What is salmon DNA and where does it come from?
“Salmon DNA” describes injectable products made from purified DNA fragments of fish origin, most often salmon, known medically as polynucleotides.
The raw material is usually obtained from the reproductive tissue of salmon-type fish and passes through several purification steps intended to remove proteins and other components. What remains are nucleotide chains of different lengths. These fragments do not alter your genetic make-up: they do not enter the cell nucleus or become part of your own DNA. Depending on the country and the manufacturer, products may fall into different regulatory categories, so their legal status in Türkiye is checked separately.
PN and PDRN come from the same family of sources but differ in processing and chain length. PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) consists of shorter fragments and is a more fluid solution. PN (polynucleotide) contains longer chains, forms a gel-like consistency and is intended to remain in the tissue for longer. Which substance and which product are used depends on the area, your skin and your expectations, and is decided by the physician after examining you.
What does salmon DNA aim to do, and what does it not do?
Polynucleotides aim to support skin hydration, texture and elasticity; they do not replace lost volume, lift sagging tissue or relax expression lines.
These products are used with the aim of supporting the skin's own repair processes and moisture balance. The changes being sought are a more even texture, softening of fine lines, a more hydrated, fresher appearance and support for elasticity. Change tends to be gradual and is reviewed as the course of sessions progresses. Response differs from person to person; skin type, age, sun damage and lifestyle all influence the outcome.
Salmon DNA is not a filler: it does not add volume to the cheeks, lips or tear troughs. On its own it may not be enough for marked sagging, deep wrinkles or lines caused by muscle movement. In those situations other approaches, such as botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, biostimulators or energy-based devices, may be discussed. At your consultation the physician explains which concern each option can address and what a realistic expectation looks like.
Which areas can be treated, including under the eyes?
The face, eye area, neck and décolletage are the areas most often treated; under the eyes, products with a consistency suited to that thin skin are chosen.
For overall skin quality, visible pores and fine lines on the face, multiple small injections or a fine cannula technique may be used across the treated area. The neck and décolletage are common requests because they are exposed to sun damage. Some products are also considered for atrophic scars such as acne scarring. The choice of area depends on the condition of your skin and on the indications stated in the product's instructions for use.
The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate. Here, polynucleotides may be used with the aim of supporting thin, crepey skin and fine lines. However, a hollow tear trough, pronounced eye bags or hereditary dark circles may not improve with this method alone. At the assessment the physician distinguishes whether darkness comes from blood vessels, pigment or volume loss and, if needed, suggests a different approach.
Who may not be suitable for salmon DNA?
Treatment is generally not recommended, or is postponed, for people with a fish or salmon protein allergy, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and where there is active infection at the site.
Because these products are of fish origin, any history of fish or salmon allergy is specifically asked about at the consultation. 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 of the product is also a reason not to proceed.
Active autoimmune disease, poorly controlled chronic conditions, bleeding disorders and blood-thinning medication all need further assessment. A tendency to keloid or abnormal scarring should always be mentioned. Recent laser, peel or filler treatments may affect timing. For this reason your medicines, allergies and previous treatments are reviewed in detail. International patients are welcome to bring or send relevant medical records in advance of the consultation.
How are sessions planned, and what happens afterwards?
A plan usually consists of a course of sessions a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions at intervals the physician considers appropriate.
Before treatment the skin is cleansed and a topical anaesthetic cream is usually applied for a while. The product is placed with a fine needle into many small points or with a cannula; you may feel stinging and pressure during the procedure. A common plan is three to four sessions, two to four weeks apart, although the number varies with your skin and the product used. How long the effect lasts depends on the individual, and maintenance is agreed at follow-up.
Afterwards you may notice redness, mild swelling, bruising and small raised bumps (papules) at the injection points; these usually settle within a few days. Rarely, an allergic reaction or infection can occur. You are generally advised to avoid make-up on the first day, not to rub the area, and to avoid saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and alcohol for a few days, while using sunscreen. Contact your physician if anything unexpected develops.
Why does product authenticity matter?
Every injected product should be legally supplied in Türkiye, traceable and stored under the manufacturer's conditions; this is a core part of safety.
Because salmon DNA products are in high demand, there is a risk of encountering products of uncertain origin or counterfeits. Genuine products carry a batch (lot) number, expiry date and manufacturer details on the packaging. Products registered as medical devices in Türkiye can be traced through the national Product Tracking System (ÜTS). You are entitled to ask for the box to be opened in front of you and to see the product details before treatment.
In busy aesthetic districts such as Nişantaşı and Şişli, the principle is the same: treatment should take place in a licensed healthcare facility and be carried out by an authorised physician. A brand name alone does not determine safety; the right indication, the right technique and sterile conditions matter together. For visitors travelling to Istanbul, product choice and the treatment plan are made only after a face-to-face assessment by the physician.
Frequently asked questions
Is salmon DNA really DNA, and can it affect my genes?
The products consist of purified DNA fragments of fish origin. These fragments do not change your genetic make-up or become part of the DNA in your cells; they are used with the aim of supporting the skin's repair and hydration processes.
What is the difference between PN and PDRN?
Both are made of nucleotide chains. PDRN contains shorter fragments and is more fluid; PN consists of longer chains and has a gel-like consistency. The physician decides which is appropriate for you.
Can I have salmon DNA if I have a fish allergy?
In people with a history of fish or salmon allergy these products are generally not recommended. Please always mention your allergy history at the consultation so that alternatives can be considered.
When will I notice a change, and how long does it last?
Change is usually gradual and is reviewed as the course of sessions progresses. How long it lasts depends on your skin, age and lifestyle; maintenance timing is agreed at follow-up.
I am visiting Istanbul. How should I plan my trip?
Redness, small bumps or bruising can last a few days, and a course usually involves several sessions weeks apart. Discuss your travel dates at the consultation so that the plan fits your stay and allows for follow-up.
Can salmon DNA replace dermal filler?
No. Polynucleotides aim to support skin quality and do not add volume. Volume loss or deep hollows may need a different approach, which is discussed at the assessment.
Does salmon DNA treatment hurt?
Most people describe salmon DNA treatment as mildly to moderately uncomfortable: a stinging sensation, pressure and a brief ache as the product goes in. The discomfort is mostly eased by a topical anaesthetic cream applied beforehand. Sensitivity varies by person and area; the eye area and scar areas can feel more sensitive. You can ask for a pause at any point during treatment.
At what age can I start salmon DNA treatment?
There is no single right age for salmon DNA; in adults, suitability depends on the skin's needs rather than age. Dehydration, fine lines, sun damage and acne scarring can appear at different ages. Later in life, when marked sagging or volume loss is the main concern, salmon DNA alone may not be enough and can be combined with other methods.
Can men have salmon DNA treatment?
Yes, salmon DNA is also assessed in men for skin quality, fine lines and acne scarring. Men's skin is usually thicker and oilier, so the amount of product and the injection technique may be adjusted. To avoid irritating injection points in the beard area, it is usually advised not to shave for the first day after treatment and to shave gently from the next day.
Can I have salmon DNA on the same day as Botox or filler?
Yes, for different areas salmon DNA can often be combined with Botox or hyaluronic acid filler in one session. For the same area, a gap of a few days to a few weeks is usually left, as swelling and bumps can make results harder to judge. Botox-treated areas should not be pressed for the first few hours, so same-day treatments are ordered accordingly.
What affects the cost of salmon DNA treatment?
The cost of salmon DNA treatment mainly depends on the product and variant, the number and size of areas treated, the amount of product and the number of sessions. If salmon DNA is part of a wider plan with other methods, the overall scope changes too. Because your plan is set at a face-to-face consultation, cost is usually confirmed after that assessment.
Sources (4)
- 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)
- J Cosmet Dermatol: The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review (2025)
- U.S. FDA: Dermal Filler Do's and Don'ts for Wrinkles, Lips and More
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.