Polynucleotides Treatments
Have you noticed crepey skin appearing under your eyes, fine lines settling in, or a general dullness no moisturiser seems to shift? Polynucleotides are injectable treatments designed to support skin repair at a cellular level rather than adding volume. At The Doctors Laser Clinic in Norwich, our doctor-led team offers polynucleotide treatments using Plinest and Plinest Eye.
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Table of Contents
Understanding Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. The versions used in aesthetic medicine are purified DNA fragments derived from salmon DNA, chosen because it is highly compatible with human tissue. Once purified, these fragments are suspended in a gel and injected into the skin in small, precise amounts.
You will sometimes see polynucleotides grouped with skin boosters, and the label fits up to a point. Like other regenerative injectables, they aim to improve skin quality and hydration. The difference is what happens beneath the surface. Rather than holding water in the skin the way hyaluronic acid does, they signal your skin to repair itself.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
The treatment is designed to work on three fronts:
- It can stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. More active fibroblasts can mean firmer, more elastic skin over time.
- It acts as an antioxidant, which may help neutralise free radicals, the unstable molecules which damage skin cells and speed up ageing.
- It may support your skin’s natural repair processes, which is why it is studied for scars, stretch marks and skin texture concerns as well as general skin rejuvenation.
Some clinical studies suggest improvements in hydration, elasticity and skin texture following a course of polynucleotide treatment. Research into how the treatment triggers cellular regeneration is ongoing, and early results are encouraging.
What Can Polynucleotides Treat?
Polynucleotide treatment is used for a range of skin concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes
- Crepey or thinning skin
- Dark under-eye circles
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
- Redness and rosacea-prone skin
- Stretch marks
- Dull, dehydrated skin
Because it works with your skin’s own repair systems, this treatment suits patients who are lookig for a gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation designed to improve skin health from within, rather than an instant change.
How Do Polynucleotides Compare to Profhilo and Dermal Fillers?
This is one of the questions sometimes come across, and the honest answer is neither is better across the board. They do different jobs.
Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid skin booster. It works well for hydration, drawing water into the skin for a plumper, dewier look. Polynucleotides aim to go further, supporting regeneration by encouraging collagen and elastin production and helping to calm inflammation. If your main concern is dehydration, that style of treatment does the job well. If your concern is skin quality itself, thinning, crepiness or dark circles, polynucleotides are often the more suitable treatment.
Dermal fillers are different again. Unlike volumising injectables such as fillers, which restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks and lips, polynucleotides do not add volume. They aim to improve the condition of the skin itself. The two are sometimes combined in a treatment plan, and they also pair well with treatments such as microneedling and anti-wrinkle injections. We will advise on what fits your skin and your goals.
Your Treatment: What to Expect
Every polynucleotide treatment at clinic starts with a consultation. We assess your skin, talk through your concerns and confirm the treatment is suitable for you before anything is booked.
The treatment itself is quick and minimally invasive. Your practitioner injects small amounts of the gel into the treatment area using a fine needle. Most people describe a mild stinging sensation rather than pain, and the appointment fits easily into a normal day with little to no downtime.
An initial course of two to three sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, is typical. After the initial course, a maintenance session every six to twelve months helps keep the results going. As with all aesthetic treatments, the right course varies from person to person, and your treatment plan will reflect your skin rather than a standard formula.
When Will You See Results?
Polynucleotides are not an instant fix, and it helps to know this going in. Many people notice their skin starting to improve within two to three weeks of the first session. For most people the full effects tend to show around two to three months after the course, as the collagen and elastin your skin has been prompted to produce builds up. Results vary from patient to patient.
Side Effects and Who Should Avoid Polynucleotides
Side effects are generally mild and temporary. You might see redness, swelling, small bumps or light bruising at the injection sites, which typically settle within a few days. Proper aftercare helps here, and our aftercare guide covers what to do and what to avoid after your appointment.
The treatment is not suitable for everyone:
- If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, tell us before treatment. The product is derived from purified salmon DNA, so we will assess suitability carefully.
- Treatment is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Active skin infection in the treatment area means waiting until it has cleared.
These checks are exactly why this treatment belongs in a medical setting. As a doctor-led, CQC-registered clinic, we screen for suitability properly and we will tell you honestly if a different option would serve you better.
Plinest and Plinest Eye
Plinest
We use the Plinest range at the clinic. Plinest is the general skin treatment, used on the face and body for fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity and overall skin quality. It is applied across the treatment area in a series of small, precise injections.
Plinest Eye
Plinest Eye is formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, where skin is thinner and shows age first. It is used for dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and crepey texture in the under-eye area. Peri-orbital skin has fewer oil glands and less structural support than the rest of the face, which is why a dedicated product for this area makes sense.
Your practitioner will recommend Plinest, Plinest Eye or a combination depending on your concerns and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small bumps normal after polynucleotide injections?
Yes. Small raised bumps at the injection points are common and expected, as the gel sits in the skin before dispersing. They typically settle within 24 to 48 hours. If bumps persist beyond a few days, contact the clinic and we will take a look.
Can I have polynucleotides while pregnant?
No. We do not carry out this treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is standard practice across aesthetic medicine, and we are happy to plan treatment for after this period.
Do polynucleotide injections hurt?
Most people find the treatment very tolerable. The needles are fine and shallow. The under-eye area is more sensitive, so you may feel brief stinging there. Your practitioner will talk you through comfort options beforehand.
How long do polynucleotide results last?
After an initial course, results are typically maintained with a top-up maintenance session every six to twelve months. Skin continues to age, so upkeep keeps the improvement going. Results vary between individuals.
What is the difference between polynucleotides and Profhilo?
Profhilo hydrates using hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotides aim to stimulate your skin’s own regeneration, working on collagen production, elasticity and inflammation as well as hydration. Which suits you depends on your skin concerns, which is what the consultation is for.
What aftercare do polynucleotides need?
Keep the area clean, avoid make-up for 24 hours, skip strenuous exercise and heat for 48 hours, and protect your skin from strong sun. Our full aftercare guide covers everything in detail.
More Questions?
Please book in for a consultation to find out how polynucleotides could make a difference to your skin. Have more questions? just get in touch.
Book an appointment
All treatments start with an initial consultation with one of our team. During your consultation we learn about your areas of concern and treatment goals.
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