Skin Boosters & Biostimulators
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are injectable skin treatments designed to support skin repair, hydration and collagen production, helping to improve texture, firmness and overall skin quality.
Introduction
Understanding Polynucleotides
What Plynucleotides Are
The polynucleotides used in aesthetic medicine are usually highly purified DNA fragments derived from fish, most commonly salmon or trout. The purification process is designed to create an injectable product that can be used to support the hydration and quality of the skin.
Polynucleotides, often shortened to PNs, may be considered for fine lines, crepey texture, tired-looking skin, reduced elasticity and delicate under-eye area.
Polynucleotide treatment can also form part of a wider plan for concerns such as uneven skin texture, certain types of scarring, and skin that appears thin or less resilient. Rather than changing facial shape or adding noticeable volume, they work gradually to improve the condition of the skin itself.
How Polynucleotides Work
Polynucleotides are thought to work through several complementary processes. Research into their exact mechanisms is continuing, so it is more accurate to describe them as supporting skin function rather than claiming that they directly repair the skin or reverse the ageing process.
Polynucleotides attract and retain water, which may help improve hydration and support a healthier skin environment. They are also associated with fibroblast activity. Fibroblasts are cells involved in producing collagen, elastin and other components that support the skin’s structure. By supporting this activity, polynucleotides may gradually improve firmness and elasticity.
Research also suggests that polynucleotides may support the skin’s natural recovery processes and help regulate inflammation. This is one reason they are often described as regenerative or bio-stimulatory treatments.
Polynucleotides are also different from dermal fillers and traditional hyaluronic acid skin boosters. They are not intended to replace lost facial volume, reshape features or create immediate structural change. Their purpose is to support the condition and function of the skin over time.
Injectable skin treatment
Supports hydration and skin quality
Encourages collagen and elastin activity
For localised areas or the full face
Gradual, natural-looking improvement
Treatment Philosophy
Our Approach to Polynucleotides
At Dr Louise Pierre Aesthetics, we begin with a careful assessment of your skin. Our approach is conservative and consultation-led, and we recommend polynucleotides only when they are likely to suit your concerns and expectations.
We consider the quality, thickness and condition of your skin, the area being treated and the result you hope to achieve. It is also important to establish whether the concern is mainly related to skin quality or whether volume loss, muscle movement, pigmentation or another factor may be contributing.
A typical initial course consists of three treatments spaced approximately one month apart, followed by maintenance treatment where appropriate.
Our preferred products are Vitaran I and Vitaran II, which can be used across several areas, including the face, neck and under-eye area. This gives us flexibility when planning treatment around different skin concerns.
We administer the product using superficial intradermal microdroplet injections, with the injection points distributed evenly across the treatment area.
To support your comfort, we routinely apply a topical numbing cream before treatment.
Where polynucleotides are not the most suitable option, we may discuss another treatment or a carefully planned combination approach.
Our Locations
We offer polynucleotide treatment at both clinic locations, with a consultation-led approach focused on supporting hydration, skin quality and the skin’s natural repair processes.
Treatments for patients across East Sussex.
Treatments for clients across South London.
Treatment Focus
Areas Commonly Treated with Polynucleotides
Under the eyes
The under-eye area is one of the most commonly treated areas, and we particularly like using polynucleotides for thin, crepey, dehydrated or tired-looking skin.
Polynucleotides do not replace lost volume in the same way as tear-trough filler. Where significant hollowing, prominent fat pads or structural changes are present, another treatment or combination approach may be more appropriate.
Face
We use polynucleotides across the face to support overall skin quality and address concerns including:
- Fine lines
- Uneven or rough texture
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Reduced elasticity
- Mild crepiness
- Dehydrated skin
- Skin that appears less firm
Neck
We commonly recommend polynucleotides for neck concerns such as:
- Crepey skin
- Horizontal neck lines
- Reduced firmness
- Sun-related skin changes
- A noticeable difference between facial and neck skin quality
We like using the treatment here to support hydration, texture and overall skin quality, although they will not create the same effect as a lifting or tightening procedure.
Décolletage or upper chest
The skin across the upper chest can be affected by sun exposure, dehydration and age-related changes. We use polynucleotides in this area to especially support hydration, and smoother-looking skin texture.
Around the mouth
Polynucleotides may be used to target fine crepiness and skin-quality concerns around the mouth. They do not add lip volume or replace filler where structural support is needed.
Hands
Hands are a recognised treatment area, particularly for mature patients with concerned about thin, dry or crepey skin on the backs of their hands. Polynucleotides can support hydration and overall skin quality, although it will not fully replace deeper volume loss.
Treatment prices start at £150, depending on the area treated.
Treatment Outcomes
Expected Results and Maintenance
Realistic Expectations
Results from polynucleotide treatment develop gradually rather than appearing immediately.
- Hydration and radiance: Skin may begin to look brighter, fresher and better hydrated within approximately 1 to 3 weeks.
- Texture and firmness: Fine lines may soften, while elasticity, texture and firmness can continue improving over approximately 4 to 12 weeks.
- Targeted concerns: Treatment can help improve under-eye darkness linked to poor skin quality, facial redness, and the appearance and texture of certain scars.
Some people notice improvements in hydration and skin freshness first. Changes in texture, elasticity and fine crepiness generally take longer because polynucleotides work by supporting skin activity over time.
The changes are usually subtle and progressive. The treatment is best judged by improvements in the quality and condition of the skin rather than by a dramatic alteration in facial appearance.
Results cannot be guaranteed, and not every person will respond in the same way. Where concerns are caused by deeper volume loss, prominent skin laxity, pigmentation, muscle movement or significant scarring, polynucleotides may need to be combined with another treatment or replaced by a more suitable option.
Longevity and Maintenance
How long the improvement remains visible varies between individuals, and factors such as sun exposure and smoking may affect how long improvements remain noticeable.
Following the initial course, we usually recommend one maintenance treatment approximately every six months, depending on your skin, the area treated and how you respond.
- Duration: Results typically last around six months on the face and body, and may last up to 12 months following specialised under-eye treatment.
- Gradual fading: The stimulatory effects reduce over time, and the skin gradually returns towards its baseline as the natural ageing process continues.
- Maintenance: We recommend one maintenance treatment approximately every six months to help sustain the results.
- Factors affecting longevity: Heavy sun exposure, smoking and prolonged stress may accelerate collagen breakdown and reduce how long the improvements remain noticeable.
Note: These timings are provided as a general guide. Results and longevity vary from person to person.
Suitability
Who Is This Treatment For
In our experience, polynucleotides are well suited to clients who want gradual improvements in skin quality without adding noticeable volume.
They may be particularly suitable for people who:
- Have fine lines or early crepiness
- Have thin or delicate under-eye area
- Feel their skin looks dull, tired or dehydrated
- Have noticed reduced elasticity
- Prefer subtle, natural-looking improvement
- Do not want a volumising treatment
- Have uneven texture or certain types of scarring
- Understand that results develop gradually
- Are willing to complete the recommended course
- Would like to support their skin quality as part of a longer-term treatment plan
Who May Not Be Suitable
Polynucleotide treatment may need to be avoided or postponed if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active infection
- Have inflammation or an active skin flare in the treatment area
- Have a known allergy to fish or another ingredient in the product
- Have a medical condition that affects healing
- Have certain autoimmune or blood-clotting conditions
- Take medication that could affect treatment safety
- Have a tendency to develop keloid scars
- Have expectations that cannot realistically be achieved with this treatment
Your Safety
Possible Side Effects
Polynucleotides made from highly purified fish-derived DNA and are generally well tolerated. Most side effects are related to the injections themselves and are mild and short-lived, including redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising and small raised bumps at the injection points. Published evidence reports a generally favourable safety profile, although less common complications can occur.
COMMON INJECTION-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS
- Redness and swelling: A common reaction around the injection points that usually settles within 24 to 72 hours. Swelling may be more noticeable around delicate areas such as the under-eye area.
- Bruising: Small areas of bruising, tenderness or discolouration may remain for several days.
Temporary bumps: Small raised bumps may be visible immediately after treatment as the product settles into the surrounding tissue. - Itching or sensitivity: Mild irritation, itching or tenderness can occur around the treated area and should gradually settle.
Rare and More Serious Risks
- Allergic reaction: A rash, hives, persistent swelling or other symptoms of an allergic response can occur. Vitaran must not be used in anyone with a fish allergy or hypersensitivity to one of its ingredients.
- Infection: Infection is uncommon but can occur whenever the skin is pierced. Increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling, discharge or feeling unwell should be reported promptly.
- Persistent lumps or nodules: In rare cases, firm or persistent lumps may develop beneath the skin and require clinical assessment.
- Prolonged inflammation: Swelling, tenderness or redness that does not settle as expected should be reviewed by your practitioner.
You will receive clear aftercare guidance and information about what to expect. Please contact the clinic promptly if symptoms are severe, continue to worsen or do not settle within the expected timeframe.
Your Questions