PDRN treatment (Polynucleotides) for skin rejuvenation and repair

PDRN is a specific form of polynucleotides extracted from salmon DNA. It works by binding to A2A receptors in the skin. This stimulates fibroblasts and collagen production, leading to skin repair, firming, and rejuvenation.

Our doctors usually recommend a course of three treatments with an interval of several weeks between each treatment. After that, a maintenance treatment can be scheduled after a few months to maintain the results for a long time.

The beauty of PDRN is that it does not provide temporary filling like a filler, but stimulates the skin from within to renew itself. As a result, the results usually last longer.

• On average, the effect remains visible for between 6 and 12 months.
• Because PDRN stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the recovery process can continue even after the active ingredient has broken down. This means that some clients also benefit for longer, especially after a course of multiple treatments.
• Factors such as age, skin condition, sun exposure, lifestyle, and maintenance treatments play a role in how long the results remain visible.

Many clients choose to repeat PDRN treatments once or twice a year to keep their skin firm, smooth, and healthy for a long time.

Yes. PDRN has been used in the medical world since 1984, including for burn injuries and wound healing. Its safety and effectiveness have been extensively researched scientifically. Due to the many benefits it offers for skin health, it is also very popular in the cosmetic market.

Most clients find the treatment tolerable. If desired, we use an anesthetic cream to increase comfort during the treatment. The anesthetic cream is available at the clinic and is applied approximately 10 minutes before the start of the treatment.

The DNA used in PDRN comes from wild salmon from Alaska. It is a sustainably sourced by-product of the food industry. This means that no additional animals are caught for this purpose and that the material is responsibly reused for medical and cosmetic applications.

Possible side effects are those that occur after an “injection,” so in many cases there is temporary redness, slight swelling, or a small bruise at the injection site. These usually disappear on their own within a few days.

PDRN can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, reduced elasticity, scars (e.g., acne scars), and dull skin. It is also an excellent anti-aging treatment.

Yes, PDRN can be combined very well with other treatments such as Botox, fillers, microneedling, or lasers. This often enhances the results.

Yes, PDRN is generally safe and suitable for virtually all skin types and ages. Which variant is used depends on the condition of your skin and your personal preferences.

‍• Plenhyage XL Thin (7,5 mg/ml): specially developed for sensitive skin, younger patients, and the first signs of skin aging. Suitable for delicate areas such as the eye contour, lips, and hands.
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• Plenhyage XL Medium (20 mg/ml): a versatile option for middle-aged people, or for dull or dehydrated skin. Ideal for the face, neck, and décolleté, and also suitable as maintenance therapy.

•  Plenhyage XL Strong (25 mg/ml): intensive treatment for mature skin, deep wrinkles, or skin that has been severely damaged by the sun. Works deeper and supports structural repair.

This means there is always a PDRN variant that suits your skin type and age group—from preventive care for young skin to intensive repair for complex skin problems.

‍Contra-indications: PDRN treatment is not suitable for people with fish allergies, active skin infections, or certain medical conditions. During a consultation, our cosmetic doctors will always carefully assess whether this treatment is suitable and safe for you.

Indeed, there are currently several brands of PDRN (polynucleotides) available. However, PN (the less stable form) is also sometimes used in treatments. The main differences lie in the quality, purification method, concentration, and scientific basis.

At Van Lennep Clinic, we work with Plenhyage XL, one of the first and most researched PDRN products. This brand is known for:

• Extremely high purity of salmon DNA (safe and well tolerated by the skin)
• Various concentrations (Thin, Medium, Strong), tailored to skin type and age
‍• Scientific background: used in the medical world for decades for tissue repair
• Versatility: can be used on sensitive areas (eyes, lips) as well as deeper wrinkles and sun damage

That makes Plenhyage XL the most reliable choice for us, with predictable, safe, and long-lasting results.

Other PDRN brands may have similar ingredients on paper, but differ in quality, stability, and effect. That is why we consciously choose a brand that is internationally recognized and meets our high standards.

A treatment usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

Both PDRN treatments and skin boosters are popular for skin improvement, but they work in different ways and therefore have different results. We have listed the different properties for you here.

PDRN :
Areas treated: face, neck, décolleté, hands, body, scalp  
Active ingredient: purified PDRN (salmon DNA)
Effect:
- Stimulates cell renewal and fibroblast production
- Initiates repair processes and reduces inflammation
- Regulates pigment formation
- Promotes hydration and tissue repair

Advantage: PDRN focuses on regeneration and repair. It ensures healthier, firmer skin with a natural result that builds up gradually.
Disadvantage: It does not provide immediate volume or lift like fillers; the effect comes step by step.

Skinboosters :
Areas treated: face, neck, décolleté, and hands
Ingredients: hyaluronic acid (HA), amino acids, and peptides
Effect:
- Intensively hydrates
- Provides light filling and a fresh appearance
- Provides a temporary lifting effect

Advantage: skin boosters provide immediate hydration and glow with a subtle volume effect. Disadvantage: they have no regenerative effect and the results are temporary (shorter lasting than PDRN).

In summary:

PDRN = repair and rejuvenation from within (long-term effect) Skin boosters = hydration and temporary refreshment (short-term effect) Many clients opt for a combination: first a skin booster for immediate glow, followed by PDRN for long-term skin improvement. Or, in cases of more advanced aging, PDRN will be used in combination with Radiesse or a filler. During the intake, the doctor will discuss which treatment method best suits your needs.

With microneedling using PDRN, our skin therapists apply the active ingredient superficially, which ensures a beautiful glow, faster recovery after treatment, and improvement of the skin structure. With PDRN using injectables, the active ingredient is applied deeper into the skin, which leads to long-lasting firming and anti-aging effects.

As with any injectable, there are minor risks such as redness, swelling, or bruising. These are usually mild and temporary.

Some clients notice a difference in hydration and glow within just a few days. The final result builds up over the following weeks as collagen production increases.

There is usually little downtime. The skin may be red or slightly swollen for a short time, but this will disappear within a few days.

Yes, PDRN is known for its powerful restorative and regenerative properties. It has been used in the medical world since the 1980s to treat burns and wounds that are difficult to heal, because it stimulates the production of new cells and blood vessels and reduces inflammation

PDRN works in several ways on scars:
- Stimulates fibroblasts → the cells that produce collagen and elastin, making scar tissue more supple and stronger.
- Regulates melanogenesis → helps balance pigment formation and reduce discoloration in the scar.
- Supports angiogenesis → the formation of new capillaries, which improves blood flow and speeds up recovery.

PDRN often produces excellent results for pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone, but it is usually combined with other treatments such as microneedling, peels, or laser therapy for optimal effect.  PDRN can not only address fine lines and skin aging, but also play an important role in improving scars, pigmentation spots, and evening out skin texture.

Polynucleotides and Profhilo are both injectables that improve skin quality, but they work in different ways and are therefore often used for different skin concerns.

Polynucleotides (such as Plenhyage) contain PDRN: small DNA fragments that stimulate skin cells to repair themselves. They improve skin structure, support the skin's natural recovery process, and can help with fine lines, dull skin, scarring, and fragile skin with discoloration (redness/dark circles).

Profhilo consists of pure hyaluronic acid that spreads under the skin, providing intensive hydration and stimulating collagen and elastin. This makes the skin firmer and smoother.

The main difference:
· Polynucleotides: stimulate skin repair and regeneration
· Profhilo: hydrates intensively and improves skin firmness

Polynucleotide treatments are usually performed as a course. Multiple sessions are often required with a few weeks in between, allowing the skin to recover and regenerate step by step. The number of treatments depends on the skin condition and the desired result.

Polynucleotides and Profhilo can complement each other well within a personalized treatment plan, with the treatments performed in separate sessions. Our cosmetic doctors will advise you during a consultation on which treatment best suits your skin and goals.

K-Beauty products with salmon DNA are serums or creams that care for the skin on the surface. A Polynucleotide (PDRN) injectable is administered by a cosmetic doctor using fine injections into the skin, stimulating natural skin repair from within. Although both use salmon DNA, their application, depth, and intended results differ significantly. For skin improvement with injectables, a professional treatment is required.

Yes. 'Salmon sperm treatment' is the popular name widely used on social media and in the media. Medically speaking, it refers to a Polynucleotide (PDRN) treatment: purified DNA fragments derived from salmon DNA that are used in professional injectables. The term 'salmon sperm' is therefore not an official medical term, but it refers to the same treatment.

The costs vary depending on the treatment area and the number of sessions required. For an indication, please see our pricing page. During the consultation, you will also receive a personalized treatment plan and an exact price quote.