Salmon DNA Treatment in Istanbul: Polynucleotide Skin Regeneration

Our skin is constantly exposed to factors that accelerate ageing: sunlight, pollution, smoking, stress, poor sleep and an unbalanced diet. Over time, these factors damage skin cells, slow down collagen production and weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself. The skin becomes dull, thin and less elastic, and fine lines appear.

Salmon DNA, also known as polynucleotide or PDRN treatment, is a regenerative injectable treatment that works at the cellular level to repair and renew the skin. I am Op. Dr. Akın Şahin, a facial surgeon in Istanbul. In this guide, I explain what salmon DNA treatment is, how it works, who it is suitable for and what results you can expect.

What Is Salmon DNA Treatment?

Salmon DNA treatment uses highly purified DNA fragments (polynucleotides) derived from salmon. These fragments are very similar to human DNA and are highly compatible with our tissues. When injected into the skin, they act as building blocks and signals that support the skin’s natural repair processes.

Unlike fillers, salmon DNA does not add volume or change the shape of the face. Its purpose is to improve the quality of the skin itself: its thickness, elasticity, hydration and ability to repair damage.

How Do Polynucleotides Work?

Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. When injected into the skin, they work in several ways:

• Supporting repair: They provide components that cells use to repair damaged DNA and renew themselves.
• Stimulating fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and elastin. Polynucleotides activate these cells, improving the structure and firmness of the skin.
• Improving microcirculation: They support the formation of small blood vessels, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
• Hydration: Polynucleotides bind water, improving the skin’s moisture levels.
• Calming inflammation: They have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps sensitive or recovering skin.

The result is not an immediate “filled” look, but a gradual improvement in skin quality that develops over weeks, as the skin rebuilds itself from within.

Is Salmon DNA Safe?

The polynucleotides used in salmon DNA treatments are highly purified in a pharmaceutical process that removes proteins and other components that could cause reactions. The resulting DNA fragments are very similar to human DNA and are well tolerated by the body. I use only original, certified medical products.

The main contraindication is a known allergy to fish or salmon. Treatment is also avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in people with active skin infection in the treatment area, and in people with certain autoimmune diseases.

Why Is Salmon DNA Treatment Performed?

As we age, the connective tissue fibres that give the skin elasticity loosen, the skin’s ability to hold water decreases, and the skin barrier becomes more vulnerable to external damage. Dullness, dryness, uneven skin tone and fine lines are signs that the microcirculation in the deeper layers of the skin has slowed down and that free-radical damage has accumulated.

Salmon DNA treatment is performed to:

• Repair damaged skin cells at a cellular level
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Improve hydration and restore the skin barrier
• Neutralise free-radical damage with its antioxidant effect
• Improve microcirculation and oxygenation of the tissues
• Achieve a natural, radiant glow without adding artificial volume

Who Is Salmon DNA Suitable For?

Salmon DNA treatment is suitable for a wide range of people who want to reverse visible signs of ageing or prevent them before they appear. It is particularly effective for:

• Dull, tired and dehydrated skin
• Fine lines and crepey skin
• Thin skin and loss of elasticity
• Sun-damaged skin
• Smokers’ skin that has lost its radiance
• Acne scars and uneven skin texture
• Dark circles and thin skin under the eyes
• Skin recovering after laser or other treatments

Any adult who wants to maintain the youthful reserves of their skin for longer and slow down visible ageing (“well-ageing”) can benefit from this comfortable treatment.

Cellular Regeneration: Salmon DNA and Skin Boosters

Salmon DNA and skin boosters are often mentioned together, but they work in different ways. Skin boosters are based on hyaluronic acid and mainly provide deep hydration. Salmon DNA works more on cellular repair and regeneration, improving the skin’s structure and resilience.

Used together, they complement each other: hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, while polynucleotides help repair and strengthen it. In my practice, I often combine the two in a personalised programme for patients who want comprehensive skin rejuvenation without changing their facial features.

Which Areas Can Be Treated With Salmon DNA?

• Face: For overall skin quality, glow, texture and fine lines.
• Under-eyes: One of the most popular areas, for thin skin, fine lines and dark circles.
• Neck: To improve crepey skin and neck lines.
• Décolletage: To repair sun-damaged skin.
• Hands: To restore thin, ageing skin.
• Scalp: As a supportive treatment for thinning hair.
• Acne scars and stretch marks: To improve texture.

Salmon DNA for the Under-Eye Area

The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face. With age, it becomes even thinner, crepey and darker, as the underlying blood vessels and muscle show through. Fine lines appear, and the area looks tired even after a good night’s sleep.

The under-eye area is where salmon DNA treatment often shows its most impressive results. By stimulating collagen and improving the thickness and quality of the skin, polynucleotides make the under-eye skin smoother, firmer and less transparent. Fine lines soften, and dark circles caused by thin skin become less noticeable.

It is important to understand the cause of your under-eye concern. If the main problem is hollowness (a tear trough), a soft filler may be needed. If the main problem is puffy bags, eyelid surgery may be the best option. Salmon DNA is ideal for thin, crepey, tired-looking skin, and it can also be combined with filler for a complete improvement.

Salmon DNA for Acne Scars and Skin Texture

Polynucleotides support tissue repair, which makes them useful for improving acne scars, uneven texture and enlarged pores. They are often combined with treatments such as microneedling or laser, as they can help the skin recover faster and improve the final result. Several sessions are usually needed for scars.

Salmon DNA vs PRP

Both salmon DNA and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are regenerative treatments, but they work differently. PRP uses growth factors from your own blood, which requires a blood sample and processing. Its results can vary from person to person. Salmon DNA uses a standardised, purified product, so its composition is consistent. Both can improve skin quality; I will recommend the one that best suits your skin and goals.

Your Consultation and Preparation

At your consultation, I examine your skin, discuss your concerns and explain whether salmon DNA is the right treatment for you, either alone or combined with other treatments. Before treatment:

• Tell me if you have a fish allergy.
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, fish oil and vitamin E for a few days before treatment, unless prescribed, to reduce bruising.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.
• Pause retinoids and exfoliating products for 2–3 days.
• Come with clean skin, without make-up.

How Is Salmon DNA Treatment Performed?

1. Assessment: I assess your skin and decide which areas and techniques are best for you.
2. Cleansing and numbing: The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied.
3. Injection: The polynucleotide product is injected using micro-injection techniques, either as tiny droplets placed a few millimetres apart across the treatment area (the “nappage” technique) or with a fine cannula.
4. Aftercare: A soothing cream is applied.

Very fine needles (30G or 32G) are used, so the treatment is well tolerated. The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes.

Benefits of Salmon DNA Treatment

• Cellular repair: Supports the repair of damaged skin cells.
• Collagen and elastin stimulation: Improves firmness and elasticity.
• Deep hydration: Improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
• Antioxidant effect: Helps neutralise free-radical damage.
• Improved texture and tone: Skin looks smoother and more even.
• Thicker, stronger skin: Particularly visible under the eyes and on the neck.
• Natural result: No change in facial shape or volume.
• Minimal downtime.

Recovery After Salmon DNA Treatment

Because salmon DNA is a non-surgical treatment, recovery is quick and easy. Small bumps at the injection points are normal and usually disappear within 24 hours. Mild redness and swelling may be visible for a day. Small bruises may occasionally appear, especially under the eyes, and fade within a few days.

For the best results:

• Do not apply make-up for 12–24 hours.
• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for the first day.
• Avoid saunas, hammams, swimming pools and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.
• Use sunscreen every day.
• You can shower the same evening, but avoid very hot water on your face.

Results Timeline

• First week: The skin feels more hydrated and looks fresher.
• 2–4 weeks: Texture and radiance improve noticeably.
• After the second and third sessions: The skin becomes firmer and thicker, fine lines soften and under-eye skin looks smoother.
• Following months: The regeneration process continues, and the improvement in skin quality is maintained with periodic sessions.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Salmon DNA is generally very well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Small bumps at the injection points, usually lasting up to 24 hours
• Redness, mild swelling and tenderness
• Small bruises, particularly under the eyes
• Very rarely, an allergic reaction, which is why people with fish allergy should not be treated

These effects are temporary and do not interfere with daily life for most patients.

Salmon DNA for the Neck and Décolletage

The neck and décolletage have thin skin and are constantly exposed to the sun, so they often show signs of ageing early: crepey texture, horizontal lines and sun damage. Salmon DNA improves the thickness, elasticity and hydration of this skin, making it smoother and fresher. Treating the face, neck and décolletage together gives the most harmonious result, so that the skin of the face does not look younger than the neck.

Salmon DNA as Part of a Rejuvenation Programme

Salmon DNA works best as part of a personalised plan. For example, a patient with tired under-eyes, dull skin and early lines might have salmon DNA under the eyes, skin boosters for the face and neck, and anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines. Patients with volume loss or sagging may also benefit from dermal fillers or Endolift. Combining treatments that work at different levels creates a natural, complete result.

Is Salmon DNA Treatment Permanent?

The results of salmon DNA treatment are not permanent, because the skin continues to age naturally. However, the regeneration stimulated by the treatment improves the skin’s structure, and the effects of a full course usually last 6–12 months. Regular maintenance sessions help preserve and build on these results over time.

Is Salmon DNA Treatment Painful?

Thanks to the very fine needles and numbing cream, most patients describe salmon DNA treatment as only mildly uncomfortable. The under-eye area may be slightly more sensitive, but the treatment is quick.

Is There an Age Limit for Salmon DNA?

Salmon DNA treatment can be performed on adults over 18. In younger patients, in their late twenties and thirties, it is mainly used preventively and to treat specific concerns such as acne scars or dark circles. In patients aged 35–40 and older, it becomes a restorative treatment, helping to compensate for the loss of collagen and improve thin, ageing skin.