When artist Esther Jeong shared her experience of losing vision in one eye after a skin treatment in Korea, it ignited widespread concern and sparked conversation online. For many skincare enthusiasts considering injectables (this writer, included), the incident triggered fear. The treatment at the center of the controversy? A collagen-stimulating product called Juvelook.
But what exactly happened, and should you be concerned? We spoke with esteemed dermatologist Dr. Windie Villarica-Hayano to break down the science, the risks, and the realities behind this treatment.
Jeong’s Story
In a now-deleted Instagram reel, California-based designer and ceramic artist Jeong shares her harrowing experience after flying to Korea for a visit in early March. “I permanently lost vision in my left eye after a skin treatment in Korea,” she reveals. “I didn’t get surgery. I didn’t get filler. I got what I thought was a very harmless skin booster.”
According to Jeong, the complication began the moment the injection started near her left eye. “When the injector worked near my left eye, I immediately couldn’t see. I vocalized this many times,” she says, noting that the procedure was done by a doctor she trusted. “They kept reassuring me it was just a side effect from local anesthesia.”
But by the following day, her vision still hadn’t returned. She went to the emergency room but faced challenges accessing care. “Because the injection happened on a Friday, I couldn’t be seen,” she recounts. Eventually, multiple ophthalmologists confirmed the cause: blockages in the branch arteries of her eye. “These arteries feed oxygen to the retina. Parts of my retina are now dead.”
She describes the devastating effect it has on her vision and life. “For example, if I look at my husband, I can’t see his face. It’s not blurry—it’s like dead pixels on a screen. It’s been so traumatic. It’s a nightmare because as a designer and ceramic artist, my livelihood depends on what I see. I honestly don’t know what this new reality will look like.”
What is Juvelook, Exactly?
Soon after the video came out, trusted derm Dr. Villarica-Hayano—Managing Director of Skin Inc. Dermatology and Laser Center and a longtime practitioner with a special interest in aesthetic medicine—emerged as one of the first local experts to speak up, sharing how devastated she felt for Jeong. She emphasizes, however: “Before we demonize the product or the doctor (worst, the patient), please know that complications can happen with any product—even under expert hands.” That said, it’s important to first understand what Juvelook is and how it works.
According to its official website, Juvelook is described as an “advanced hybrid collagen stimulator.” It falls under the category of biostimulators—injectables designed to trigger the body’s natural collagen production. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that instantly add volume by physically filling in space, biostimulators work more gradually, encouraging your skin to produce its own collagen for longer-lasting, natural-looking results.
More specifically, Juvelook combines PDLLA (Poly-D, L-lactic acid)—a collagen biostimulator—with hyaluronic acid. While hyaluronic acid offers immediate hydration and plumping, PDLLA gradually boosts your skin’s collagen production, improving elasticity, firmness, and texture over time.
Dr. Villarica-Hayano explains that Juvelook comes in two forms: Juvelook Volume and Lenisna. “Juvelook is similar to Sculptra—a collagen-stimulating injectable made with PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid)—but Juvelook uses a slightly different form called PDLLA,” she says. “Juvelook has smaller particles (around 30 microns) and is meant to be injected into the dermis, while Lenisna has larger particles (about 50 microns) and is intended for deeper injection.” She adds that these products should not be injected too close to the surface of the skin, as this increases the risk of granulomas, or small lumps forming under the skin.
What Went Wrong
Esther says she lost vision in her left eye immediately after the injection—and claims her concerns were initially dismissed as a temporary reaction to anesthesia. But the symptoms she described suggest something far more serious: a vascular occlusion, a rare but severe complication. This happens when a product is accidentally injected inside a blood vessel. “Based on her description, she was saying it was Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO),” says. Dr. Villarica-Hayano.
She notes that BRAO is considered an ophthalmic emergency. “It’s what you might call a ‘stroke’ of the eye,” she says. The retina, which allows us to see, relies on a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood from the central retinal artery and its branches. “Basically, if you block the flow [through] the ophthalmic artery or any of its branches, it can have devastating consequences on vision.“
While the cause may seem straightforward on paper, Dr. Villarica-Hayano is quick to point out that we don’t have the full story. “This is where we have to be very fair. We only know the statement from Esther Jeong and we don’t know the side of the clinician who did the treatment.”
That said, one of her biggest concerns is the preparation of the product. “Juvelook and Lenisna have to be reconstituted (a.k.a. diluted) with sterile water in the right way and must be mixed ahead of time—at least two days—or with a vortex mixer prior to injection. The product has to be reconstituted properly, otherwise, it can be too thick.” She further explains, “Having used it myself, the dilution is really important because the product is like a powder. It doesn’t dissolve easily. Lenisna has to be diluted with 12 ml of sterile water and has to be vigorously mixed. Otherwise, it will be too clumpy.”
“We have no information on how this was done,” she adds. “Also, we don’t know if it was mixed with anything else—Botox, HA, exosome, whatever.”
Dr. Villarica-Hayano finds it alarming that Jeong’s report of sudden vision loss wasn’t met with immediate emergency action. “This is where I have real questions because most doctors will already call for emergency service and implement a form of emergency protocol. It is not something an experienced injector will attribute to the effect of anesthesia.” She adds that if a patient says something like this to doctors while on the table, they will not send you home.
She points out that the risk of this happening can stem from anatomical connections in the face. “There’s something we call anastomosis, where blood vessels connect. This is why an injection in the nose or temple [may cause complications] elsewhere—because everything is connected. [Even though we don’t know exactly which part of the eye was injected], we do know that the product could have traveled through one of these branches.”
Moreover, Dr. Villarica-Hayano clarifies that Juvelook and Lenisna are not typically injected around the eye area. “You have higher chances of granuloma formation in this area. One of the safer ways to administer this around the eye would be just topically applying it on the area after a thulium laser or using a device like Mirajet on a spray mode. Still, the product has to be diluted properly.”
Finally, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique nature of biostimulators like Juvelook: “PDLLA, PLLA, CaHA, and PCL are considered semi-permanent products. Unlike hyaluronic acid, they don’t have an antidote like hyaluronidase to dissolve them. That’s also the reason why they can have devastating results when injected inside a blood vessel.”
Modern Beauty, Modern Risks
So is what happened to Jeong a known risk? Dr. Villarica-Hayano’s take: It’s rare—but not unheard of. “Injectables are often marketed as cosmetic procedures but most people fail to consider that they are medical procedures and should be administered by trained medical personnel that have a very good understanding of anatomy,” she says. “They should also know the product that they are using because each injectable has specific characteristics and can cause their own possible side effects.”
This is why it’s extremely important that your medical provider knows how to handle complications—and is equipped to handle emergencies. “They [should also be able] to refer you to a hospital and a sub-specialist in case a serious incident occurs.“
“While we [doctors] have an idea where they are, there are anatomical variants and it’s very difficult for a doctor to know exactly where these vessels are unless they have an ultrasound for imaging,” she says. “So at one point, an expert injector has probably had a run-in with a blood vessel or two during their practice. It is a numbers game, believe me.” She adds that most of these susceptible areas are the eyes, the area between the eyes—your glabella—the side of the nose, and the temple.
When it comes to BRAO, every minute counts. “Time is crucial in management, and treatment should be started before the diagnosis is confirmed,” says Dr. Villarica-Hayano. The retina doesn’t do well without oxygen, and once blood flow gets cut off, the damage can be permanent. While there’s no consensus on the optimal treatment time, most experts agree that there’s a small window—ideally within four to six hours, and definitely no more than eight—where treatment might still help save some vision. (Jeong mentioned in her video that she was told it should be within two hours.)
That’s why any sudden vision changes after injectables, especially around high-risk areas like the eyes, should be taken super seriously.
From Fear to Facts: Lessons Learned
It goes without saying that Jeong’s experience sparked a lot of confusion—and widespread fear. “These concerns are very valid,” says Dr. Villarica-Hayano. “Having dealt with a vascular occlusion myself (with hyaluronic acid), it is a harrowing experience for both doctor and patient.”
As a practitioner, Dr. Villarica-Hayano is vocal about risks and complications. “I always tell all my patients that such unwanted complications can happen and that they will assume the risk with me. I make them sign a consent form explaining this.”
For those feeling hesitant, she suggests exploring non-invasive alternatives like lasers or radiofrequency devices. “If they are unwilling, I don’t force them,” she emphasizes. “There are other non-invasive options like energy devices, threads, and lasers that can be done outside of injectables.”
Another option is to ask your doctor if they can perform the procedure under ultrasound guidance, which allows for real-time imaging. “It can detect blood vessels and give a very clear view of that injection field,” she says. “This is an emerging safety measure that maybe in the future, injectors can all do.” She adds, “There is a lot of development in this field as ultrasound machines are now portable, wireless, and can even be placed on your fingertip.”
For the patient’s part, a lot falls into your hands, too. If you’re considering injectables—especially while traveling—it’s crucial to do your research and stay vigilant about safety. Rules around who can perform cosmetic procedures vary by country, and language barriers or lack of insurance coverage can make complications even riskier. Vetting both your provider and the product beforehand can go a long way in avoiding serious issues. Dr. Villarica-Hayano shares these tips:
- Make sure your provider is a board-certified doctor.
- Research the product or procedure on credible sites like PubMed or Google Scholar.
- Understand the country’s medical regulations before booking a treatment abroad.
- Bring someone with you to assist post-procedure, especially if you’re overseas.
- Be honest about your full medical history, including past procedures and filler use. (“This is very important,” she stresses.)
- Postpone treatment if you have an active infection or are feeling unwell.
- Consult your doctor if you have autoimmune issues to confirm product safety.
- Stop blood thinners (with medical advice) before the procedure if needed.
- Confirm your provider has emergency meds, a crash kit, hyaluronidase, and other safety tools.
A Wake-up Call for the Industry
As of writing, Jeong has not shared any further updates about the incident, and the video has been removed from both her Instagram and TikTok accounts. According to The Beauty Edit’s sources, the matter remains under investigation in Korea, and the doctors and brands involved have yet to comment.
“I arrived in Korea on March 1st, and we’re halfway through April, and I’m still here. I really want to go home, but for the past month, we’ve been trying all these experimental treatments, holding on to a shred of hope that something would work. But nothing has worked,” Jeong shares in her previous post.
As we await further developments, let’s hope this unfortunate incident prompts a shift toward stronger regulations in the field of medical aesthetics—not only in Korea and Asia but also worldwide.
“I just want people to be aware that things like this could happen,” she concludes. “I’m just hoping this doesn’t happen to you or your loved ones.”
We wish you the best, Esther.
