Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides represent a revolutionary advancement in regenerative aesthetic medicine; a treatment that doesn’t just mask the signs of ageing but genuinely repairs and regenerates your skin at a cellular level. With over 41 years of scientific research, 36 years of medical application, and 1.8 million documented uses without adverse or allergic reactions, polynucleotides have established themselves as the gold standard in true skin regeneration.
At the heart of this groundbreaking treatment are purified DNA fragments derived from salmon or trout, chosen specifically because their DNA structure closely resembles human DNA, ensuring exceptional biocompatibility and safety. These aren’t ordinary injectable treatments—polynucleotides function as biostimulators that communicate directly with your skin cells, instructing them to activate natural healing and regeneration processes that decline with age.
The science behind polynucleotides is both elegant and powerful. When injected into the dermis, these DNA fragments stimulate fibroblast activity—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the essential structural proteins that maintain skin firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Clinical research demonstrates remarkable results: studies show collagen production increases by up to 47% within just 23 days of treatment, whilst the epidermis thickens and strengthens by 52% in the same timeframe.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that simply add volume to specific areas, or hyaluronic acid skin boosters that primarily provide hydration, polynucleotides work at a deeper, more fundamental level. They initiate biological processes that improve the intrinsic quality of your skin tissue, promoting genuine regeneration rather than temporary enhancement. This cellular approach creates improvements that look completely natural and continue developing progressively over months as your skin’s repair mechanisms remain activated.
Polynucleotides offer extraordinary versatility in addressing multiple skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, dull, dehydrated, or tired-looking skin, acne scars and atrophic scarring, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, rosacea and chronic skin inflammation, stretch marks, photoaged and sun-damaged skin, and under-eye hollows, dark circles, and crepiness. The treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and can be used both as preventative care for younger patients and intensive rejuvenation for mature skin.
One of the most significant advantages of polynucleotides is their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These DNA fragments actively reduce oxidative stress, neutralise free radicals that accelerate ageing, decrease inflammation, and create an optimal environment for tissue repair and regeneration. This makes polynucleotides particularly effective for treating sensitive, inflamed, or reactive skin conditions like rosacea that other aesthetic treatments may struggle to address.
Polynucleotides excel in treating delicate areas where other injectable treatments cannot safely be used. The periorbital region, including the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and under-eye area shows remarkable improvement with polynucleotide therapy, addressing concerns like fine lines, crepiness, laxity, dark circles, and hollowing that have historically been challenging to treat. Additionally, polynucleotides can effectively rejuvenate the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and body areas affected by scarring or stretch marks.
What truly distinguishes polynucleotides from other treatments is their progressive, long-lasting results. Rather than delivering immediate visible changes, this treatment works gradually as your skin’s natural regeneration processes unfold. Improvements continue developing for up to 12 weeks following treatment, with benefits potentially lasting 6-12 months; far longer than most hyaluronic acid-based treatments. This sustained effect occurs because polynucleotides create lasting changes to your skin’s cellular environment and regenerative capacity.
Polynucleotides can also function as a powerful “primer” treatment, preparing your skin and enhancing the effectiveness of other aesthetic procedures including dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, microneedling, laser treatments, chemical peels, and radiofrequency therapies. When combined strategically with treatments like Profhilo, the results can be truly transformative, addressing both immediate hydration needs and long-term regenerative goals simultaneously.
Book your consultation with Dr Parekh today and discover how Polynucleotides can fundamentally transform your skin quality, restore cellular vitality, and reveal the genuinely healthy, radiant complexion you deserve.
What to Expect
Treatment Duration:
Polynucleotide treatments typically take 15-45 minutes, depending on the treatment areas and protocol complexity.
Longevity of Results:
Most patients experience 6-12 months of skin improvement and regeneration. Optimal results develop progressively over 12 weeks and continue improving as cellular repair processes remain activated.
Discomfort Score:
2-3/5 – Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand to minimise discomfort. Most patients describe mild pinching or stinging sensations that are generally well-tolerated.
Recovery Time:
Minimal downtime of 1-2 days. Mild redness, swelling, or small bumps at injection sites typically resolve within 24-48 hours. Most patients resume normal activities immediately.
What Our Patients Say
Treatment Costs
Consultation
A comprehensive evaluation of your skin concerns, medical history, and aesthetic objectives to determine your suitability for Polynucleotide therapy and design a personalised regenerative treatment plan. Refundable deposit of £150 needed.
FREE
Single Treatment Session (2ml)
One complete polynucleotide treatment session using 2ml of purified DNA biostimulator. Ideal for maintaining results between courses or targeting specific small areas. Includes medical-grade preparation, precise injection technique, and comprehensive aftercare guidance.
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Initial Treatment Course (3 Sessions)
For optimal regenerative results, we recommend an initial course of three treatment sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This protocol allows progressive cellular repair and maximises improvements in collagen production, skin elasticity, and overall tissue quality. Course price represents significant savings.
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Extended Treatment Course (5 Sessions)
Our most comprehensive polynucleotide programme for patients seeking maximum regenerative transformation. Five sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart provide intensive cellular repair for significantly aged, sun-damaged, or scarred skin. Includes all treatments at our best value rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a treatment session?
our polynucleotide journey begins with a thorough consultation where Dr Parekh will assess your skin quality, discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, and review your medical history to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.
On the day of treatment, your skin will be meticulously cleansed to remove all makeup, oils, and impurities. A medical-grade topical anaesthetic cream is then applied to the treatment area and left for 20-30 minutes to ensure maximum comfort during the injection process. Once adequate numbing is achieved, the cream is removed and your skin is prepared with antiseptic solution.
Using ultra-fine needles, Dr Parekh will deliver a series of precise microinjections of polynucleotide solution into the dermal layers of your skin across the treatment area. The injection technique may vary depending on the area being treated. Facial treatments typically involve multiple superficial injections distributed evenly, whilst delicate areas like the under-eyes require specialised precision.
Throughout the procedure, you may feel mild pressure, slight pinching, or brief stinging sensations, but these are generally well-tolerated thanks to the numbing cream. The entire injection process typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated.
Immediately following your treatment, you may notice mild redness, slight swelling, or small bumps at the injection sites. These are normal responses indicating the treatment is working and typically subside within 24-48 hours. A cooling pack may be applied to reduce any swelling or discomfort. You’ll receive comprehensive aftercare instructions including advice to avoid makeup for 24 hours, strenuous exercise for 48 hours, and direct sun exposure for several days post-treatment.
The polynucleotides will continue working at a cellular level for up to 12 weeks following your session, progressively stimulating collagen production and tissue regeneration.
What are polynucleotides and how do they work?
Polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators composed of purified DNA fragments, specifically, long chains of nucleotides that serve as the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA molecules. These DNA fragments are derived from salmon or trout sperm through advanced High Purification Technology processes that ensure the highest levels of purity, safety, and biocompatibility by removing all peptides, proteins, and lipids.
When injected into your skin, polynucleotides function as powerful cellular messengers that communicate directly with your fibroblast cells – the specialised cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This stimulation triggers a sophisticated biological cascade: fibroblasts multiply and become more active, dramatically increasing production of structural proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity; the extracellular matrix strengthens and reorganises, improving skin architecture; and cellular turnover accelerates, replacing damaged cells with healthy, functional ones.
Additionally, polynucleotides possess inherent antioxidant properties that neutralise free radicals causing cellular damage and premature ageing, whilst their anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness, soothe reactive skin, and create optimal conditions for tissue repair. Unlike fillers that physically occupy space or hyaluronic acid that temporarily hydrates, polynucleotides initiate fundamental biological processes that genuinely regenerate your skin from within, creating lasting improvements in skin quality rather than temporary cosmetic enhancement.
How long does the treatment take?
The polynucleotide injection procedure itself typically takes between 15-45 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas being addressed. However, your complete appointment will be approximately 60-75 minutes to allow for thorough skin cleansing, application and absorption of topical anaesthetic cream (20-30 minutes), the treatment itself, and post-treatment care and aftercare instructions. This makes polynucleotides an ideal treatment for busy professionals seeking transformative skin regeneration without extensive time commitments.
How soon will I see results?
Polynucleotides work progressively rather than providing instant, dramatic changes. This gradual development is what creates such natural-looking, lasting results. Many patients notice initial improvements in skin brightness, hydration, and overall radiance within 2-3 weeks following their first treatment session. However, the most significant and visible transformations develop over the subsequent weeks and months as collagen production increases and cellular regeneration continues.
Noticeable improvements in skin texture, firmness, and elasticity typically become apparent around 4-6 weeks post-treatment, with optimal results manifesting at approximately 8-12 weeks as the full regenerative effects materialise. The polynucleotides continue stimulating your skin’s repair mechanisms for up to 12 weeks following injection, meaning improvements progressively develop throughout this period. For comprehensive treatment of significant concerns like deep scarring, substantial photoaging, or marked skin laxity, we recommend an initial course of 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart to achieve optimal, transformative outcomes.
Results from a complete treatment course can last 6-12 months, with many patients experiencing benefits for up to a full year before requiring maintenance treatments.
Is the treatment painful?
Pain tolerance varies between individuals, and experiences with polynucleotide injections range from virtually painless to moderately uncomfortable. Most patients find the treatment quite tolerable, particularly when proper pain management protocols are followed. We apply medical-grade topical anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine for 20-30 minutes before your treatment, which significantly reduces discomfort during the injection process. With effective numbing, most patients describe sensations of mild pressure, slight pinching, or brief stinging rather than genuine pain.
The discomfort level can vary depending on the treatment area. More sensitive regions like the under-eyes, lips, or forehead may feel more intense than less sensitive areas like the cheeks. Some patients report that polynucleotides can feel more uncomfortable than other injectable treatments like dermal fillers or Profhilo, particularly in delicate areas, though experiences vary widely. The injections themselves are delivered using very fine needles and the procedure is relatively quick, with most discomfort occurring only during the actual injection moments. Most patients rate the overall experience as manageable and well worth the exceptional regenerative results achieved.
If you have concerns about pain tolerance, discuss this openly with Dr Parekh during your consultation. Additional comfort measures can be implemented to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
How long do the results last?
Following an initial treatment course of 2-4 sessions, results from polynucleotide therapy typically last between 6-12 months, with many patients experiencing visible benefits for up to a full year. The extended longevity of results occurs because polynucleotides create fundamental changes to your skin’s cellular environment and regenerative capacity rather than providing temporary enhancement. The collagen and elastin produced continue supporting your skin structure long after the treatment, whilst the improved cellular function persists for months.
Results tend to reach their optimal peak around the 8-12 week mark following your final session, then gradually maintain before slowly declining. To sustain your rejuvenated skin quality and maintain optimal cellular function, we recommend maintenance treatments every 4-9 months depending on your individual skin condition, age, lifestyle factors, and personal aesthetic goals. Regular maintenance sessions help preserve elevated collagen levels, sustained hydration, and continued tissue regeneration.
The longevity of your results will depend on factors including your age and baseline skin condition, sun exposure and environmental damage, skincare regimen and sun protection habits, smoking status and overall health, and adherence to professional aftercare recommendations.
Are there any side effects?
Polynucleotide treatments are very safe when performed by qualified medical professionals, with minimal side effects. The most common, expected reactions include mild redness and flushing in the treated area (typically resolving within 24-48 hours), slight swelling, particularly in delicate areas like the under-eyes (usually subsiding within 1-2 days), small bumps or papules at injection sites that feel like tiny lumps under the skin (generally resolving within a few days as the product integrates), tenderness or sensitivity to touch in the treated area (resolving within 2-3 days), and occasional minor bruising at injection points (may persist for several days to two weeks). These reactions are normal, temporary responses indicating your skin is responding to the treatment and beginning its regenerative process.
More serious complications such as infection, allergic reactions, or significant adverse effects are extremely rare. Polynucleotides have been used more than 1.8 million times over 36 years with no reported adverse or allergic reactions. However, complications can occur if treatments are performed by inexperienced or unqualified practitioners. We strongly recommend receiving polynucleotide treatments only from qualified professionals like Dr Parekh to ensure both safety and optimal outcomes. Following our comprehensive aftercare protocol significantly minimises the risk of side effects and optimises your healing and results.
What should I do before the treatment?
To prepare your skin for optimal polynucleotide treatment and minimise potential complications, please follow these pre-treatment guidelines.
For at least one week before your appointment, avoid consuming alcohol and discontinue blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements to reduce bruising risk (only after consulting your GP if these are medically prescribed). Ideally, prepare your skin for several weeks beforehand with gentle moisturising products and daily broad-spectrum SPF to optimise baseline skin health. If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex, inform Dr Parekh as prophylactic antiviral medication may be recommended to prevent outbreak following treatment.
Arrive to your appointment with completely clean skin, free from makeup, skincare products, and facial oils. During your consultation, provide comprehensive information about all current medications, any autoimmune conditions or immune system disorders, known allergies or sensitivities, previous aesthetic treatments and outcomes, and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy.
Being transparent about your medical history ensures Dr Parekh can determine your suitability for polynucleotide therapy and customise your treatment protocol for safety and optimal results.
Can I return to normal activities after the treatment?
Yes, one of the significant advantages of polynucleotide therapy is the minimal downtime, allowing most patients to resume normal daily activities immediately following treatment. However, there are important temporary restrictions to optimise healing and protect your newly treated skin.
For the first 24 hours post-treatment, avoid wearing makeup to allow your skin to breathe and the injection sites to close properly (light mineral makeup may be applied after 24 hours if necessary). Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean for 48 hours as these can irritate the skin and increase infection risk. Do not touch, rub, or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent displacing the product or introducing bacteria.
Sun protection is absolutely critical. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48-72 hours and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and protective clothing whenever outdoors for at least two weeks following treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV damage during the healing period. Avoid scheduling chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling for at least two weeks post-treatment to prevent irritation and complications. Keep your skin well-hydrated with gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and drink plenty of water to support the healing process.
Most visible redness and swelling resolve within 24-48 hours, allowing comfortable return to work and social activities.
Who is an ideal candidate for this treatment?
Polynucleotide therapy is suitable for a wide range of patients seeking genuine skin regeneration and improvement in fundamental skin quality rather than volumetric enhancement. Ideal candidates include individuals with fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity, dull, dehydrated, or tired-looking skin requiring revitalisation, acne scars, surgical scars, or atrophic scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, or uneven skin tone, rosacea, chronic redness, or inflamed skin conditions, photoaged or sun-damaged skin, stretch marks on the body, under-eye hollows, dark circles, or periorbital crepiness, or those seeking preventative care to maintain youthful skin quality.
The treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and tones, including darker complexions that may be at higher risk of complications from laser treatments. Both men and women can benefit from polynucleotide therapy, and it’s appropriate for younger patients in their twenties and thirties seeking preventative care through to mature patients requiring intensive regeneration.
Polynucleotides are particularly valuable for patients who have tried other treatments with limited success, those seeking natural-looking, progressive improvements rather than instant dramatic changes, and individuals looking for long-lasting results that address skin quality fundamentally. However, polynucleotide treatment may not be suitable for individuals with active skin infections or inflammatory conditions in the treatment area, severe autoimmune diseases or immune system disorders, known allergies to fish or fish-derived products, blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or patients with unrealistic expectations about immediate results.
During your consultation, Dr Parekh will thoroughly assess your skin condition, review your complete medical history, discuss your aesthetic objectives realistically, and determine whether polynucleotide therapy is the most appropriate treatment to help you achieve the healthy, rejuvenated skin you desire.
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