Reading the 2026 Medical Aesthetics Market at the 28th Spring Meeting of the Association of Korean Dermatologists
The Association of Korean Dermatologists (AKD; President Sangju Lee) hosted its 28th Spring Meeting on March 29, 2026, at the Swiss Grand Hotel Convention Center in Seoul. Accredited for six continuing medical education points, the one-day program drew dermatology specialists from across the country for a full slate of lectures, including mandatory credit sessions.
President Lee described the conference as a "practice-ready academic program designed to go beyond theoretical knowledge and deliver immediately applicable clinical insights." New this year was the Live & Talk session, in which real-world procedural and diagnostic workflows were shared via high-definition video, as well as an open-floor discussion format pairing senior and junior physicians. The inaugural Practice Management Exhibition, running in parallel, represented an ambitious attempt to bridge clinical education and practice operations under one roof. A session devoted to preventing and managing complications from aesthetic procedures drew an especially enthusiastic response from attendees. Successive lectures placed safety front and center, covering topics such as the anatomical basis of botulinum toxin injection in facial muscles, sight-threatening ophthalmic complications following filler injection, and the prevention and treatment of biostimulator-related nodules.
The exhibition hall generated just as much buzz as the academic sessions. Domestic and international companies showcased their latest products and solutions spanning energy-based devices (EBDs), next-generation injectables, needle-free drug delivery systems, and exosomes, expanding their engagement with dermatology specialists. In conversations with exhibiting companies on the show floor, three keywords surfaced repeatedly: "safety," "natural results," and "multimodal solutions." While lifting and tightening remain the market's central axis, a clear migration was evident — away from single-modality treatments and toward multi-wavelength platforms, dual-frequency systems, and device–injectable combination strategies. In the injectable space, next-generation biostimulators engineered for lower nodule risk and non-invasive delivery technologies were signaling an emerging competitive landscape. The following booth-by-booth coverage maps the key directions of the 2026 K-Medical Aesthetics market.
LASEROPTEK — Simultaneous Unveiling of Three New Products, Including the First 589 nm Solid-State Vascular Laser
LASEROPTEK introduced three new products at the conference: HELIOS 785 Pico, an established platform for recalcitrant pigmentary lesions; SCULPIO, a picosecond-based facial contouring system; and VASCURA 589, the company's first-ever vascular laser making its debut this year. CEO Changjin Lee described the VASCURA 589 as "a solid-state laser that delivers the 589 nm vascular treatment wavelength — historically available only through pulsed dye laser systems." Dr. Seokbae Seo of Seoasong Dermatology presented academic findings on the HELIOS 785 Pico. On the regulatory front, the HELIOS 785 Pico has secured CE marking, Brazil's ANVISA approval, and clearances in major Asian markets, while SCULPIO and VASCURA 589 are currently under FDA review. Lee noted that domestic laser sales have been increasing compared with two to three years ago, reflecting a market that is moving away from a lifting-only emphasis toward a more balanced portfolio of modalities.
VAIM — Expanding the JUVELOOK Lineup with JUVELOOK i and JUVELOOK G; Allograft Dermis Product Juveàcell Also Launched
VAIM, the company behind the PDLLA-based collagen biostimulator JUVELOOK, highlighted JUVELOOK i and JUVELOOK G. Senior Executive Vice President Jongkwon Jeong explained, "JUVELOOK i features smaller particles optimized for periorbital treatment, while JUVELOOK G uses larger particles designed for areas where greater volumization is desired." He cited the product's robust publication record, extensive clinical evidence, and the safety afforded by its reticular particle structure as key differentiators, adding that consistent user feedback indicates strong clinician loyalty even amid increasing competition. Dr. Donggi Yu of Irvine Dermatology delivered an online lecture titled "Facial Treatment Techniques Considering the Particle Characteristics of JUVELOOK G." VAIM has also entered the allograft dermis market with the launch of Juveàcell.
SHENB — Sunny's Triple-Frequency Architecture and Scalp Treatment Open a "Full-Face-Plus" Strategy
SHENB, which solidified its foothold in the dermatology market with the microneedle RF platform Virtue RF, actively showcased its latest device, Sunny, at the conference. Domestic Sales Team Leader Yiseo Choi explained, "Unlike conventional single-frequency RF systems, Sunny integrates three frequencies — 6.78 MHz, 1 MHz, and 2 MHz — with both monopolar and bipolar modes in a single platform." A key differentiating point is its ability to treat the scalp in addition to the face. Clinicians have reported that the device complements existing lifting treatments by simultaneously improving skin texture and elasticity, she added. Sunny has obtained U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance, and the company is pursuing additional regulatory approvals in international markets, building on its strong overseas recognition.
VIOL Medical — The RF Specialist Enters the HIFU Arena with Duotite
VIOL Medical, which cemented its position in the RF device segment with Sylfirm X, has now expanded into high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Duotite, launched in March 2026, is the company's first entry in the category. Clinical Team Manager Jimin Seo described the device as "a fundamentally well-equipped system featuring both basic and pen-type handpieces with dot and line mode capabilities," emphasizing procedural speed and user convenience as its principal strengths. Practitioners who participated in pre-launch preview sessions described the device as intuitive and easy to operate. At the conference, VIOL Medical organized online lectures and luncheon symposia for each of its three devices — Sylfirm X, Cellinew, and Duotite — delivering a rich slate of academic content.
HIGHER Corporation — HILO WAVE Opens "New Possibilities for HA"
HIGHER Corporation spotlighted HILO WAVE, a dual-HA biostimulator. Director Junhee Moon explained its positioning: "Physicians who have encountered patient hesitancy toward fillers or experienced nodule risk with polymer-based products are looking for a product that offers both safety and immediate volumizing capability." A paper on HILO WAVE's biostimulatory effects was published earlier this year, and studies comparing dual-HA against other HA, polynucleotide, and polymer-based products are steadily emerging. Global expansion is proceeding rapidly — the company completed its official New Zealand launch last week and plans to move through Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia before completing its China launch by year's end.
DEKA Korea — ONDA Delivers Immediate Results and Extends to Body Lifting
DEKA Korea exhibited ONDA and the 675 nm diode fractional laser RedTouch PRO. Deputy Manager Youngwoo Ko introduced ONDA's core technology: "Its contact cooling system protects the epidermis while generating immediate treatment effects." A 12 mm body-specific handpiece was also on display, demonstrating a lineup that spans face to body. Dr. Juhyuk Park of The Heal Dermatology (Sinsa branch) delivered a sponsored online lecture on ONDA, while Dr. Jonggeun Seo of Academy Human Dermatology in Busan presented on RedTouch PRO.
Baz Biomedic — CureJet Needle-Free Injector Broadens Its Reach Through Protocol Diversification
Baz Biomedic, developer of the needle-free injector CureJet, highlighted its proprietary core technology as its foremost competitive advantage. Domestic Consumables Sales Team Leader Sanghoon Cheon stated, "We hold over 50 patents domestically and internationally and employ a solenoid-driven mechanism that delivers competitive pricing on both consumables and handpieces." Practitioners have credited CureJet with establishing a new paradigm in scar treatment, and the company reports that inquiries about cocktail protocols combining CureJet with various skin boosters are currently the most frequent. A newly established Medical Affairs (MA) team is conducting a combination protocol study with GOURI in collaboration with five dermatology specialists. The company aims to secure CE certification within the first half of this year, setting the stage for formal European market entry.
Candela Korea — Leading with the Dual-Wavelength Fractional Laser Nordlys Mini This Year
Candela Korea placed its primary focus on Nordlys Mini, a 1550 nm / 1940 nm dual-wavelength fractional diode laser. Marketing Team Deputy Manager Jiyoung Park introduced it as "a platform that enables skin resurfacing at varying depths with a single device, generating strong clinician interest." An online lecture was co-hosted with Dr. Sungu Lee of Alive Dermatology covering the device's features and applications. On the exhibition floor, inquiries about the long-established Vbeam vascular laser also remained robust. Commenting on market trends, Park observed, "Consumer demand is shifting away from aggressive procedures toward the 'effortlessly natural' concept — a preference for slow aging with subtle, natural-looking results."
Merz Aesthetics Korea — Ultherapy PRIME and an Injectable Portfolio Reinforce the Skin Quality Strategy
Merz Aesthetics Korea brought its full portfolio of devices and injectables, led by Ultherapy PRIME. Chain Network Manager Daeyeon Kim noted, "Compared with the previous DeepSEE technology, ultrasound imaging resolution has been significantly enhanced, enabling safer and more effective procedures." Reduced shot-to-shot loading time has also drawn clinical praise for its contribution to decreased procedural discomfort. On the injectable side, the company showcased botulinum toxin Xeomin, hyaluronic acid filler Belotero, biostimulator RADIESSE, and BELOTERO REVIVE Skinbooster, underscoring a portfolio strategy centered on "Skin Quality." Interest in combination protocols using the Ultherapy PRIME 1.5 mm tip for skin quality enhancement is running high, and Kim reported that waitlists have formed among newly opening practices — a sign of concentrated demand.
Humedix — Non-Invasive Skin Booster Reedle Booster Draws Attention for Laser Combination Synergy
Humedix featured Reedle Booster, a non-invasive skin booster, as its flagship exhibit. Marketing Team 2 Product Manager Jeonghee Seo described it as "a product that utilizes the proprietary Red Reedle™ compound to deliver active ingredients from the epidermis through to the dermis without injection." Its strongest selling point is the potential for combination with laser and RF devices. The most frequently asked question at the booth was: "How can the product deliver results without a needle?" Dr. Bonggyun An of My D Dermatology lectured on "The Endless Challenge of Non-Injectable Skin Boosters," presenting cases in which anti-inflammatory effects in acne patients were documented at two- to three-day follow-up. The company plans to expand its scope of applications by developing a wider range of combination treatment cases.
LTRA Global — BRIGHTONE Expands Its Competitive Edge in Pigment and Tattoo Removal via Multi-Pulse Technology
LTRA Global exhibited the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser BRIGHTONE. Global Sales Team Representative Seongjin Choi explained, "The core of the technology is multi-pulse energy delivery, which fractionates energy to safely remove dermal pigment." In tattoo removal, the MIIN Mode has earned favorable international recognition for safe treatment outcomes, and a paper co-authored with Prof. Wonseok Kim of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital is being distributed to overseas markets. Backed by in-house resonator manufacturing capability, the company touts competitive advantages in after-sales service and output stability. BRIGHTONE holds both US FDA clearance and CE marking, with MDR transition planned by 2028. The newly introduced BRIGHTONE M, unveiled at KIMES 2026, is currently undergoing regulatory approval and is expected to begin exhibition at conferences in the second half of this year.
Bluecore Company — Triple-Wavelength Lifting Device TRINITY and Celebrity Endorsement to Strengthen Brand Awareness
Bluecore Company centered its exhibition on TRINITY, a triple-wavelength lifting device. Domestic Sales Division Head Juil Kim described it as "a contact-cooling triple-wavelength lifting device that employs moving and stacking delivery modes." The company announced it has signed actor Jinhyeok Choi as its brand ambassador this year as part of an intensified marketing push. Kim acknowledged that while user satisfaction with clinical outcomes has been strong, the brand has faced a recognition gap compared with established global OEM devices. He positioned the company's after-sales service accessibility and cost-effectiveness as a domestic manufacturer's key differentiators. Internationally, Southeast Asian regulatory clearances have been completed, with launches expanding to additional countries this year, and the company also holds FDA-cleared products in its portfolio.
Cynosure Lutronic — XERF Emerges as a New Force in the Monopolar RF Market with Dual RF Technology
Cynosure Lutronic showcased XERF, its dual monopolar RF device. Branch Manager Seungjae Lee explained, "By integrating 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz frequencies, the system achieves all-layer tightening from superficial to deep tissue." XERF is recording monthly U.S. sales of 100 to 150 units and is growing rapidly in global markets. An Eye Tip is slated for release later this year, and the company recently made its official global launch of Mosaic 3D at IMCAS 2026, accelerating the expansion of its global product portfolio.
Huons Meditech — DermaShine Duo RF Combines Injector Technology with Radiofrequency
Huons Meditech highlighted DermaShine Duo RF, which combines its established injector platform with RF technology. Marketing Team Manager Dahee Kim explained, "We have developed a technology that reduces solution leakage compared with previous-generation devices, thereby improving intradermal delivery efficiency." Positive physician feedback has centered on more effective dermal delivery due to reduced product loss. The DermaShine series boasts a cumulative install base of 20,000 units spanning from the first generation through Duo RF. The company is preparing a pre-launch for Japan as its first international market, with growing inquiries from Southeast Asian markets as well.
Solta Medical — Twenty Years of the Original: Thermage FLX
Solta Medical exhibited Thermage FLX, the original monopolar RF platform. Sales Manager Intaek Lee shared, "As befitting a product with over 20 years on the market, the most frequent question from visiting physicians was when the next-generation version would be released." The company's headquarters is developing a next-generation platform through ongoing R&D, and also hinted at a possible successor to the Fraxel line. On the education infrastructure side, Solta Medical operates the TTT (Train The Trainer) program, hands-on procedural training, regular symposia and user meetings, and the SOMA Training Program. More than two decades of accumulated Thermage publications underpin the original platform's efficacy and safety profile.
DEXLEVO — GOURI Targets the Biostimulator Market with Fully Liquid Polycaprolactone (PCL)-Based Technology
DEXLEVO, having obtained CE certification in 2021 and subsequently exported to approximately 50 countries, is now pursuing the domestic Korean market in earnest with GOURI, its fully liquid polycaprolactone (PCL)-based collagen stimulator. Marketing Communications Senior Manager Yunho Kim explained, "GOURI eliminates the nodule concern associated with conventional polymer products and, thanks to its superior spreadability, can be administered through a minimal number of injection points." Clinician feedback has consistently described effects as "overall facial tightening" and "a lifting alternative to threads." Following domestic regulatory approval in October 2025, the company is focused on commercial rollout and is planning a domestic launch symposium in May. Regular ProLab sessions are held at least twice monthly, with hands-on seminars conducted two to three times per week. At the conference, Dr. Hansaem Kim of DIOD Dermatology delivered both an offline lecture and a sponsored online presentation.
Primoris International — Cord Blood–Derived Exosome P198 ExoHealer Enters an Emerging Category
Primoris International introduced P198 ExoHealer, a cord blood–derived exosome, and ExoNature, a Panax ginseng–derived exosome product. Representative Taekyum Kim explained the differentiation: "Exosomes harvested from cord blood exhibit less batch-to-batch variability compared with other human tissue–derived sources, allowing more consistent clinical outcomes." As the product is still in its pre-promotional phase, booth inquiries focused predominantly on fundamental questions about composition, indications, and usage. Regarding the company's portfolio expansion strategy, Kim noted, "As clinician and consumer needs diversify and combination protocols become increasingly common, building a comprehensive product portfolio has become essential."
The market landscape confirmed at this Spring Meeting exhibition floor is unmistakably different from the era in which a single device and a single procedure dominated practice. The overarching framework of lifting and tightening endures, but within it the options are proliferating at speed — multi-frequency, multi-wavelength platforms housed in a single device; next-generation biostimulators with reduced nodule risk; and non-invasive solutions capable of delivering active ingredients without a needle.
The keywords most frequently invoked across booth interviews were "safety" and "natural results" — a message that aligns precisely with the conference's academic emphasis on complication prevention and management. As the range of procedural options widens, the value of clinical expertise capable of deploying them safely can only grow. The decision to simultaneously pilot a "practice-ready academic program" and an inaugural Practice Management Exhibition — elevating both the clinical and the operational competencies of dermatology specialists — carries the same underlying message. This venue, where the academic arena and the industry arena converge to generate synergy, offers one of the most concise snapshots of where Korea's dermatology specialists and the K-Medical Aesthetics ecosystem stand today.