What is Rejuran?
Rejuran is a range of injectables containing polynucleotides obtained from purified salmon DNA fragments, used with the aim of supporting skin quality.
Rejuran was developed in South Korea by PharmaResearch and is one of the names people most associate with “salmon DNA”. Its polynucleotides are long nucleotide chains that form a gel-like consistency. The product is injected into the skin at many small points, with the aim of supporting hydration, texture and elasticity. It does not change your own DNA or become part of your cells' genetic material; the word “DNA” refers only to the origin of the ingredient.
Rejuran is not a volumising filler and is not intended to lift the face. Volume loss, marked sagging or expression lines may need other approaches. For anyone researching Rejuran in Istanbul, around Nişantaşı and Şişli, the first point to understand is that it is a skin-quality treatment whose effect is assessed gradually. The product's legal status and traceability in Türkiye are also checked before treatment.
Which products are in the Rejuran range?
The three main products are Rejuran Healer, Rejuran i and Rejuran S, each designed for a different area and need.
Rejuran Healer is the core product, used for overall facial skin quality, fine lines and hydration. Rejuran i is designed for the thin, delicate skin around the eyes. Rejuran S was developed for use in atrophic scar areas such as acne scarring. The products differ in concentration and consistency; these technical details are checked against the current instructions for use, and the treatment plan is based on them.
The manufacturer may offer further variants in different markets, and not every product is available in every country. For this reason each product's legal status and traceability in Türkiye are checked separately. Which variant might be considered for you depends on the area and the condition of your skin, and is decided by the physician. The products are not ranked against each other; they serve different purposes, and different variants may be planned for different areas in one session.
What does Rejuran aim to do, and what does it not do?
Rejuran aims to support skin-quality features such as texture, hydration and elasticity; it is not designed to add volume, lift or relax expression lines.
The changes being sought are a more even texture, softer fine lines, a more hydrated appearance and, in scar areas, support for the look of the skin surface. Response varies from person to person and is usually assessed gradually over the course of sessions. Sun damage, smoking, sleep and skincare habits can all affect the outcome, so treatment should be considered alongside daily sun protection and a consistent skincare routine.
Deep hollows, pronounced eye bags, significant sagging or wrinkles caused by muscle movement may not improve with Rejuran alone. In those cases fillers, botulinum toxin, biostimulators or energy-based devices may be considered. At your consultation the physician explains which expectations are realistic. Where appropriate, Rejuran can form part of a wider plan alongside these methods, at different times and at intervals set by the physician.
Who may not be suitable for Rejuran?
Rejuran is generally not recommended, or is postponed, for people with a fish or salmon allergy, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and where there is active infection at the site.
Because the product is salmon-derived, a history of fish allergy is an important consideration and is asked about in detail. There is insufficient safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so treatment is usually deferred until afterwards. If you have a cold sore, an acne flare or another skin infection, the area is allowed to heal first. Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient is also a reason not to proceed.
Active autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication, a tendency to keloid scarring and recent aesthetic procedures all need further assessment. Sharing your medicines and supplements helps the physician assess the risk of bruising and interactions. In some cases treatment is postponed or a different approach is suggested; this decision is made with you at the face-to-face consultation.
How does treatment and the course of sessions work?
Treatment is performed with a fine needle after a topical anaesthetic cream; a common plan is several sessions a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance.
After cleansing, a topical anaesthetic cream is usually applied for around 30–45 minutes. The product is placed with a fine needle into many small points, or with a cannula in some areas; you may feel stinging and pressure. Treatment time varies by area but is often 20–40 minutes. Afterwards the skin is cleansed and after-care advice is explained; most people return to everyday activities the same day.
A common plan is three to four sessions, two to four weeks apart; the exact number depends on your skin. How long the effect lasts varies, and the timing of maintenance sessions is planned at follow-up. If Rejuran is combined with other treatments, the order and intervals are set by the physician. International patients should share their travel dates early so the course of sessions can be planned realistically around their stay.
What can I expect afterwards, and what are the risks?
Redness, swelling, bruising and small bumps at the injection points can occur and usually settle within a few days.
Small raised bumps (papules) at the injection points are common after Rejuran and usually flatten within one to three days. Mild swelling, tenderness and bruising may also occur. Rarely, an allergic reaction, infection or prolonged redness can develop. If you notice increasing pain, fever, widespread itching, breathing difficulty or a marked change in skin colour, contact your physician without delay.
You are advised not to wear make-up on the first day, not to rub the area and not to press or squeeze the bumps. Avoiding saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and alcohol for a few days, using sunscreen and cleansing gently are generally recommended. When you can return to retinoids or acid-based products, along with any other personalised advice, is explained after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rejuran salmon DNA?
Yes. Rejuran contains polynucleotides obtained from purified salmon DNA fragments, which is why it is often called “salmon DNA”.
What is the difference between Rejuran Healer, i and S?
Healer is designed for overall facial skin quality, i for the eye area and S for atrophic scar areas. They differ in concentration and consistency; the physician chooses between them.
How long do the bumps last after Rejuran?
The small bumps at injection points usually flatten within one to three days. If they last longer, or if pain or redness increases, contact your physician.
How many Rejuran sessions will I need?
A common plan is three to four sessions, two to four weeks apart, but the exact number is set at your assessment according to your skin and goals.
Is Rejuran available in Türkiye?
Any product used should be legally supplied and traceable in Türkiye. Its batch and registration details should be checked before treatment.
How often do I need Rejuran maintenance after the initial course?
After the initial Rejuran course, maintenance sessions are often planned every 6–12 months, that is, once or twice a year. The interval varies with age, sun damage, smoking and how your skin responded to the first course. Maintenance timing is set at a follow-up visit based on your skin's condition; there is no need to wait until the effect has completely faded.
Can I have Rejuran in the summer?
Yes, Rejuran can be planned in summer because it is not a laser or peel that removes the skin's surface. Even so, you are generally advised to avoid strong sun, the sea and swimming pools for the first few days and to use sunscreen regularly. Having treatment a few days before a holiday, not the day before, gives redness and bumps time to settle.
Can I fly after Rejuran?
Yes, most people can fly after Rejuran, although a long flight in the first 24–48 hours is often discouraged, as swelling and bumps may not have settled. On board, avoid touching the injection points or rubbing your face. If you are visiting from abroad, booking your return flight a few days later also gives your physician time to check any early reaction.
When can I wash my face after Rejuran?
After Rejuran you can usually wash your face from the evening of treatment or the next morning, using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Avoid rubbing, pressing on the bumps, exfoliating cleansers, facial brushes and rough towels for the first few days. As the bumps flatten, you can gradually return to your usual cleansing routine.
Sources (3)
- Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol: Expert Perspectives: Evidence-Based Applications of Polynucleotides (PNs) in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology (2026)
- Int. J. Mol. Sci.: Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness (2024)
- Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open: A Prospective Split-face Trial Evaluating Skin Recovery and Enhancement with Polynucleotide (Rejuran) Following Fractional Needle Radiofrequency Treatment (2026)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.