Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are highly purified, injectable chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA) derived from controlled, medical-grade sources.

When injected into the skin, they act as powerful biostimulators: they don’t just “fill” lines, they encourage your own skin to repair, hydrate and regenerate itself over time.

Polynucleotides work on several levels:

• Biostimulation: They support fibroblasts (the skin cells that produce collagen and elastin), helping to improve overall skin quality.

• Hydration: They attract and bind water in the tissues, improving skin hydration and plumpness.

• Antioxidant effect: They help mop up free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.

• Tissue repair: By supporting cell turnover and microcirculation, they can help the skin recover from sun damage, ageing and inflammation.

The result is gradual, natural-looking improvement in skin quality rather than an immediate “filled” look.

Polynucleotide skin boosters are ideal for patients who want to improve skin quality rather than change their facial shape. They can help with:

• Dull, tired or crepey skin

• Fine lines and early signs of ageing

• Mild skin laxity

• Dehydrated or rough texture

• Acne-prone, sensitised or post-inflammatory skin

• Under-eye crepiness and fine lines (in suitable candidates)

• Sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, chest and hands

They are not a replacement for dermal fillers in areas of significant volume loss, but they can be a fantastic partner treatment to improve overall skin health.

Common treatment areas include:

• Full face (cheeks, peri-oral area, lower face)

• Under-eye area (tear trough/infraorbital region)

• Neck and décolletage

• Backs of the hands

• Scars or localised areas of poor texture (in selected cases)

Dr Caroline Warden will assess your skin and design a personalised injection pattern based on your concerns.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are noticing changes in skin quality (dullness, fine lines, crepiness)

• Prefer subtle, natural-looking results rather than dramatic volume changes

• Have sensitive or reactive skin and want a regenerative, rather than purely cosmetic, option

• Are looking to support results from other treatments such as microneedling, exosomes, chemical peels or laser

• Want preventative skin health treatments in your 30s–40s, or skin-restoring treatments at any age

You may not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have active skin infections, uncontrolled medical conditions or specific allergies. A proper medical consultation is essential.

1. Consultation: Dr Caroline Warden will take a full history, check your skincare, medications and medical conditions, and examine your skin.

2. Preparation: The skin is cleansed thoroughly; a topical anaesthetic cream may be applied depending on the area.

3. Injections: Small amounts of polynucleotide are injected via cannula, in a series of micro-deposits under the skin.

4. Post-care: You’ll be given aftercare instructions and advice on what to avoid (for example, very hot environments, strenuous exercise or alcohol for 24 hours).

The actual injection time is usually around 2-10 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.

Most patients describe polynucleotide injections as stingy rather than painful. You may feel small stings or pressure with each injection. We use techniques such as:

• Cyroballs, vibration wands

• High-quality cannulas

• Gentle, steady injection technique

to keep the treatment as comfortable as possible.

A typical polynucleotide protocol is:

• Initial course: 3 sessions, usually spaced 3–4 weeks apart

• Maintenance: 1 session every 6 months (or as advised) to maintain results

The exact plan depends on your age, skin quality and goals. Some patients with more advanced sun damage or scarring may benefit from a slightly more intensive course.

Polynucleotides are not an instant “quick fix” as they work by stimulating your own tissue.

• Some patients notice improved hydration and a subtle glow within a few weeks.

• More visible changes in texture, fine lines and overall skin quality develop gradually over 6–12 weeks, particularly after completing the initial course.

• Results continue to evolve as collagen remodelling takes place.

Once you have completed an initial treatment course, improvements in skin quality can last around 6 months, depending on factors like:

• Your age and baseline skin health

• Sun exposure and lifestyle (smoking, stress, sleep)

• Skincare routine and other treatments

Maintenance sessions help keep your results topped up and can be timed around seasonal changes or other treatments.

Downtime is usually minimal, but as with any injectable treatment, you may experience:

• Mild redness or swelling at injection points

• Small bumps (papules) where product has been placed, especially on thinner skin

• Occasional bruising

• Slight tenderness for 24–48 hours

Most people feel comfortable going back to normal daily activities the same day, with any visible marks easily concealed by makeup after 24-48 hours (if the skin is intact and your Dr Warden agrees).

Polynucleotides have been used in medicine and aesthetics for many years, and when delivered by a qualified, medical injector using approved products, they have a good safety profile.

However, as with any injection, there are potential risks, including:

• Bruising, swelling and mild pain

• Temporary lumps or bumps

• Infection (rare, minimised with sterile technique)

• Allergic reaction (very rare, but your medical history is carefully checked)

Choosing a doctor-led, medically regulated clinic like ours and having a full consultation are the most important safety steps.

• Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid): Mostly used to restore or add volume (cheeks, lips, jawline). They have some hydrating benefit but their main effect is structural.

• Profhilo® and similar HA skin boosters: Primarily boost hydration and elasticity through high-dose hyaluronic acid spread across an area.

• Polynucleotides: Focus on regeneration and biostimulation – improving the skin’s own repair, collagen, elastin and microcirculation.

In many cases, polynucleotides can be used alongside fillers or HA skin boosters as part of a comprehensive, bespoke treatment plan.

Yes absolutely, polynucleotides are often used as part of a combined skin-health programme, for example with:

• Microneedling or exosomes

• Anti-wrinkle injections

• Chemical peels

• Medical-grade skincare (retinoids, vitamin C, pigment control ingredients)

Your treatment plan will be tailored so that timing between procedures is safe and synergistic.

You may be advised to avoid treatment if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have active skin infection, cold sores or open lesions in the treatment area

• Have a known allergy to any component of the product

• Have uncontrolled autoimmune or systemic disease (this is assessed individually)

• Are immediately post-procedure from other treatments that need healing time

Dr Caroline Warden will go through your full history and advise whether polynucleotides are appropriate and safe for you.

To minimise bruising and maximise results:

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications if medically safe to do so (only after checking with your GP or specialist).

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.

• Stop using strong active skincare (retinoids, acids, scrubs) on the treatment area for 3–5 days beforehand.

• Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup and heavy skincare.

You’ll receive personalised preparation and aftercare instructions at consultation.

After your polynucleotide injections:

• Avoid touching or applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours.

• Skip very hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for 24 hours.

• Do not massage or manipulate the area

• Use gentle skincare and broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily.