Salmon DNA

Salmon DNA is an injectable skin booster containing polynucleotides (PN) or PDRN purified from salmon, used to support the quality of the skin. It does not add volume; it aims to help thin, dehydrated and tired-looking skin look more elastic and refreshed. It is considered for adults with reduced skin quality on the face, around the eyes, neck, décolletage or backs of the hands, after a medical assessment.

What is salmon DNA, and what do polynucleotides and PDRN mean?

Salmon DNA is the general name for injectable products made from purified DNA fragments obtained from salmon.

In the medical literature the active ingredient appears under two names: PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), made of shorter DNA fragments, and PN (polynucleotides), made of longer chains. Polynucleotides are thought to support the skin's own repair processes and the activity of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen, and to hydrate the skin by binding water.

Several brands are available and the formulation varies: some contain polynucleotides only, while others add hyaluronic acid, vitamins or amino acids. Your doctor will explain which product will be used and what it contains during the consultation.

Is the salmon DNA "vaccine" really a vaccine?

No; "salmon DNA vaccine" is a colloquial name, and the treatment is an injection into the skin, not a vaccine that provides immunity.

In Turkish, the word "aşı" (vaccine) is often used for treatments injected into the skin with fine needles. That is why the same treatment is also called a "salmon DNA shot" or a youth injection. The product is placed in small amounts in the upper layers of the skin with very fine needles and only acts on the treated area.

What does salmon DNA do, and which areas can be treated?

Salmon DNA aims to improve the skin's hydration, elasticity and texture; it does not change facial contours or replace lost volume.

It is usually considered for:

• Thin, dry and dull-looking skin
• Fine lines and mild loss of elasticity
• Thin, tired-looking skin around the eyes
• Sun- and age-damaged skin on the neck, décolletage and backs of the hands
• Support for acne scar and stretch mark treatments, where the doctor considers it suitable

Marked volume loss may call for a dermal filler, and advanced sagging for other methods. Salmon DNA does not replace these treatments, but it can be part of the same plan. You will find other options for the under-eye area on our eye contour care page.

How is salmon DNA applied, and how many sessions are needed?

Salmon DNA is given as many small injections with fine needles into cleansed skin, with a numbing cream if needed; the treatment takes about 30 minutes.

Before the treatment, the doctor assesses your skin and asks about your medications and any allergies. You may feel slight pricking during the injections. Most people return to their daily routine the same day.

A course of 3–4 sessions a few weeks apart is usually planned. The doctor may later suggest occasional maintenance sessions to keep the effect. The number of sessions and the interval depend on your skin, your age and the product used, and vary from person to person.

When does salmon DNA start to work, and how long does it last?

The effect of salmon DNA develops gradually and usually becomes more noticeable as the sessions progress and in the weeks after the course.

Mild swelling in the first days can make the skin look plumper, but this is not the final result; the real aim is a slow improvement in skin texture. The effect is said to last up to a year, but this depends on age, skin quality, sun exposure and smoking, and varies from person to person. A specific "before and after" result therefore cannot be promised.

Is a salmon DNA serum the same as the injection?

No; salmon DNA serums applied to the skin are cosmetic skincare products and cannot replace the injectable treatment.

Serums and creams labelled with salmon DNA or PDRN can provide moisturising care on the surface of the skin. With the injection, the product is placed directly into the skin with a needle, so it must be done by a doctor under sterile conditions. Other skin quality treatments used for a similar purpose include Profhilo and mesotherapy; which one suits you depends on your skin's needs.

What are the side effects and risks of salmon DNA?

The most common side effects are redness, mild swelling, small bumps and bruising at the injection points, which usually settle within a few days.

• Small bumps at the injection points usually disappear within 1–2 days.
• Bruising can last a few days and is more common in people taking blood thinners.
• Rarely, an allergic reaction, infection or long-lasting firmness and nodules can develop.

No injection is completely risk-free. At our clinic in Etiler the treatment is performed by a doctor after a skin assessment. It is advisable to avoid make-up for the first 24 hours, to avoid saunas, hammams, sunbeds and intense exercise for the first few days, and to use sunscreen.

Who should not have salmon DNA, and when should you see a doctor?

Salmon DNA is not given to people allergic to fish or to the product's ingredients, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or when there is an active infection in the treatment area.

• Treatment is postponed until active skin problems such as cold sores (herpes) or inflamed acne have cleared.
• People with an autoimmune disease or a bleeding disorder, and those taking blood thinners, should discuss it with the doctor separately.
• Treatment is postponed during chemotherapy or active cancer treatment.
• It is not given to anyone under 18.

If you notice increasing pain, spreading redness or swelling, fever, discharge or firmness that does not settle within a few days after the treatment, contact your doctor without delay.

Frequently asked questions

What is salmon DNA?

Salmon DNA is a skin-renewing injection containing polynucleotides or PDRN purified from salmon. It aims to support the skin's hydration, elasticity and texture without adding volume.

How is the salmon DNA injection given?

Many small injections are made into cleansed skin with fine needles. The treatment takes about 30 minutes; you may feel slight pricking, and most people return to their daily routine the same day.

How many salmon DNA sessions are needed?

Usually 3–4 sessions a few weeks apart are planned, sometimes followed by occasional maintenance sessions. The number of sessions depends on your skin and varies from person to person.

Is salmon DNA a filler?

No. A filler adds volume and shape to a specific area, whereas salmon DNA aims to improve skin quality without changing facial contours. Both can be combined in the same plan if needed.

Can salmon DNA be used on the neck and décolletage?

Yes. Besides the face, it can be used on sun- and age-damaged skin on the neck, décolletage and backs of the hands. The effect develops gradually and more than one session is usually needed.

Can people with a fish allergy have salmon DNA?

If you are allergic to fish or to the product's ingredients, the treatment is generally not recommended. Always tell your doctor about any known allergies during the consultation.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. To find out whether salmon DNA suits your skin, get in touch with us.

Treatment time

About 30 Minutes

Number of sessions

Usually 3–4 Sessions