PDRN Injection
How injectable PDRN works, what it costs, and what to expect
Injectable PDRN — delivered into the dermis by a clinician — is the form of PDRN with real clinical evidence behind it. This guide covers how it works, what it costs, what to expect during and after treatment, side effects, and the regulatory situation in the US.
PDRN injection is a medical procedure that must only be performed by a licensed, experienced clinician using legitimate, approved products. This page is educational information, not a recommendation to seek treatment. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic physician.
What is PDRN injection?
PDRN injection (also called a "skin booster") delivers polydeoxyribonucleotide directly into the dermis using a series of micro-injections. The best-known product is Rejuran Healer, made by PharmaResearch in South Korea. Related products use polynucleotide (PN), the longer-chain form of the same DNA-derived ingredient.
The treatment is a routine aesthetic procedure in South Korea, where it is sometimes called a "skin booster" because it is intended to improve overall skin quality — elasticity, hydration, fine lines, texture — rather than target a specific concern like a filler would.
How injectable PDRN works
Because the PDRN is injected into the dermis, it bypasses the skin barrier entirely and reaches living tissue directly. The two proposed mechanisms (described in detail on our main guide) can actually operate:
- Adenosine A2A receptor activation — dampening inflammation and promoting fibroblast activity (the cells that build collagen).
- Nucleotide salvage supply — providing ready-made building blocks for DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing, repairing cells.
Downstream effects credited to injectable PDRN include:
- Improved wound healing, including chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers Strong evidence
- Skin rejuvenation: elasticity, hydration, fine lines Moderate evidence
- Post-procedure recovery (after laser, microneedling) Moderate evidence
- Scar improvement, hair regrowth Early / limited
Injection vs. topical PDRN
This is the single most important distinction in the PDRN world, and the one most marketing deliberately blurs.
| Injectable PDRN | Topical PDRN | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Into the dermis, by a clinician | Onto the skin surface (serum, cream, mask) |
| Barrier problem | Bypassed entirely | DNA fragments are large; stratum corneum blocks most of them |
| Evidence base | Multiple clinical studies, including RCTs | Mostly in-vitro, small, or brand-funded |
| Regulation | Medical procedure (regulated) | Cosmetic (not FDA pre-approved) |
| Cost | $150-$800 per session | $15-$50 per product |
The bottom line: topical PDRN products are well-formulated moisturisers with repair-supporting ambitions. Injectable PDRN is a clinical treatment with real evidence. They are not interchangeable, and no serum can reproduce an injection's results.
Cost and treatment course
Typical pricing (varies by clinic, location and product):
- South Korea: 200,000-500,000 KRW ($150-$400 USD) per session. Korea is the cheapest market because the procedure is routine and competition is high.
- US / Europe: $300-$800 per session. Fewer clinics offer it, and overhead is higher.
- Treatment course: Most protocols recommend 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.
The total cost for an initial course in the US is typically $900-$3,200. This is significantly more expensive than any topical PDRN product, but the evidence base is also significantly stronger.
Side effects and downtime
Common (self-limiting)
- Transient redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at injection sites
- Small bumps (papules) at injection points — typically resolve within 24-72 hours
- Mild headache on the day of treatment
- Downtime of 2-3 days is typical
Rare (requires clinical attention)
- Infection — which is why sterile technique and a licensed clinician are essential
- Nodules or granulomas at injection sites
- Allergic reaction (PDRN is salmonid-derived; fish allergy is a contraindication)
Contraindications: Do not receive PDRN injections if you are pregnant or nursing, have a fish or salmon allergy, have active skin infection or inflammation at the treatment site, or have an immunocompromised condition. Always disclose your full medical history to your clinician beforehand.
US regulatory status
Injectable PDRN and polynucleotide products like Rejuran are not FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. Some clinics offer them, but the regulatory status is uncertain and evolving. If you are considering treatment in the US:
- Verify that the clinician is licensed and experienced with PDRN/PN injectables.
- Ask which specific product is being used and whether it has any regulatory clearance (even if not FDA-approved for cosmetics, some products may have other clearances).
- Be cautious of clinics that cannot provide product details or that offer prices that seem implausibly low.
In South Korea, PDRN/PN injectables are regulated medical devices and the procedure is routine. If you are travelling to Korea for treatment, choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PDRN injection?
A PDRN injection (also called a skin booster) delivers polydeoxyribonucleotide directly into the dermis using micro-injections. The best-known product is Rejuran Healer. Because PDRN reaches living tissue directly, the injection has clinical evidence for wound healing and skin rejuvenation that topical products cannot match.
How much does PDRN injection cost?
In South Korea, a session typically costs 200,000-500,000 KRW ($150-$400 USD). In the US and Europe, prices are higher — typically $300-$800 per session depending on the clinic and area treated. Most people need 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Is PDRN injection approved in the US?
Injectable PDRN/polynucleotide products like Rejuran are not FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. Some clinics offer them, but the regulatory status is uncertain. Always verify that any injection is performed by a licensed, experienced clinician using legitimate products.
What are the side effects of PDRN injections?
Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising and small bumps at injection sites, typically resolving within a few days. Rare side effects include infection, nodules or allergic reaction. This is why it must be performed by a licensed clinician with sterile technique.
How does PDRN injection compare to topical PDRN serums?
Injectable PDRN bypasses the skin barrier and delivers the ingredient directly to living tissue, where it can activate A2A receptors and support tissue repair. Topical PDRN must cross the stratum corneum, which severely limits penetration of large DNA fragments. The clinical evidence for injectable PDRN is strong; for topical PDRN it is weak.
References & Sources
- Squadrito F, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2014) — RCT of injectable PDRN in diabetic foot ulcers — the strongest clinical evidence.
- Lampridou S, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol (2025) — Systematic review of aesthetic PN injections: 9 studies, 219 patients.
- Alhussain AM, et al. Cureus (2026) — Systematic review of RCTs: no serious treatment-related adverse events.
- Chosun Ilbo (English) — Rejuran and US regulatory status — Injectable polynucleotide (Rejuran) is not FDA-approved in the US.
- Kim ST. Pharmaceutics (2025) — Comprehensive review of PDRN/PN mechanisms and clinical applications.