Cheongdam Circle Clinic is more than just a space for cosmetic treatments; it is a comprehensive anti-aging clinic designed to align skin health with each patient's lifestyle and individual aging process. As Korea's first HydraFacial "Center of Excellence" and Asia's first SkinCeuticals "SkinLab," the clinic has also earned recognition through partnerships with global brands such as FILLMED and Sinclair, ensuring clinical trust and adherence to global standards.
At the heart of this vision is Dr. Heewon Suh, who merges therapeutic knowledge with refined aesthetic detail to create her signature protocols. Among her most recognized treatments are SMALL FIT, a custom facial contouring technique that goes beyond simple fat dissolving, and the NP Booster, a pain-free skin regeneration solution using Rejuran that has earned wide acclaim among both domestic and international patients.
Recently, Dr. Suh has been focusing on HILO WAVE, a hybrid high- and low-molecular-weight HA skin booster that surpasses the limitations of conventional HA skin boosters. It offers natural volume restoration, dermal density improvement, and collagen remodeling in a single treatment. From the beginning, she was drawn to its spreadability, stability, and texture-enhancing potential, and repeated clinical use has only reinforced her confidence in its efficacy, especially for patients seeking subtle yet visible changes.
In this interview, Dr. Suh discusses how she selected HILO WAVE, how she tailors its application to different skin types, her most frequently used techniques by region and purpose, and how it complements other procedures, such as Ultherapy, Silhouette Soft, and RF-based modalities.
Q: What are your most frequently used skin booster products, and how do you apply them?
A: At Cheongdam Circle, we offer tailored solutions specifically designed for each patient's skin type and goals. For example, NP Rejuran is ideal for sensitive or regenerative skin needs, NCTF135HA for dull skin tone, exosomes for problematic skin, and Juvelook for collagen stimulation and firmness. If a patient is looking for hydration, elasticity, and volume all in one, I recommend HILO WAVE.We don't simply match a product to a symptom—we always aim to plan long-term care that considers both the patient's current condition and future trajectory.
Q: What are the most important principles in designing a skin booster treatment?
A: I have three core principles: First, it should be painless. Second, it should be subtle, not visibly obvious. Third, the effects must be definitive. Patients today are much more informed and selective. It's essential to accurately assess the skin's thickness and depth so that you can inject at the ideal layer and pressure. We also provide clear post-treatment guidance to ensure patients can return to their daily routines with confidence.
Q: When did you introduce HILO WAVE, and what made you choose it?
A: HILO WAVE is inspired by the well-known Profhilo formula. I was intrigued from the start by its ingredient stability, wide diffusion capacity, and visible hydration results. After testing it in-clinic, the outcomes exceeded expectations, so we incorporated it into our official offering
Q: What exactly is HILO WAVE?
A: It's a new category of skin booster that blends high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. It has a higher HA concentration (24mg/ml) than most conventional boosters, penetrates deeper into the dermis, and produces minimal lumps or unnatural texture. Based on Profhilo but optimized for Korean skin, it's one of the most concentrated HA boosters currently available on the market.
Q: How does its HA composition and minimized BDDE impact the results?
A: High-molecular-weight HA provides durability and deeper lift, while low-molecular-weight HA offers fast hydration and antioxidant effects. HILO WAVE combines the best of both. It delivers natural volume with long-lasting hydration and also promotes collagen and elastin synthesis. Because BDDE (a cross-linking agent) is minimized, there's a lower risk of a foreign body reaction, and the texture spreads smoothly within the dermis, reducing any artificial feel.
Q: What techniques do you prefer when using HILO WAVE?
A: It depends on the patient's goals. If I'm targeting mid-face lifting and natural volume, I use P.D.I.T. (Point Deep Inject Technique). For improving texture or treating deep dehydration, I use the waving cannula method. Sometimes, I combine both in a single treatment. The key is to adapt the depth, entry point, and volume to the specific region and patient needs.
Q: How well does HILO WAVE work in combination with other treatments?
A: Very well. For example, after energy-based procedures like Ultherapy or Thermage, HILO WAVE helps restore soft, natural contours without the stiffness of fillers. It's especially effective for under-eye or anterior cheek areas where edges can look harsh with traditional products.It also pairs beautifully with Silhouette Soft, LDM, and various RF devices. And because it can be done on the same day, patients appreciate the efficiency and comfort of combination plans.
Q: Do you have any advice for practitioners considering HILO WAVE?
A: Some doctors are unsure whether to treat HILO WAVE as a skin booster or a filler, but it's best described as a collagen-stimulating volumizer. It's especially useful for patients who avoid fillers due to fear of lumps or artificial contours. In delicate areas like the under-eye or cheek hollows, its spreading texture provides incredibly natural volume. Once you try it, you may wonder why you didn't use it earlier.
