For thin, tired-looking skin that reddens easily – especially around the eyes – salmon DNA may be an option worth considering. Dr. Nil Yazıcı determines whether it suits you at an examination in Istanbul; if you are travelling, you can begin with an online consultation.
“Salmon DNA” is the common name for injectable treatments containing purified polynucleotides (PN) or PDRN derived from salmon DNA. These ingredients are used to support the skin's repair and renewal processes; the aim is to support tissue quality, not to add volume. In Istanbul, Dr. Nil Yazıcı plans salmon DNA treatment after an examination, most often for the eye area, face and neck.
The eye area, where salmon DNA is most often used, is one of the thinnest and most vascular areas of the face, so the choice of depth and technique matters. At the examination, Dr. Nil Yazıcı distinguishes whether the under-eye appearance comes from skin quality or from volume loss: salmon DNA may be considered for the former, while the latter may call for a different approach such as under-eye treatments. In short: a skin booster targets hydration with hyaluronic acid, while salmon DNA focuses on supporting tissue quality with polynucleotides.
About Dr. Nil YazıcıSalmon DNA is considered when the quality and resilience of the skin are the main concern:
The most commonly treated area: the lower eyelid and crow's feet, where the skin is thinnest.
Evenly spread micro-injections across the whole face to support skin quality.
Can be planned to support thinning neck skin.
Can be considered where sun exposure has left the décolletage looking crêpey.
Your skin, target area and medical history are assessed. You will specifically be asked whether you are allergic to fish or fish products. International patients can share their concerns in an online consultation first; suitability is confirmed in person.
The areas, number of sessions and any combination with other treatments are discussed, and expectations are made clear.
The skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied. The product is placed in small amounts with a fine needle or cannula, at a depth suited to the area.
Your skin's response is monitored between sessions, and the need for maintenance is decided together at the end of the plan.
Most plans involve 3–4 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart. The effect does not come from a single session but builds up gradually over the course. After the plan, many people are advised to have a maintenance session every few months; the interval depends on the area and how the skin responds.
Treatment day
Small bumps form at the injection points; as the product spreads they usually flatten within 1–2 days.
First few days
Small bruises and mild swelling can occur, especially around the eyes; they are expected to fade within a few days to a week.
After the 2nd session
Most people begin to notice a change in skin texture from this point.
When the plan is complete
The result is reviewed at a follow-up, and maintenance or complementary treatments are planned if needed.
After salmon DNA treatment, especially around the eyes:
Points to consider before salmon DNA treatment:
With sessions 2–3 weeks apart, a full course usually means more than one visit, so the plan is built around your travel dates. Before you arrive, an online consultation helps clarify whether the treatment is likely to suit you – including any fish allergy. Appointments, your airport pick-up, accommodation and an interpreter can be arranged for you, and follow-up continues remotely. See international patient support for details.
See how the international patient process worksYes. The product consists of polynucleotide or PDRN fragments purified from salmon DNA. For this reason it is not used in people with a fish allergy.
Dark circles can have many causes, and thin skin is only one of them. Salmon DNA aims to support skin quality, but on its own it does not resolve darkness caused by pigmentation or volume loss. The cause is assessed at the examination.
Most plans involve 3–4 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the area and the starting condition of your skin.
It varies by person and area. After the plan, many people are advised to have a maintenance session every few months; a permanent effect should not be expected.
Small bumps form at the injection points and usually flatten within 1–2 days. Mild swelling or bruising around the eyes can last a few days – worth bearing in mind when planning your flight home.
If dryness is the main issue, a hyaluronic acid-based skin booster may be the better fit; if thin, worn tissue needs support, salmon DNA may come first. Some plans use both; the choice is made at the examination.
In suitable patients it can be combined with a skin booster, botulinum toxin or fillers within the same plan, in the appropriate order and at appropriate intervals.
Salmon DNA is the popular name for skin-quality treatments using injectables made from purified DNA fragments (polynucleotides and PDRN). Here we explain the idea behind it, where it is used and where its limits lie.
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Tell us what you would like to achieve and share your medical history, and we will assess together whether this treatment is right for you. Travelling from abroad? We can start with an online consultation.
