Does Rejuran Hurt? Pain, Numbing and Comfort
Quick answer: Rejuran does sting, because the polynucleotide gel is thicker than hyaluronic acid boosters and is placed with many small injections. With numbing cream applied first, most people find it uncomfortable but very manageable. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 for 2cc (KRW, VAT excluded), and a session takes 30–45 minutes including numbing.
- Sensation: Quick stings with brief pressure; manageable for most people
- Numbing: Topical cream before injection
- Most sensitive areas: Around the nose, upper lip, forehead and eyes
- Afterward: Small bumps for 1–3 days and mild tenderness
- Session time: 30–45 minutes including numbing
- Price from: ₩259,000 (Rejuran Healer, 2cc full face)
Why Rejuran stings more than other boosters
Rejuran Healer is a polynucleotide (PN) skin booster derived from salmon DNA and made by Pharma Research in Korea. The gel is thicker than the non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid in a classic HA skin booster, so it takes a little more pressure to place. It is also delivered as many small, shallow deposits across the face rather than a few deep points. That combination is why Rejuran Healer is one of the more noticeable boosters, even though each prick lasts only a moment.
What it actually feels like
- During injection: a quick sting with each pass and a brief feeling of pressure as the gel goes in.
- Most sensitive areas: around the nose, the upper lip, the forehead and close to the eyes.
- Less sensitive areas: the outer cheeks and jawline, where skin is thicker.
- Right after: warmth, mild tenderness and small raised bumps where the product sits.
Pain is personal. Tiredness, stress, caffeine and, for some people, the days before a period can make skin feel more sensitive. Many people also find the anticipation worse than the treatment: each injection lasts a fraction of a second, and the injecting itself is over well within the session time.
Your session, step by step
- Cleansing: makeup and sunscreen are removed so the numbing cream can absorb.
- Numbing: a topical anesthetic cream is applied and left to work before any injection.
- Injection: at Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, a licensed medical doctor works zone by zone, by hand with a fine needle or with an injector device, and checks in with you as they go.
- Pauses when needed: tell the doctor if an area feels sharp; pace and technique can be adjusted.
- Soothing: a calming mask or an LDM water drop session can follow to settle redness.
Comfort compared with other boosters
| Treatment | Typical sensation | Visible after-effects |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran Healer | Stinging and pressure; noticeable | Small bumps for 1–3 days |
| Rejuran Eye | Finer formula, delicate area; brief stings | Mild swelling for 1–2 days |
| HA skin booster | Lighter sting | Small bumps for 1–2 days |
| Skinvive | Milder; the gel contains lidocaine | Mild redness or bumps for 1–2 days |
| Profhilo | Only five injection points per side | Small bumps for about 24 hours |
Tips for a more comfortable session
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand; it can increase bruising.
- Skip strong coffee right before if caffeine makes you jittery.
- Eat normally so you don't feel lightheaded.
- Use slow, steady breathing through the most sensitive zones.
- Don't book it right before photos or an important dinner; the bumps need a day or two.
After treatment: bumps and tenderness
The small bumps are the product itself sitting in the skin, and they usually flatten within 1–3 days. Mild tenderness and occasional pinpoint bruises can last a few days. Skip makeup for the rest of the day, avoid saunas, alcohol and intense exercise for about 24 hours, and don't massage the area. Most people are comfortable sightseeing the same afternoon. See downtime after skin boosters and our aftercare page.
If you are very sensitive to pain
Mention it when you book. Your doctor can allow more numbing time, treat in shorter sections, or suggest a gentler first step. Profhilo needs far fewer injections, and an HA booster stings less. Compare the options in Rejuran Healer vs Profhilo and our skin boosters guide.
Safety and who should wait
Rejuran is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding and when there is an active infection or cold sore in the area. Tell your doctor about any fish allergy, bleeding disorder or blood thinners; never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Read is Rejuran made from salmon? for more on the ingredient.
Does it get easier with each session?
Rejuran works best as a series of about three sessions a few weeks apart, with maintenance roughly every six months. Many people find later sessions easier because they know what to expect and can plan numbing and timing around their day. On a short trip to Seoul, one session still gives a useful start, and your doctor can suggest how to continue on your next visit. Current options are on the Rejuran Healer price page.
Is the discomfort worth it?
Rejuran builds over about three sessions and is valued for improving texture, firmness and sensitive, reactive skin. See Rejuran Healer results and our honest Rejuran Healer review. Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 (2cc, full face) and Rejuran Eye from ₩189,000 (1cc). Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. Book a consultation and your doctor will plan numbing and dosing around your comfort.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Is Rejuran more painful than Botox?
Usually, yes. Botox involves a few quick injections, while Rejuran uses many small ones with a thicker gel. With numbing cream, most people still find Rejuran very manageable.
How long does the numbing cream take to work?
Topical numbing cream needs time on clean skin before injections start. The whole Rejuran visit usually takes 30–45 minutes including numbing.
Does Rejuran Eye hurt more than Rejuran Healer?
The skin under the eyes is thin and sensitive, but Rejuran Eye uses a finer formula and a smaller volume, so the session is shorter. Most people find it similar or slightly easier than a full-face treatment.
How long do Rejuran bumps last?
The small raised bumps usually settle within 1–3 days as the product spreads into the skin. Avoid pressing or massaging them.
Can I take painkillers before Rejuran?
Ask your doctor first. Aspirin and ibuprofen can increase bruising, so acetaminophen (paracetamol) is usually preferred if you need something. Never stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.
Is there a less painful alternative to Rejuran?
Yes. Profhilo uses only a few injection points, Skinvive contains lidocaine, and a hyaluronic acid booster stings less. They work differently, so your doctor will explain the trade-offs for your skin.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Rejuran treatments
- Rejuran Healer — full-face polynucleotide skin booster
- Rejuran Eye — finer formula for under-eye skin
- Rejuran Healer price in Seoul — from ₩259,000 for 2cc
Results and reviews
- Rejuran Healer results — what changes after each session
- Rejuran Healer review — our medical team's assessment
- When will I see Rejuran results? — the short answer
Compare
- Rejuran Healer vs Profhilo — fewer injections, different action
- Rejuran Healer vs Juvelook — repair or collagen stimulation
- Chanel Injection vs Rejuran Healer — glow cocktail or PN repair
Guides and FAQs
- Skin boosters explained — PN, PDLLA, HA and exosomes
- Is Rejuran made from salmon? — where PN comes from
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer