Treatments

By palmeiraclinic@gmail.com

Polynucleotides

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Polynucleotides — from £[insert price]Under-Eye Polynucleotides — from £[insert price]

What it is and how it works

Polynucleotides are injectable preparations containing purified chains of nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA. In aesthetic medicine they are used as a biostimulatory or biorevitalisation treatment. Rather than physically creating facial projection or replacing volume in the way that a conventional dermal filler can, polynucleotides are intended to influence the local tissue environment and support processes involved in skin repair and remodelling. Clinical studies have reported improvements in measures including skin texture, wrinkles and elasticity, although the evidence base remains relatively small and treatment protocols vary considerably between studies. For this reason, we view polynucleotides as one option within a broader skin-quality strategy rather than describing them as a treatment that can ‘regenerate’ or reverse every aspect of skin ageing.

What it may help with

• Biostimulatory approach to skin quality
• May improve the appearance of skin texture
• May improve elasticity and firmness
• Can help soften the appearance of fine lines
• Can support hydration and overall skin quality
• Does not aim to create conventional filler-like facial volume
• Can be considered for delicate areas such as the periocular region with an appropriate product
• Can form part of a wider programme alongside other skin-quality treatments

Suitable for

Polynucleotides may be suitable for adults concerned about early skin ageing, fine lines, reduced elasticity, uneven texture, dehydration or a general decline in skin quality. They are also frequently considered for the delicate periocular area where the treatment goal is improvement in skin quality rather than conventional volumisation. Not every under-eye concern is primarily a skin-quality problem. Tear-trough anatomy, pigmentation, vascular show, oedema, fat prolapse and facial structure can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles or tired-looking eyes. Assessment is therefore important before deciding whether polynucleotides are appropriate.

Areas treated

Depending on the product selected and clinical assessment, areas may include:
• Face
• Under-eye / periocular area
• Cheeks
• Neck
• Décolletage where appropriate

What happens on the day

Your consultation begins with an assessment of skin quality, the area you would like to improve, your medical history and previous aesthetic treatments. If polynucleotides are appropriate, the skin is cleansed and small quantities of product are placed into the selected treatment area using an appropriate injection technique. Small raised areas can be visible immediately after treatment, particularly where multiple superficial injections are used. These usually settle as the product disperses. Polynucleotides are commonly performed as a treatment course rather than judged after a single session. The exact number and spacing of sessions depend on the product, treatment area and individual skin and will be confirmed once the clinic’s product protocols are finalised.

Downtime and Aftercare

Small raised bumps, swelling and redness are common immediately after polynucleotide injections and usually reduce as the product disperses. The under-eye area can be particularly prone to temporary swelling. Bruising, tenderness and local discomfort can also occur. Recovery varies between individuals and according to the treatment area and injection technique. You will receive aftercare advice and information about symptoms that require clinical review.

Risks and side effects

Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising and small raised areas at injection sites. Other potential complications of injectable treatment include infection, inflammatory reactions, persistent swelling, hypersensitivity, nodules or an unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome. The exact adverse-effect profile can differ between products. Product source is also relevant: some polynucleotide preparations are derived from purified fish DNA, so allergies and product-specific contraindications must be checked for the formulation being used. The risks, expected recovery and warning symptoms will be discussed before treatment.

Contraindications

Treatment may need to be avoided or postponed where there is active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, relevant allergy or hypersensitivity, certain medical conditions or medicines, or previous significant reactions to injectable treatments. Because individual polynucleotide products differ in composition and source, product-specific contraindications must also be reviewed before treatment. A full medical history and suitability assessment will be completed before treatment.

Concerns this treatment may help

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Polynucleotides are purified chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Injectable polynucleotide products are used in aesthetic medicine as skin-quality or biostimulatory treatments. Their purpose is different from conventional dermal fillers: they are intended to support gradual tissue and skin-quality changes rather than create immediate facial volume or projection.

    Polynucleotides are purified chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Injectable polynucleotide products are used in aesthetic medicine as skin-quality or biostimulatory treatments. Their purpose is different from conventional dermal fillers: they are intended to support gradual tissue and skin-quality changes rather than create immediate facial volume or projection.

    No. Conventional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are commonly used to create targeted volume, contour or structural support. Polynucleotides are used as a biostimulatory skin-quality treatment and do not aim to produce the same immediate volumising effect.

    No. Conventional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are commonly used to create targeted volume, contour or structural support. Polynucleotides are used as a biostimulatory skin-quality treatment and do not aim to produce the same immediate volumising effect.

    Certain polynucleotide products are used in the periocular area, but suitability depends on the cause of the concern and the specific product selected. Under-eye darkness or a tired appearance can result from skin quality, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, hollowing, oedema or fat prolapse, so assessment is important before recommending treatment.

    Certain polynucleotide products are used in the periocular area, but suitability depends on the cause of the concern and the specific product selected. Under-eye darkness or a tired appearance can result from skin quality, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, hollowing, oedema or fat prolapse, so assessment is important before recommending treatment.

    Polynucleotide treatment is gradual. Published studies generally assess changes over weeks and following a course of treatment rather than immediately after injection. Any improvement in texture, elasticity, fine lines or overall skin quality should therefore be expected to develop progressively.

    Polynucleotide treatment is gradual. Published studies generally assess changes over weeks and following a course of treatment rather than immediately after injection. Any improvement in texture, elasticity, fine lines or overall skin quality should therefore be expected to develop progressively.

    Research is encouraging but still developing. A 2025 systematic review identified nine studies involving 219 patients and reported promising improvements in wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity, with generally mild and temporary side effects. However, the authors found that the available studies were of low to moderate quality and concluded that larger, higher-quality studies are needed to establish effectiveness, safety and optimal treatment protocols.

    Research is encouraging but still developing. A 2025 systematic review identified nine studies involving 219 patients and reported promising improvements in wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity, with generally mild and temporary side effects. However, the authors found that the available studies were of low to moderate quality and concluded that larger, higher-quality studies are needed to establish effectiveness, safety and optimal treatment protocols.

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        DISCLAIMER

        Important information

        All treatments are subject to a consultation and medical assessment. Aesthetic outcomes depend on many unique factors, including individual anatomy, skin quality, age, medical history, and lifestyle habits. No specific result can be guaranteed. The information on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
        Photos and descriptions on this website represent typical outcomes but do not guarantee that your results will be the same.

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