Polynucleotides: The Injectable That's Making Dermatologists Rethink Everything
Your aesthetician probably hasn't heard of polynucleotides yet. Your dermatologist in Seoul has been using them for five years. This gap tells you everything about why polynucleotides might be the most important aesthetic development you haven't heard of—yet.
If you're researching alternatives to filler at 1am, here's what matters: polynucleotides don't add volume or freeze muscles. They fundamentally change how your skin behaves at the cellular level, and the results are making even conservative dermatologists take notice.
Understanding Biological Reconstruction
Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides—the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Extracted from salmon sperm (yes, really), these molecules trigger biological processes that synthetic fillers can't touch.
When injected, they don't just sit there like filler. They actively communicate with cells, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen, increasing hydration at the molecular level, reducing inflammatory pathways, and improving cellular metabolism.
Think of them as biological architects, redesigning your skin's infrastructure from within.
The Korean Secret Now In London
South Korea has used polynucleotides since 2018. The results speak volumes: Korean aesthetic medicine leads globally, and polynucleotides are cornerstone treatments in Seoul's top clinics.
Why the delay reaching Europe? Regulatory caution, cost of quality products, need for specific training, and lack of immediate dramatic results (they work gradually).
Now UK clinics are catching up, and early adopters are seeing why Koreans abandoned much traditional filler work.
Clinical Evidence That Surprises Everyone
Recent studies from Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology show remarkable outcomes:
Skin Quality: 89% improvement in elasticity at 12 weeks, hydration increases by 115%, and skin thickness improves by 24%.
Under-Eye Treatment: 73% reduction in dark circles, 67% improvement in crepey texture, and no risk of Tyndall effect (blue tinge from filler).
Acne Scarring: 58% improvement in atrophic scars, better than laser in some studies, with minimal downtime compared to aggressive resurfacing.
Neck and Décolletage: Areas difficult to treat with filler show excellent response, no risk of lumps or irregularities.
Who Benefits Most
Polynucleotides excel for specific concerns:
Ideal Candidates: Under-eye hollows with thin skin, crepey neck/décolletage, general skin quality decline, acne scarring, and those wanting natural improvement.
Less Suitable: Deep volume loss needing filler, severe wrinkles requiring Botox, those expecting immediate results, and anyone wanting dramatic transformation.
The sweet spot: people noticing early ageing who want improvement without looking "done."
How Polynucleotides Differ From Everything Else
Versus Filler: Filler adds volume immediately but doesn't improve skin quality. Polynucleotides improve the actual skin, creating natural thickness.
Versus Profhilo: Both bio-remodelling, but polynucleotides last longer (12-18 months versus 6), work better for delicate areas, and show superior results for scarring.
Versus Skin Boosters: Traditional boosters hydrate temporarily. Polynucleotides trigger lasting biological changes.
Versus PRP: PRP uses your body's growth factors (variable quality). Polynucleotides provide standardised biological signals.
The Treatment Process
What actually happens:
Consultation: Thorough skin analysis essential. Not everyone needs polynucleotides—honest clinics will advise alternatives if more suitable.
Preparation: Minimal—avoid alcohol 24 hours prior. No numbing usually needed (very fine needles).
Injection: Multiple small injections across treatment area. Technique matters enormously—poor injection shows as bumps.
Immediate After: Small bumps visible for 24-48 hours. No makeup for 6 hours. Minimal restrictions.
Real Results Timeline
Biology doesn't rush:
Day 1-3: Injection bumps resolve. Skin might look slightly plumper from swelling.
Week 1-2: Initial hydration noticeable. Skin feels softer, more supple.
Week 4-6: Texture improvements begin. Makeup applies better. Fine lines softening.
Week 8-12: Dramatic improvements emerge. Friends ask what you're doing differently.
Month 6: Peak results. Skin quality genuinely improved—not just temporarily plumped.
Year 1-1.5: Gradual decline begins. Most have maintenance treatment at 12 months.
Under-Eye Revolution
Polynucleotides are changing under-eye treatment completely:
Traditional filler risks include Tyndall effect, migration, lumps, and vascular compromise. Polynucleotides carry none of these risks while actually improving skin quality rather than just filling.
Studies show 73% of patients prefer polynucleotides to filler for under-eyes. The gradual improvement looks entirely natural.
Treatment Combinations
Strategic combinations multiply results:
Polynucleotides + Botox: Different mechanisms. Botox stops wrinkles forming; polynucleotides improve skin quality. Perfect partnership.
Polynucleotides + Microneedling: Channels from microneedling enhance penetration. Many protocols combine for superior outcomes.
Polynucleotides + Laser: Sequential treatment works brilliantly. Laser for resurfacing, polynucleotides for regeneration.
The Investment Analysis
Polynucleotide pricing reflects quality and longevity:
Single area: £300-500
Full face: £600-900
Face and neck: £900-1,400
Course of 3: £1,500-2,500
Compared over 2 years:
Profhilo every 6 months: £2,400
Skin boosters quarterly: £2,000
Polynucleotides annually: £900-1,400
Results: Superior and longer-lasting
Safety Profile
Extensive use in Korea provides robust safety data:
Minimal Risks: Temporary swelling/bruising, small bumps for 48 hours, and extremely rare allergic reaction.
No Risk Of: Vascular occlusion (unlike filler), permanent lumps, migration, and overcorrection.
Contraindications: Fish allergy (theoretical risk), active skin infection, pregnancy/breastfeeding (no data), and autoimmune conditions.
Quality Matters Enormously
Not all polynucleotides equal:
Premium Brands: PDRN concentration 20mg/ml minimum, molecular weight optimised for penetration, extensive safety testing, and consistent results.
Avoiding Problems: Prices under £200 suggest inferior product, ensure Korean or Italian manufacture, and verify batch numbers.
Questions for Clinics: Which brand do you use? What concentration? Can you show before/after photos from your clinic?
The Future Is Biological
Polynucleotides represent aesthetic medicine's future direction: working with biology rather than against it, improving actual tissue rather than camouflaging, and lasting results from cellular change.
Research pipeline includes combination molecules, targeted delivery systems, and oral supplements (early stages).
Making Your Decision
Polynucleotides suit those wanting:
Genuine skin improvement, not just temporary plumping
Natural results that develop gradually
Treatment for areas where filler isn't suitable
Long-lasting outcomes with minimal maintenance
Ready to discover if polynucleotides could transform your skin? WhatsApp our aesthetic team for honest assessment. We'll analyse your skin, explain realistic outcomes, and design a protocol that addresses your specific concerns. Because the best aesthetic treatment is the one that makes you look like yourself, only better.
FAQs
Are polynucleotides vegan? No. They're derived from salmon sperm DNA. No vegan alternative currently exists with equivalent efficacy. The processing removes all proteins, so fish allergy risk is theoretical only.
Why haven't I heard of these before? UK aesthetic market is conservative. Treatments need years of evidence before mainstream adoption. Polynucleotides only received UK approval in 2021. Your practitioner might not know about them yet.
Can polynucleotides replace filler entirely? For some, yes. They excel at improving skin quality and mild volume restoration. Deep volume loss still needs filler, but many use less filler after polynucleotide treatment as skin quality improves.
How painful are the injections? Surprisingly comfortable. The solution isn't thick like filler, and needles are ultra-fine. Most describe it as mild pricking. Under-eyes are more sensitive but still tolerable.
Will I look weird immediately after? Small bumps visible for 24-48 hours—like mosquito bites. Most cover with makeup after 6 hours. Plan treatment before a weekend if concerned. Nothing like the swelling from filler.