📌 Key Takeaways
hADM (human acellular dermal matrix) is gaining attention, particularly in South Korea
A shift from “stimulating collagen production” to focusing on skin structure itself
Introduced at international congresses and conferences, including in Japan
Safety, infection risk, and regulatory transparency remain key concerns
Careful evaluation and disclosure will be critical moving forward
Human-derived collagen injectables, known as hADM, are increasingly discussed within the South Korean aesthetic medicine community.
In Japan as well, these products have begun to appear in academic conferences and professional discussions, raising interest as a potential next-generation skin booster concept.
At the same time, debates around safety, transparency, and regulatory clarity are emerging—highlighting that this trend is still in its early phase.
INDEX
What Is hADM — and Why Is It Gaining Attention?
hADM stands for human acellular dermal matrix.
It is derived from human skin tissue, where cellular components that may trigger immune reactions are removed, leaving behind the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the dermis.
This approach differs fundamentally from conventional injectables such as:
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PLLA
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PDLLA
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Traditional collagen-stimulating boosters
Rather than encouraging the body to produce collagen, hADM focuses on the structural framework of the skin itself—a conceptual shift that has drawn attention within the field.
Research and Aesthetic Applications in South Korea
Since the early 2020s, South Korea has reported exploratory uses of hADM in areas such as:
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Acne scars and atrophic scars
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Depressed or uneven skin texture
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Tissue support and volume restoration
Some studies have also referenced applications in breast surgery and soft-tissue flexibility, expanding interest beyond purely cosmetic indications.
While the number of published studies remains limited, these reports have positioned hADM as a topic of growing professional curiosity.
Early-Stage Attention in Japan
In Japan, hADM has begun to appear in:
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Aesthetic medicine congresses
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Academic lectures and panel discussions
At present:
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Large-scale clinical data remain limited
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The number of peer-reviewed publications is still relatively small
Nonetheless, within professional circles, hADM is increasingly mentioned as a concept worth monitoring, rather than a mainstream treatment.
Safety and Transparency: Critical Considerations
hADM products are derived from human tissue, which introduces inherent challenges.
Key concerns include:
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Potential infection risks (e.g., HIV, HCV), which cannot be declared zero
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Variability in regulatory approval status across countries
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Limited public information on
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Manufacturing processes
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Donor screening and management systems
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As a result, data transparency and clear disclosure are widely regarded as essential prerequisites for broader acceptance.
Editor’s Perspective | What Matters Beyond the Trend
hADM should not be viewed as an immediately mainstream solution.
More importantly, this discussion reflects a shift in treatment philosophy, rather than a competition between products.
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Should we stimulate tissue?
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Should we supplement structure?
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Or should skin be approached as an integrated biological framework?
These questions signal that aesthetic medicine is entering a phase of re-examining its decision-making criteria.
That shift itself is worth close attention.
Summary
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Human-derived collagen (hADM) is gaining attention, especially in South Korea
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Introduced at conferences and academic forums in Japan
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Promising concepts coexist with unresolved challenges
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Safety, transparency, and responsibility will determine its future role
NERO’s Mission
NERO covers global developments in aesthetic medicine
with a focus on structure, ethics, and long-term impact.
Rather than promoting trends,
we examine how medical ideas emerge, spread, and influence decision-making.
As innovation accelerates,
NERO remains committed to transparency, critical evaluation,
and responsible reporting—
so readers can understand not just what is new,
but what truly matters.
