Salmon PDRN Injection
연어주사 · also: PDRN, salmon DNA injection, polydeoxyribonucleotide
PDRN extracted from salmon DNA, injected to support skin repair. It's the entry point to Korea's regeneration category — often the first injectable a curious visitor tries — and it is routinely confused with Rejuran, which uses a related but different molecule and costs several times more.
A short questionnaire and dose mapping — usually done the same day, right before treatment.
How it works
PDRN is a mixture of DNA fragments that acts on adenosine A2A receptors, which is associated with reduced inflammation and improved fibroblast activity and blood supply in the treated tissue. It's delivered through many shallow injections or a multi-needle device across the area.
Intradermal injection · acts at 0.5–1.5 mm · deepest layer: Dermis
Where collagen and elastin live. Almost every 'skin quality' treatment is aimed here.
Depths are indicative and vary by device, cartridge, body area and individual.
Intradermal injection
Many small, shallow deposits spread across the treatment area — placed within the skin rather than under it, so nothing changes shape.
People choose this for
Products & devices used
Not all "Salmon PDRN Injection" is the same — the specific brand or machine changes the price and the feel. Common options in Korea:
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) extracted from salmon DNA. The cheapest way into Korea's regeneration category, and often confused with Rejuran — which uses PN, a longer-chain relative, and costs several times more.
Who asks for it: Frequently the first injectable a curious first-time visitor tries.
Polynucleotide (salmon-derived PN/PDRN) that repairs the skin barrier and improves texture and fine lines.
Who asks for it: One of the most cross-marketed Korean boosters in Japan and SE Asia; heavily requested by returning tourists.
What it does
- ✓Calmer, less reactive skin
- ✓Modest improvement in texture and tone
- ✓Supports healing after other treatments
- ✓Very affordable
Good for you if
- •First-timers testing the category
- •Irritated or over-treated skin
- •Add-on after laser or microneedling
- •Tight budgets
Aftercare
- ✓Small bumps and pinpoint redness settle within a day or two.
- ✓No makeup for the rest of the day.
- ✓Avoid saunas and swimming for 24 hours.
- ✓Keep the course spacing — the benefit is cumulative.
Not suitable if
- !Active infection or inflamed lesions in the treatment area.
- !Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- !Bleeding disorders or blood thinners.
- !Autoimmune disease without a doctor's clearance.
FAQ
Is this the same as Rejuran?
No, and the distinction is where a lot of money gets lost. Both come from salmon DNA, but Rejuran uses PN — longer polynucleotide chains — while this uses shorter PDRN fragments. Rejuran has more clinical backing for skin regeneration and costs several times more. 'Salmon injection' on a menu usually means the cheaper PDRN.
Does it actually do much?
Expect a modest improvement in how calm and hydrated your skin looks across a course, not a transformation. Its best use is supportive — soothing over-treated skin or backing up a laser plan.
Any allergy concern with salmon?
The material is purified DNA rather than protein, so fish allergy is not a standard exclusion — but tell the clinic anyway and let them decide.
Price range by care tier
Market ranges for reference — actual quotes depend on the clinic, doctor and area.
Before you compare quotes: what this price is actually per
- Injectables are sold per cc. One cc is a small syringe; most full-face plans need 2–8 cc, so multiply before comparing.
Priced per cc, and it is genuinely cheap — ₩70k per cc in one Seoul list, against ₩270k per 2 cc for Rejuran Healer on the same menu. If a clinic quotes you 'salmon injection' at a Rejuran-like price, you're being charged for the wrong thing.
Won prices quoted above are from a dated reference price list for one Seoul clinic chain (2026-07-24), used to show the shape of pricing — not a national average, and not a quote. Prices include 10% VAT: the foreign-patient cosmetic VAT refund ended on 31 December 2025.
How it compares
Salmon PDRN Injection beside the other Skin Boosters & Regeneration options travellers usually weigh against it.
| Comparison factor | Salmon PDRN Injection연어주사 | Rejuran Healer리쥬란 | Juvelook / Collagen Booster쥬베룩 | Water-Glow Injection물광주사 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | The cheap way into Korean regeneration | The 'salmon DNA' skin healer | Liquid collagen stimulator | Injected hydration & dewy glow |
| Depth reached | Dermis · 0.5–1.5 mm | Dermis · 0.5–2 mm | Dermis · 1–3 mm | Dermis · 0.5–1.5 mm |
| How it works | Intradermal injection | Intradermal injection | Intradermal injection | Intradermal injection |
| Downtime | 0–2 days | 1–3 days | 1–2 days | 0–1 daysleast downtime |
| Pain | ||||
| Visits for full result | 3–5 visits | 3–4 visits | 2–3 visits | 1–3 visits |
| Results last | Several months with maintenance | 6–12 months with maintenance | 12+ months | 2–4 months |
| Trip fit | Several visits weeks apart — one trip = partial result | Several visits weeks apart — one trip = partial result | Several visits weeks apart — one trip = partial result | Any trip — one visit, no recovery days |
| Priced per | per cc injected | per cc injected · per session | per cc injected · per vial | per cc injected |
| From | ₩50k–120k | ₩150k–300k | ₩200k–350k | ₩80k–150k |
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