Now that Kim K has shared her “salmon sperm” facial, we can guarantee you'll be hearing more about this. Although the treatment has gained recent popularity, this treatment was first introduced to the cosmetic world in 2010 and in the last 5 years heavily used in Europe and South Korea. The treatment falls into the category of “polynucleotides” and there are many brands worldwide on the market but here in Australia, Rejuran is the only brand that has been TGA approved so far and it has been a big hit!
So, let's dive into what exactly this is and what the benefits are!
We already have polynucleotides in our body!
Polynucleotides are naturally found throughout the human body, play a vital role in skin health by performing three main functions. They stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which effectively counters ageing and reduces signs of photoaging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Secondly, these molecules have antioxidant properties that protect collagen and elastin from further degradation. And lastly, they help maintain skin hydration, which is essential for maximising collagen production by skin cells.
So when used in the cosmetic world, we can expect to see the following benefits:
Firmer skin
Delay the signs of ageing
Reduce the appearance of fine lines
Improve skin elasticity
Improve irregular skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores
Increase overall hydration
Reduce the appearance of scars.
Are polynucleotides actually salmon sperm?
Yes! Polynucleotides are derived from either salmon or trout sperm. Sounds a bit gross, but it just looks like a clear fluid in a syringe by the time it reaches us! You may be thinking, how does it go from salmon sperm to a luxury skin treatment?
Well, the process is long but it begins with harvesting these molecules from salmon tissues where nucleic acids are plentiful - in Rejuran’s case, the sperm is used. Once collected the DNA is isolated using chemical or enzymatic methods to separate the nucleic acids from other cellular components. The final step involves purifying the isolated nucleic acids to remove any contaminant and obviously ensuring that the end product is clean and ready for use in the clinic. Salmon sperm sure sounds catchy, but in reality it is a salmon DNA treatment!
In Rejuran specifically, the fragments used are PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide). Unlike an entire DNA strand, PDRN is made up of much shorter chains of nucleotides. PDRN is known for its high molecular similarity to human DNA, which is why it's so great as collagen stimulation.
Are there different Rejuran treatments?
Rejuran has three professional in-clinic products that can treat different areas:
Rejuran Classic: 2 ml of polynucleotides that can be used anywhere on the body. These include areas such as the face, neck and decolletage.
Rejuran I: 1 ml of polynucleotides that can be used around the eye including upper and lower eyelids and the crows feet. The consistency of this formulation is lighter allowing us to inject in this delicate area without causing long term bumps.
Rejuran S: 1 ml of highly concentrated polynucleotide that is used specifically for scarring such as acne scars.
Common FAQs:
How does it differ to other skin boosters?
The unique difference between polynucleotide and other skin boosters is that it is not hyaluronic acid based. Although hyaluronic acid has many benefits, it does attract a lot of water and can make some areas look puffy. For this reason Rejuran is more suitable for the under eyes.
Can I still get my other in-clinic treatments?
Yes! In-fact Rejuran compliments a lot of treatments that we offer in-clinic and our doctors often combine Rejuran with other treatment modalities for best results.
How many sessions do I need?
Ideally you need 2-3 treatments spaced one month apart. This will depend on your skin concern and age.
How often do I need to get it done?
This depends on your skin quality, age and concern. After your initial course, we advise 1-2 treatments a year as maintenance.
What is the downtime?
Just like any other injectable treatment, you may get some mild swelling and bruising. If you treat your under eyes with Rejuran, expect swelling for 48 hours. You can see some videos of the immediate downtime on our Instagram page.
Can I put makeup on after?
The small holes from the needle can take anywhere between 2-4 hours to fully heal and for that reason we advise that you avoid makeup the day of your treatment. If you do need to put makeup on, please speak to one of the doctors about buying the TR Pro+ barrier cream post treatment.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Yes unless you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a fish allergy.
How long does the treatment take and is it painful?
It only takes approximately 10 minutes to complete the treatment, but we allow for extra time in case you have any questions before we begin. We always advise that you arrive 30 minutes before your appointment so that we can apply topical anaesthesia to make you comfortable.
How long does it take to see results?
You can start to see some results within 2-4 weeks but it is important to note that collagen stimulation is a process that can take months. Best results are seen at the 3-6 month mark.
Comments