — replenishing inner moisture, texture, and elasticity naturally.
Duration
20-30 min
Pain
Moderate
Downtime
Minimal
List price
2cc ₩600,000
What is Hilo Wave?
Hilo Wave is a bio-stimulator made of hyaluronic acid (HA). Because it is HA-based, it is sometimes compared to HA fillers such as Restylane, Juvéderm, and Belotero.
What sets Hilo Wave apart, however, is its distinctive composition — a complex that combines hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights into one (Dual Hyaluronic Acid Complex, DHC).
In Korea it is licensed as a Class 4 medical device by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), and is made from high-purity, non-animal hyaluronic acid sourced in France. Each 2 mL syringe contains a total of 48 mg of HA (24 mg per cc).
| Component | Ratio | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Non-crosslinked Low Molecular Weight HA(non-crosslinked low-MW HA) | 25% |
|
| Non-crosslinked High Molecular Weight HA(non-crosslinked high-MW HA) | 25% |
|
| Minimally crosslinked High & Low Molecular Weight HA(minimally crosslinked high- + low-MW HA) | 50% |
|
As a result, unlike conventional hyaluronic acid fillers, Hilo Wave creates natural volume while also offering long-term elasticity improvement.
The regenerative, antioxidant, and elasticity-related actions of the dual HA complex (DHC) have also been reported in preclinical research. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026;27(2):1027
Product specifications
- Licensing
- MFDS Class 4 medical device
- Raw material
- High-purity non-animal HA (France)
- HA content
- 48 mg / 2 mL (24 mg/mL)
- Structure
- 50% non-crosslinked + 50% minimally crosslinked (DHC)
- Injection technique
- PDIT injection or cannula — depending on the goal
- Duration of effect
- 3-6 months (varies)
How it works — DHC (Dual Hyaluronic Acid Complex)
The signature of Hilo Wave is DHC (Dual Hyaluronic Acid Complex) — combining hyaluronic acid (HA) of two different molecular weights into a single complex for two actions at once.
High-molecular-weight HA delivers immediate hydration to the dermis, improving inner dryness and texture, while low-molecular-weight HA stimulates cells via the CD44 pathway to support collagen and elastin regeneration.
The CD44 receptor that low-molecular-weight HA binds to is present on the surface of fibroblasts. When that signal is engaged, preclinical research reports increased production of Type I collagen — responsible for the dermis's tensile strength — along with Type III collagen, which forms its elastic structure, and elastin. This is why the treatment addresses not only surface texture but the dermis that supports the skin.
High-MW HA — immediate hydration
Rapidly replenishes moisture in the dermis, relieving inner dryness and refining texture, while also providing mechanical support and natural volume.
Low-MW HA — regeneration via CD44
Stimulates fibroblasts through the CD44 receptor. Preclinical research reports increased production of Type I and III collagen and elastin in the dermis.
High-molecular-weight HA delivers immediate hydration to the dermis, while low-molecular-weight HA supports regeneration via the CD44 pathway — a dual-action approach.
How it is placed — less trauma, where it is needed
Instead of the dozens of punctures a traditional skin booster requires, Hilo Wave uses PDIT (Point Deep Inject Technique) — placing the product deeply at the face's key support points only. One to five points per side is enough.
Because crosslinking is kept to a minimum, the gel has low viscosity and flows well, spreading through the surrounding tissue on its own. Fewer injections means less procedural pain, bruising, and swelling.
At COCO Clinic we use two approaches depending on the goal. When the aim is overall skin texture and inner hydration, we inject with the PDIT technique, much like a skin booster. When the aim is to fill volume in a specific area, we use a blunt-tipped cannula to concentrate the product there. For the cannula approach we recommend the under-eye area, the nasolabial folds, and the medial cheeks.
A cannula reaches several directions from a single entry point and pushes past vessels and nerves rather than piercing them — which means less bruising and a lighter burden. Which approach suits you is decided together at the consultation, based on the area of concern and your skin.
For texture and hydration
injected with the PDIT technique, like a skin booster
For localized volume
placed with a cannula in the under-eye, nasolabial folds, and medial cheeks
Lighter burden
few entry points and low viscosity mean less pain, bruising, and swelling
What to expect, and when
Right after treatment
Hyaluronic acid draws in water, relieving inner dryness in the dermis; smoother texture and a subtle glow come first.
2-4 weeks
Fibroblasts are activated and self-produced collagen and elastin peak. Changes in dermal density and firmness become clearest from this point.
3-6 months
The period over which the bio-remodeling effect is maintained. After that, maintenance sessions are discussed based on your skin.
Bio-remodeling treatments typically use two sessions four weeks apart as the base course, followed by periodic maintenance. The exact number and interval are decided after a consultation; the timings above are averages and vary between individuals.
Product comparison
An excellent alternative to Profhilo
Internationally, Profhilo — a bio-remodeling injectable that combines high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid — is well known for skin hydration and firmness. Hilo Wave is built on the same idea with its DHC (high- + low-MW HA), making it an excellent and familiar alternative to Profhilo.
Profhilo is a bio-remodeling injectable developed by the pharmaceutical company IBSA. Its hallmark is binding high- and low-molecular-weight HA in a 1:1 ratio through a heat-treatment process (NAHYCO) alone, without chemical crosslinkers such as BDDE. It is administered via the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique — ten points, five per side of the face. It is not marketed in Korea, however, which is why Hilo Wave — a domestically available product built on the same principle — has taken its place as the alternative.
| Item | Hilo Wave | Profhilo | HA dermal filler | Classic skin booster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main component | High- + low-MW HA (DHC) | High- + low-MW HA (NAHYCO) | Crosslinked high-MW HA | Non-crosslinked low/mid-MW HA |
| HA content | 48 mg / 2 mL (24 mg/mL) | 64 mg / 2 mL (32 mg/mL) | Around 20-25 mg/mL | Around 10-20 mg/mL |
| Crosslinker (BDDE) | Minimal (50% none + 50% minimally crosslinked) | None (heat treatment only) | Crosslinked HA (uses BDDE) | None |
| Primary action | Tissue remodeling + hydration | Dermal/subcutaneous ECM bio-remodeling | Physical volume | Hydration of epidermis / upper dermis |
| Injection technique | PDIT injection or cannula (localized volume) | BAP (5 points per side) | Cannula / needle, localized | Multiple punctures (mesotherapy) |
| Duration | 3-6 months | About 6-9 months | 6-12 months or more | 1-3 months |
| Availability in Korea | MFDS Class 4 medical device | Not marketed in Korea | Varies by product | Varies by product |
Profhilo is not marketed in Korea and is not performed at COCO Clinic. The table above summarizes product specifications and does not imply that one is superior to another; clinical findings reported for Profhilo pertain to Profhilo itself.
Key Benefits
Inner hydration
high-purity HA improves inner dryness
Texture & elasticity
supports collagen and elastin for natural firmness
Natural finish
supple, smooth texture without artificial volume
Recommended for
- Those who feel tightness and inner dryness
- Those bothered by fine lines and rough texture
- Those noticing gradual laxity in the cheeks and mid-face
- Those who prefer natural hydration and elasticity over filler volume
- Those put off by skin boosters that require many punctures
July Hilo Wave Event
| Plan | List | Event | Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo Wave First Trial (2cc) | 600,000원 | 450,000원 | 약 25% ↓ |
| Hilo Wave + Juveacell 8% | 1,250,000원 | 1,050,000원 | 약 16% ↓ |
| Hilo Wave + Juveacell V | 1,350,000원 | 1,150,000원 | 약 15% ↓ |
List prices follow the COCO Clinic price list; event prices apply for the month of July. The first-trial price (2cc ₩450,000) is for first-time Hilo Wave patients.
Before & after care
- Small bumps (embossing) may be visible at the injection points, but they usually settle within 1-2 days as the gel spreads into the surrounding tissue.
- Redness, swelling, and bruising from the needle typically resolve on their own within 2-7 days.
- On the treatment day, avoid excessive sauna, alcohol, and intense exercise.
- Keep the treated area clean for a few days. Injection-site infection is rare but possible.
- Consultation before treatment is required if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, or have had a hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid.
- Contact the clinic if redness or swelling lasts more than a week, or if pain worsens.
Consultation
Have questions?
We'll guide the right plan and event application for your skin through a consultation.