If you have spent any time in London aesthetic circles in the last two years, you will have heard polynucleotides discussed with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for a genuinely new development. They are not exactly new — they have been used in regenerative medicine in Korea and Italy for years — but their arrival in the UK market has coincided with a wider shift away from volume-based treatments and towards skin quality.
Here is a measured guide to what they are, what they do, and where they fit into a sensible treatment plan.
What Polynucleotides Actually Are
Polynucleotides are short chains of DNA fragments — usually derived from purified salmon roe — that, when injected into the skin, stimulate fibroblast activity, encourage collagen production, and improve the underlying quality and elasticity of the tissue. Unlike fillers, they do not add volume. They improve the skin itself.
What They Can and Cannot Do
| Polynucleotides Can | Polynucleotides Cannot |
|---|---|
| Improve skin texture and elasticity | Add structural volume |
| Reduce the appearance of fine lines | Reshape facial proportions |
| Improve under-eye skin quality | Eliminate fat pads or hollows |
| Brighten dull or fatigued-looking skin | Replace a facelift or surgical rejuvenation |
| Support healing after other procedures | Deliver immediate results |
Where They Are Most Useful
Polynucleotides have been adopted most enthusiastically for treatment of the periorbital area — the delicate skin around the eyes where fillers carry higher risks and produce less natural-looking results. Patients with thin, crepey under-eye skin or fine lines around the eyes often respond particularly well. The neck, the décolletage and the backs of the hands are also areas where polynucleotides outperform other treatments.
The Protocol
A typical course involves three to four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. Results build progressively over the course of treatment and continue improving for several months after the last session. Maintenance is usually recommended every six to twelve months, depending on individual response.
Side Effects and Recovery
The treatment is well tolerated. Most patients experience mild redness and small bumps at the injection sites for a few hours; some bruising is possible. There is no significant downtime. Patients typically return to work immediately afterwards.
How They Fit Into a Sensible Treatment Plan
Polynucleotides work well alongside other treatments rather than as a replacement for them. For a patient in their forties or fifties with both volume loss and declining skin quality, a combination of restrained filler and a course of polynucleotides can deliver a more comprehensive refresh than either alone. For younger patients seeking preventive skin quality work, polynucleotides may be all that is required.
Dr. Ferrando’s Approach
Dr. Giovanni Ferrando, FRCS (Plast), incorporates polynucleotides where they genuinely add value to a treatment plan rather than as a standalone trend. He is particularly cautious of patients arriving asking for “the latest treatment”; he prefers to assess the face, identify what would actually improve, and then select the right intervention — which may, or may not, be polynucleotides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I see results?
Initial improvements are visible from around four to six weeks, with continued progression over three to six months.
How long do results last?
Typically six to twelve months after a full course, with maintenance recommended for ongoing benefit.
Are they safe for sensitive skin?
Yes — polynucleotides have a strong safety profile and are well tolerated even in delicate areas such as around the eyes.
Can I have them in combination with other treatments?
Yes. They are often combined with fillers, skincare programmes or post-surgical recovery protocols.
References & Further Reading
Related articles from this clinic
- “Ozempic Face” and Facial Volume Loss
- Cheek Fillers and Mid-Face Restoration
- Surgical vs Non-Surgical
External authoritative resources
- JCCP — Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (find a registered practitioner)
- Save Face — UK government-recognised register for non-surgical practitioners
Considering polynucleotide treatment in London? Book a consultation with Dr. Giovanni Ferrando for an honest assessment of whether the treatment is right for you. Learn more about our skin rejuvenation treatments.
