Rejuran Aftercare: The First 48 Hours Determine Your Results

The core of Rejuran aftercare is simpler than you might think: leave your skin alone as much as possible for the first 24 to 48 hours post-procedure. Simply avoiding actions that involve rubbing, applying heat, or increasing blood flow during this period can significantly reduce swelling and bruising. General guidelines recommend washing your face gently with lukewarm water starting that evening or the next day, applying makeup after 12 to 24 hours, and resuming strenuous exercise after 24 to 48 hours.

Rejuran is not a filler designed to add volume. Because it utilizes DNA fragments extracted and purified from the germ cells of fish such as salmon and trout to regenerate the skin and refine its texture, the effects are not immediate; rather, they gradually build up over 2 to 4 weeks. That is why aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. Let's break it down step by step below.

🧬 What exactly does Rejuran do?

The primary active ingredients in Rejuran are **PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)** and **PN (Polynucleotide)**. Their names are similar, so they are easy to confuse; simply put, you can think of PN as a relatively long DNA chain, and PDRN as shorter, fragmented pieces. Both are ingredients extracted and purified from the reproductive cells of salmon, trout, and similar fish.

What these ingredients do inside the skin is wake up fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are like cellular factories that produce collagen and elastin, and when they are stimulated, the skin shifts into self-regeneration mode. While fillers work by adding volume from the outside, Rejuran is closer to boosting the skin's inherent recovery power.

The applications vary slightly depending on the product line.

📌 Key Summary: Rejuran uses PDRN and PN to stimulate fibroblasts so the skin regenerates itself, serving a completely different purpose from fillers.

⏱️ What should you be careful about in the first 24 to 48 hours?

This period is the golden window for aftercare. Think of it as giving the skin time to heal its micro-wounds.

First and foremost, do not rub or massage the treated area. When washing your face, avoid scrubbing with your hands; gently splashing lukewarm water is ideal. Applying heat is also strictly off-limits. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths increase blood flow—exacerbating swelling and bruising—so it is safest to avoid them for at least 3 to 7 days.

Drinking alcohol and strenuous exercise should also be paused for several days for the same reason. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and causes bruises to spread, while workouts with heavy sweating simultaneously increase the risk of infection and irritation. It is also best to refrain from swimming pools for at least 2 to 3 days due to the possibility of infection.

If you want to reduce swelling, small habits can make a big difference.

• On the day of the procedure, keep your pillow higher than usual and avoid sleeping with pressure on your face

• For cold compresses, do not apply ice directly to the skin; wrap it in a clean cloth and apply intermittently for 5 to 10 minutes at a time

• After 48 hours, once initial swelling subsides, switch to warm compresses to help promote blood circulation

📌 Key Summary: For the first 48 hours, avoid rubbing, avoid heat, and avoid raising your blood flow—that is all it takes.

😣 Embossing, Bruising, and Nodules: Distinguishing Normal Reactions from Side Effects

The most common concern after Rejuran is the embossing reaction. These are the raised bumps on the skin's surface right after injection, but they are simply marks showing where the product was deposited, not side effects. They typically subside within 24 to 72 hours, though they may linger a bit longer in areas with thin skin, such as around the eyes.

Bruising (ecchymosis) is also common. It occurs when microvessels are touched during the injection process and generally lasts 3 to 7 days, or up to 2 weeks for some individuals. Nodules—small lumps felt beneath the skin—also typically resolve naturally over time.

The key is distinguishing between a "normal recovery reaction" and "a sign that you really need to visit the clinic." The symptoms below differ from the usual recovery course.

If pain worsens over time, skin color changes, or fever develops, do not delay—contact the clinic where you received the procedure immediately. While rare, emergencies like vascular occlusion require prompt intervention.

📌 Key Summary: Embossing, bruising, and nodules are normal reactions that resolve naturally, but skin discoloration, severe pain, pus, and fever are signs to seek medical attention right away.

🧴 How should you approach skincare during recovery?

The rule of thumb is subtraction. Rather than applying more products, the key is eliminating anything that could cause irritation.

Exfoliating products such as retinol, acid ingredients like AHA/BHA, and physical scrubs must be paused for at least 3 to 7 days after the procedure. Your skin is sensitive during this time, so ingredients that were normally fine might sting or cause redness. Instead, keep it simple with a gentle, moisture-focused skincare routine.

Sun protection is an absolute must, not an option. Exposing regenerating skin to UV rays can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Make it a standard to reapply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or higher every 2 to 3 hours. Be especially diligent about reapplying if you sweat a lot in summer or spend extended time outdoors.

Makeup is possible after 12 to 24 hours, but one important precaution is the hygiene of tools like cushion puffs and brushes. Contaminated tools touching the injection sites can become pathways for infection, so be sure to use clean applicators.

Avoid facial massages, meridian therapies, and gua sha for at least 1 to 2 weeks, and only resume home-care beauty devices such as LED masks or microcurrent tools after your skin has stabilized, following medical guidance.

📌 Key Summary: Pause irritating ingredients for 3 to 7 days, reapply SPF 30/PA+++ sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, and keep your routine simple and centered on hydration.

💊 What about painkillers and medications?

If you take painkillers for aching soreness after the procedure, check their ingredients. Acetaminophen-based medications are generally safe regarding bruising. Conversely, NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen have blood-thinning effects that can worsen bruising. It is most accurate to confirm this with your pharmacist or attending medical team before taking anything.

Those who regularly take anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents need to be even more cautious. While these medications increase the risk of bruising, never stop taking them arbitrarily on your own. Deciding whether to pause them is a clinical judgment that only the prescribing physician can make. The critical step is to always inform your practitioner about your medications during your pre-procedure consultation.

Health supplements that promote blood circulation, such as omega-3, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba extract, can also affect bruising, so it is a good idea to discuss beforehand whether you need to adjust them prior to your treatment.

📌 Key Summary: If you are worried about bruising, acetaminophen is generally preferable; never stop anticoagulants or circulation supplements on your own, but always disclose them before the procedure.

📅 When will you see results, and how many sessions are needed?

Rejuran is a cumulative treatment. Rather than expecting dramatic transformation after a single session, you look for results that emerge as the effects build up. Typically, sessions are spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, with an initial series of 3 to 4 treatments.

The effects gradually become noticeable around 2 to 4 weeks as the skin texture begins to feel smoother, and they become much more pronounced after completing the full series. The duration varies by individual, but results are generally considered to last around 6 months.

If you have an important event coming up, plan with plenty of buffer time. Schedule your procedure at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance to allow time for any potential bruising or swelling to subside. Having your very first session right before a wedding or photoshoot is not recommended.

While Rejuran focuses on improving skin quality and texture, aging signs like sagging and loss of elasticity require a slightly different approach. Onlif Clinic addresses skin texture and hydration using skin boosters, while tackling elasticity and lifting separately through non-surgical methods such as ultrasound HIFU, radiofrequency (RF), or thread lifting. Depending on your concerns, the treatment direction shifts between refining skin texture or lifting sagging contours.

📌 Key Summary: The standard regimen is a series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart; effects are felt starting at 2 to 4 weeks, become distinct after finishing the series, and last for about 6 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When can I wash my face after a Rejuran procedure?

You can usually wash your face gently with lukewarm water starting the evening of the procedure or the following day. Avoid rubbing and gently splash water instead; always prioritize your medical provider's specific instructions.

When will the embossing (raised injection bumps) disappear?

Most bumps subside within 24 to 72 hours. While they may last slightly longer in areas with thin skin, such as around the eyes, it is a completely normal reaction that resolves naturally.

I have bruising; is this normal? How long does it last?

It is a common reaction resulting from the injection process and typically improves within 3 to 7 days. Depending on the individual, it can last up to 2 weeks, usually fading gradually over time.

When can I visit a sauna or steam room after Rejuran?

Heat increases blood flow and can exacerbate swelling and bruising, so it is recommended to avoid them for at least 3 to 7 days. It is also safer to resume intense exercise after 24 to 48 hours.

What is the difference between Rejuran and fillers?

Fillers are procedures that inject substance from the outside to create volume, whereas Rejuran uses PDRN and PN ingredients to stimulate fibroblasts so the skin regenerates itself. Their fundamental purposes are entirely different.

Can I get Rejuran if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Because there is insufficient clinical evidence regarding its safety, it is generally not recommended. Please be sure to consult with a medical professional beforehand.

What should I do if I am taking blood circulation supplements like Omega-3?

Supplements such as omega-3, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba extract can increase the risk of bruising. Discuss with your medical provider prior to the procedure whether adjustments are necessary, and never discontinue prescribed anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs on your own.

Does aftercare for Rejuran around the eyes differ from other areas?

Because the skin around the eyes is thin, swelling, bruising, and embossing can be more pronounced and take longer to clear. Pay extra attention to avoiding rubbing and applying sun protection, and allow extra buffer time before important events.

Rejuran Aftercare: Helpful Points to Check Before Choosing a Clinic

Even for the same procedure, results and recovery can vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed. Asking the following questions during your consultation can help you make an informed decision.

• Does the clinic perform this procedure frequently? — Each clinic has procedures it specializes in. Check whether they regularly administer Rejuran and its subsequent aftercare protocols.

• Can you verify the products and equipment used? — Inquire during the consultation whether you can verify product names and authenticity (e.g., whether products are officially approved imports and whether an unboxing verification process is followed).

• Do they explain the cost breakdown? — Rather than just hearing a total price, you need an explanation of which product is used, how much, and across what area to make a proper judgment.

• Do they design the treatment considering the whole face? — Even with the same treatment, the injection points and dosage should vary depending on facial shape, skin condition, and bilateral asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse reactions and the recovery process upfront? — Rather than a consultation that only highlights expected improvements, clinics that proactively inform you about potential adverse effects and how to handle them are better suited for making sound decisions.

• Is there a clear follow-up channel after the procedure? — Check if there are established points for monitoring progress, clear contact methods in case of anomalies, and defined criteria for follow-up visits.

How Onlif Clinic Approaches Rejuran Aftercare

• We assign specialized doctors — Guided by the principle that a single doctor should not handle every procedure, Onlif assigns dedicated physicians by specialty.

• We verify products and equipment together during consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process right during your consultation.

• Costs are explained along with their breakdown after diagnosis — Because areas, dosages, and coverage vary per person, we explain what is being used and what each component costs.

• We design treatments around overall facial balance — Viewing the face across three pillars—texture, balance, and youthfulness markers—we plan treatments to enhance your natural features rather than unnaturally altering your facial structure.

• We discuss adverse reactions and recovery beforehand — Along with expected improvements, we guide you through individual variations, possible side effects, and management steps prior to treatment.

• We monitor post-procedure progress together — If you need a checkup during your recovery period, we provide guidance on follow-up visits and direct communication channels.

If you are considering Rejuran aftercare, it is best to first understand what is achievable and what is challenging for your current skin condition. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person consultation. Find out more through a consultation at Onlif Clinic in Gangnam.