Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC
Board-certified nurse practitioner · Director of Medical Spa Services
Leads injectable treatment planning and has directed medical spa services at the Downers Grove practice since 2019, following an ICU nursing background.
Injectables · Naperville, IL
Salmon DNA near Naperville, IL
Updated September 2026 · Independent review
Salmon DNA treatments — also called polynucleotide or PDRN injections — deliver purified DNA fragments derived from salmon into the skin to improve hydration, elasticity, and overall quality. They are a regenerative skin-quality treatment, not a filler, and are typically given as a course of three sessions two to four weeks apart. Near Naperville, IL, the closest practice covered on this site is Skin Med Spa at 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, roughly 18 minutes away, where injectables are performed by board-certified nurse practitioners.
Nearest practice
Skin Med Spa
960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–3pm · closed Wed & Sun
Nurse-practitioner injectors
~18 minutes from Naperville. No Naperville address exists.
How does Salmon DNA actually work?
Polynucleotides are short DNA chains that hold water and are thought to signal fibroblasts — the cells that make collagen and elastin — to become more active. Injected in tiny superficial deposits across an area, they improve the skin's hydration and elasticity rather than adding volume or changing shape. Under-eye skin, where filler is technically risky, is one of the more common targets.
Who is a good candidate for Salmon DNA?
Adults with dull, thin, dehydrated, or crepey skin, early fine lines, or thin under-eye skin who want quality improvement rather than volume or shape change.
Who should skip it?
Anyone with a fish or seafood allergy, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with an active skin infection, and anyone expecting a lifting or volumizing result.
Who should be performing it?
A licensed injector (MD, DO, NP, PA, or RN where permitted) trained in superficial and periorbital injection technique.
Salmon DNA near Naperville at a glance
| Treatment | Salmon DNA |
|---|---|
| Category | Injectables |
| Who performs it | Board-certified nurse practitioner |
| Sessions typically needed | Typically three sessions two to four weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months. |
| Downtime | Small raised bumps for a few hours to a day, occasional pinpoint bruising. Most people return to normal activity immediately. |
| How long results last | Six to twelve months after a full course, with gradual decline. |
| How it is priced | Per session, or per course of three. |
| Typical market cost | Commonly $400–$800 per session, with courses of three frequently packaged. Confirm what the package includes before paying. |
| Nearest location | 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 — ~18 min from Naperville |
| Financing | Cherry payment plans |
| Price published by the practice | No — request it in writing at consultation |
Cost figures are typical Chicago-area market ranges for context, not quotes from this practice.
Ask these before booking Salmon DNA
- Do I have a fish or shellfish allergy concern with this product?
- Which branded polynucleotide product are you using?
- What realistic change should I expect after three sessions — and what will not change?
- Would microneedling, a peel, or filler address my concern more directly?
Red flags specific to Salmon DNA
- Described as a filler or as a volumizer
- No allergy screening for fish products
- Prepaid multi-session packages with no written scope
- Claims of collagen 'regrowth' presented as guaranteed
What patients say about Salmon DNA
Quoted verbatim from public Google, Yelp, and practice-website reviews — nothing here is written or paraphrased by us. No published review names Salmon DNA specifically yet, so these are general reviews of the practice. Across its public profile the practice shows 4.9 stars from 298 reviews.
On Atmosphere
★★★★★
"Enjoyed the event 23rd of April! Now I got to get my treatment. They are professional the spa is absolutely Beyoutiful and I'm over the moon on my experience & how my treatment came out. This spa is a class of it own. Barb & Mike and the Skin Med spa family are welcoming, absolutely professional & spa is impeccable. Will be looking forward to many more treatments with you all. As well as my whole family. Grateful, we came across each other! 5 stars across the board."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Michael, as well as the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and professional. The whole team is very nice! I will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
On Consultation
★★★★★
"Barbara was very thorough in explaining all types of procedures that I considered, what works best and cost. I would definitely recommend her."
On Results
★★★★★
"Barb is a magician! Absolutely love my results and looking to get more services done here. Already referred my aunt!"
On Results
★★★★★
"Very talented group, my results are much better now than when using other companies. Professional work and great products. I highly recommend this cheerful and talented group."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Barb and Michael are wonderful, knowledgeable, and skilled. The very best of the best. Highly recommend."
Who would treat you, and what to verify
Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner
A Rush University graduate with roughly two decades in cosmetic treatments and surgery, previously a partner at a surgery center and advanced cosmetic practice.
Noelle Trost, LE
Certified laser technician & licensed esthetician
Performs laser resurfacing, hair removal, IPL, and medical-grade facial protocols.
Illinois licenses are public. Look up any provider through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before your first treatment.
Frequently asked questions — Salmon DNA near Naperville
Before you book
Get an itemized price in writing, confirm which licensed provider is treating you, and ask to see the product or device. This site takes no bookings — the practice handles all of that at (630) 541-8413.