PDRN and PN both come from salmon DNA, but PN molecules are 2–2.5 times longer. Why that means more pain, and what to know before treatment.
The injection you have to grit your teeth for — everything about the salmon injection (PDRN) and Rejuran (PN)
Hello. This is Dr. Lee Yumin of MeSOnBom Clinic.
The central trend in anti-ageing and skin care is unquestionably the skin booster.
Juvelook, exosomes, Rejuran — the types and names are many. A skin booster is, simply put, fertiliser that helps the skin become healthy by itself.
Rather than making the surface temporarily moist, the term covers substances that improve the environment of the dermis and induce regeneration at the foundation.
Today I want to set out clearly the two ingredients that are most loved in clinic and at the same time draw the most complaints: PDRN, known as the salmon injection, and PN, represented by Rejuran.
PDRN has a DNA structure very close to our own and is extracted mainly from salmon testes.
Its compatibility with the human body is excellent, so side effects are few, and it has an outstanding ability to support the regeneration of damaged tissue.
In the past, because extracting PDRN was so expensive, it was used in limited settings — tissue regeneration for patients with burns, deep scars or diabetic foot ulcers.
As extraction technology improved and became widespread, it is now used far more widely for aesthetic purposes: preventing overall skin ageing and regenerating skin that has lost firmness.
Anyone interested in anti-ageing will have heard the name Rejuran. Its main ingredient, PN, is also a DNA fragment extracted from salmon.
"Both come from salmon and both help tissue regenerate — so what is the difference?"
The key difference is the length of the molecule.
The two molecules look very similar, but PN (Rejuran) is roughly 2–2.5 times longer than PDRN. The substance itself is larger and more viscous.
Rejuran used to be the only PN product, but since the patent expired, excellent alternatives with the same ingredient have been released, widening the choice available to patients.
Everyone who has had Rejuran says the same thing.
"Doctor, this really hurts!"
Yes, it does.
Honestly, it hurts enough to bring tears. But this is not because the doctor is being unkind or heavy-handed.
It is because of the large, viscous molecular structure of PN. A substance with large, dense particles has to be forced through a narrow needle and between thin layers of skin, so a physical sense of stretching and pain inevitably comes with it.
We apply plenty of anaesthetic cream beforehand, but frankly it serves peace of mind more than anything.
With the cream it still hurts. Looking better can be hard work.
If you are very sensitive to pain, Rejuran HB — which contains the local anaesthetic lidocaine and roughly halves the discomfort — is a good alternative.
The regenerative effect is strong, but there are practical points about downtime to consider first.
Bruising and swelling (timing is everything): this treatment involves dozens of needle entries across the face to place the solution densely. Thin skin such as under the eyes bruises very easily. The most difficult request is "my wedding shoot is the day after tomorrow, please do it without bruising". Unfortunately that is not possible. If you have an important commitment — a wedding, an interview, a meeting — have the treatment at least two weeks beforehand.
Embossing: because the viscous solution sits in the dermis, raised bumps like mosquito bites appear. They disappear naturally as the solution is absorbed, usually within about a day, though for those with thin skin they can last two to three days.
Allergic reaction: rarely — perhaps one or two people a month — the face becomes red and itchy after treatment. If that happens, please do not be alarmed; come in and it can be settled quickly and simply with an injection or medication.
One of the most common questions is: "Doctor, is Rejuran better, or the salmon injection, or one of the alternatives?"
The answer is whichever you can have consistently within your budget and schedule. If you keep supplying the skin with a good regenerative substance, any of them will help with anti-ageing.
If cost is a concern, I recommend having a more affordable PN product or the salmon injection (PDRN) regularly and often.
For those who say they trust the original they have always had, I recommend Rejuran as before.
For anyone over 35, when the skin's regenerative capacity begins to decline noticeably, I recommend skin boosters readily.
If you can get through the discomfort the first time, you will be pleased by the firmer, clearer texture you see in the mirror after washing.
Why not take a little courage and start a healthy investment in your skin?
I hope today's information helps. Thank you.
Our medical team will advise you based on your skin condition.
