JuveGen Autologous Dermal Regeneration: Mechanism and Application for Nasolabial Folds and Acne Scars

a. JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration is a method that releases sub-dermal adhesions and injects hyaluronic acid to induce collagen production.

b. It can be considered for nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, forehead wrinkles, as well as certain acne scars and chickenpox scars after evaluating their shape and skin condition.

c. The required number of sessions and progress may vary individually depending on the degree of adhesion, skin condition, and collagen regeneration capacity.

Hello. I am Dr. So-hyun Park, Director of Samsung B&S Clinic.

Facial wrinkles and acne scars are often difficult to assess for their underlying causes solely by their outward appearance. This is because surface depression may be accompanied by tissues adhering to each other underneath or fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.

Today, we will examine the principles of JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration, performed with consideration of these skin structures, and explore how it can be applied to nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, forehead wrinkles, and acne scars.

1. Wrinkles are related to internal skin adhesions

Wrinkles can be understood similarly to creases on paper that do not easily fade once repeatedly folded or crumpled. As the collagen structure within the dermis changes and repeated stimulation is applied to the same area, surface lines can gradually deepen.

During this process, tissue between the epidermis and dermis may form adhesions, or fibrous structures beneath the skin may pull down specific areas. Wrinkles that initially appeared only during facial expressions may eventually transition into static wrinkles that remain visible even when the face is resting.

Therefore, when examining deep-seated wrinkles, it is important not merely to observe the depth of surface depression, but to check for sub-dermal adhesions, wrinkle depth, and the condition of surrounding tissues.

JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration is performed on the principle of releasing these adhesions and creating a space to induce collagen regeneration.

2. The principle of utilizing carbon dioxide gas and hyaluronic acid

JuveGen works by using carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to dissect adherent tissues and then injecting micro-amounts of hyaluronic acid in a cross-over pattern into the newly created pocket.

The hyaluronic acid used here is not intended simply to add physical volume to hollow areas; rather, it focuses on establishing a favorable microenvironment for collagen regeneration within the released pocket. The injected hyaluronic acid naturally absorbs into the body over time, during which the skin condition and progress of the treated area are continuously monitored.

However, the degree of collagen synthesis and the clinical course following the procedure are not identical for everyone. Variations can occur based on skin thickness, extent of adhesion, treatment area, depth of scars or wrinkles, and individual collagen-producing capacity.

3. Dermal fillers and JuveGen operate on different mechanisms

Although hyaluronic acid can be used in both dermal fillers and JuveGen, their purpose and operating mechanisms differ.

Standard hyaluronic acid fillers are designed to restore volume to areas that have experienced loss or hollow depressions. The duration of retention can vary depending on the product used, injection site, and individual skin conditions, with additional touch-ups considered when necessary.

In contrast, JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration aims to release sub-dermal adhesions and stimulate internal collagen production within that created space. Therefore, even when utilizing the same hyaluronic acid component, the therapeutic approach is entirely different.

Determining which method is suitable is not decided by a single criterion. The clinical direction should be tailored individually after assessing wrinkle pattern and depth, presence of adhesions, skin thickness, and the extent of surrounding volume loss.

4. Nasolabial folds visible from a young age

One of the primary areas considered for JuveGen application is the nasolabial folds (smile lines).

Nasolabial folds can deepen gradually as skin elasticity declines with aging or facial volume shifts. However, nasolabial folds do not develop exclusively due to advancing age.

Depending on anatomical characteristics, such as peri-oral bone structure and dental alignment, noticeable smile lines can appear even at a relatively young age. Some individuals struggle with lines that remain deeply visible even at rest, not just when smiling, creating a fatigued or prematurely aged appearance.

When planning treatment for nasolabial folds, we do not simply assess the degree of hollowing. We evaluate sub-dermal adhesions, volume changes, peri-oral structures, and the root causes behind wrinkle formation to determine the most appropriate approach, including JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration.

5. Glabellar lines that impart an angry or gloomy look

Vertical lines etched between the eyebrows are another area where JuveGen can be considered depending on the skin condition.

When glabellar frown lines deepen, individuals are often told that they appear stern or upset even when maintaining a completely relaxed expression. Initially, the lines may show only when furrowing the brows, but repeated muscular movements can cause them to become fixed, static wrinkles visible at rest.

What is critical here is distinguishing whether they are dynamic lines appearing only during facial movement or static lines persisting without expression. If they are static wrinkles anchored by internal adhesions, the depth of the crease and tissue quality can be examined to evaluate whether JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration is suitable.

6. Coarse forehead lines formed by frequent brow movement

When the levator muscles of the eyelids lack sufficient lifting power, individuals may unconsciously compensate by using their eyebrows and frontalis muscles to open their eyes. This repetitive movement can lead to the formation of horizontal forehead wrinkles.

In cases where frontalis muscle overactivity is pronounced, lines that initially appeared only during exaggerated expressions can progressively deepen and stay visible under neutral conditions.

If prominent, deep lines have settled into static creases, JuveGen may be considered after assessing the degree of internal tissue adhesion and skin condition.

However, if forehead lines stem from weak eyelid-opening mechanics, addressing the lines alone may be insufficient. It is essential to investigate the root cause, including eyelid dynamics and the degree of forehead muscle engagement.

7. Broad, rounded acne scars and rolling scars

JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration can also be considered for select types of acne scars in addition to facial wrinkles.

Among acne scars, those with broad, gentle, saucer-shaped depressions are known as rolling scars. In these scars, sub-dermal fibrous tethering bands pull the skin downward, causing the surface to appear widely and smoothly pitted.

For scars accompanied by such fibrous adhesions, a therapeutic plan aimed at releasing the tethered tissues and stimulating collagen renewal can be considered after evaluating the skin status and scar depth.

However, not all acne scars are eligible for the exact same treatment. Because scars vary in shape, depth, expanse, skin thickness, and degree of adhesion, an accurate clinical examination is essential to classify the scar type before establishing a treatment plan.

8. Specific clinical case of acne scars in the temporal region

There is a clinical case where a patient presenting with broad, rounded acne scars on the temples underwent a single treatment session and had their progress evaluated over time.

Prior to the procedure, the shape, depth, and adhesion degree of the temporal scars were assessed. Following the procedure, changes in skin condition were observed through standardized follow-up photography of the treated area.

It is important to emphasize that this reflects the outcome observed in a single individual. Even with the same JuveGen procedure, clinical outcomes can vary depending on the scar depth, morphology, extent of adhesion, underlying skin health, and intrinsic collagen regeneration capacity.

Therefore, the clinical course of a specific patient should not be interpreted as a universal result applicable to everyone, and the required number of treatment sessions will depend on individual conditions.

9. Deep, rounded scars left behind by chickenpox

Some individuals experience long-standing distress over deep, rounded scars left on the face following childhood varicella (chickenpox).

Even if chickenpox scars are not particularly large in diameter, deep inward hollowing can make them more conspicuous depending on lighting angles and facial perspectives. Many individuals seek corrective options when these scars persist over decades and remain challenging to conceal with makeup alone.

For such scars, JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration can be considered after examining the depth, contour, skin thickness, and underlying tissue tethering. Because chickenpox scars also vary in depth and contour from person to person, it is difficult to determine the required number of sessions or anticipate the exact course without an in-person clinical examination.

Nasolabial folds, static glabellar/forehead wrinkles, acne scars, and chickenpox scars may look superficially similar, but their underlying causes and internal skin conditions can be fundamentally different. Accordingly, deciding whether to undergo JuveGen should follow a comprehensive evaluation of the skin condition and adhesion severity.

Following the procedure, reactions such as swelling, bruising, pain, erythema, inflammation, infection, nodules, or pigmentary changes may occur depending on the individual, and recovery periods as well as treatment trajectories may vary. If you are considering this procedure, please engage in a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional to decide on an optimal treatment strategy suited to your skin.

If you are curious about Medical Director So-hyun Park's clinical approach to wrinkle and scar revision, you can explore detailed insights on our official blog.

A detailed explanation of the mechanism of JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration and its application to nasolabial folds and acne scars can also be found in the original video.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does JuveGen autologous dermal regeneration differ from conventional dermal fillers?

Both treatments differ significantly in purpose and operating mechanism. While conventional fillers focus on instantly restoring volume to depressed areas, JuveGen focuses on releasing sub-dermal fibrous adhesions and providing an environment that stimulates internal collagen regeneration.

Can JuveGen be used for all types of acne scars?

No, suitability depends on the scar type and condition. It is primarily considered for rolling scars where the skin is tethered down by fibrous bands into broad, rounded depressions; final suitability is determined after evaluating scar depth and skin thickness.

What are the criteria for applying JuveGen to nasolabial folds?

The decision is made by examining sub-dermal tissue adhesions and wrinkle depth. Nasolabial folds arise not only from aging but also from underlying skeletal and dental anatomy, requiring comprehensive evaluation of tissue mobility and facial dynamics beyond simple volume deficit.

Does the hyaluronic acid injected during JuveGen remain permanently?

No, the micro-amount of injected hyaluronic acid is naturally metabolized and absorbed by the body over time. Its primary purpose is not long-term physical volumizing, but rather creating a scaffolding environment for new collagen production.

What side effects or reactions can occur after JuveGen treatment?

Depending on the individual, temporary reactions such as swelling, bruising, soreness, or redness may occur. There is also a possibility of inflammation, infection, nodule formation, or pigmentary changes, making prior consultation and post-care guidance essential.