PDGF+, Salmon Sperm DNA, PRP & DermaPRP: What's the Difference in Regenerative Skincare?
Regenerative Skincare
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Regenerative Skincare 🧬
PDGF+, Salmon Sperm DNA, PRP & DermaPRP: What's the Difference in Regenerative Skincare?
At About Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa, we’re proud to be at the forefront of Tucson aesthetics, offering some of the most advanced biostimulatory and regenerative treatments available. While these options all support collagen production and skin repair, they vary widely in how they work, how they’re applied, and what kinds of results they deliver.
If you're curious about natural-looking rejuvenation, this guide will help you decode the science and discover which treatment aligns with your skin goals.
What's the Difference in Regenerative Skincare?
Regenerative skincare is changing the face of aesthetics - literally. But with so many options like PDGF+, Salmon Sperm DNA (PDRN), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and DermaPRP on the menu, it’s no wonder patients are asking: What’s the difference, and which one is right for me?
What is PDGF+ (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)?
PDGF+ stands for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Plus, a cutting-edge serum that delivers a purified, lab-grown concentration of healing proteins found naturally in your body.
How it works: PDGF+ uses bioidentical growth factors that mimic your body's own regenerative response. These proteins are stabilized for consistency and potency - without requiring a blood draw or injection.
What it treats: Fine lines, uneven texture, overall skin luminosity, post-procedure healing, acne scars, and dullness.
Best for: Patients who want results comparable to (or better than) PRP without a blood draw, with greater consistency, and faster healing.
Pair PDGF+ with: Microneedling, Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, Laser Resurfacing, Alma TED Hair Restoration, and can be used alone to rejuvenate the under eye area.
Bonus: PDGF has been used safely in wound healing and regenerative medicine for over 15 years.
🔬 The Science: Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) are well-studied cytokines involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration. PDGF+ is based on recombinant technology—lab-engineered using human cell lines—and is not derived from blood or human tissue. While PDGF itself has FDA-approved medical uses in wound care (such as becaplermin gel), PDGF+ is currently used off-label for cosmetic purposes, supported by peer-reviewed studies and decades of regenerative medicine research.
What is Salmon Sperm DNA (PDRN)?
Also known as Polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN, this regenerative treatment is derived from purified salmon DNA known for its similarity to human DNA and strong anti-inflammatory properties.
How it works: PDRN helps stimulate tissue repair, collagen production, and improved microcirculation through adenosine A2A receptor activation.
What it treats: Redness, inflammation, dryness, uneven tone, and sensitive or compromised skin.
Best for: Patients with highly sensitive, damaged, or inflamed skin. It’s especially popular in Korean regenerative medicine and post-laser recovery.
Fun fact: Despite the name, there’s no “sperm” involved, just purified DNA fragments.
🔬 The Science: PDRN is backed by clinical trials and is widely used in Asia and Europe in both dermatology and wound healing. It is not currently FDA-approved in the U.S. for aesthetic use, but it has CE marking in the EU and MFDS approval in Korea. While early studies suggest PDRN may promote angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in post-laser recovery and aging skin, large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials are still limited, especially in aesthetic applications.
What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP is a tried-and-true favorite in regenerative aesthetics, using your own blood to boost healing.
How it works: After a small blood draw, your sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma rich in platelets. These platelets contain natural growth factors that stimulate healing and collagen production.
What it treats: Under-eye hollows, acne scars, early signs of aging, hair thinning, and skin dullness.
Best for: Patients who prefer autologous (self-derived) treatments and don’t mind a blood draw.
Pair PRP with: Microneedling aka Vampire Facial, Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, Laser Resurfacing, Alma TED Hair Restoration, and can be used alone to rejuvenate the under eye area.
Limitations: Results vary based on individual biology, age, and overall health.
🔬 The Science: PRP is FDA-cleared for orthopedic and wound healing applications, but not specifically for cosmetic use. However, its off-label use in aesthetics is widely accepted and supported by a growing body of clinical studies. PRP is considered safe because it's derived from your own blood, minimizing risk of reaction or infection. Its efficacy depends on platelet concentration, centrifugation technique, and delivery method (injection vs. microneedling).
What is DermaPRP (Cellenis PRP Biofiller)?
DermaPRP using the Cellenis system is a next-generation treatment that transforms your own PRP into a natural biofiller, offering both regenerative and volumizing effects, especially for the delicate under-eye area.
How it works: A small amount of your blood is processed with the Cellenis PRP system, then gently heated to create a gel-like substance rich in platelets and fibrin. This “plasma filler” is injected to restore volume, smooth fine lines, and stimulate natural collagen production over time.
What it treats: Hollowness and crepey texture under the eyes, volume loss (face, neck, décolletage or hands) fine lines, and early signs of aging.
Best for: Patients who want natural volume restoration without synthetic filler. It’s especially ideal for under-eyes, where traditional fillers can sometimes look puffy or uneven.
Bonus: This one’s a little different from the rest. While PRP, PDRN, and PDGF+ are typically applied topically or injected for skin quality, Cellenis DermaPRP is all about volume. Like a filler, it plumps and restores fullness, but unlike synthetic fillers, it also stimulates your skin’s natural ability to regenerate from within, using a concentrated matrix of your own platelets and fibrin.
🔬 The Science: The Cellenis PRP system is FDA-cleared for PRP preparation and is backed by studies demonstrating improved skin thickness, elasticity, and neocollagenesis. When heated into a fibrin matrix, it becomes a biologic filler, creating immediate volume while continuing to regenerate tissue over weeks. Results are visible quickly and typically last several months, depending on the treatment area and patient biology.
Why About Faces Med Spa Does Not Offer Salmon DNA (PDRN)
While Salmon DNA (PDRN) has shown promising results in regenerative skincare abroad, About Faces has chosen not to offer it at this time due to the lack of FDA approval in the United States and the availability of more clinically supported, biocompatible alternatives. Our team prioritizes treatments with strong safety profiles, regulatory backing, and a high degree of predictability, such as PDGF+, PRP, and DermaPRP which we believe provide exceptional results while meeting the highest standards in patient care.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
While all four options harness the body’s natural healing power, the best choice comes down to your individual goals, concerns, and comfort with each method. Whether you're interested in subtle glow, collagen rebuilding, or natural-looking volume, About Faces Med Spa offers trusted guidance and advanced techniques to help you achieve it.✨
No needles or pain? PDGF+ might be your match.
Want to use your own plasma? Don’t mind getting your blood drawn? PRP is right for you!
Looking to fill and firm naturally? Ask about our biofiller with DermaPRP.
💬 Ready to Glow Smarter?
Schedule your consultation at About Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa to explore regenerative skincare options tailored just for you. Our team will guide you through the science and help you choose the treatment that supports your skin’s natural potential : beautifully and confidently.
Dr. Janaki Ramanathan is proud to be leading the way in Tucson’s regenerative skincare movement as the first provider in the region to offer Ariessence PDGF+, an advanced biostimulatory treatment that helps patients heal faster, look refreshed, and age gracefully and naturally.
📞 Call 520-877-2725 today to book your appointment or consultation. Let us help you look and feel your absolute best, naturally.