Polynucleotide Injectable Treatment

Polynucleotides are a natural molecular component found in all living cells. These chains of nucleotides form the building blocks of our DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which includes our genetic information, and our RNA (Ribonucleic acid), which is involved in most biological functions within the body.

Synthetic polynucleotides in injectable products are highly purified, biocompatible molecules or DNA fragments derived from salmon DNA that can be safely injected into the skin for targeted treatment to stimulate cell regeneration. Polynucleotides enhance skin quality by repairing and regenerating tissue, while hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers add volume, shape, and contour to the face.

Polynucleotide treatments complement many other aesthetic procedures, including dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle treatments, microneedling, and light-based treatments for full facial rejuvenation. Combining or layering treatments can enhance the overall results achievable and combination treatments may be discussed during a consultation.

Once injected, the polynucleotides work at the cellular level by slowly integrating into the tissue and triggering a wound healing response in your cells, which boosts fibroblast activity, increases collagen production, and improves hydration, leading to firmer, smoother, and more elastic skin with fewer fine lines. Their bio-stimulatory capabilities rejuvenate the skin, making it healthier and more radiant, support tissue repair, helping with uneven tone, texture concerns, elasticity, skin discolouration or irregular pigmentation, and scarring, while also protecting the skin by neutralising free radicals that cause cellular damage. The increased skin cell activity and uptick in hydration also result in a mild increase in tissue volume, adding natural plumpness.

Polynucleotide treatments can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness. They also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, and signs of ageing. They are particularly useful for treating the area under the eyes, in the tear trough, to reduce a tired appearance, dark circles, and slight eye bags. They can also be used for improving scalp health for hair restoration.

As part of your consultation, Dr Annette Phillips will take a full medical history to determine if you have any sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients within the products that may contraindicate you for polynucleotide treatment.

Polynucleotides have been used in other areas of medicine for some time, and are generally considered safe, with few reported adverse effects. Although the injectable products used are derived from salmon, they are highly purified in laboratories to make them biocompatible with humans. However, because the products are derived from fish sources, they are unsuitable for those with a known allergy to fish, shellfish, or other fish derivatives. Similarly, strict vegans and vegetarians may not wish to use these products.

Treatment is suitable for men and women of all skin types, but if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we will not be able to treat you until this is no longer a factor for you. If you have any active skin infection, including herpes simplex (cold sores), or other severe skin conditions, these must be treated and resolved before polynucleotide treatment can commence. Similarly, those with certain autoimmune diseases or a weakened immune system may be contraindicated for treatment.

At Forever Facial Aesthetics, we offer a variety of other aesthetic treatments, which may be more suitable if polynucleotides are not an option for you.

As with all injectable treatments, you may experience some mild redness, bruising, or discomfort at the injection sites following treatment.

As this is a stimulatory treatment, some people experience an increase in facial swelling during the first few hours after treatment, or overnight, which is a natural bodily reaction. This is transient and should resolve within 1 – 3 days, but should not impact your ability to resume your normal activities.

For 24 hours before having a polynucleotide treatment, we recommend you avoid alcohol because it has the effect of thinning your blood, which can increase the chances of bruising during and after treatment.

Please let us know if you are currently taking any blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications; you will not be told to stop these, but we will need to manage treatment more carefully to mitigate any potential bruising.

You should also refrain from using active skincare ingredients, such as retinoids (retinols) and alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs), for 3 – 7 days before treatment. These ingredients make the skin temporarily more fragile and sensitive; they can increase the risk of pain during injection, bruising, swelling, and irritation, and may impact healing, compromising the efficacy of the polynucleotide treatment. You will be advised on when you can resume any relevant skincare regimes.

Treatment with polynucleotides involves a series of small injections into the target area(s) using a fine needle or blunt cannula. The treatment is quick, typically lasting around 30 minutes. Depending on the area(s) being treated, we will usually recommend 2 to 3 treatment sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.

We want to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your treatment. Although discomfort is minimal, with a mild stinging sensation during injections, which some people may tolerate without intervention, a topical anaesthetic numbing cream is usually applied before the procedure.

After polynucleotide treatment, you should avoid applying makeup, performing any strenuous exercise, and exposure to the sun for 24 hours. Ensure you follow any specific aftercare advice given for facial cleansing to optimise your healing and results.

Results vary by patient, dependent on the individual skin concern, age, and lifestyle, but most people see a noticeable improvement after 2 to 3 treatment sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.

With gradual, natural, incremental improvements due to the bio-stimulatory effect, the results can be long-lasting. You should expect to complete your results several months after your last polynucleotide treatment. Outcomes can last between 6 and 12 months, with regular maintenance treatments recommended to help prolong and increase the long-term benefits of polynucleotide treatment.