01
Consultation and skin assessment
JRYN evaluates your skin condition, photo-documents baseline, and recommends session count. Most patients do 3 sessions; deeper concerns may need 4–5. Pre-treatment selfie reference for comparison.
Regenerative skin booster · PDRN / PN
Salmon DNA injection (PDRN/PN) in Busan Seomyeon.
Salmon DNA injection — known as PDRN, PN, or by brand names like Rejuran — uses polynucleotides from salmon DNA to trigger skin regeneration. Korean clinics have 5+ years of clinical experience leading global adoption. Here's what it does, what it doesn't, and how to plan your treatment.
KFDA-approved
5+ years Korean experience
Series of 3 sessions standard
30-min procedure
Salmon DNA at a glance
What you actually get from PDRN.
Procedure time
30 min
Sessions in series
3
Spacing between
2–4 weeks
Visible results by
Session 2
Downtime
0–1 day
Busan price/session
$200–$280
If you only read one paragraph
Skin regeneration via polynucleotides. Korean-led, US-emerging.
Salmon DNA injection (PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PN — polynucleotide) uses fragments of salmon DNA injected into the skin to trigger collagen production, blood vessel growth, and tissue repair. It's a regenerative skin booster, not a filler — it doesn't add volume; it improves skin quality from within. Korean clinics have led adoption since around 2017 (with brand Rejuran becoming the most-known commercial form). The protocol is typically 3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, with results emerging from session 2 and continuing to improve up to 3 months post-final-session. Busan pricing runs $200–$280 per session vs $500–$800 at US clinics that offer it. JRYN performs salmon DNA injection on hundreds of patients per year — domestic and foreign.
Treatment protocol
Six things to know.
02
Topical anesthesia (numbing cream)
30–45 minutes of numbing cream on the face before injection. Reduces pinprick discomfort to mild. Can be skipped if you prefer faster total appointment time.
03
Micro-injection across face
Hundreds of micro-injections across the entire face using a 30G needle. Procedure itself is 15–20 minutes. Mild stinging at injection points; numbing cream makes it tolerable.
04
Immediate post-procedure
Mild redness for 2–6 hours. Tiny papule bumps at each injection site disappear within 24 hours. Ice pack provided. Can apply makeup after 4 hours.
05
Sessions 2 and 3
Spaced 2–4 weeks after each prior session. Session 2 typically shows visible glow; session 3 deepens and consolidates. Continue normal skincare routine between sessions.
06
Maintenance after the series
Results continue improving up to 3 months post-session-3. Maintenance: single session every 4–6 months for sustained quality. Some patients combine with HIFU or laser for compounding effect.
What salmon DNA improves
What you can expect changes.
Skin texture and glow
Smoother feel, brighter reflection, improved overall 'skin quality.' This is the most consistent and visible outcome. Patients describe it as 'skin looks healthier' more than 'I look younger.'
Hydration retention
PDRN improves the skin's ability to hold moisture. Less reliance on heavy moisturizers. Particularly noticeable for dehydrated skin types after session 2.
Fine lines (minor)
Modest improvement in superficial fine lines from improved skin elasticity. Not a wrinkle-eraser — manage expectations. For deeper wrinkles, combine with HIFU or filler.
Acne scar texture (mild)
Improvement in shallow acne scar texture and overall complexion evenness. For deeper scars, combine with laser or subcision; PDRN alone is insufficient for moderate-severe scarring.
Post-procedure healing
Often used after laser or thread lift to accelerate healing and improve outcomes. Synergistic with other procedures rather than competing with them.
What it doesn't do
Doesn't add volume (use filler). Doesn't lift sagging tissue (use HIFU/thread). Doesn't whiten pigmentation (use pico laser). Doesn't shrink pores (use other devices). It's for skin quality, not contour.
Brand options at JRYN
Different salmon DNA brands.
Rejuran (originator)
The brand that pioneered the category. Pharmaceutical-grade PDRN with strongest clinical data. JRYN's default for first-time patients. ~$280/session.
Juvelook
Newer Korean brand combining salmon DNA polynucleotides with PLLA microspheres. Different mechanism — adds mild collagen-stimulating effect alongside regeneration. ~$320/session.
Lumi Eyes
Targeted formulation for under-eye area. Lower concentration designed for the thinner under-eye skin. Improves dark circles and fine crepiness. Often combined with face-wide salmon DNA.
Generic PDRN injectables
KFDA-approved generic PDRN options at ~$200/session. Lower brand recognition but similar mechanism. JRYN uses these for budget-sensitive patients with proven safety record.
Is salmon DNA right for you
Decision framework.
Good candidate if you
- Want skin quality improvement (texture, glow, hydration)
- Have early-stage aging or dehydrated skin
- Want a regenerative approach over volumizing
- Are willing to commit to a 3-session series across 2–3 months
- Are recovering from prior aggressive procedures (laser, peels)
Manage expectations if you
- Have moderate-severe wrinkles (need filler/HIFU instead)
- Want immediate dramatic results (it's gradual)
- Have deep acne scarring (need laser or subcision combination)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (safety not established)
- Have severe inflammatory skin disease (treat that first)
Not a candidate if you
- Have severe salmon allergy (very rare but possible)
- Have active infection or cold sore in treatment area
- Have certain autoimmune conditions affecting healing (consult Dr. Lee)
- Recently had aggressive ablative laser (wait 2–4 weeks)
- Are seeking volume (filler or fat transfer is the right tool)
Post-injection care
First 48 hours and beyond.
First 24 hours
Mild redness and small papule bumps at injection sites. Ice pack 10 min on, 10 min off as needed. Avoid touching face. Apply only the gentle moisturizer JRYN provides; skip active ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs) for 48 hours.
Days 2–7
Bumps fully resolve. Skin may feel slightly drier as regenerative process activates. Continue gentle skincare. Resume normal routine on day 4. Avoid sauna, intense exercise, hot showers for 48 hours.
Sun protection
Strict SPF 50+ for 2 weeks post-injection. Newly stimulated skin is photosensitive. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.
Between sessions
Continue normal skincare. Photos at start of each subsequent session to track progress. Most patients observe visible improvement starting session 2; some not until session 3 — both are normal patterns.
Dr. Lee Portrait
About the doctor
Dr. Jeong Heon Lee,
board-certified
dermatologist.
A medical decision should not feel rushed.
My job is to give you the 30 minutes you couldn't get at home
—
then deliver treatment that respects what made you fly here in the first place.
- MD, Inje University College of Medicine
- Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Member, Korean Society of Cosmetic Dermatology
- 15+ years treating international dermatology patients
Frequently asked
FAQ · Salmon DNA injection
questions.
What exactly is salmon DNA injection?
Polynucleotide (PN) or polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) fragments derived from salmon DNA, injected into the skin to trigger collagen production, blood vessel growth, and tissue regeneration. Despite the name, you're not getting whole salmon DNA — you're getting purified polynucleotide fragments that match human DNA closely enough to stimulate regeneration. KFDA-approved as a regenerative skin treatment.
Is it safe? Are there ethical concerns?
Yes safe — KFDA-approved with extensive Korean clinical data since around 2017. Side effects are mild (redness, papule bumps, minor bruising, all resolving in 24–72 hours). Salmon allergy is theoretically possible but very rare; we screen at consultation. Ethically, the salmon DNA is sourced from food-industry salmon byproducts, not from animal sacrifice for this purpose.
How many sessions do I need?
Standard protocol is 3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Some patients with heavier skin concerns benefit from 4–5 sessions. Maintenance afterward is one session every 4–6 months. JRYN evaluates your skin at consultation and recommends a specific session count rather than defaulting.
How soon will I see results?
Visible improvement typically by session 2 (4–8 weeks from start). Continued improvement up to 3 months after the final session. Patients describe results as 'skin looks healthier' more than 'I look dramatically younger' — it's a quality-improvement treatment, not a transformation.
Does it hurt?
With topical numbing cream (30–45 min wait), the procedure is mild discomfort — tiny pinpricks across the face. Without numbing it's tolerable but uncomfortable. Most patients prefer the numbing wait. Procedure itself is 15–20 minutes.
How does Rejuran differ from generic PDRN?
Rejuran is the originator brand with strongest clinical trials and highest production quality controls. Generic PDRN is KFDA-approved with similar mechanism but less brand recognition and slightly variable formulation between manufacturers. JRYN offers both — Rejuran for first-time patients, generic for budget-sensitive returning patients.
Can I combine salmon DNA with other treatments?
Yes — common combinations: with HIFU (regeneration support after thermal treatment), with mild laser (synergistic skin renewal), with skin booster (Profhilo for hydration + Rejuran for regeneration). Avoid combining same-day with aggressive ablative laser; space at least 2 weeks apart. JRYN designs combination protocols at consultation.
Why is it cheaper in Korea than the US?
Higher Korean clinical volume drives lower per-session pricing (clinics buy in bulk, technique is standardized, no premium for novelty). US clinics offering it are still scaling — fewer patients, higher per-session overhead. Same medication, same protocol, just different market dynamics.
Is it OK if I'm flying home the same day?
Yes — same-day flight is fine. Mild redness fades within 4–6 hours. Tiny papule bumps fully resolve in 24 hours. Wear a mask if visible bumps bother you (Korean public mask culture means no one will notice). Keep hydrated during the flight.
How do I book a session series?
WhatsApp +82-10-3951-7576 with your travel dates. We book session 1 during your visit. For sessions 2 and 3, we discuss whether you'll return to Busan, fly to Seoul (we have partner clinics for follow-up), or extend your stay. Some patients do all 3 sessions in a single 8-week visit; others spread across 3 trips.
Considering salmon DNA?
Book your first
session at JRYN..
WhatsApp us your travel dates and skin concerns. We'll confirm whether salmon DNA is the right fit for your goals, recommend session count, and quote total series pricing in USD/JPY/TWD-equivalent.
Individual results may vary. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed medical professional before any procedure. Prices are estimates and may change. JRYN Dermatology is licensed under the Korean Medical Service Act.