English
LAX-semen treatment has recently gained attention in the beauty world as a new method of skin rejuvenation without surgery. In this article we explain what this treatment involves, how it works and what role polynucleotides play for the skin.
LAX-Semen Treatment refers to an aesthetic injection treatment using polynucleotides extracted from the semen or testes of salmon (often referred to as “salmon DNA”) to improve the quality of the skin. Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides -- the basic building blocks of DNA -- and in this case they come from salmonids. Through a controlled purification process, these DNA fragments are extracted from the semen of the salmon, while removing proteins or other substances that could give rise to immune reactions. The result is a clean and biocompatible product that the body tolerates well.
This type of treatment is sometimes called PN injection (after the English Polynucleotide) or more popular “salmon DNA injection”. In South Korea, the first commercial polynucleotide product was introduced in 2014 under the name Rejuran Healer , and since then the method has spread to clinics worldwide.
The treatment involves small amounts of the polynucleotide gel being injected superficially into the skin (often on the face) with fine needles. Unlike traditional Fillers, primarily used to create volume or fill out wrinkles, are polynucleotide treatments biostimulating. This means that they work by stimulating the skin's own repair and rejuvenation processes, rather than directly “filling out” something. The goal is a skin that becomes more supple, smoother and more youthful in tone — in a natural way.
When polynucleotides are injected into the skin, they act as active signaling molecules and building blocks that help repair and rejuvenate the tissue. Research shows that polynucleotides (such as PDRN, polydeoxyribonucleotide from salmon) have several biological effects: they can stimulate the growth of cells (cell proliferation), promote the formation of new blood vessels (Angiogenesis) and reduce inflammation. Simply explained, the polynucleotides bind to specific receptors (adenosine A₂A receptors) on the cells, which sets off a chain reaction in the layers of the skin. This signaling increases the production of, among other things, growth factors such as VEGF, which in turn increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the skin — something that favors healing and tissue regeneration.
At the same time, the supplied polynucleotides are gradually broken down into smaller constituents (nucleosides and nucleotides) that the skin's cells can reuse to build new DNA and repair damage. This process is called “Salvage Pathway” and means that the cells receive extra building material for regeneration. The combination of these mechanisms — increased cell activity, better blood flow and extra building blocks for the cells — leads to the skin beginning to produce more collagen and elastin (the proteins that give the skin strength and elasticity) as well as improving the skin's ability to recover.
After a series of polynucleotide injections, it can be expected that the skin will gradually become thicker and more elastic, fine lines can be softened, and the texture and moisture level of the skin will improve. The fish semen that is injected are biodegradable, meaning the body breaks them down over time. However, the effect does not arise from the substance itself in the long term, but from the repair response it triggers in the skin. Therefore, the result can persist even after the breakdown of the polynucleotides themselves, in the form of newly formed collagen and improved skin quality.
Fish Sperm Treatment with LAX DNA Aims at a holistic improvement of the quality of the skin. Unlike some other aesthetic treatments that target a specific problem (such as a single wrinkle or blemish), this method works on the overall health and appearance of the skin. Here are some of the main benefits and uses reported:
In summary, the lax polynucleotide treatment provides a general skin rejuvenation: better elasticity, more even skin tone, less visible fine lines and often a healthy glow. The effects come gradually as collagen is newly formed over weeks and months. Often the treatments are done as a course of, for example, 2—4 sessions every few weeks, and the full effect is evaluated only after a couple of months when the skin has had time to build up new collagen.
Facial skin is the most popular area (for a fresher, smoother appearance on the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, etc.), but the method can also be used on the neck, décolleté and hands — areas where aged skin can be thin and wrinkled. Because it improves the quality of the skin in general, it can treat everything from acne scars on the cheeks to sun-damaged skin on the chest. Some clinics use it even after more aggressive treatments (such as laser therapy, chemical peeling or microneedling) to accelerate healing and further boost results.
All procedures have certain risks, although polynucleotide treatment is considered relatively safe when performed by knowledgeable hands. Here are some side effects and risks to know:
To minimize risks, it is important that treatment is carried out by medically trained personnel in a sterile environment. Also, follow all aftercare advice carefully, as they are designed to provide the best healing and the least complications. On the whole, serious complications are very uncommon with this treatment, and most side effects are transient. Compared to more invasive interventions such as surgery, the risks and recovery time are lower, but on the other hand, the effect is also milder. It is important to have realistic expectations: polynucleotide treatment can give skin a healthier and more even appearance, but it cannot replace a surgical lift if you have very sagging skin or deep wrinkles.
Polynucleotide injections with lax DNA are a relatively new premium treatment in aesthetic skin care, and the cost reflects this. The price can vary quite a bit depending on the country, clinic and how many sessions are needed. Generally, you pay for the treatment out of pocket, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure and insurance typically does not cover it (exceptions may be if it is used medically for e.g. scars after injury, which is rare).
Internationally, countries in Asia, in particular, have been early on this trend. South Korea and Singapore are “Salmon DNA injections” popular and widely marketed. Even in the Middle East (e.g. Dubai), Turkey and North America, the treatment is offered in high-class clinics. Some examples of price levels (note that price can be quoted in local currency and per session):
Often, a course of several treatments is recommended for best results, usually 2—4 sessions every few weeks. The total cost then depends on how many treatments are carried out. One estimate is that a full course of treatment can land anywhere from 6,000-25,000 SEK, depending on the number of sessions and the area being treated.
IN Sweden The rest of Scandinavia begins polynucleotide treatments show up in some specialized clinics as the method spreads globally. The price situation here is often similar to that of other advanced injection treatments — expect several thousand crowns per treatment session.
It is always wise to consult a clinic directly to get a cost estimate based on your specific needs, as the price may vary with dose (how much of the product is injected) and if there are package offers for multiple treatments. Some clinics offer a package price if you buy, for example, three treatments at once. Keep in mind that sometimes additional fees may apply for consultation, anaesthesia or re-visit, but serious clinicians clearly inform about the total price in advance.
There are several other treatments that also aim at skin rejuvenation and improved skin quality. Here we compare the polynucleotide injection with some common alternatives:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) based injections, such as Skinboosters (e.g. Restylane Skinboosters) or new products such as Profhilo, are popular for giving the skin moisture and elasticity. Both polynucleotides and HA skin boosters are injected superficially to improve skin quality, but they act in different ways. Simply put, hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding gel that moisturizes the skin from the inside and can stimulate some collagen formation by stretching the dermis, while polynucleotides are biological chains that trigger the healing processes of the cells.
For example, Profhilo contains a very highly concentrated, pure hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump the skin, while Rejuran (a polynucleotide product) is based on lax DNA that focuses on repairing the skin's structure and cells. HA boosters often provide an immediate effect in the form of increased skin moisture and “bounciness”, while polynucleotides provide a more gradual improvement in skin structure and can have a longer-term collagen stimulating action. Both methods are minimally invasive and safe, and in some cases they combine to produce a synergistic effect (one can e.g. inject polynucleotides first for healing and then hyaluronic acid for extra moisture). One notable difference is that polynucleotide treatments tend to produce less swelling and bruising immediately afterwards compared to some traditional fillers, as the tissue tolerates the PN molecules well.
PRP, often called “vampire treatment,” is another popular injection method for skin rejuvenation. There, the patient's own blood is taken, centrifuged to extract plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected back into the skin. Both PRP and polynucleotides have in common that they are biological treatments designed to stimulate skin self-healing.
PRP is completely autologous -- that is, the body egg -- which means there is no risk of allergy or rejection. It releases a cocktail of natural factors that can increase collagen production, improve skin texture and give radiance, and is also used to stimulate hair growth. Polynucleotides, on the other hand, supply specific DNA building blocks and neurotransmitters directly to the skin.
One advantage of PRP is that it is your own material, but the disadvantage may be that the result varies depending on your blood quality and that the procedure involves blood sampling. PN injections are more standardized in content (a predetermined dose of a preparation with known content), which can give more even results between different treatment sessions.
Both methods are relatively gentle and usually need to be repeated for best effect. In practice, you don't have to choose either-or -- some clinics offer a combination, where you first make PRP and then polynucleotides, to get both growth factors and DNA building blocks into the skin. The combination is still relatively new, but conceptually it could provide an extra powerful regenerative stimulus.
To stimulate collagen and improve skin elasticity, other injectable treatments are also available. Examples include Sculptra (contains poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (contains calcium hydroxyapatite). These work by injecting tiny particles into the skin and triggering a controlled inflammation response that causes fibroblasts to form new collagen over time.
They are often used to return lost volume or fullness to the face while tightening the skin. Compared to them, polynucleotides are a different approach: PN does not add any solid particles or volume effects, but only biological chains that fuse into the tissue. Thus, they do not build volume in the same way, but the risk of nodules or irregularities that can sometimes occur with e.g. Sculptra is also lower. It can be said that polynucleotides primarily improve the skin's quality, while collagen-stimulating fillers can also affect outlines by volume. Depending on the individual's needs, different methods may fit — sometimes even these are combined (one might treat certain areas with e.g. Sculptra for padding, and polynucleotides more superficially for skin texture).
In addition to injections, there are of course completely external treatments such as chemical peeling, microneedling or laser which is also aimed at skin rejuvenation. One difference is that polynucleotide injections deliver active substances directly into the dermis (leather skin), whereas, for example, a cream or superficial peeling must act from the outside. The effect of PN injections can therefore be more noticeable in the deeper layers of the skin (at the collagen level).
On the other hand, laser or peeling can accomplish things that injections do not, such as reducing pigment spots or superficial blood vessels more effectively. Often, different types of treatments are combined into a complete rejuvenation plan. Polynucleotides can be an excellent supplement for optimizing the healing ability of the skin after, for example, a laser treatment, or as a separate treatment to rebuild the skin from the inside.
In conclusion, polynucleotide injections with LAX DNA are an innovative method for those who want to rejuvenate and improve their skin at the cellular level. The treatment works by stimulating the skin's own repair mechanisms and has shown promising results for increased skin quality and scar healing, with minimal down time and few side effects. However, it is important to have patience and realistic expectations -- the effects will come gradually and subtly. Think of it as a investment in skin health over time, rather than an immediate quick-fix. If you are looking for a natural “glow” and improvement from within, and are willing to undergo a few small needle pricks, this treatment may be worth considering. As always, consult with a knowledgeable therapist who can provide personalized guidance. With the right conditions and execution, the lax polynucleotide treatment can give your skin an extra dose of youthful vitality and radiance — and without the surgeon's knife.