Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 09-03-2025 Origin: Site
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide—high-purity DNA fragments typically extracted from salmon species. In dermatology and aesthetics, PDRN is used as a minimally invasive injectable or as a topical/ampoule in PDRN microneedling and mesotherapy. It's not a volumizing dermal filler. You won't see instant contour changes. Instead, PDRN works biologically to help skin repair itself.
PDRN therapy supports tissue recovery through several well-described pathways:
A2A receptor activation: down-modulates inflammation and up-regulates repair signals.
Angiogenesis: increases expression of VEGF, improving microcirculation and nutrient delivery.
Fibroblast stimulation: supports collagen synthesis and soft-tissue remodeling for elasticity and resilience.
Pigment moderation: suppresses melanogenesis via inhibition of melanogenic gene expression and tyrosinase activity—useful in select pigmentation concerns.
Clinical takeaway: PDRN injection and PDRN skin booster microneedling aim to create a pro-healing environment—calmer inflammation, better blood supply, faster matrix repair.
Common indications: early photoaging (fine lines, dullness), enlarged pores, mild atrophic acne scars, texture irregularities, dehydration, and overall quality loss.
Typical non-candidates/relative contraindications: pregnancy or breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune skin conditions, active infection, open wounds or severe dermatitis at the treatment site, known hypersensitivity to components. Always review recent procedures (peels, lasers) and systemic medications that impact healing.
PDRN intradermal micro-papule injection is a precise, point-by-point technique in which the product is delivered as tiny “micro-blebs” into the superficial dermis to stimulate repair without adding volume. The procedure typically uses fine short-bevel needles, most often 34G for maximum accuracy, with the option of a flexible 25G cannula in areas such as the mid-face or jawline to reduce the number of entry points. Each injection deposits approximately 0.02–0.05 mL of PDRN, spaced about 0.5–1.0 cm apart in a grid-like pattern. The needle is held at a very shallow angle, around 10°, to ensure intradermal placement, resulting in small visible papules that confirm correct technique and even distribution.
Indications
Diffuse skin quality loss: dehydration, fine lines, large pores, early photo-aging.
Localized atrophic acne scars, areas where precise dosing is preferred.
Patients requiring minimal downtime but targeted biological stimulation.
Advantages
Extremely precise dosing and control of coverage.
Predictable distribution across complex contours.
Low systemic waste of product.
Limitations / risks
Time-consuming for large areas.
Multiple tiny punctures - higher chance of transient pinpoint bleeding or tiny papules immediately post-treatment.
Requires fine motor skill and good anatomical knowledge.
Practical tips & safety
Mark a light grid beforehand for uniform coverage.
Use topical anaesthesia (e.g., lidocaine cream under occlusion) and remove thoroughly before disinfection.
Keep injections superficial — deeper placement increases bruising risk and changes effect profile.
Avoid clustering injections; err on conservative volumes per point.
Single-use sterile needles; standard aseptic technique.
PDRN microneedling involves the mechanical creation of controlled micro-channels in the skin to stimulate collagen production while enhancing the penetration of PDRN ampoules through the epidermal barrier, creating a synergistic wound-healing and topical delivery effect. The procedure is most commonly performed with a motorized dermapen using disposable cartridges, though dermarollers are still used in some clinics. Needle depth is typically set between 0.5–1 mm, adjusted according to the treatment area and skin thickness—shallower depths for delicate zones like the periocular region and deeper settings for scars or thicker skin. Treatment is carried out with controlled, multi-directional passes (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal), ensuring even coverage while minimizing overlap to avoid excessive trauma.
Indications
Texture irregularities, diffuse fine lines, superficial scars, enlarged pores, dull skin.
Patients who prefer minimal visible papulation and want accelerated serum absorption.
Advantages
Even, global improvement in texture and tone.
Lower incidence of visible micro-papules compared with intradermal injection.
PDRN ampoule can be applied during/after needling to maximize uptake via open channels.
Limitations / risks
Absorption dependent — variable dosing compared to direct injection.
Overly aggressive depth/pressure → excessive microtrauma, prolonged erythema or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in susceptible skin.
Strict asepsis required — device cartridges disposable.
Practical tips & safety
Choose needle depth per area and skin condition; document settings.
Apply PDRN ampoule in measured amounts; some clinicians “coat” the area before passes and reapply after.
Avoid aggressive passes in inflamed acne or active infection.
Limit cumulative energy in a single session — gradual course over multiple sessions is safer.
PDRN mesotherapy with an injector gun uses a spring- or motor-driven device to deliver small, repeated micro-injections at controlled depth and frequency, making it ideal for rapid, standardized coverage of larger areas. These mesotherapy guns are equipped with fine needles, usually 30–33G for facial treatments, though specifications vary by device and must follow the manufacturer's instructions. The injection depth is adjustable, typically within the 0.5–1.5 mm range depending on the region and skin thickness, while each shot dispenses a small microdose of PDRN comparable to manual micro-papules. Spacing and distribution are automatically regulated by the trigger pattern and operator technique, ensuring consistent, efficient delivery across the treatment area.
Indications
Large-area treatment (full face, neck, décolleté) where speed and reproducible spacing matter.
Clinics with high throughput or standardized dosing requirements.
Advantages
Fast, consistent delivery across broad surfaces.
Less operator fatigue; repeatable settings for serial treatments.
Good for beginners when combined with proper training and supervision.
Limitations / risks
Potential for higher bruising or swelling if settings (depth/pressure/frequency) are inappropriate.
Mechanical delivery can feel more “aggressive” to the patient if speed/depth not adapted.
Device misuse increases complication risk — not a substitute for anatomical knowledge.
Practical tips & safety
Train specifically on your mesotherapy device; attend manufacturer sessions.
Start conservative depth/speed settings and titrate to patient tolerance.
Use single-use sterile cartridges and strict asepsis.
Document settings (depth, speed, cartridge type, product lot).
Precision & dosing control: Manual micro-papule injection > Mesotherapy gun > Microneedling (absorption variable).
Coverage speed (large areas): Mesotherapy gun > Microneedling > Manual injection.
Texture improvement + minimal papules: Microneedling > Mesotherapy gun > Manual injection.
Downtime & immediate appearance: All are low-downtime; manual injections produce small papules immediately, microneedling produces micro-erythema; timing varies with depth and patient.
Before performing a PDRN injection treatment, careful preparation is essential to ensure both patient safety and treatment efficacy. The physician's responsibilities begin well before the actual injection process and include patient evaluation, environment preparation, and product handling.
The first step is to conduct a thorough consultation. The doctor should review the patient's medical history, allergies, past aesthetic treatments, and any contraindications such as pregnancy, active infections, autoimmune diseases, or bleeding disorders. Skin type, thickness, hydration level, and areas of concern should also be evaluated to determine the most suitable injection technique—manual micro-papule injection, microneedling, or mesotherapy gun delivery.
PDRN injections must be performed in a sterile environment with single-use, sterile instruments. The doctor should wear gloves and a mask, disinfect all surfaces, and check the PDRN ampoule for expiration and integrity. Once opened, the product is handled aseptically, with precise dosing for injections or immediate application for microneedling.
Before numbing, the skin should be cleansed of makeup, oils, or debris. A topical anesthetic cream is usually applied for 20–30 minutes to minimize discomfort, then carefully removed. The treatment area is then disinfected with an antiseptic solution, typically saline or chlorhexidine, to ensure the skin is free of pathogens before injection.
For manual intradermal injections, the physician may mark the treatment area using a grid pattern to ensure even product distribution. In cases where larger areas are treated, such as the full face, neck, or décolleté, the depth, spacing, and volume per injection must be predetermined according to the selected technique.
Common, self-limited: erythema, edema, tenderness, temporary bumps, pinpoint bruising, mild discoloration—usually resolve within a few days (often <1 week).
Less common: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (mitigate with sun avoidance and SPF), superficial infection (minimize with strict asepsis), transient flare of sensitive skin.
Rare but important: hypersensitivity reactions. Vascular compromise is unlikely with superficial micro-papules but maintain anatomical awareness and avoid bolusing under tension.
Risk reduction checklist: sterile technique, correct depth, conservative volumes per point, avoid overlap, appropriate patient selection, and clear aftercare.
Patients should avoid sun exposure, alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin) for several days before treatment. Active skin infections, open wounds, or recent cosmetic procedures should be discussed with the doctor. Clean skin on the day of treatment is essential.
After treatment, patients should avoid makeup, hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours. Sun protection is mandatory to prevent pigmentation. Gentle skincare is recommended, and harsh actives (retinoids, acids) should be paused for a few days. Mild redness or swelling is normal and subsides quickly.
Is PDRN a filler?
No. It's a biostimulator that encourages your skin to repair itself. Results build gradually.
Will I peel or need to hide?
Most people return to routine the same day. Expect mild pinkness and tiny bumps for hours, rarely days.
When will I see results?
Typically 1–2 weeks after the first session, with continued gains across the series.
Does it help pigmentation?
In suitable cases, yes. Mechanisms include calmer inflammation and tyrosinase pathway moderation. Sun protection is non-negotiable.
Can it be combined with microneedling?
Yes—PDRN microneedling is a common approach to enhance penetration and texture outcomes.
PDRN therapy is about biology, not instant optics. Done with sound technique and careful patient selection, it steadily improves hydration, texture, elasticity, and skin tone while supporting healthier tissue. Keep the protocol disciplined, the aftercare simple, and the expectations clear. The results tend to follow.
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