Microneedling with PDRN

If you've noticed your skin looking tired, uneven, or older than you feel — fine lines settling in, texture that's gone rough or bumpy, dark spots that won't fade, or acne scars that make you reach for extra concealer every morning — you're not alone, and you're not out of options. Microneedling with PDRN is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment offered by Rina Issakharian, PA-C, combining traditional microneedling with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) — a regenerative compound derived from purified salmon DNA. Together, they work to repair and refresh the skin from within, targeting fine lines, uneven texture, pigmentation, and acne scarring, without the downtime of more invasive procedures.

Why Patients Seek This Treatment

Skin concerns rarely show up one at a time, and they rarely stay the same size. A few fine lines around the eyes can turn into deeper creases. A handful of acne scars from years ago can start to feel like the first thing people notice in photos. Sun damage and hormonal changes can leave behind patches of pigmentation that no amount of concealer fully hides. Patients come to us for a range of reasons, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles that have started to feel permanent, especially around the eyes, forehead, and mouth
  • Rough, uneven, or dull-looking skin texture that makeup sits poorly on
  • Stubborn pigmentation or dark spots from sun exposure, hormonal changes, or old breakouts
  • Acne scars — whether shallow or pitted — that have lingered for years despite other treatments
  • A general sense that their skin looks tired or aged faster than they feel
  • Wanting a non-surgical option before considering more invasive procedures
  • Frustration with over-the-counter products and at-home devices that haven't delivered real results

Many patients have already tried serums, retinoids, or at-home microneedling tools with limited success. The difference with an in-office PDRN treatment is the combination of medical-grade needling depth and a regenerative compound that works with your skin's own repair process — not just on the surface, but at the level where new collagen is actually built.

What Is PDRN?

PDRN is a naturally derived molecule known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a long history of use in wound healing and tissue repair, and has more recently become popular in aesthetic medicine for its ability to support skin regeneration. When applied during microneedling, it's delivered directly into the skin through the micro-channels created by the treatment, where it supports the skin's natural repair process, calms inflammation, and helps stimulate new collagen production.

What Microneedling with PDRN Can Help With

  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Uneven or rough skin texture
  • Pigmentation and discoloration
  • Acne scars, including textural scarring
  • Overall skin dullness and loss of elasticity
  • Enlarged pores and uneven skin tone

How It Works

During treatment, a series of fine, sterile needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and collagen production. This process, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, prompts the skin to rebuild itself from the inside out. PDRN is then applied to the treated area, where it supports and enhances that repair process — helping the skin rebuild stronger, smoother, and more even in tone than microneedling alone typically achieves.

Because the treatment works with your body's own healing mechanisms rather than against them, results tend to look natural and develop gradually, rather than producing an overdone or artificial appearance.

What to Expect

Microneedling with PDRN is an in-office procedure with minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for patients balancing treatment with work and family schedules. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to keep patients comfortable throughout. Most patients see the best results with a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, and results build gradually as the skin regenerates collagen over time — many patients notice smoother texture and a healthier glow within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.

Because everyone's skin concerns and goals are different, Rina takes a personalized approach with every patient. During your consultation, she'll evaluate your skin, talk through what's bothering you most, and build a treatment plan — including how many sessions you're likely to need — around your specific goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate

Microneedling with PDRN is a good option for patients who:

  • Want to address fine lines, texture, pigmentation, or acne scarring without surgery
  • Have tried topical products or at-home devices without seeing meaningful improvement
  • Are looking for a treatment with minimal downtime that fits into a busy schedule
  • Want results that look natural rather than dramatic or "done"
  • Are exploring options before considering more invasive procedures like laser resurfacing or surgical treatments

Why Choose This Treatment at Michael Ghiam MD

Rina Issakharian, PA-C, brings a detail-oriented, personalized approach to every treatment plan, working closely with each patient to identify the right combination of technique and technology for their skin concerns. As part of a medical practice rather than a standalone med spa, treatments are performed with a level of clinical oversight and attention to individual patient history that's hard to find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microneedling with PDRN painful?

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Most patients tolerate the treatment well. A topical numbing cream is typically applied beforehand to minimize discomfort, and many patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or scratching rather than pain.

How many sessions will I need?

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This varies by patient and by the specific concern being treated. Patients addressing early fine lines may need fewer sessions than those targeting deeper acne scarring. Rina will recommend a session plan during your consultation based on your skin goals.

What is the downtime like?

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Downtime is minimal — most patients experience mild redness for a day or two, similar to a mild sunburn, and can typically return to normal activities, including wearing makeup, shortly after treatment.

What is PDRN made from?

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PDRN is a purified compound derived from salmon DNA, chosen for its biocompatibility with human skin and its regenerative properties.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

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Patients looking to improve fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation, or acne scarring are generally good candidates. A consultation with Rina will confirm whether this treatment is right for you and your skin type.

How soon will I see results?

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Because the treatment works by stimulating your skin's own collagen production, results build gradually over the weeks following treatment rather than appearing immediately. Most patients notice initial improvement within a few weeks, with fuller results developing over the following months.

How is this different from regular microneedling?

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Traditional microneedling relies on the needling process alone to stimulate collagen. Adding PDRN introduces a regenerative compound that works alongside that process, which many patients find leads to more noticeable improvements in texture, tone, and scarring.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

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In many cases, yes. Rina can discuss whether combining microneedling with PDRN with other treatments makes sense for your specific goals during your consultation.

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