Salmon DNA / PDRN Aftercare — Day by Day
Everything you need to prepare for and recover from a Salmon DNA / PDRN skin-regeneration session with Dr Azra Vaziri in Dubai. The aftercare below applies to Rejuran and other salmon-DNA / PDRN treatments. Because PDRN works by repairing tissue and stimulating your own collagen, good pre- and post-care helps you get smoother, more radiant skin with the least downtime.
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This guide covers recovery only. The treatment itself — in brief, from the Rejuran / Salmon DNA treatment page:
- Procedure
- 20 min numbing cream, then 30–45 min of micro-injections (needle or Dermapen)
- Course
- 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart; maintenance every 3–6 months
- Results
- Hydration and glow in week 1; texture, elasticity and fine lines improve over 4–6 weeks; a full course lasts 6–12 months
- Options
- Rejuran Healer (face), Rejuran I (under-eye), Rejuran HB (PDRN + hyaluronic acid)
How PDRN repairs skin, who is and is not a candidate, how it compares with Profhilo, exosomes and PRP, and 17 answered questions are on the treatment page.
— Why It Matters
Why Aftercare Matters for PDRN
Salmon DNA / PDRN is a regenerative treatment. The polynucleotides are placed into the skin through fine micro-injections, and your body then spends the following days and weeks repairing tissue and building fresh collagen. What you do during that recovery window genuinely shapes the result.
Looking after the skin while it heals keeps the injection points calm, lowers the chance of bruising or irritation, and gives the polynucleotides the best possible environment to work. The steps on this page are simple — the difference comes from following them through the full course, not just the first day. Done well, aftercare is what turns a good session into smoother, firmer, more even skin with the least downtime.
— Before Your Treatment
How to Prepare (Before Care)
Do — before your session
- Hydrate well for a day or two beforehand — well-hydrated skin responds better to PDRN
- Arrive with clean, bare skin (no make-up or heavy skincare on the day)
- Tell Dr Azra about all medications, supplements and any history of cold sores
- Inform Dr Azra of any fish allergies.
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- Eat a light meal before your appointment to stay comfortable during the micro-injections
- Plan sessions as a short course — results build gradually, so keep follow-up dates free
Avoid before
- Blood thinners & anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 1 week — only with your doctor’s guidance — as they increase bruising
- Alcohol for at least 24 hours before
- Retinol, AHA/BHA and strong vitamin C for 2–3 days beforehand
- Treatment if you have an active skin infection, breakout or cold sore in the area
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- Waxing, aggressive exfoliation or facials in the days just before
— Recovery Timeline
After Your Treatment — Day by Day
First 24 hours
24hYou may see small raised bumps, tiny pinpoint marks and mild redness or swelling at the injection points
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— all normal and usually settling within hours to a day. Leave the injection points completely alone, skip make-up for 12–24 hours, and use only gentle skincare. A cool compress can ease any warmth; do not rub or massage.
Days 1–7
1–7Avoid strenuous exercise, sauna, steam rooms and very hot showers for 24–48 hours.
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Hold off on retinol, AHA/BHA and vitamin C for 48 hours, then reintroduce gently. Cleanse with a mild cleanser, moisturise, and apply SPF 50 daily. Any minor bruising or dryness typically fades across this week.
Weeks 2–4
2–4Skin looks calmer, better hydrated and more even as PDRN drives repair and early collagen renewal.
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Avoid facials, chemical peels and laser for about a week after each session. This is often when your next session in the course is scheduled to layer the results.
Week 6 onward
6+The regenerative effect keeps building
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— expect firmer texture, a healthier glow and improved fine lines and pores over several weeks. A review with Dr Azra confirms progress and whether maintenance sessions or a complementary skin booster would help.
Managing Common Reactions
Bruising
Small bruises at the injection points are more likely if you took blood thinners beforehand. Cool the area gently and cover with mineral make-up after 24 hours; most fade within a week.
Swelling & bumps
Tiny raised bumps and light swelling are simply fluid settling in. Keep your head slightly elevated the first night and avoid pressing or massaging the area.
Dryness or tightness
Skin can feel dry as it repairs. Use a bland, fragrance-free moisturiser and hold off retinol, acids and vitamin C for 48 hours before easing them back in.
Redness & sensitivity
Mild redness usually calms within hours to a day. Protect the skin with mineral SPF 50 and stay out of direct sun, saunas and steam while it settles.
| Timeframe | What you’ll notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Pinpoint marks, tiny bumps, mild redness or swelling at the injection points | Leave the points alone; no make-up for 12–24h; gentle skincare only; a cool compress for any warmth |
| Days 1–7 | Any minor bruising or dryness gradually fades | No sweating, heat or hot showers for 24–48h; pause actives 48h; cleanse, moisturise and apply SPF 50 daily |
| Weeks 2–4 | Skin looks calmer, better hydrated and more even | Avoid facials, peels and laser for about a week; attend your next session in the course |
| Week 6 onward | Firmer texture, a healthier glow, softer fine lines and pores | Review with Dr Azra to confirm progress and plan any maintenance |
— Do & Don’t
Aftercare Do’s & Don’ts
✓ Do
- Leave the injection points alone and keep the area clean and dry
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
- Moisturise well and apply mineral SPF 50 every morning
- Drink plenty of water to support the skin’s repair
- Reintroduce actives slowly after 48 hours
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- Complete the full recommended course for the best, longer-lasting result
✗ Don’t
When to contact the clinic. Mild redness, tiny bumps, pinpoint marks and light swelling at the injection points are completely normal after Salmon DNA / PDRN and settle within a day or two.
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Contact Dr Azra promptly if you notice severe or increasing pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus or fever, a cold-sore flare, or any swelling that worsens after 48 hours rather than improving — WhatsApp +971 50 180 1793.
- No make-up over the points for 12–24 hours
- No strenuous exercise, sauna, steam or hot showers for 24–48 hours
- No retinol, AHA/BHA or vitamin C for 48 hours
- No facials, chemical peels or laser for about 1 week
- Don’t rub, massage, scratch or pick at the injection points
- Avoid direct sun and alcohol for the first 24–48 hours
— Common Questions
Salmon DNA / PDRN Aftercare FAQ
How much downtime is there after Salmon DNA / PDRN?
Downtime is minimal. Most people have small bumps, pinpoint marks and mild redness for a few hours up to a day, and return to normal activities the same day. If you tend to bruise, allow a couple of days before a big event. See the full Salmon DNA / PDRN treatment page for what to expect.
When can I exercise, use the sauna or take a hot shower?
Avoid strenuous exercise, sauna, steam rooms and very hot showers for 24–48 hours, as heat and sweating can irritate the injection points. Gentle walking and cool showers are fine straight away.
When can I wear make-up and wash my face?
Leave the injection points alone and skip make-up for 12–24 hours. You can cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser the same evening — just avoid rubbing, scrubbing or using cleansing brushes over the treated area.
How many sessions do I need and when will I see results?
Salmon DNA / PDRN works as a course — usually 3–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Because it stimulates repair and your own collagen, results build gradually over several weeks, with skin looking more hydrated, even and firm. It pairs well with polynucleotide therapy and Rejuran; you can compare options on our price list.
Are small bumps and redness after the injections normal?
Yes. Tiny raised bumps, pinpoint marks and mild redness or swelling at the injection points are a normal reaction to the micro-injections and usually settle within a few hours to a day. If anything worsens after 48 hours or you see spreading redness, pain or fever, contact the clinic — you can also book a review with Dr Azra.
When can I go back to my usual skincare and actives?
Pause retinol, AHA/BHA exfoliants and strong vitamin C for about 48 hours, then reintroduce them one at a time so you can see how your skin responds. Keep using a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturiser and SPF 50 throughout — these help the skin repair rather than hinder it.
Can I fly or travel after Salmon DNA / PDRN?
Short travel is generally fine the same day, as downtime is minimal. If you have an important event or a long-haul flight, allow a couple of days in case of minor bruising or swelling, keep hydrated, and carry a mineral SPF. Avoid saunas, steam rooms and very hot environments for the first 24–48 hours.
