What is Rejuran? Effects on the Eye Area and Mechanism
Basic Knowledge of Rejuran
Rejuran is a PN (polynucleotide) preparation, which contains fragments of DNA derived from salmon.
When these DNA fragments are introduced into the skin, the body mistakenly thinks it has sustained an injury and initiates a repair process.
By leveraging the skin’s natural healing response, it helps rejuvenate and restore the skin’s vitality.
Why Inject Rejuran Under the Eyes?
The skin under the eyes is thin and more prone to signs of aging.
Additionally, due to muscle movements, fine lines tend to form more easily in this area.
Rejuran helps restore firmness and rejuvenates the eye area.
Because the skin is thin, excessive hyaluronic acid injections may cause a phenomenon called the Tyndall effect, where the hyaluronic acid appears bluish and translucent.
For this reason, Rejuran is particularly useful around the eyes, offering a lower risk compared to other treatments.
Differences from Other Cosmetic Treatments
Eye area treatments can be broadly categorized into three types:
Machine-based treatments:
Treatments like HIFU and RF are used around the eye to tighten the skin by applying heat.
Even if not directly applied to the eyelids, they can improve sagging by targeting the surrounding areas.
Injection treatments:
These include Rejuran and hyaluronic acid.
Rejuran is used for firmness and glow, while hyaluronic acid primarily addresses hollowness.
Surgical treatments:
These include procedures for removing sagging skin or correcting volume loss.
Surgery offers high effectiveness by physically removing excess skin.
Rejuran vs. Hyaluronic Acid for the Eye Area
The skin around the eyes is thin, and hyaluronic acid treatments have limitations in this area.
In contrast, Rejuran helps improve skin texture, which is more effective for delicate areas under the eyes.
By enhancing skin firmness, Rejuran provides a more natural look, especially in addressing subtle aging signs.
Rejuran and Dark Circles
Causes of Dark Circles and the Effectiveness of Rejuran
There are various causes of dark circles under the eyes:
If puffiness is prominent, surgery is usually the most effective solution.
Hyaluronic acid injections can sometimes improve the appearance of puffiness.
For deep hollows, hyaluronic acid, fat grafting, or regenerative medicine can be used to restore volume.
When the skin is thin and the underlying muscles create a shadow, Rejuran is ideal for improving skin texture, making the area look less dark.
Treatment Duration and Downtime for Dark Circles
Treatment duration and downtime depend on the method chosen:
Machine-based treatments: These offer mild improvements in one session, but they have no downtime.
Injection treatments: Downtime is typically a few days, with 3-4 sessions usually recommended, spaced 1 month apart. Total treatment time is around 3 months.
Surgical treatments: These can have downtime from a few weeks to months, with possible scarring. However, they provide dramatic and long-lasting results.
Rejuran’s Effect on Under-eye Sagging
Mechanism of Sagging
The bones around the eyes (orbital bones) shrink with age, causing the skin to sag due to a loss of support.
Additionally, the orbicularis oculi muscle pulls the skin, exacerbating sagging as the skin stretches.
Rebuilding Firmness with Rejuran
Rejuran contains polynucleotides, which are fragments of DNA.
When these fragments enter the skin, the skin believes it has been injured and begins repairing itself.
As the skin undergoes repair, firmness is restored.
Treatment Process and Duration of Effects
During the consultation, the injection areas, number of injections, and type of Rejuran are decided.
Polynucleotides are concentration-dependent, meaning the more concentrated the injection, the more effective it will be.
Rejuran I and HB contain 1% polynucleotides per syringe, while Rejuran S contains 2%.
Once this is settled, payment is made, and local anesthesia is applied.
When the area is numb, injections are administered.
Typically, 3-4 sessions are required, spaced 2 weeks to 1 month apart.
After achieving satisfactory results, maintenance is done about every 6 months.
Rejuran Injection Method and Precautions
Injection Technique and Used Formulations
Rejuran is injected superficially and finely.
To minimize pain and bruising, I use 34-gauge needles for injections.
What to Confirm During the Consultation
As mentioned earlier, polynucleotides are concentration-dependent, so it’s important to consider the concentration when deciding on treatment.
Rejuran I and HB contain 1% polynucleotides, while Rejuran S contains 2%.
Pain During Treatment and Anesthesia
Since injections are fine and repeated, there may be a slight pinprick sensation.
Topical anesthesia cream or tape can be applied to relieve discomfort.
Skin Benefits of Rejuran
Effects on Areas Other Than the Eyes
Rejuran can also improve pore size, redness, and fine lines in areas beyond the eyes, making it a popular treatment for other facial regions.
Combination Treatments with Hyaluronic Acid
Rejuran HB contains both polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid.
The addition of hyaluronic acid helps to not only improve skin firmness but also provides moisture and a dewy glow.
Yoshiko Kuno