How do salmon DNA, Profhilo and mesotherapy differ in what they contain?
Salmon DNA products contain purified, fish-derived polynucleotides (PN) or PDRN. Profhilo is a branded product from IBSA made of high-concentration hybrid hyaluronic acid complexes. Mesotherapy is not a single product but a way of injecting different products containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins or similar ingredients into the skin.
This distinction matters because the three terms are not at the same level. Salmon DNA describes a class of ingredient, and brands such as Rejuran, Plinest and Nucleofill belong to it. Profhilo is one manufacturer's specific product, defined by hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights combined into hybrid complexes. Mesotherapy is a broader umbrella: the amino acid and hyaluronic acid combination in Jalupro, or polyrevitalising cocktails such as NCTF 135 HA, are discussed under it. So when you are weighing up “mesotherapy or salmon DNA”, the first step is to confirm the name and content of the product being suggested.
In everyday language the terms are sometimes blurred. Salmon DNA products are usually injected in a similar way to mesotherapy, as many small injections into the skin, so some people call polynucleotide treatment mesotherapy too. The key difference comes from the content rather than the technique: polynucleotides are fish-derived DNA fragments, whereas Profhilo and many mesotherapy products are based on hyaluronic acid. None of them changes your own DNA, and all are broken down naturally by the body over time. Whichever is chosen, the product's legal status in Türkiye, batch details and instructions for use are checked before treatment.
What does each one aim to do for the skin, and what does it not do?
All three aim to support skin quality: salmon DNA focuses on texture, elasticity and hydration; Profhilo on hydration and elasticity across the face; and mesotherapy, depending on the product, on hydration, radiance and texture. None of them adds volume, lifts sagging skin or relaxes expression lines.
Salmon DNA is considered particularly for thin, tired-looking or sun-damaged skin, to support texture and elasticity; some polynucleotide products are also used in depressed scar areas such as acne scarring. Because it spreads through the tissue, Profhilo is often considered when skin begins to thin, lose hydration and lose elasticity, to support a more rested look across a wide area of the face. Mesotherapy products are often considered for dry, dull skin that has lost its radiance, or for hydration in small areas such as under the eyes or the lips. With all three, change is gradual and differs from person to person.
Marked sagging, volume loss in the mid-face or temples, deep static wrinkles and lines caused by muscle movement are not problems these three methods can solve on their own. In those situations hyaluronic acid filler, biostimulators, botulinum toxin or device treatments may be discussed. This comparison is not a ranking: different methods can make sense for the same person at different times, and one method suiting you does not mean the others are unsuitable. Whether your expectations match what the chosen method can realistically offer is discussed openly at the consultation.
How do the technique and session plan differ?
Salmon DNA and mesotherapy are given as many small injections: salmon DNA often as 3–4 sessions 2–4 weeks apart, mesotherapy as a course a few weeks apart that varies by product. Profhilo is often placed at five points on each side of the face, usually starting with two sessions about four weeks apart.
For salmon DNA, after an anaesthetic cream the product is placed with a fine needle into many small points across the face, or with a cannula in some areas; excluding preparation, treatment usually takes 20–40 minutes. Mesotherapy similarly places small amounts of product into the skin. Profhilo uses the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique: small deposits are left at set points away from major vessels and nerves, and the product is intended to spread into the surrounding tissue from there. Because there are few injections, a Profhilo session usually takes 15–30 minutes. Different layouts may be used for each method on the neck or décolletage.
The session plans also create different timelines. Salmon DNA and mesotherapy courses can extend over a few months, while the initial Profhilo plan is often completed in two sessions. After the course, maintenance sessions may be discussed for all three; timing is set at follow-up according to your skin's response, age and lifestyle. If you have an important date such as a wedding, the length of the chosen course and the time needed after the last session for redness, bumps and bruising to settle are both factored in. For visitors from abroad, whether follow-up and later sessions fit around travel plans is discussed at the first appointment.
Which option may be considered for which skin need?
As a general framework, salmon DNA may be considered for thin, tired or sun-damaged skin or depressed scar areas; Profhilo where loss of hydration and elasticity across the face is becoming noticeable; and mesotherapy for dry, dull skin or small areas such as under the eyes and the lips. This framework is not a fixed rule.
More than one method can be reasonable for the same need. For example, of two people who say their skin looks dry and dull, one may mainly have superficial dehydration while the other has thinning skin and loss of elasticity; different methods may come to the fore in each case. For depressed scars such as acne scarring, some polynucleotide products are assessed separately, and scar treatment is often planned in stages alongside microneedling radiofrequency, laser or subcision. In thin-skinned areas such as around the eyes, the product's consistency and whether that area is covered by its instructions for use are decisive in the choice.
Other factors that influence the choice include how much time you can give to a course of sessions, how long you can tolerate bumps and redness after treatment, how your skin responded to previous treatments and your allergy history. For someone who travels often, a plan with fewer sessions may be more practical, while someone with more time may manage a longer course. The physician should explain clearly why a product is being suggested, what change is being aimed for and the limits of that change. The decision is made with you after your skin has been examined face to face and your expectations discussed.
Are there differences in who may not be suitable?
Yes, partly. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and active infection at the treatment site lead to postponement for all three. A fish or salmon allergy is a key consideration specifically for salmon DNA, while a previous reaction to hyaluronic acid products is an important consideration for Profhilo and mesotherapy products containing hyaluronic acid.
Because salmon DNA products are fish-derived, they are generally not recommended for people with a history of fish allergy; hyaluronic acid-based options may then be discussed. Conversely, in someone who has previously had prolonged swelling, nodules or an allergic reaction after a hyaluronic acid product, Profhilo or hyaluronic acid-based mesotherapy is assessed with particular care. Mesotherapy cocktails may also contain vitamins, amino acids or other ingredients, so the product's full ingredient list is checked. This is why it matters to share all known allergies at the consultation, particularly food and medicine allergies.
Some considerations are shared. Active autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication and a tendency to keloid scarring need further assessment for all three methods. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, elective aesthetic injections are usually deferred until afterwards. If you have a cold sore, active acne or an eczema flare, the area is allowed to heal first. Recent treatments such as laser, peels or filler can also affect timing, whichever method is chosen. Please do not stop any medicines or supplements without medical advice, and share them all at the consultation.
Can they be combined, and how is the order planned?
Yes. Because salmon DNA, Profhilo and mesotherapy belong to different ingredient classes, they can be part of the same treatment plan. How they are combined varies: some plans alternate them in sessions a few weeks apart, others treat different areas in the same session. The order and intervals are set by the physician.
The logic of combining is that each method may respond to a different need. For example, in someone having Profhilo for hydration and elasticity across the face, a polynucleotide product suited to the eye area or under-eye mesotherapy may also be considered. In someone with depressed scar areas, salmon DNA may sit in the same plan as a hyaluronic acid treatment for the rest of the face. Many injections into the same area at short intervals do not always add benefit, so the total number of injections and the skin's recovery time are also taken into account.
When setting the order, the physician considers that swelling and bumps can make results harder to judge, that each method has its own session interval, and how your skin reacted to the previous treatment. If filler, botulinum toxin or device treatments are also part of the plan, their timing is adjusted separately; a gap of a few days to a few weeks is often left between treatments to the same area. Your skin's response is reviewed at each follow-up and the plan updated if needed. The product names and dates of any previous treatments done elsewhere also make planning easier.
Frequently asked questions
Is salmon DNA a type of skin booster?
Yes, salmon DNA is listed among skin boosters in some sources, but “skin booster” is not a medical product class; it is a broad term for injections that aim to support skin quality. Profhilo, hyaluronic acid mesotherapy products and polynucleotides can all fall under it. So when a skin booster is suggested, asking for the product name and content is more informative.
Does salmon DNA or Profhilo last longer?
Neither salmon DNA nor Profhilo can be said to last longer for everyone. With both, the effect fades gradually, and how long it lasts varies with age, sun damage, smoking and skincare habits. For this reason, maintenance for salmon DNA and Profhilo is planned according to how your skin looks at follow-up rather than on a fixed schedule.
How long do the bumps last after salmon DNA, Profhilo and mesotherapy?
With Profhilo, product is placed at only a few points and the bumps there usually flatten within 24 hours. With salmon DNA, product goes into many small points, so bumps are more widespread and usually settle within 1–3 days; with mesotherapy, usually within 1–2 days. Any bruising generally fades within a few days to two weeks, so plan around important events.
Which hurts more: salmon DNA, Profhilo or mesotherapy?
Discomfort varies by person and area, so none of salmon DNA, Profhilo or mesotherapy is consistently more uncomfortable for everyone. Salmon DNA and mesotherapy involve many small needle pricks, and an anaesthetic cream is usually applied first. Profhilo uses few points, so treatment is quick, but a brief sting and a feeling of fullness may be felt at each point.
I have had Profhilo before. Can I switch to salmon DNA?
Yes, if you have had Profhilo you can move to salmon DNA later; previous Profhilo is not an obstacle in itself. If your last session was recent, a few weeks are usually allowed before salmon DNA in the same area so the Profhilo result can be assessed. The reason for switching is discussed based on your skin's current needs and the earlier result.
For fine lines under the eyes, is salmon DNA or mesotherapy considered?
Both salmon DNA products with a consistency suited to the eye area and under-eye mesotherapy may be considered for fine lines and thin-looking skin under the eyes. Skin thickness, a tendency to puffiness and the cause of any darkness guide the choice. With a hollow tear trough, marked bags or pigment-related dark circles, neither may be enough on its own.
If I have salmon DNA and Profhilo together, how will I know which one worked?
When salmon DNA and Profhilo are given in the same period, it is often not possible to attribute a visible change to one method alone. So some plans add the methods one after another rather than at once, with photos taken in the same lighting before each stage. That way, which step helped your skin can be judged more clearly at follow-up.
I am vegan. Can Profhilo or mesotherapy be considered instead of salmon DNA?
Yes, a wish to avoid animal-derived products can be taken into account when choosing a product. Salmon DNA products are fish-derived, whereas Profhilo and many hyaluronic acid products contain hyaluronic acid usually made by bacterial fermentation rather than from animal sources. Mesotherapy cocktails can contain various other ingredients, so their content is checked product by product.
Sources (4)
- J Drugs Dermatol: Injectable Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid as a Skin Quality Booster: An Expert Panel Consensus (2018)
- BioMed Research International: Safety Assessment of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronans (Profhilo) as Derived from Worldwide Postmarketing Data (2020)
- J Cosmet Dermatol: A Novel Classification System of Skinboosters to Support Clinical Decision Making (2026)
- Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol: Expert Perspectives: Evidence-Based Applications of Polynucleotides (PNs) in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology (2026)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.