How is the Lituo Cannula procedure different from manual injections?

Skin booster Re2O (Elravie Re2O, re2O) is a skin booster based on the concept of directly replenishing the extracellular matrix (ECM) into the skin. It is characterized by advocating a direction of directly supplying supporting substances that make up the skin structure, such as collagen and elastin, rather than 'inducing' collagen production. And a tool that is frequently used when injecting this Re2O is the cannula.

There are two points that many people get confused about. One is the ingredient misunderstanding, "Isn't Re2O the same as Rejuran?", and the other is the method issue, "What on earth is the difference between a cannula and a hand injection?" In this article, centering on those two axes, we will explain it as plainly as possible from the perspective of Gangnam Onlif Clinic.

💧 Re2O, what kind of skin booster is it exactly?

The core of Re2O (re2O) is the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is like a 'skeleton' component that fills the spaces between cells within the skin's dermis and provides structure. Collagen and elastin are included here.

Re2O is known to be made by extracting this ECM from human acellular dermal matrix (hADM). hADM is a raw material processed in a state where cells that can cause immune reactions are removed, and is a material that has already been used in the medical field for tissue reconstruction purposes. The raw material is introduced as having received US FDA approval.

Let's point out one common misunderstanding here. Some people think of Re2O as being in the same family as Rejuran, but based on the ingredients, they are different. Rejuran belongs to the PDRN/PN (polynucleotide) line derived from salmon DNA, while Re2O is a method of directly replenishing the ECM. Just because they are in similar or the same 'skin booster' category does not mean their ingredients are the same.

📌 Key Summary: Re2O (re2O) is a skin booster that directly supplies ECM extracted from hADM to the skin, and its ingredients are different from the PDRN-based Rejuran.

💉 What is a cannula? How is it different from a hand injection (needle)?

This is the part that the person in charge was most curious about. Simply put, a cannula is an injection instrument in the form of a tube with a round and blunt tip. On the other hand, a general injection needle used for hand injections has a sharp, pointed tip. This difference in 'tip shape' changes the entire treatment experience.

The cannula first makes a very small entry point with a needle, pushes the blunt tube through that hole, passes under the skin, and spreads the drug over a wide area. Because the tip is round, it tends to push away and avoid blood vessels rather than piercing through them. Therefore, the risk of bruising, bleeding, and blood vessel damage is relatively reduced.

Hand injection (needle) is a method of piercing the skin on the spot and accurately injecting small amounts into desired points. It is advantageous when pinpoint targeting fine lines and wrinkles in narrow and detailed areas, such as around the eyes or mouth. On the downside, as the number of punctures increases, bruising, needle marks, and pain are more likely to occur.

To summarize the advantages of a cannula:

• Relatively less bruising and bleeding — The blunt tip reduces the risk of blood vessel damage

• Fewer entry points — Covers a wide area with a single hole, resulting in fewer needle marks

• Advantageous for uniform injection over wide areas — Spreads evenly over large areas such as the cheeks and forehead

• Alleviates pain burden — Less irritation as it does not pierce repeatedly

• Useful for areas with many blood vessels — Often preferred in sensitive areas like under the eyes

However, there is something I want to state clearly. Even when using a cannula, blood vessel accidents cannot be 100% prevented. If injected into the wrong layer or under excessive pressure, problems such as blood vessel compression or intravascular injection can occur. Therefore, in the end, the practitioner's anatomical understanding and proficiency are crucial.

For skin boosters, cannulas of 25G, 27G, or 30G gauge and 25 to 50mm in length are usually used. Different specifications are selected depending on the area and purpose.

📌 Key Summary: A cannula uses a blunt tip to inject evenly over a wide area, resulting in fewer bruises and marks, while hand injections excel at precise injections in detailed areas. However, even a cannula cannot completely prevent blood vessel accidents.

🕐 How many sessions are needed, and when can I see the results?

Re2O is not a filler. It is not a procedure that immediately creates volume by filling, but rather a concept of gradually refining skin texture, elasticity, and hydration. Therefore, it is correct to approach it cumulatively rather than expecting dramatic changes all at once.

The recommended cycle is usually 3 or more sessions at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. This is because stable results can only be expected when a sufficient amount of ECM ingredients accumulate in the dermis layer. Swelling or redness immediately after the procedure usually subsides within 1 to 3 days, and if bruising occurs, it can last up to 14 days.

Onlif Clinic does not aim for plastic surgery that alters shapes, but rather aims to clear away skin concerns that mask natural beauty. Skin boosters are a treatment that aligns well with that philosophy. Rather than filling excessively, it naturally restores texture and balance.

📌 Key Summary: Re2O is approached as a cumulative treatment of 3 or more sessions at 3 to 4-week intervals, gradually improving skin texture and elasticity rather than adding volume.

💰 How much is the cost?

Prices vary depending on the hospital, region, and number of syringes, so please use this as a reference only. Based on the commonly known Seoul Gangnam standards, a single session of Re2O (1 syringe) is introduced at around 500,000 to 700,000 KRW, and a 3-session package is around 1.4 to 1.8 million KRW.

However, for skin boosters, the ingredients, whether genuine products and exact amounts are used, and the proficiency of the practitioner significantly affect the results. Rather than judging solely by price, it is wiser to check what product is used and how it is handled.

📌 Key Summary: Based on Gangnam standards, Re2O is known to be around 500,000 to 700,000 KRW per session and around 1.4 to 1.8 million KRW for a 3-session package, but checking genuineness, exact dosage, and practitioner proficiency takes priority over price.

⚠️ Before and after the treatment, make sure to keep these in mind

A safe procedure ultimately depends on preparation. Below are details that are good to check before and after a Re2O cannula treatment.

Things to check before the procedure

• The exact ingredients of the product, whether it is approved/reported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and confirming the opening of the genuine product

• Informing in advance about pregnancy/breastfeeding, keloid constitution, or autoimmune diseases

• Informing about taking anticoagulants, aspirin, omega-3, ginkgo biloba extract, or high-dose vitamin E (which may increase the risk of bruising)

• Checking if numbing cream can be applied if you are sensitive to pain

Precautions after the procedure

• Refrain from drinking alcohol, going to saunas, and intense exercise on the day of treatment, as these can worsen swelling and bruising

• Washing your face and basic skincare are usually possible without irritation, but handle the treated area gently

And the most important emergency signals: Severe pain, skin turning pale or blotchy discoloration, blistering, blurred vision, high fever, or pus. If any of these symptoms appear, you must visit a medical institution without delay. This could be a vascular-related issue such as a vascular occlusion, requiring immediate action. For HA-based products, dissolving with hyaluronidase is sometimes used as a countermeasure.

Onlif Clinic aims for a doctor specialization system based on the belief that "one doctor cannot do everything well." I believe that a structure where doctors in each field are in charge of the treatments they do best is particularly meaningful in injection procedures that require such meticulous judgment.

📌 Key Summary: Informing about medications taken, verifying Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval, and confirming genuine products are essential. You must visit a hospital immediately if emergency signs such as skin discoloration, blistering, or vision abnormalities occur.

🌿 Onlif Clinic's perspective on skin boosters

Skin concerns usually do not end with a single treatment. If elasticity drops, you consider lifting; if texture and hydration are the issues, you consider skin boosters; and if volume is lost, you consider fillers together. Onlif Clinic approaches these concerns through non-surgical procedures from a dermatological perspective, rather than invasive incision surgery.

Among them, skin boosters serve as the basic foundation for strengthening the skin barrier, hydration, and skin texture. If necessary, a combination with elasticity-improving treatments such as ultrasound HIFU, high-frequency RF, or thread lifting can also be designed through consultation. Of course, the interval and sequence between treatments will vary depending on the individual's skin condition.

📌 Key Summary: Onlif Clinic approaches treatments through non-surgical skin procedures instead of incision surgery, utilizing skin boosters as the basic foundation for moisturizing and skin texture, and designing combinations with lifting treatments through consultation when necessary.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Re2O and Rejuran the same product?

No, they are different. Re2O (re2O) is a method that directly supplies ECM extracted from hADM, while Rejuran consists of PDRN/PN ingredients derived from salmon DNA. Even though they are in the same skin booster category, their ingredients and mechanisms of action are different.

Does using a cannula really prevent bruising?

It is true that the risk of bruising and bleeding is lower than with hand injections. This is because the blunt tip tends to push past and avoid blood vessels. However, it does not mean that bruising will absolutely not occur, and bruises can still develop depending on individual constitution or the area treated.

How many sessions are needed to see results?

Usually, 3 or more sessions at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks are recommended. Since Re2O works by gradually accumulating ECM in the dermis to produce results, approaching it as a cumulative treatment rather than a one-time session is more stable.

How is Re2O different from fillers?

Fillers are procedures that fill in volume to shape contours, while Re2O is a skin booster that improves skin texture, elasticity, and hydration. It is difficult to expect immediate volume with Re2O.

Do I need to stop taking aspirin or supplements before the procedure?

Anticoagulants, aspirin, omega-3, ginkgo biloba extract, and high-dose vitamin E can increase the risk of bruising. Rather than stopping them arbitrarily, you must inform the medical staff of your intake and follow their instructions.

What symptoms occur if a vascular accident happens?

Symptoms such as severe pain, pale or blotchy skin discoloration, blistering, and blurred vision may occur. If you observe these symptoms, you must visit a medical institution immediately. Even when using a cannula, these risks do not disappear completely.

Can it be received together with other laser or filler treatments?

In many cases, combined treatments are possible, but the interval and sequence between procedures will vary depending on your skin condition. It is safe to determine the combination design through a pre-procedure consultation.

Things to check before choosing a clinic for this procedure

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process differ depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed.

Asking these items directly during your consultation will help you make a decision.

• Is it a place that frequently performs this procedure? — Every clinic has different procedures they focus on. Check if this is a clinic that regularly conducts this treatment.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask during the consultation if you can confirm the product name and whether it is genuine (whether it is an import-approved product and if there is a process to confirm its opening).

• Do they explain the breakdown of the cost? — Rather than just hearing the total amount, you can make a better judgment after hearing an explanation of what product is used, how much, and on what area.

• Do they design the treatment looking at the entire face? — Even for the same procedure, the injection location and amount vary depending on face shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain the adverse reactions and recovery process first? — It is better to choose a place that informs you of possible adverse reactions and how to cope with them, rather than a consultation that only speaks of expected positive changes.

• Is there a way to check in after the procedure? — Check if there is a set time for checking progress, a way to contact them if there is an issue, and criteria for follow-up visits.

Onlif Clinic performs this treatment like this

• We divide responsibilities — Based on the belief that a single doctor cannot handle all procedures, Onlif divides medical treatment among doctors in charge of each field.

• We check products and equipment together during consultation — We guide you through the products used and the opening verification process during the consultation process.

• Costs are guided along with the breakdown after diagnosis — Since the area, volume, and scope differ for each person, we explain what costs how much together.

• We design by looking at the balance of the entire face — We view the face through the three axes of texture, balance, and youthfulness, and make plans in a direction that cleanses the parts that obscure your natural look rather than changing shapes.

• We discuss adverse reactions and the recovery process first — Along with the changes that can be expected, we guide you through individual differences, possible adverse reactions, and countermeasures before the treatment.

• We review the progress after the treatment together — If verification is needed during the recovery period, we provide guidance on follow-up visits and contact channels.

If you are considering this procedure, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current state.

An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person medical examination. Check it out through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.