Collagen Growth Skinbooster (Salmon DNA)
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster is a polynucleotide (PN/PDRN) injectable treatment that uses highly purified DNA fragments — derived from salmon milt — to support the skin’s own repair signalling and collagen remodelling processes. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers or skin boosters, which primarily add volume or hydration to the skin, polynucleotide injectables act through a different mechanism: the PDRN molecules are proposed to engage adenosine A2A receptors in the skin’s fibroblast cells, supporting fibroblast activity, modulating inflammation, and encouraging the skin’s own extracellular matrix (ECM) production over a series of treatment sessions.
At EHA Clinic, this treatment uses a polynucleotide skinbooster formulation administered by our medical doctors. It is customised based on the individual’s skin condition and goals. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Collagen Growth Skinbooster (Salmon DNA)
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster is a polynucleotide (PN/PDRN) injectable treatment that uses highly purified DNA fragments — derived from salmon milt — to support the skin’s own repair signalling and collagen remodelling processes. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers or skin boosters, which primarily add volume or hydration to the skin, polynucleotide injectables act through a different mechanism: the PDRN molecules are proposed to engage adenosine A2A receptors in the skin’s fibroblast cells, supporting fibroblast activity, modulating inflammation, and encouraging the skin’s own extracellular matrix (ECM) production over a series of treatment sessions.
At EHA Clinic, this treatment uses a polynucleotide skinbooster formulation administered by our medical doctors. It is customised based on the individual’s skin condition and goals. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Treatment at a Glance
Procedure type
Expected Results
Progressive improvement in skin hydration, texture, and quality over the course of the initial treatment series; may help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, acne scars, fine lines, skin redness, and uneven skin tone. Results vary with individuals.
Downtime
Treatment Areas
Face, neck, hands (and other areas — assessed at consultation)
Procedure Time
Approximately 30–60 minutes including numbing cream application
What is the Collagen Growth Skinbooster?
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster at EHA Clinic uses a polynucleotide (PN/PDRN) injectable formulation. It contains polynucleotides — short, purified DNA-chain fragments extracted from salmon milt (sperm) and extensively processed to remove proteins that could trigger an immune reaction. The final product is composed predominantly of sterile water and polynucleotide, making it a fundamentally different formulation from hyaluronic acid fillers or skin boosters.
Why salmon-derived DNA?
Salmon DNA was selected as the source material because its nucleotide base composition is closely compatible with human DNA, and because it is an abundant, well-characterised biological source that can be consistently processed and purified. The polynucleotide chains extracted from salmon milt have been extensively studied in tissue engineering, wound healing, and aesthetic medicine research over more than two decades.
How is this different from HA skin boosters and fillers?
PN/PDRN Skinbooster
Primary ingredient
Polynucleotides (PDRN/PN) — salmon-derived
Primary mechanism
Repair signalling via A2A receptor; supports fibroblast activity and ECM production
Does it add volume?
No — not a filler
Injection points
Multiple microinjections across the treatment area
Suitable for fish allergy
No — salmon-derived; fish allergy is a contraindication
Vegan/vegetarian
Not suitable — animal-derived source
Primary indication
Skin repair, scar improvement, pore reduction, texture, redness
HA Skinbooster
PRIMARY INGREDIENT
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Primary mechanism
Hydration — HA holds water in treated tissue
Does it add volume?
Mild temporary volume from HA
Injection points
Multiple microinjections
Suitable for fish allergy
Yes
Vegan/vegetarian
Synthetic HA — suitable
Primary indication
Deep hydration, glow, radiance
Bio-Remodelling HA
Primary ingredient
Thermally cross-linked HA (high + low molecular weight)
Primary mechanism
Hydration + bio-remodelling — stimulates collagen and elastin indirectly
Does it add volume?
Mild temporary volume from HA
Injection points
10 Bio-Aesthetic Points (BAP) for face
Suitable for fish allergy
Yes
Vegan/vegetarian
Synthetic HA — suitable
Primary indication
Skin laxity, hydration, elasticity
How Does the Collagen Growth Skinbooster Work?
Polynucleotides and the A2A Receptor Mechanism
The leading proposed mechanism for how PDRN/PN supports skin repair involves the adenosine A2A receptor pathway. When polynucleotide molecules are injected into the dermis, they are proposed to bind to adenosine A2A receptors on fibroblast cells — the cells responsible for producing the skin’s structural components including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Activation of this receptor pathway supports fibroblast activity and modulates the inflammatory environment in the treated tissue, creating conditions that favour skin repair and ECM regeneration rather than breakdown.
In addition, the nucleotide fragments themselves may enter the salvage pathway — being broken down and recycled as building blocks for cellular DNA repair and energy metabolism in the treated tissue.
DNA Polymer Scaffolding
When Collagen Growth Skinbooster is injected into the superficial skin layers, the polynucleotide chains form a transient three-dimensional structural scaffold in the tissue. Fibroblasts can attach to and migrate along this scaffold, supporting organised ECM production — collagen and elastin fibres grow along this scaffold structure rather than in a disorganised pattern. This is proposed to be the mechanism behind the texture and scar improvement effects observed clinically.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
PDRN has been extensively studied in wound healing contexts and has a well-documented anti-inflammatory effect through its action on the A2A receptor. This anti-inflammatory mechanism is relevant in the context of skin conditions involving chronic redness, post-inflammatory discolouration, and the inflammatory component of acne scarring.
What the Evidence Shows
A 2024 review of polynucleotide and PDRN use in aesthetic medicine concluded that the mechanisms of action include stimulation of collagen synthesis, improvement of skin elasticity, and enhancement of dermal regeneration. A 2025 comparative study confirmed that PN and PDRN are distinct molecules with different biological activities, with PDRN showing particular activity via the A2A pathway.
It is important to set realistic expectations: the evidence base for PDRN in aesthetic medicine is composed largely of small clinical trials, and results build gradually over a treatment course. The treatment is designed for progressive skin quality improvement — not for immediate visible change after a single session, and not for adding structural volume or contour (unlike fillers).
Step-by-step Treatment Process
1. Consultation
The doctor assesses the patient’s skin condition, areas of concern, medical history (including fish or seafood allergy), current skincare regimen, and treatment goals. Suitability for PN/PDRN treatment is confirmed. The expected outcomes, treatment protocol, and any risks are discussed. Informed consent is obtained before any treatment proceeds.
2. Preparation
The face is thoroughly cleansed. A topical numbing cream is applied and left on for approximately 20–30 minutes to minimise discomfort during the multiple microinjections.
3. Injection
The numbing cream is removed. The doctor administers Collagen Growth Skinbooster via multiple microinjections into the superficial skin layers (papillary dermis) across the treatment area, using either a fine needle by hand or an automated injection device. Immediately after injection, multiple small bumps (papules) will be visible at each injection point — this is a normal and expected response to the superficial placement of the polynucleotide gel. The treatment typically takes 15–30 minutes for the injection phase.
4. Post-procedure
After the session, a soothing serum and sunscreen are applied. Post-treatment care instructions are provided. The small papules at injection sites typically resolve within 24 hours; mild redness and tenderness may persist for 1–3 days.
What Can the Collagen Growth Skinbooster Address?
ACNE SCARS
The polynucleotide scaffold and A2A receptor-mediated fibroblast activation may help support skin repair and collagen remodelling in the superficial tissue of atrophic acne scars. This effect is gradual and cumulative over a series of sessions.
ENLARGED PORES
As skin quality and dermal collagen density improve over the treatment series, pore appearance may progressively reduce. This is an indirect effect of improved skin elasticity and ECM quality rather than a direct pore-shrinking mechanism.
SKIN REDNESS AND SENSITIVITY
The anti-inflammatory properties of PDRN, mediated via the A2A receptor pathway, may help reduce chronic skin redness and sensitivity in treated areas over time.
FINE LINES AND EARLY WRINKLES
Progressive improvement in dermal collagen and elastin content may help reduce the appearance of superficial fine lines as the skin matrix is remodelled over the treatment series.
SKIN DRYNESS AND DULLNESS
The polynucleotide scaffold supports the skin’s ECM environment, which contributes to the skin’s own HA and moisture-binding capacity. Improvement in skin hydration and quality is reported clinically after a completed treatment series.
UNEVEN SKIN TONE AND TEXTURE
Improved cellular turnover and ECM quality from repeated sessions may contribute to progressive improvement in overall skin texture and tone evenness.
OILY SKIN (SEBUM REGULATION)
Improvement in the skin’s barrier function and ECM quality may contribute to normalisation of sebum production over time, as reported in some clinical observations. This effect is indirect and varies between individuals.
What Results Can You Expect
Immediately after treatment
Multiple small bumps (papules) will be visible at injection points immediately after the session — this is normal and expected. Mild redness, tenderness, and swelling at injection sites are common.
24–72 hours
The injection-site papules typically resolve within 24 hours. Any bruising that occurred may take a few days to resolve. Mild redness and tenderness settle over 1–3 days.
1–2 weeks post-session
Initial improvements in skin texture and hydration may begin to be noticeable. These early changes reflect the beginning of the fibroblast and ECM repair response.
After the initial treatment series (3–4 sessions)
Cumulative improvement in skin quality, texture, pore appearance, and overall skin tone is typically most apparent after the completion of the full initial treatment series of 3–4 sessions. Results build progressively over the weeks following the final session as ECM remodelling matures.
Longevity and maintenance
The effects of a completed initial series are generally observed to last approximately 6 months before a maintenance session is recommended. Results are not permanent — they fade as the polynucleotide scaffold is gradually absorbed and the ECM repair stimulus diminishes without further treatment.
Results vary between individuals. The degree of improvement depends on the skin condition being addressed, the number of sessions completed, individual biological response, and adherence to post-treatment skincare and sun protection. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Side Effects and Risks
Common, expected side effects
- Multiple small bumps (papules) at injection points — normal and expected; typically resolve within 24 hours
- Redness and mild swelling at the treated area (typically resolves within 1–3 days)
- Tenderness at injection sites
- Bruising (mild; risk varies depending on the area and injection technique used)
Less common side effects
- Prolonged redness or swelling beyond 3–5 days
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at injection sites (uncommon; risk is slightly higher in darker Fitzpatrick skin types)
- Nodule formation at injection site (rare; may occur if product is placed too superficially or if there is an atypical tissue response)
Rare side effects
- Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction — the source material is salmon-derived; any individual with a known fish or seafood allergy must disclose this at consultation as this is a contraindication for treatment
- Infection at injection site (very rare; managed with antibiotics if it occurs)
At EHA Clinic, Collagen Growth Skinbooster treatments are performed only by trained medical doctors. Full details of potential side effects and risks are discussed at consultation, and informed consent is obtained before treatment proceeds.
Who May Be Suitable for the Collagen Growth Skinbooster?
Suitable candidates:
- Adults of any age wishing to support progressive improvement in overall skin quality, texture, hydration, and radiance
- Individuals with acne scarring, enlarged pores, or skin redness where the repair-signalling mechanism of PDRN may support gradual improvement
- Those with fine lines and superficial wrinkles associated with skin quality decline rather than volume loss
- Individuals with oily or unbalanced skin seeking progressive improvement in sebum regulation and skin barrier quality
- Patients seeking a non-volumising injectable option — those who do not want or need added volume or structural lift
- Those willing to undergo an initial series of 3–4 sessions to achieve cumulative benefit
- All skin types and Fitzpatrick types are generally appropriate, including darker skin types — the treatment is not dependent on melanin
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster may NOT be suitable for individuals with:
- Known allergy to fish or seafood — the polynucleotide source is salmon-derived; this is a firm contraindication
- Vegan or vegetarian patients who wish to avoid animal-derived medical products
- Active skin infections, open wounds, or inflamed acne lesions in the treatment area
- Active cold sores or herpes simplex lesions in the treatment area
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Autoimmune conditions or active inflammatory skin disease (assessed individually)
- Unrealistic expectations — the treatment produces gradual, progressive improvement over a session series, not immediate visible results after a single session
Suitability is assessed at consultation. The doctor will review medical history, allergies, current skincare regimen, and skin condition before recommending a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Collagen Growth Skinbooster?
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster is a polynucleotide (PN/PDRN) injectable derived from salmon DNA to support the skin’s own repair signalling, fibroblast activity, and collagen remodelling. It is delivered via multiple microinjections into the superficial skin layers and is designed for progressive skin quality improvement over a treatment series. It is not a filler and does not add volume or change facial structure.
What are polynucleotides (PDRN/PN)?
Polynucleotides are short DNA-chain fragments — the same molecular building blocks that make up DNA — purified from salmon milt and processed to remove immunogenic proteins. When injected into the skin, they are proposed to activate repair-signalling pathways in the skin’s fibroblast cells (the cells that produce collagen and elastin), support the skin’s own ECM production, and provide an anti-inflammatory effect. They are distinct from hyaluronic acid fillers in both composition and mechanism of action.
What specific product does EHA Clinic use?
The specific product used is discussed with you during your in-clinic consultation, where the doctor can explain the formulation, its origin, and how it is administered in full clinical context.
How is this different from a regular skin booster or Profhilo?
Standard HA skin boosters primarily deliver hydration via hyaluronic acid microinjections. It is a high-concentration, thermally cross-linked HA product that provides both hydration and bio-remodelling effects. The Collagen Growth Skinbooster contains polynucleotides rather than HA — it is a repair signalling treatment rather than a hydration treatment, and is designed for skin quality improvement including scar, pore, and redness concerns. It does not add volume. If hydration is the primary goal, HA-based options may be more appropriate — your doctor will advise at consultation.
How many sessions do I need?
An initial course of 3–4 sessions, each spaced approximately 3–4 weeks apart, is recommended to achieve cumulative skin quality improvement. After completing the initial series, a maintenance session is typically recommended at 6–12 months. The protocol will be confirmed and personalised at consultation based on your skin condition and goals.
When will I see results?
Results from the Collagen Growth Skinbooster are gradual and build over the treatment series — this treatment is not designed for immediate visible change after a single session. Initial improvements in skin texture and hydration may become noticeable within 1–2 weeks of each session. The most evident improvement is typically apparent after the full initial series is completed, as the ECM repair response matures.
Is the treatment painful?
Topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure. Multiple microinjections are administered across the treatment area — some patients find this more uncomfortable than treatments with fewer injection points. The automated injection device option may improve comfort compared to manual needle injection. Individual tolerance varies.
What are the bumps I see after treatment?
The multiple small papules (bumps) visible at injection points immediately after treatment are a normal and expected result of the superficial placement of the polynucleotide gel. They typically resolve within 24 hours as the product integrates into the tissue. They are not a sign of allergy or adverse reaction.
I eat fish but am not allergic — is that the same as being suitable?
Not necessarily related. The relevant contraindication is a known allergy to fish or seafood products (an immune-mediated allergic reaction), not simply eating fish as a dietary preference. If you have any history of fish allergy, hives, or allergic reactions to seafood, you must disclose this at consultation, as the polynucleotide source is salmon-derived.
Is it safe for darker skin types?
The polynucleotide mechanism does not depend on skin pigmentation. The treatment is generally appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin types. There is a small risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) at injection sites in darker skin types, which is a consideration that will be discussed at consultation. Settings and aftercare will be adjusted accordingly.
Can the Collagen Growth Skinbooster be combined with other treatments?
This treatment may be used alongside other skin quality treatments such as the Multifrax Digital Peel Laser, Gold RF Microneedling, or Botulinum Toxin, depending on the individual’s concerns. Research suggests that combination approaches using PDRN with complementary treatments may produce enhanced outcomes compared to PDRN alone in certain indications. The combination approach, sequencing, and timing will be discussed at consultation.
Who performs this treatment at EHA Clinic?
All Collagen Growth Skinbooster treatments are performed only by registered medical doctors at EHA Clinic, in accordance with the SMC Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors and Singapore’s Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) regulatory framework.
Can you show before-and-after photos or guarantee results?
In accordance with Singapore’s MOH/HCSA advertising regulations, before-and-after photos are not displayed in public advertising materials. Example images may be viewed in-clinic during consultation for educational purposes, with appropriate clinical context. Results cannot be guaranteed; individual outcomes vary.
How is cost determined?
Cost depends on the areas treated, the number of syringes used, and the number of sessions in the treatment plan. A personalised estimate will be provided at consultation.
Post-treatment care
- The small papules (bumps) at injection points are expected and will typically resolve within 24 hours — do not massage, press, or attempt to “smooth out” the treatment area
- Apply a gentle cold compress (wrapped in clean cloth — not directly on skin) if swelling is significant in the first few hours
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) from the day of treatment onwards
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 week after treatment
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser only; avoid active topical ingredients (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C) for at least 3–5 days or as directed by the doctor
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and alcohol for 24–48 hours post-treatment
- Do not apply makeup over the treatment area for at least 6–12 hours or until the papules have resolved
- Attend your next scheduled session to maintain the treatment course and achieve cumulative improvement
- Contact the clinic if you experience prolonged swelling, unusual pain, or any symptoms that concern you
Book a Consultation
The Collagen Growth Skinbooster is suitable for adults of all ages and skin types who are looking to support progressive improvement in skin quality, texture, and overall skin health through a series of injectable sessions. A consultation with our medical doctors is required to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Alternatively, reach out to us for a non-obligatory consultation
Meet your EHA Clinic Doctor
Dr. Elias Tam, the Doctor Trainer
Dr. Elias Tam, with over 30 years in medicine, leads EHA Clinic, focusing on advancing technical standards in aesthetic medicine. He holds the position of Clinical Lecturer at University College London. Throughout his many years as an aesthetic doctor, Dr. Tam has held multiple hands-on training sessions and seminars, sharing his vast knowledge and expertise with aspiring doctors in the field.
Under his guidance, EHA Clinic offers a safe and comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments for the face, body, and hair; including clinically established treatments such as hair transplants, non-surgical face-lifting, body sculpting, fillers and other injectable treatments.