What is HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE is an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) biostimulator: it uses a dual HA complex designed to hydrate the skin and support the skin’s own regeneration, rather than to fill or reshape the face. It is developed by HIGHER Corporation in South Korea and sold under the trademark HILO WAVE®.
A biostimulator is an injectable treatment designed to encourage the skin to repair and renew itself. Many collagen stimulators, such as PLLA and PDLLA, do this through a controlled inflammatory response. HILOWAVE takes a different route: it uses hyaluronic acid in different molecular sizes to improve the skin’s environment so that it favours regeneration, with minimal inflammation. The manufacturer describes it as a Dual-HA collagen booster.
Because HILOWAVE is placed within the skin and hydrates it, some clinics list it as a skin booster. HILOWAVE is designed to do more than hydrate, which is why Klinik Dr Diana groups it with biostimulators.
You may see the product written as HILOWAVE, Hilowave or HILO WAVE. These are the same injectable product. If a treatment called HILO WAVE is described as needle-free, it is a different procedure from the HILOWAVE injectable used at Klinik Dr Diana.
What you need to know about HILOWAVE
HILOWAVE is a doctor-performed hyaluronic acid biostimulator for skin ageing, with gradual, variable results and a still-developing evidence base. It suits people whose main concern is skin quality and early ageing, not people looking for lifting or new facial volume.
- HILOWAVE is an injectable treatment performed by a doctor. It is not a facial, a laser or a topical product.
- HILOWAVE contains three forms of hyaluronic acid (HA): large-molecule HA, small-molecule HA, and a minimally cross-linked combination of both.
- HILOWAVE is designed to target four signs of skin ageing: depletion of the extracellular matrix, loss of viscoelasticity, cell dormancy or senescence, and loss of hydration.
- HILOWAVE is registered with the Medical Device Authority (MDA) Malaysia (registration no. GD2690326-233199).
- HILOWAVE is not a contouring filler. It is not designed to lift sagging skin or add defined volume.
- Published research on HILOWAVE so far is laboratory and animal work. Human clinical trial data has not yet been published.
- Results develop gradually and differ between individuals, so a consultation comes first.
What is inside HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE contains three forms of hyaluronic acid: non-cross-linked high-molecular-weight (large-molecule) HA, non-cross-linked low-molecular-weight (small-molecule) HA, and a minimally cross-linked combination of large- and small-molecule HA. Each form is designed to play a different role in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar molecule found naturally in the skin. It binds water and forms part of the supporting network around skin cells. Skin HA levels fall with age and sun damage.
| HILOWAVE component | What it is | Intended role in the skin |
|---|---|---|
| Large-molecule HA (non-cross-linked) | Long HA chains, high molecular weight | Binds water, gives the gel body and supports the skin’s viscoelasticity |
| Small-molecule HA (non-cross-linked) | Short HA chains, low molecular weight | Thought to interact with fibroblasts, the skin cells that make collagen and elastin, and signal repair activity |
| Minimally cross-linked combination | Large- and small-molecule HA linked with a trace of BDDE cross-linker | Designed to stay in the skin longer than free HA, so the improved HA environment lasts longer |
Cross-linking is chemical bonding between HA chains that slows down how quickly the body breaks HA down. The cross-linking in HILOWAVE is minimal, far less than in a shaping filler.
How does HILOWAVE work as a hyaluronic acid biostimulator?
HILOWAVE is based on two ideas: HA variability and HA duration. Different sizes of HA do different jobs in the skin, and minimal cross-linking keeps HA in the skin for longer. Together, they are designed to modulate the skin’s architecture and microenvironment so that it favours regeneration at the cellular level.
The skin’s microenvironment is the setting that skin cells live in: the water, HA, collagen and elastin around them. As this environment thins with age, skin cells such as fibroblasts become less active. The theory behind HA biostimulation is that loading the skin with HA of different sizes, and keeping it there longer, restores a better environment. This helps revitalise skin cells so that they renew the skin themselves.
This approach differs from collagen stimulators that rely on a controlled inflammatory reaction. In laboratory work, the HILOWAVE HA complex supported collagen production while lowering inflammatory signals. This mechanism currently rests on laboratory and animal studies, not human trials.
Which signs of skin ageing is HILOWAVE designed to target?
HILOWAVE is designed to target four changes in ageing skin: depletion of the extracellular matrix, loss of viscoelasticity, cell dormancy or senescence, and loss of hydration. These four changes can also be used as parameters to assess ageing skin and to review how it responds to treatment.
| Sign of skin ageing | What it means | How HILOWAVE is designed to help | What the 2026 preclinical study observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Depletion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) | The ECM is the supporting network of collagen, elastin and HA around skin cells. It thins with age and sun exposure. | Replenishes HA and signals fibroblasts to rebuild the matrix | More collagen (types I and III) and elastin from skin cells in the laboratory; higher collagen density in rat skin |
| 2. Loss of viscoelasticity | Viscoelasticity is the skin’s ability to stretch and spring back. It falls as the ECM weakens. | Large-molecule and cross-linked HA restore gel-like support within the skin | Better skin elasticity and shallower wrinkles in UV-damaged rat skin |
| 3. Cell dormancy and senescence | With age, more skin cells slow down or become senescent, meaning they stop dividing and repairing. | Small-molecule HA and an improved microenvironment are designed to support fibroblast activity and reduce signs of cell senescence | More active fibroblasts and fewer senescence markers in the laboratory |
| 4. Loss of hydration | The skin’s HA content and its ability to hold water fall with age. | HA binds water directly within the skin | Better hydration and less water loss through the skin barrier in rat skin |
The observations in this table come from laboratory skin cells and UV-damaged rat skin. They show how HILOWAVE is designed to work, not proven results in human skin.
What does the research on HILOWAVE show so far?
The main published study on HILOWAVE is a 2026 preclinical study — laboratory cell experiments and a rat model — published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. As of October 2026, we have not found a peer-reviewed human clinical trial of HILOWAVE.
The 2026 study tested HILOWAVE (listed in the paper as DHC, a dual hyaluronic acid compound) on human skin cells in the laboratory and in UV-damaged rat skin. It reported changes across all four signs of skin ageing, together with fewer inflammatory signals from immune cells. The authors describe their findings as showing biological potential rather than proven clinical results in people.
What the published research does not yet tell us:
- How much visible improvement to expect in human facial skin
- How long HILOWAVE results last in people
- The ideal number of sessions and spacing, based on human trials
- How HILOWAVE compares with other biostimulators in real patients
- Whether a laboratory finding of reduced melanin in pigment cells means anything for melasma. HILOWAVE should not be considered a pigmentation treatment.
Klinik Dr Diana explains the evidence level of every treatment before you decide. HILOWAVE is a newer product, and its human evidence is still developing compared with longer-established biostimulators.
What skin concerns may HILOWAVE help with?
HILOWAVE may be considered for early to moderate skin ageing at the skin-quality level: skin that looks dehydrated, dull, thin, crepey or less elastic. On its own, HILOWAVE is not the right tool for deep volume loss, significant sagging, pigmentation or acne scars.
HILOWAVE may be considered for:
- Dehydrated or dull-looking skin
- Loss of skin elasticity and bounce
- Fine lines and crepey or thinning skin
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Patients who prefer gradual improvement over a filled look
These concerns usually need a different or additional treatment:
- Melasma and pigmentation — see pigmentation treatment.
- Active acne — see acne treatment. Injecting into inflamed skin increases infection risk.
- Acne scars — see deep acne scar treatment.
- Marked volume loss or sagging — a structural option such as a CaHA collagen stimulator, filler or HIFU may be more relevant.
How is HILOWAVE different from PLLA and PDLLA collagen stimulators?
HILOWAVE and PLLA or PDLLA collagen stimulators are all biostimulators, but they work on different theories. PLLA and PDLLA are biodegradable polymer particles that stimulate collagen through a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response around the particles. HILOWAVE uses hyaluronic acid to modulate the skin’s environment and is designed to support regeneration with minimal inflammation.
| Feature | HILOWAVE (HA biostimulator) | PLLA / PDLLA collagen stimulators |
|---|---|---|
| Main material | Hyaluronic acid: large-molecule, small-molecule and a minimally cross-linked combination | Biodegradable polymer microparticles: poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) |
| Theory behind collagen stimulation | Improves the skin’s microenvironment so that cells favour regeneration, with minimal inflammation | The particles trigger a controlled, chronic low-grade inflammatory response, which leads fibroblasts to build new collagen |
| Direct hydration | Yes, HA binds water within the skin | Limited, unless the product is combined with HA |
| Typical focus | Skin quality: matrix, elasticity, cell activity and hydration | Collagen support for volume loss, laxity and skin density |
| How results develop | Gradually | Gradually, over months |
| Published human data | Not yet published; preclinical study in 2026 | Longer history of human clinical use |
Neither approach is automatically the right choice. Some patients are better suited to an HA biostimulator, some to a polymer collagen stimulator, and some to a combination. The doctor decides after assessment. At Klinik Dr Diana, a PDLLA option is available as Juvelook.
Is HILOWAVE a filler?
No. HILOWAVE is a biostimulator, not a filler. A filler is a firmer, more heavily cross-linked gel used to add defined volume or reshape areas such as the cheeks, chin or under-eye hollows. HILOWAVE is placed within the skin to improve skin quality and support regeneration.
For more on how injectables placed within the skin differ from fillers, read skin booster vs filler.
Who may be suitable for HILOWAVE, and who should avoid it?
HILOWAVE may suit healthy adults with early to moderate skin ageing who want gradual improvement in skin quality with minimal downtime, and who have realistic expectations. HILOWAVE should be avoided or postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, or with known allergy to hyaluronic acid.
You may be suitable if:
- Your main concern is skin ageing at the quality level: dryness, dullness, loss of elasticity, fine lines or crepey skin
- You want gradual, subtle change rather than a dramatic difference
- You are comfortable with small injections and a few days of possible marks
- You understand that HILOWAVE is a newer product with limited human data
HILOWAVE may need to be avoided or delayed if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active skin infection, cold sores, an open wound or an acne flare in the treatment area
- Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or any product component
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medicine — this needs discussion first because bruising risk is higher
- Have an active autoimmune condition or a recent serious illness
- Recently had dental treatment, fillers, threads or laser in the same area — timing should be discussed with the doctor
- Expect lifting, contouring or new facial volume
What happens during a HILOWAVE session at Klinik Dr Diana?
A HILOWAVE session usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, including numbing time. It involves a skin assessment, cleansing, numbing cream, small injections within the skin, and aftercare advice before you leave.
1. Consultation and skin assessment
The doctor reviews your concern, medical history, medicines, current skincare, and any previous injectables or laser treatments. The doctor then assesses the four ageing parameters — skin matrix, elasticity, skin activity and hydration — as well as texture and pigmentation. If HILOWAVE is not the right fit, the doctor will say so and explain the alternatives.
2. Treatment plan and consent
The treatment areas, amount of product and injection technique are planned. You are told the expected course, possible side effects and the cost before you agree to proceed.
3. Numbing and injection
Numbing cream is applied for about 15 to 20 minutes, then the skin is cleansed with antiseptic. HILOWAVE is injected in small amounts within the skin using a fine needle, a cannula or both, depending on the area. Most people feel brief stinging or pressure.
4. Aftercare and review
Small bumps at the injection points are expected and usually settle within a few days. You receive written aftercare advice and a review date if the doctor recommends one.
How many HILOWAVE sessions are usually needed?
At Klinik Dr Diana, an initial HILOWAVE course is usually 2 to 4 sessions, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on skin condition. After the initial course, maintenance is usually reviewed every 3 to 6 months, based on how the skin responds.
| Stage | Typical HILOWAVE plan at Klinik Dr Diana |
|---|---|
| Initial course | 2 to 4 sessions, depending on skin condition |
| Interval between sessions | About 4 to 6 weeks |
| Maintenance | Reviewed every 3 to 6 months after the initial course |
| Basis for this plan | Current clinical practice and manufacturer guidance. Published human trials have not yet defined a fixed HILOWAVE course. |
The number of sessions is a guide, not a fixed package. The doctor adjusts the plan at each review, and may stop or change the treatment if HILOWAVE is not giving a useful result for your skin.
Is there downtime after HILOWAVE, and what are the risks?
Downtime after HILOWAVE is usually minimal: most people return to normal activities the same day, though injection marks, small bumps, redness or swelling may be visible for a few days. Like any facial injection, HILOWAVE also carries uncommon but serious risks that the treating doctor must be able to recognise and manage.
| How common | Possible effects after HILOWAVE |
|---|---|
| Common and temporary | Redness, swelling, tenderness, small bumps at injection points, bruising, mild itching |
| Less common | Infection, prolonged swelling, lumps or nodules, allergic reaction, cold sore flare in people prone to them |
| Rare but serious | Vascular occlusion — product blocking a blood vessel — which can damage the skin and, very rarely, affect vision |
Contact the clinic immediately, or go to the nearest emergency department, if you notice increasing pain, white, blue or dusky patches of skin, any change in vision, fever, or redness that spreads after treatment. This is why facial injectables should only be performed by a trained doctor in a licensed clinic with an emergency protocol in place.
What should you do before and after HILOWAVE?
| Before HILOWAVE | After HILOWAVE |
|---|---|
| Tell the doctor about any previous fillers, skin boosters, biostimulators or threads. | Avoid touching, pressing or massaging the treated area unless advised. |
| Bring a list of your medicines and supplements. Some, such as aspirin or fish oil, may increase bruising. Do not stop prescribed medicine without your doctor’s advice. | Avoid make-up on the treated area until the next day, or as advised. |
| Reschedule if you have an active cold sore, skin infection or acne flare in the area. | Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and very hot environments for the period the doctor advises. |
| Plan treatment at least a week before an important event, in case of bruising or bumps. | Avoid facials, peels and laser on the treated area until the doctor confirms it is suitable. |
| Come with clean skin if possible. | Use sunscreen daily and contact the clinic early if anything feels unusual. |
When will you see results from HILOWAVE, and how long do they last?
Some people notice their skin looks more hydrated within one to two weeks of HILOWAVE, once swelling and bumps settle; changes in elasticity, texture and firmness, if they occur, develop more gradually as the skin responds. There is no published human data yet on how long HILOWAVE results last; in current practice, maintenance is usually reviewed every 3 to 6 months after the initial course.
How your skin responds to HILOWAVE depends on your age, skin condition, sun exposure, smoking, skincare routine, hormonal changes and previous treatments. Results vary depending on skin type and severity of the concern, and individual assessment is required. HILOWAVE should not be expected to produce the effect of a filler, a lift or a resurfacing laser.
How do the doctors at Klinik Dr Diana decide whether HILOWAVE is the right option?
At Klinik Dr Diana, the doctor first identifies what is making the skin look aged or tired — loss of matrix, elasticity, cell activity or hydration, or another cause such as pigmentation, scarring or volume loss — and only then chooses a treatment. HILOWAVE is considered when the main problem is skin ageing at the quality level, and it may be combined with other treatments when more than one concern is present.
The order of treatment matters. A typical decision path looks like this:
- Active acne is treated first. Injecting into inflamed skin raises the risk of infection.
- Pigmentation or melasma is brought under control with its own plan. HILOWAVE may be added later for skin quality.
- Acne scars need scar-specific treatment, such as subcision, TCA CROSS or fractional laser. HILOWAVE may support overall skin quality alongside it.
- Volume loss or sagging needs a structural option, such as a polymer or CaHA collagen stimulator, HIFU or filler. HILOWAVE alone will not lift the face.
- When the main issue is loss of hydration, elasticity, texture or skin quality, HILOWAVE is considered.
Because HILOWAVE is newer, the doctor will also explain how its evidence compares with other options, so you can choose with full information. HILOWAVE assessment is available at the Bandar Baru Bangi branch (Sunway Gandaria Mall, Seksyen 9) and the Senawang branch in Seremban (Bandar Prima Senawang). If you have questions about HILOWAVE, you are welcome to contact either branch.
How much does HILOWAVE cost at Klinik Dr Diana?
HILOWAVE pricing depends on the amount of product used, the number of sessions, the treatment areas and whether it is combined with other treatments. The doctor confirms the cost after assessment and before any treatment starts.
Have a question about HILOWAVE that this page does not answer? You can ask the doctors at Klinik Dr Diana.
Ask a question on WhatsAppReferences
- Roh H, Nguyen NH, Jung J, Hwang JK, Lee YI, Jung I, Lee JH. Regenerative skin remodeling by a dual hyaluronic acid hybrid complex in multimodal preclinical models. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2026;27(2):1027. doi:10.3390/ijms27021027.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):253–258.
- Fitzgerald R, Bass LM, Goldberg DJ, Graivier MH, Lorenc ZP. Physiochemical characteristics of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(suppl_1):S13–S17.
- Beleznay K, Carruthers JDA, Humphrey S, Jones D. Avoiding and treating blindness from fillers: a review of the world literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;41(10):1097–1117.
- HIGHER Corporation. HILO WAVE® product information and press release, July 2026. Used for product identity only, not as evidence of results.
Reference 1 is a preclinical study in cells and animals. It explains how HILOWAVE is designed to work but does not show results in people. Individual suitability must be assessed in person.
Possible side effects
Possible effects include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, injection marks and small bumps at injection points. Less common risks include infection, lumps or nodules and allergic reaction. Rarely, any facial injection can block a blood vessel (vascular occlusion), which needs urgent medical care.
Individual results vary depending on age, skin condition, sun exposure, lifestyle, previous treatments and biological response. Published research on HILOWAVE is currently preclinical. HILOWAVE is not a filler, a lifting treatment or a pigmentation treatment, and no specific result can be promised. This page is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation.
Have questions about HILOWAVE or whether it suits your skin? You are welcome to contact the doctors at Klinik Dr Diana in Bangi or Senawang.
WhatsApp UsFrequently asked questions
What is HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE is an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) biostimulator developed by HIGHER Corporation in South Korea. It uses a dual HA complex designed to hydrate the skin and support the skin's own regeneration, to address signs of skin ageing. It is not a filler and is not designed to change facial shape.
Is HILOWAVE the same as HILO WAVE?
Yes. HILOWAVE, Hilowave and HILO WAVE® are different spellings of the same injectable hyaluronic acid product from HIGHER Corporation. If a treatment called HILO WAVE is described as needle-free, it is a different procedure from the injectable HILOWAVE used at Klinik Dr Diana.
Is HILOWAVE a biostimulator or a skin booster?
HILOWAVE is a hyaluronic acid biostimulator. Like a skin booster, it is placed within the skin and hydrates it, but it is designed to go further by supporting the skin's own regeneration at the cellular level. Some clinics list it as a skin booster for this reason.
What is in HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE contains three forms of hyaluronic acid: non-cross-linked large-molecule (high-molecular-weight) HA, non-cross-linked small-molecule (low-molecular-weight) HA, and a minimally cross-linked combination of large- and small-molecule HA.
How does HILOWAVE work against skin ageing?
HILOWAVE is designed to target four changes in ageing skin: depletion of the extracellular matrix, loss of viscoelasticity, cell dormancy or senescence, and loss of hydration. Different sizes of HA, kept in the skin for longer, are designed to improve the skin's microenvironment so that skin cells favour regeneration. This is based on laboratory and animal studies so far.
How is HILOWAVE different from PLLA or PDLLA collagen stimulators?
PLLA and PDLLA are polymer particles that stimulate collagen through a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response around the particles. HILOWAVE uses hyaluronic acid to modulate the skin's environment and is designed to support regeneration with minimal inflammation. The doctor decides which approach suits your skin.
Is there scientific evidence for HILOWAVE?
The main published study on HILOWAVE is a 2026 preclinical study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, using skin cells in the laboratory and a rat model. It showed signs of collagen support, reduced cell senescence, better hydration and lower inflammation. As of October 2026, no peer-reviewed human clinical trial of HILOWAVE has been published that we could find.
Is HILOWAVE painful?
Numbing cream is applied for about 15 to 20 minutes before HILOWAVE, so most people feel brief stinging or pressure rather than sharp pain. Sensitivity differs between people and between areas of the face.
Is there downtime after HILOWAVE?
Downtime after HILOWAVE is usually minimal. Small bumps, redness, swelling or injection marks may be visible for a few days, and bruising can occasionally last longer. Most people return to normal daily activities the same day.
How many HILOWAVE sessions will I need?
At Klinik Dr Diana, an initial HILOWAVE course is usually 2 to 4 sessions, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on skin condition. This follows current clinical practice and manufacturer guidance, as published human trials have not yet defined a fixed course. The doctor reviews your response before recommending more.
How long do HILOWAVE results last?
There is no published human data yet on how long HILOWAVE results last. Because hyaluronic acid is gradually broken down by the body, maintenance is usually reviewed every 3 to 6 months after the initial course, depending on how your skin responds.
Can HILOWAVE treat melasma or pigmentation?
HILOWAVE is not a pigmentation treatment. A laboratory study found reduced melanin production in pigment cells, but this has not been shown in people. Melasma and pigmentation need their own assessment and treatment plan.
Who should not have HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE should be avoided or postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with active infection, cold sores or inflamed acne in the area, and with known allergy to hyaluronic acid. People with bleeding disorders, those on blood thinners and those with autoimmune disease need a doctor's assessment first.
Is HILOWAVE registered in Malaysia?
Yes. HILOWAVE is registered with the Medical Device Authority (MDA) Malaysia under registration number GD2690326-233199.
How much does HILOWAVE cost at Klinik Dr Diana?
HILOWAVE pricing depends on the amount used, the number of sessions, the treatment areas and whether it is combined with other treatments. The doctor confirms the cost after assessment and before treatment starts.
Apa itu HILOWAVE?
HILOWAVE ialah rawatan suntikan biostimulator berasaskan asid hialuronik (hyaluronic acid). Ia direka untuk menangani tanda penuaan kulit — kehilangan matriks kulit (ECM), keanjalan, aktiviti sel dan kelembapan — dengan membantu kulit memulihkan dirinya sendiri. Ia bukan filler. Keputusan berbeza bagi setiap individu.
HILOWAVE sesuai untuk siapa?
HILOWAVE mungkin sesuai untuk orang dewasa yang mempunyai tanda awal penuaan kulit, seperti kulit kering, kusam, nipis atau kurang anjal, dan mahukan perubahan yang beransur-ansur. Ia tidak sesuai semasa hamil atau menyusu, atau jika ada jangkitan atau jerawat aktif di kawasan rawatan. Penilaian doktor diperlukan dahulu.
Berapa kali sesi HILOWAVE diperlukan?
Di Klinik Dr Diana, kursus awal HILOWAVE biasanya 2 hingga 4 sesi, dengan jarak 4 hingga 6 minggu antara sesi, bergantung pada keadaan kulit. Sesi susulan biasanya dinilai semula setiap 3 hingga 6 bulan. Keputusan berbeza bagi setiap individu.
Di mana boleh buat HILOWAVE di Bangi atau Seremban?
HILOWAVE boleh didapati di Klinik Dr Diana, cawangan Bandar Baru Bangi (Sunway Gandaria Mall, Seksyen 9) dan Senawang, Seremban (Bandar Prima Senawang), selepas penilaian doktor. Jika ada sebarang soalan, anda boleh hubungi klinik melalui WhatsApp.
Further reading
