When your cheeks start to look hollower than before and nasolabial lines become a concern, you might find yourself deliberating between fillers and skin boosters. However, despite appearing similar as injectable treatments, they serve different purposes. Let's first clarify where HILO WAVE stands.
It's a restorative treatment, not a filling treatment
HILO WAVE is an injectable treatment that uses both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The key is combining these two different molecular weights.
The low molecular weight component provides relatively immediate hydration, while the high molecular weight component helps retain that state for longer. Hyaluronic acid has the property of holding several times its own weight in water, so directly replenishing the lost moisture helps the skin recover its inherent hydration capacity.
Therefore, the results manifest as the skin itself becoming more hydrated and firm, rather than a noticeable change in volume. This is why those who are uncomfortable with obvious changes seek this treatment.
How it differs from fillers
| HILO WAVE Skin Booster | Filler | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Overall skin condition, such as hydration and elasticity | Shape and contour of specific areas |
| Change | Gradually from within | Immediately noticeable after treatment |
| Stabilization time | Over 2-4 weeks | Immediately |
| Suitable for | Dryness, fine lines, subtle hollowness | Clear contour correction |
In summary, fillers create shape, while HILO WAVE improves the skin's foundation. Since their purposes differ, it's not about which is better, but rather whether your concern is about shape or skin condition.
The principle behind its action on fine lines
When moisture in the dermal layer decreases, that layer thins and loses elasticity. In that state, fine lines become more pronounced even with the same facial expressions.
HILO WAVE works by replenishing that moisture, aiming to restore the dermis's thickness and elasticity. This is why you can expect shallow wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth to become smoother.
What to expect for nasolabial folds
Here, it's better to clearly understand the limitations.
If the nasolabial lines are shallow and just beginning to form, starting treatment early tends to yield better results. Conversely, if the cheek fat has significantly descended, deepening the lines, or if the folds are distinct even when expressionless, HILO WAVE alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, it is more realistic to plan for fillers or lifting treatments in combination.
Effects stabilize gradually
Immediately after the procedure, you'll first feel a sense of hydration as moisture is replenished. This feeling doesn't disappear quickly; the improved state stabilizes over about 4 weeks.
However, there may be individual differences depending on skin condition and lifestyle habits. Rather than injecting a large amount at once, managing it with intervals suited to your skin is more natural in the long term.
In summary
HILO WAVE is a treatment that replenishes lost moisture and elasticity from within. However, the appropriate approach varies depending on the depth and degree of sagging of nasolabial folds, so we recommend consulting to confirm a plan suitable for your wrinkles first.
Author · Dr. Lee Sang-joo, Chief Director / Board-certified Dermatologist As the chief director of [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon], Dr. Lee Sang-joo has long treated various conditions from pigmentation and wrinkles to scars. He serves as the president of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine. For detailed credentials, please check his medical staff profile. · Last reviewed on August 24, 2026
This article is intended to provide general medical information, and treatment methods and results may vary depending on the depth of wrinkles and individual skin conditions. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.