Injectable treatment · Patient information
Content owner: Dr. Zafer Atakan Practice · Nişantaşı, Istanbul · Updated: July 11, 2026
Treatments offered under the name “Salmon DNA” generally refer to injectable products containing fish-derived polynucleotides or PDRN. The aim is to support skin quality and a hydrated appearance; the products are not identical, and their effectiveness, license/approval status and clinical evidence should be evaluated separately for the product used.
What Is Salmon DNA / Polynucleotide Treatment?
Polynucleotide injections are not intended to add significant volume like fillers or to lift tissue like surgery. They can be considered as a supportive treatment for skin texture, fine lines and overall quality.
Marketing names such as “DNA shot”, “youth shot” or similar do not in themselves define a standard drug class. The patient should be shown the product label, contents, manufacturer, lot number, storage conditions and approved indications.
What is assessed during the examination?
- Assessment 1
- Skin structure, dryness, pigmentation, volume loss and the person's main complaint are differentiated.
- Assessment 2
- Allergies, autoimmune diseases, infections, medications and previous injections are reviewed.
- Assessment 3
- The product's polynucleotide/PDRN content, concentration, license status and expected benefit are explained.
- Assessment 4
- The number of sessions is determined according to the product instructions and clinical assessment, not a marketing package.
Who May Be a Candidate?
- Adults who want limited support for skin quality and accept that results vary
- People without active skin infection or open wounds in the treatment area
- People who have been evaluated for allergy to fish products or product ingredients
- People with physician approval regarding pregnancy/breastfeeding and immune system diseases
How Does the Process Work?
- The treatment area is cleansed and the product is administered in small injections into the appropriate skin layer.
- Sterile technique and product traceability are maintained; opened products or products of unknown origin are not used.
- Aftercare, follow-up and possible signs of delayed reaction are explained.
Recovery and follow-up
Bumps, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or itching may occur at the injection sites. Symptoms are usually temporary; however, increasing pain, widespread redness, discharge, fever or allergic signs should be assessed.
Possible risks and complications
- Bruising, swelling, tenderness, itching and temporary bumps
- Infection, allergic reaction or delayed inflammatory response
- Nodules, irregularity and failure to achieve the expected response
- Additional safety risks depending on product origin and injection technique
Frequently asked questions
Is Salmon DNA treatment a filler?
Generally not. Polynucleotide products are used to support skin quality rather than to add significant volume; the product label should be verified.
Can it be applied to people with a fish allergy?
Any history of allergy must be reported to the physician. No decision on treatment is made without reviewing the product's origin and excipients.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the product instructions, skin structure and goal; a fixed package is not right for all patients.
Are the results permanent?
There is no guarantee of permanent results. Skin aging and environmental effects continue.
Scope of the effect and limits of permanence
The degree and duration of results are not standard; they vary according to the product, skin structure and skincare habits. The procedure alone does not eliminate sun damage, significant sagging or volume loss.
Alternatives and complementary options
Depending on the main complaint, medical skincare, sun protection, laser/energy methods, hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters, fillers or surgical options can be compared.