Next-Generation Injectables: Polynucleotides and Regeneration

For a long time, injections meant two things: botulinum toxin, which reduces muscle movement, and filler, which adds volume. Lately a third category has come to the fore — regenerative injections.

The most talked-about of these are polynucleotides obtained from salmon DNA. They are also known popularly as the “salmon sperm” treatment.

What does it do, and why is it different?

The essential difference is this: filler adds volume, toxin reduces movement. Polynucleotides, by contrast, neither add volume nor stop movement — they aim to stimulate the tissue's own repair processes.

The scientific background

The substance used consists of purified DNA fragments obtained from salmon cells — polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). Salmon DNA is preferred because its structure shows a high degree of compatibility with human DNA.

These molecules are reported to have stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties in tissue, to increase fibroblast activity and to support collagen synthesis. Beyond aesthetics, they are also used to aid tendon repair and to speed the healing of surgical scars.

Why has it become popular now?

The timing is no coincidence. In recent years a saturation and a backlash have built up around filler use: the over-filled look has come in for criticism, and instead of adding volume patients have turned towards improving skin quality .

Polynucleotides landed exactly in that gap: an approach that targets tissue quality without producing a visible change in volume.

A realistic expectation

Knowing what this treatment is not matters as much as knowing what it is:

• It does not add volume. If there are hollows or marked volume loss, this is not the answer.
• It does not correct sagging. Where there is excess skin, it cannot take the place of surgery.
• It does not remove lines caused by movement. That is a different matter.
• It does not give a result in a single session. It usually requires several sessions with intervals in between.
• It is not permanent. Repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect.

Tip — The effect of this treatment is not as visible as filler, and that is not a shortcoming but a deliberate choice. If your expectation is “a noticeable change”, this may not be the right method; if your expectation is “tissue quality”, it may well be.

Other regenerative approaches

Other treatments fall under this heading too — products derived from a person's own blood, and injections described as collagen stimulators. Each has its own mechanism of action, level of evidence and field of suitability.

What they share is this: rather than adding volume, they all aim to stimulate the tissue's own response. Their shared limit is the same: they are not the answer to a structural problem — marked sagging or volume loss.

Questions to ask

• In my case, is the real problem skin quality, volume loss or sagging?
• How many sessions are planned, and how far apart are they?
• How long is the effect expected to last?
• What is the licence and the approved field of use of the product to be used?
• Will a doctor perform the treatment?
• What is done if a side effect occurs?

What does it mean that this is a trend?

A treatment being popular does not mean it is right for you. Popularity is not a medical criterion.

That said, the trend does show something: patients are shifting from “adding” towards “improving”. In the long run that may mean more measured and more natural results — and that in itself is a welcome development.

Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Every person is different; suitability and the process can only be determined by a personal examination and consultation.

Op. Dr. Yasemin Aydınlı

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Offers personalized aesthetic solutions with a priority on naturalness and balance.