Salmon DNA
What Is It?
When patients ask me, “If you had to pick just one product for my skin, which would it be?”, my choice as a doctor is Salmon DNA. The reason is the molecule itself. We deliver polynucleotides obtained from salmon into the skin through micro-injections. A polynucleotide is a short-chain molecule produced by breaking down DNA. It does not go into the skin as a building block; it carries a repair signal. Salmon DNA is structurally close to human DNA, so the tissue recognises it and the likelihood of a reaction is low.
It does not add volume or fill lines. What we are aiming for is to support the skin’s own capacity to repair itself and hold water. So the change shows in the texture of the skin, in how hydrated it feels and in how it reflects light.
How Is It Done?
First I look at what the problem is: tissue quality, volume loss, or a superficial mark or scar? Salmon DNA addresses tissue quality only. If the problem lies elsewhere, I say so at the outset and we talk about another plan.
We begin with a topical anaesthetic cream. We deliver the product with very fine needles into the superficial layer of the skin, in small amounts, through evenly spaced points. We most often work on the face, the eye area and the neck. Because the skin around the eyes is thin, we often choose this product there. Not every salmon DNA product suits the under-eye area, though. Some can cause too much swelling there, so we choose the product for under the eyes separately. A session takes 15-20 minutes on average. The plan is usually 3-4 sessions, 2-3 weeks apart.
Who Is It For?
It suits patients who describe dullness, loss of moisture, fine surface lines and a tired look in their skin. We also choose it around the eyes when the skin there has thinned and dried out and filler is not appropriate.
Where there is marked volume loss, deep lines or advanced sagging, it will not meet expectations on its own. We do not perform it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if there is active infection or an inflamed skin lesion at the treatment site, or in bleeding disorders and uncontrolled autoimmune disease. Because the product is derived from salmon, we also do not use it in patients with fish or seafood allergy. For this product we ask about allergy history separately.
Process & Recovery
Skin assessment
We look at where the problem comes from: tissue quality or volume loss? We ask separately about fish and seafood allergy. We take photographs.
Session day
After a topical anaesthetic cream, we deliver the product with fine needles into the superficial layer through evenly spaced points. The session takes 15-20 minutes.
First 24 hours
Redness and short-lived bumps appear at the points. If we have worked around the eyes, mild bruising is more common; there I recommend cold compresses and sleeping with your head raised. Make-up and swimming pools are not suitable that day.
Between sessions
We plan the sessions 2-3 weeks apart. The first difference in hydration and radiance usually becomes clear after the second session.
End of series
We assess the result about three weeks after the 3-4 session series is finished. To keep the effect going, we usually plan maintenance every 6-9 months.
Results & Duration
With Salmon DNA the effect builds up gradually over the course of the series. You see the first difference in hydration and radiance. For a change in tissue quality, the series has to be finished, and then we wait about three weeks.
The range generally reported is 6-9 months. Response varies with the starting condition of the skin, age and lifestyle; the same protocol does not give the same result in two people. To keep the effect going, we plan maintenance sessions.
What Is Not Promised
Salmon DNA will not give you volume. It does not fill deep lines or reshape areas such as the cheekbones or chin. It does not fill the hollow under the eye either; its effect there is limited to skin quality. It does not lift sagging. It does not remove pigmentation, and treating pigmentation is a separate job. If you do not protect your skin from the sun, the result we achieve will not hold either.
I cannot tell you for certain how many sessions it will take, how long it will last or what your skin will look like. If the series is left unfinished, the expected result will not come. If your expectation does not match the real problem in your skin, I do not recommend Salmon DNA.
Key Benefits
- Rejuvenation
- Skin radiance
- Smooth tissue
“What does Salmon DNA do? It revitalises the skin, softens fine lines, hydrates and increases the skin’s capacity to hold moisture. In other words, it gives your skin real care and helps it repair itself.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salmon DNA a filler?
No. It does not add volume or fill lines. It is aimed at supporting the skin’s own capacity to repair itself and hold water.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually 3-4 sessions, 2-3 weeks apart. We set the exact number according to the condition of the skin and how it responds.
How long does a session take?
A session takes 15-20 minutes on average.
Is it painful?
Most patients feel only a brief prick. We apply a topical anaesthetic cream beforehand, and we deliver the product with very fine needles in small amounts.
Can it be used around the eyes?
Yes. The eye area is one of the places where we use this product often, especially when the skin has thinned and filler is not appropriate. We choose the product for under the eyes separately, because some products can cause too much swelling there.
When will I see the result?
The first difference is in hydration and radiance, usually after the second session. For a change in the tissue, the series has to be finished, and then we wait three weeks.
How long does it last?
The range generally reported is 6-9 months. To keep the effect going, we plan maintenance sessions.
I am allergic to fish — can I have it?
No, we do not use it. Because the product is derived from salmon, we do not perform it on people with fish or seafood allergy. For this product we ask about allergy history separately.