Rejuran Skin Healer in Korea: Complete Guide to Salmon DNA Treatment 2025
Rejuran has become one of Korea's most sought-after skin treatments, earning its reputation as a true "skin healer" rather than just another cosmetic procedure. Using polynucleotides (PN) extracted from salmon DNA, this innovative treatment works at the cellular level to regenerate skin, reduce inflammation, and restore a youthful complexion from the inside out.
What is Rejuran?
Rejuran is a Korean-developed injectable treatment containing highly purified polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA. These biological molecules have a molecular structure remarkably similar to human DNA, allowing them to be recognized and utilized by human skin cells for repair and regeneration.
The Science Behind Salmon DNA
Why Salmon DNA?
- DNA structure 95% compatible with human DNA
- Extracted from sustainably sourced salmon sperm
- Purified to remove all proteins (eliminates allergy risk)
- Biocompatible and biodegradable
How It Works:
Cellular Repair
- Polynucleotides provide building blocks for damaged cell repair
- Stimulate fibroblast proliferation (cells that produce collagen)
- Activate natural skin regeneration mechanisms
Anti-Inflammatory
- Reduces chronic inflammation at cellular level
- Calms reactive, sensitive skin
- Improves conditions like rosacea and acne
Collagen Stimulation
- Triggers neocollagenesis (new collagen formation)
- Increases elastin production
- Improves skin thickness and elasticity
Unlike fillers that add volume or Botox that paralyzes muscles, Rejuran fundamentally improves skin quality by healing damage and restoring normal function.
Types of Rejuran Treatments
Korean clinics offer several Rejuran formulations for different needs:
Rejuran Healer (리쥬란 힐러)
The Original Formula
Best For:
- Overall skin quality improvement
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Large pores
- Dull, tired skin
- Skin texture issues
Treatment Areas:
- Full face
- Neck
- Hands
- Décolletage
Concentration: 2cc per session (full face typically requires 2-4cc)
Pain Level: Moderate (6-7/10 without numbing)
Price Range: $230-$385 per 2cc
Rejuran Eye (리쥬란 아이)
Specialized Eye Formula
Best For:
- Under-eye hollows and dark circles
- Crow's feet
- Eyelid wrinkles
- Thin, crepey eye area skin
Key Differences from Healer:
- Lower PN concentration (gentler for delicate eye area)
- Finer needle for precise injection
- Specifically formulated for periorbital region
Treatment Areas:
- Under eyes
- Crow's feet
- Upper eyelids (for experienced practitioners)
Pain Level: Moderate-High (7-8/10) - eye area is highly sensitive
Price Range: $155-$270 per session
Rejuran HB (Hydro Booster / HB Plus)
Low-Pain Hybrid Formula
Innovation: Combines traditional Rejuran with:
- Local anesthetic (reduces pain by 50%+)
- Hyaluronic acid (adds hydration boost)
- Lower PN concentration
Best For:
- Pain-sensitive patients
- Those wanting both healing and hydration
- First-time Rejuran users
- Younger patients (prevention focus)
Advantages: ✅ Significantly less painful ✅ Immediate hydration glow ✅ Shorter embossing recovery (bumps disappear faster) ✅ Suitable for more frequent treatments
Disadvantages: ❌ Slightly less potent healing effect than original Healer ❌ Results may be less dramatic for severe concerns
Pain Level: Low-Moderate (3-4/10)
Price Range: $185-$310 per 2cc
Rejuran S (Scar Treatment)
High-Concentration Formula
Specialized for:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Traumatic scars
- Ice pick scars
Higher PN concentration for aggressive scar remodeling
Price Range: $270-$385 per treatment
Treatment Areas & Effects
Face
Skin Texture & Pores
- Refines enlarged pores
- Smooths rough, uneven texture
- Creates "glass skin" appearance
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Softens forehead lines
- Reduces nasolabial folds
- Diminishes crow's feet
- Smooths smile lines
Acne & Scarring
- Improves acne scar appearance
- Reduces active inflammation
- Prevents future breakouts by normalizing oil production
Skin Tone & Radiance
- Evens out skin tone
- Reduces redness and blotchiness
- Creates healthy, natural glow
Elasticity & Firmness
- Improves skin elasticity
- Provides subtle lifting effect
- Increases skin thickness
Neck & Décolletage
- Reduces horizontal neck lines
- Improves crepey chest skin
- Evens out sun damage
Hands
- Reduces age spots
- Improves skin texture
- Plumps thinning skin
Rejuran Prices in Korea (2025)
One of Korea's advantages is premium treatment access at reasonable prices.
Seoul Pricing by Type
| Treatment Type | Volume | Price Range (₩) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran Healer | 2cc | ₩300,000-₩500,000 | $230-$385 |
| Rejuran Healer | 4cc (full face) | ₩500,000-₩800,000 | $385-$615 |
| Rejuran Eye | 1cc | ₩200,000-₩350,000 | $155-$270 |
| Rejuran HB | 2cc | ₩240,000-₩400,000 | $185-$310 |
| Rejuran S (Scar) | 2cc | ₩350,000-₩500,000 | $270-$385 |
Experience Pricing
First-Time Patient:
- Trial price: ₩108,900-₩121,000 ($84-$93) for 2cc
- Many clinics offer significant discounts to new patients
Package Deals
Most clinics recommend 3-5 sessions for optimal results:
3-Session Package:
- Standard pricing: 15-20% discount
- Typical cost: ₩750,000-₩1,200,000 ($575-$925)
5-Session Package:
- Standard pricing: 25-30% discount
- Typical cost: ₩1,100,000-₩1,800,000 ($845-$1,385)
Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD. Gangnam clinics typically 20-30% higher than other districts.
Cost Factors
Higher Prices:
- Gangnam/Apgujeong location
- Authentic Korean-manufactured Rejuran
- Celebrity doctors
- Larger volume (4cc vs 2cc)
Lower Prices:
- Clinics outside central Seoul
- First-time promotions
- Off-peak season
- Group bookings
Treatment Process
Before Treatment
Consultation:
- Skin assessment and concern discussion
- Treatment area marking
- Realistic expectation setting
- Allergy history review
Preparation:
- Remove all makeup
- Cleanse face thoroughly
- Apply numbing cream (30 minutes)
- Wait for full anesthetic effect
During Treatment (30-45 minutes)
Step 1: Anesthesia
- Topical numbing cream
- Optional: nerve block injections for eye area
- 20-30 minute wait time
Step 2: Injection
- Multiple micro-injections across treatment area
- Systematic grid pattern for even distribution
- Typically 50-100 injection points for full face
Injection Technique:
- Shallow intradermal injections (not deep)
- Creates small bumps (embossing) initially
- Each injection delivers 0.02-0.05cc
Sensation During Treatment:
- Sharp pinprick with each injection
- Burning sensation as product is delivered
- Pressure and fullness feeling
- More intense around mouth and eyes
Pain Level:
- Rejuran Healer: 6-7/10 (with numbing)
- Rejuran Eye: 7-8/10 (eye area highly sensitive)
- Rejuran HB: 3-4/10 (contains anesthetic)
Immediately After
Appearance:
- Multiple small bumps across treatment area (embossing)
- Facial skin looks swollen and lumpy
- Redness and pinpoint bleeding spots
- This is completely normal!
The "Embossing" Effect: Small raised bumps where product was injected. Don't panic—this is expected and temporary.
Recovery & Downtime
Rejuran has more visible immediate effects than many other treatments, but recovery is straightforward.
Day 1: Embossing Stage
Appearance:
- Prominent bumps across entire treatment area
- Face looks swollen and lumpy
- Redness at injection sites
- Mild bruising possible
Sensation:
- Tightness
- Mild tenderness
- Slight stinging
Activities:
- Avoid makeup
- No washing face for 6-12 hours
- Sleep elevated
- Apply ice packs gently
Social Downtime: High - most people avoid going out
Days 2-3: Bump Reduction
Appearance:
- Bumps 50-70% improved
- Still visible but flattening
- Redness fading
- Can cover with makeup
Activities:
- Gentle cleansing allowed
- Light makeup OK
- Return to work possible (with makeup)
Social Downtime: Moderate - visible with careful makeup coverage
Days 4-7: Near Normal
Appearance:
- Most embossing resolved (80-90%)
- Slight residual swelling
- Minimal redness
- Makeup easily conceals any remaining effects
Activities:
- Normal skincare routine
- All makeup allowed
- Light exercise OK
Social Downtime: Minimal
Week 2+: Full Recovery
Appearance:
- Complete resolution of visible effects
- Skin looking clearer
- Early improvement visible
Activities:
- Resume all activities
- Can receive other treatments
- Follow-up appointment
Results Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Initial Changes
- Skin feels softer and smoother
- Improved hydration
- Pores appear slightly smaller
- Subtle glow
Weeks 3-4: Visible Improvement
- Noticeable texture refinement
- Reduced redness
- Fine lines softening
- Enhanced radiance
Weeks 8-12: Peak Results
- Maximum collagen production
- Significant texture improvement
- Acne scars less pronounced
- Skin appears thicker and healthier
- Overall rejuvenation evident
Long-Term (3-6 Months)
- Continued improvement
- Cumulative effects with multiple sessions
- Maintained skin quality improvement
Treatment Frequency
Initial Series
Recommended Protocol:
- 3-5 sessions total
- 2-4 weeks apart
- Duration: 2-4 months
Most Korean dermatologists recommend at least 3 sessions for:
- Significant visible results
- Long-lasting improvement
- Optimal skin regeneration
Maintenance
After initial series:
- Every 6-12 months for maintenance
- Every 3-6 months for aggressive anti-aging
Single session provides temporary improvement (3-4 months), while multiple sessions create cumulative, longer-lasting effects (6-12+ months).
Side Effects & Risks
Common (Expected)
Embossing/Bumps
- Universal occurrence
- Lasts 1-3 days
- Not a true "side effect" but normal reaction
- More pronounced with original Healer vs HB
Swelling
- Duration: 1-3 days
- Severity: Moderate
- Worse in eye area treatments
Redness
- Duration: 1-7 days
- Pinpoint red dots at injection sites
- General facial flushing
Bruising
- Occurrence: 20-30% of patients
- Duration: 3-7 days
- More common around eyes
Tenderness
- Duration: 2-5 days
- Mild to moderate
- Improves each subsequent treatment
Uncommon
Prolonged Swelling
- Some patients experience 5-7 days of swelling
- More common with higher volumes (4cc)
- Usually resolves without intervention
Acne Flare-Up
- Temporary purging effect (1-2 weeks)
- Skin bringing congestion to surface
- Usually followed by improvement
Allergic Reaction
- Extremely rare (salmon PN purification removes allergenic proteins)
- Would manifest as excessive swelling, itching, hives
- Requires immediate medical attention
Serious (Very Rare)
Infection
- Signs: Increasing pain, pus, fever
- Requires antibiotic treatment
Granuloma Formation
- Firm lumps that persist beyond 2 weeks
- May require steroid injection or removal
Vascular Occlusion
- Extremely rare with intradermal injections
- Skin discoloration, severe pain
Who Should Get Rejuran?
Ideal Candidates
✅ Age 25-55 with skin quality concerns ✅ Acne scars or textural irregularities ✅ Large pores and rough skin texture ✅ Early signs of aging (fine lines, loss of elasticity) ✅ Sensitive, reactive skin (anti-inflammatory benefits) ✅ Rosacea or chronic redness ✅ Post-procedure healing support (after lasers, peels) ✅ Smokers or sun-damaged skin needing regeneration
Poor Candidates
❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding ❌ Active skin infection or open wounds ❌ Unrealistic expectations (won't replace need for fillers/Botox for specific concerns) ❌ Severe fish/seafood allergy (consult doctor—PN is purified but discuss) ❌ Autoimmune conditions affecting healing ❌ Cannot tolerate 2-3 days downtime (embossing visibility)
Rejuran vs Other Treatments
| Treatment | Purpose | Pain | Downtime | Duration | Cost (Korea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran | Skin healing/regeneration | Moderate | 2-3 days | 6-12 months | $230-$385 |
| Water Glow | Hydration | Low | None | 3 months | $60-$80 |
| Botox | Wrinkle relaxation | Low | None | 3-6 months | $150-$300 |
| Filler | Volume addition | Moderate | 1-2 days | 9-18 months | $300-$600 |
| PRP | Growth factor regeneration | Moderate | 3-5 days | 6-12 months | $300-$500 |
Rejuran's Unique Position:
- Only treatment that truly "heals" skin at cellular level
- Not a filler, not Botox, not just hydration
- Addresses underlying skin quality rather than masking problems
- Ideal foundation treatment to combine with others
Combining Rejuran with Other Treatments
Rejuran works synergistically with many treatments:
Recommended Combinations
Rejuran + Botox
- Spacing: Same day or 2 weeks apart
- Benefit: Botox prevents expression lines, Rejuran heals existing damage
Rejuran + Skin Boosters
- Spacing: Same session
- Benefit: Rejuran for healing, boosters for hydration
Rejuran + Laser Treatments
- Spacing: Rejuran 2 weeks AFTER laser
- Benefit: Accelerates healing, prevents post-inflammatory issues
Rejuran + Microneedling
- Spacing: Same session (Rejuran as topical after needling)
- Benefit: Enhanced PN penetration
Rejuran + Filler
- Spacing: 2-4 weeks apart
- Benefit: Rejuran improves skin quality, filler adds volume
Best Clinics for Rejuran in Seoul
Gangnam District
Premium Options:
- Highest concentration of experienced practitioners
- Latest Rejuran formulations
- English-speaking staff
- Price: ₩350,000-₩500,000 ($270-$385) per 2cc
Myeongdong Area
Tourist-Friendly:
- Central location near hotels
- English support standard
- Competitive pricing
- Price: ₩250,000-₩400,000 ($192-$310) per 2cc
Research Platforms
Gangnam Unni (강남언니)
- Verified patient reviews
- Before/after photos
- Real-time pricing
Modoodoc (모두닥)
- Comprehensive treatment info
- Clinic comparisons
- Patient ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Rejuran really work, or is it just hype? A: Clinical studies show polynucleotides genuinely stimulate skin regeneration. However, results are gradual and cumulative, not instant transformation. It's a legitimate biological treatment, not cosmetic camouflage.
Q: How painful is Rejuran? A: Honestly, it's one of the more uncomfortable treatments. With numbing cream: 6-7/10. The multiple needle pricks add up. However, HB formulation is significantly more comfortable (3-4/10).
Q: Can I go to work the next day? A: Technically yes, but you'll have visible bumps across your face. Most people prefer 2-3 days off or work-from-home. Eye treatments especially benefit from downtime due to swelling.
Q: How soon will I see results? A: Subtle changes at 2 weeks, noticeable improvement at 4-6 weeks, peak results at 8-12 weeks. This is a regenerative treatment, not instant gratification.
Q: Is Rejuran safe? A: Yes, when performed by qualified practitioners. Polynucleotides have been used medically for decades. Allergic reactions are extremely rare due to purification process removing all salmon proteins.
Q: How many sessions do I need? A: Minimum 3 sessions for significant results. Many Korean dermatologists recommend 5 sessions for optimal outcome, especially for acne scarring or significant texture concerns.
Q: Can vegetarians or people with fish allergies get Rejuran? A: Vegetarians: Personal decision about using fish-derived product. Fish allergy: Theoretical risk is very low (proteins removed), but consult allergist and doctor. Some clinics offer patch testing.
Tips for Best Results
Before Treatment
- Stop retinoids 3 days before
- Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) 1 week before
- No alcohol 48 hours prior
- Come with clean, makeup-free skin
After Treatment
✅ Do:
- Keep skin hydrated
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products
- Apply SPF 50+ religiously
- Be patient (results take time)
❌ Avoid for 1 Week:
- Makeup for first 24 hours
- Vigorous exercise (2-3 days)
- Saunas, steam rooms
- Facial massage
- Other injectable treatments
- Swimming
Maximizing Effects
- Stay well-hydrated (drink 2-3L water daily)
- Use quality skincare (vitamin C, niacinamide)
- Protect from sun damage
- Maintain healthy lifestyle
- Complete full treatment series
Conclusion
Rejuran represents a paradigm shift in aesthetic treatments—moving beyond temporary cosmetic fixes to actual skin regeneration and healing. By harnessing the power of salmon-derived polynucleotides, this treatment addresses the root causes of aging and damage at the cellular level.
With Korean pricing of $230-$385 per session (significantly less than Western countries), 6-12 month lasting results, and genuine biological benefits, Rejuran has earned its reputation as a true "skin healer" rather than just another cosmetic procedure.
Is Rejuran worth the 2-3 days of embossing downtime? For patients seeking fundamental skin quality improvement—better texture, reduced scarring, enhanced radiance, and long-term regeneration—absolutely. Just remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Results develop gradually through multiple sessions, but the improvement is genuine, biological, and lasting.
Ready to experience Korea's revolutionary skin healing treatment? Book a consultation at a Seoul clinic to discover if Rejuran is your path to healthier, more resilient skin.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Rejuran treatments and should not be considered medical advice. Rejuran carries risks including allergic reactions, infection, and prolonged swelling. Results vary significantly by individual, treatment protocol, and number of sessions. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individuals with severe fish or seafood allergies should discuss potential risks with an allergist before treatment. The embossing effect is a normal expected reaction but requires 2-3 days of social downtime. The information provided is based on general practices in Korea as of 2025 and may not reflect specific clinic protocols or the most current medical guidelines. Do not use this article as a substitute for professional medical consultation.
Last Updated: November 7, 2025 Reading Time: 9 minutes
