What to Expect During a Rejuran Procedure for Acne Scars
When you undergo a Rejuran procedure for acne scars, you can expect a multi-step process that typically involves a consultation, a pre-treatment preparation phase, the injection session itself, and a post-treatment recovery period. The core of the treatment involves a series of micro-injections of a polynucleotide (PN) solution directly into the scarred areas of your skin. This solution works by stimulating your skin’s natural healing processes to remodel collagen and improve the texture and depth of scars. The entire experience, from the initial pinch of the needle to the days of slight redness afterward, is focused on achieving gradual, natural-looking improvement over several weeks.
The Science Behind the Solution: What’s in the Syringe?
Before the needle even touches your skin, it’s crucial to understand what’s being injected. Rejuran is not a traditional dermal filler like hyaluronic acid. Instead, its active ingredient is Polynucleotide (PN), which are long-chain DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm. Yes, you read that right—salmon. But don’t worry, the DNA is highly purified and processed to be safe and biocompatible for human use. The concept is based on the fact that DNA is a fundamental building block of life and plays a key role in cellular repair and regeneration.
Here’s a breakdown of how the PN solution works once it’s in your skin:
- Cellular Communication: The polynucleotides act as signaling molecules. They “tell” your fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid) to wake up and get to work. Acne scars often form because the skin’s healing process was disrupted or insufficient; PN helps restart and optimize this process.
- Collagen Remodeling: This is the primary goal for scar treatment. The PN stimulation encourages the production of new, well-organized Type I and Type III collagen. This new collagen gradually fills in atrophic scars (those that are pitted or sunken) and helps to break up the fibrous tissue in hypertrophic or keloid scars, making them softer and flatter.
- Anti-Inflammatory & Hydrating Effects: PN has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm the skin. It also attracts and binds water molecules, providing deep hydration that plumps the skin and improves its overall quality, making scars less noticeable.
The entire mechanism is about giving your skin the biological “tools” it needs to heal itself more effectively. The results aren’t instant like a filler; they build up over time as your skin naturally regenerates.
Step-by-Step: The Day of Your Procedure
Your appointment will typically last between 30 to 60 minutes. Let’s walk through what happens minute by minute.
1. Pre-Treatment Consultation (Again) and Consent:
Even if you had a prior consultation, the practitioner will likely do a quick review on the day of the procedure. They’ll confirm the treatment plan, mark the specific areas to be targeted (like rolling, boxcar, or icepick scars), and have you sign a consent form. This is your last chance to ask any lingering questions.
2. Numbing Cream Application (20-30 minutes):
To ensure your comfort, a topical numbing cream (often containing lidocaine and prilocaine) will be applied thickly to your entire treatment area. This will be covered with a cling film to help it penetrate effectively. You’ll sit back and relax for about 20-30 minutes. You’ll feel the area become tingly and numb.
3. Skin Cleansing:
The nurse or doctor will then thoroughly wipe off all the numbing cream using sterile gauze and an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine. This step is critical to prevent any bacteria on the skin’s surface from being pushed into the injection sites.
4. The Injection Process (10-20 minutes):
This is the main event. The practitioner will use a very fine-gauge needle (often 30G or 31G) or a specialized micro-injection device. They will perform multiple injections in a specific pattern, depositing tiny droplets of the PN solution into the mid-dermis layer of the skin. The technique is key:
- For widespread scarring: They may use a serial puncture or a threading technique, creating a grid-like pattern over the affected area.
- For specific, deep scars: They might use a cross-hatching technique directly into the base of the scar to lift it.
What will you feel? Even with numbing cream, you’ll likely feel a series of quick, sharp pricks or a stinging sensation. It’s generally very tolerable, often described as similar to a quick acupuncture session. Some areas, like around the mouth and nose, are more sensitive. You might hear a slight popping sound as the needle enters the skin. It’s common to see small wheals or bumps forming immediately after each injection as the solution is deposited; these settle down within hours.
5. Immediate Aftercare:
Once the injections are complete, the practitioner will gently massage the area to distribute the product evenly. They will then apply a soothing gel, aloe vera, or a post-procedure serum, and often finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You’ll be given a sheet of post-care instructions.
What to Expect Immediately After: The First 48 Hours
The immediate aftermath is characterized by a localized skin reaction. This is normal and a sign that the healing process has begun.
| Timeframe | Common Symptoms | What’s Happening Biologically | Actionable Do’s & Don’ts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 Hours | Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding/red dots (ecchymosis), raised bumps (welts), tenderness to touch. | Initial trauma response. Blood vessels are dilated, causing redness and swelling. The PN solution is starting to interact with local cells. | DO: Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) intermittently for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling. DON’T: Rub, scratch, or apply pressure to the area. |
| 6-48 Hours | Redness and swelling subside significantly. Minor bruising may appear. The skin may feel tight, dry, or itchy. | Acute inflammation is resolving. The PN is now actively signaling fibroblasts. The itching can be a sign of increased cellular activity and healing. | DO: Keep the area clean with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser. Apply recommended moisturizers. DON’T: Use active ingredients (Retin-A, AHA/BHA, Vitamin C). Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot showers, as heat can worsen swelling. |
The First Two Weeks: The Subtle Shift
By day 3 or 4, most of the visible side effects like redness and swelling are gone. You can usually cover any lingering pinkness or minor bruising with makeup. This is when patience becomes key. You won’t see dramatic changes yet. The magic is happening beneath the surface. The polynucleotides are busy modulating the cellular environment, reducing background inflammation, and kick-starting the neocollagenesis process (the creation of new collagen). You might, however, start to notice subtle improvements:
- Improved Hydration: Your skin may feel plumper and more hydrated due to the water-binding properties of PN.
- Subtle Texture Change: The overall skin texture might feel a bit smoother.
- Redness Reduction: Post-acne redness (erythema) can start to diminish thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects.
It is absolutely critical during this period to be diligent with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). UV exposure can not cause hyperpigmentation in the healing skin but can also break down collagen, counteracting the very repair you’re trying to achieve.
The Long Game: Seeing Results Over Months
Rejuran is not a quick fix. Collagen remodeling is a slow biological process. A typical treatment protocol involves 3 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart. Here’s a realistic timeline of what to expect in terms of visible scar improvement:
| Timeline | Expected Progress | Clinical Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| After 1st Session (4-6 weeks) | Initial improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. Mild softening of scar edges. Reduction in background skin redness. | The first wave of cellular signaling and mild collagen production has occurred. The skin’s foundation is being prepared. |
| After 2nd Session (8-10 weeks) | More noticeable improvement in scar depth and texture. Shadows cast by scars may appear lighter. Skin continues to feel thicker and more resilient. | Collagen remodeling is in full swing. The cumulative effect of two treatments builds a stronger regenerative response. |
| After 3rd Session (12+ weeks) | Optimal results are typically assessed 1-2 months after the final session. Scars are visibly softer, shallower, and smoother. Overall skin tone and quality are enhanced. | The full cycle of collagen maturation has taken place. New, healthy tissue has replaced damaged tissue, leading to structural improvement. |
Maintenance treatments are often recommended every 6-12 months to sustain and build upon the results, as the natural aging process and collagen degradation continue.
Realistic Outcomes and Combination Approaches
It’s essential to have realistic expectations. Rejuran is excellent for improving the appearance of scars, but it rarely results in 100% eradication, especially for very deep icepick scars. Improvement rates are often quoted in the range of 30-70% after a full series, depending on the scar type, age, and individual skin response. For this reason, many practitioners combine Rejuran with other modalities for a synergistic effect. This is often called a “multi-modal” or “combination therapy” approach.
- Rejuran + Subcision: Subcision uses a needle to break up the fibrous bands tethering rolling scars down. Rejuran is then injected to promote optimal healing and filling of the now-released scar. This is a very powerful combination for rolling scars.
- Rejuran + Fractional Laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium): The laser creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen, and Rejuran is injected either before (to prepare the skin) or after (to enhance healing and results).
- Rejuran + Microneedling (RF or regular): Similar to laser, the micro-channels created by microneedling allow for better penetration of the PN solution and provide an additional collagen-stimulating trigger.
The choice of combination depends entirely on your specific scar morphology and should be determined by an experienced dermatologist.