Top 5 Questions People Ask About Polynucleotide Injections

1. What do polynucleotides actually do? (mechanism and differences from fillers/skin boosters)
2. Are polynucleotides good for under‑eyes? (who qualifies, who doesn’t)
3. How many sessions will I need and when will I see results?
4. What’s the downtime and safety profile? (bruising, swelling, contraindications)
5. How do they compare with Profhilo®, exosomes or microneedling?

What Are Polynucleotide Injections and How Do They Work?

Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA/RNA) that act as bio‑scaffolds and signalling molecules in the skin. When injected in micro‑depots or linear threads, they help promote cellular repair pathways, rebalance extracellular matrix turnover, support fibroblast activity and improve hydration through a gentle, cumulative effect. Unlike volumising fillers, they do not “inflate” areas; instead, they nourish and condition tissue over time.

Because they work at the level of skin quality, polynucleotides are especially valued for difficult‑to‑treat zones like the under‑eye (crepe, fine lines, mild laxity) and for complex texture issues after acne scarring or sun damage. They are brand‑agnostic in principle; your consultant dermatologist selects specific formulations and techniques to suit your presentation.

Who Do Polynucleotide Injections Help Most?

• Under‑eye quality: fine lines, crepe, mild laxity or “tired” appearance without significant fat prolapse or fluid retention.
• Texture & tone: mild atrophic acne scarring; coarse pores; early photoageing on cheeks or neck.
• Skin “tiredness”: dullness or dehydration not corrected by topical skincare alone.
• Complementary care: to support recovery after microneedling or fractional CO₂ laser (timing determined by clinician).

You may not be an ideal candidate if you have pronounced under‑eye fat herniation, significant oedema tendency, active infection, uncontrolled inflammatory disease (see rosacea, eczema, dermatitis), or you’re pregnant/breast‑feeding. In these cases, we’ll design an alternative plan — e.g., under‑eye rejuvenation options, dermal fillers in carefully selected cases, or energy‑based tightening if suitable.

Treatment Plan: Sessions, Timing and What to Expect

Most patients complete a course of 2–3 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Each visit involves quick micro‑injections with sterile technique. You may notice a gentle freshness after the first session, but the meaningful change typically emerges after session two and continues to enhance over the next 6–8 weeks as matrix remodelling occurs.

• Session 1: baseline improvement and signalling activation.
• Session 2: consolidation — visible softening of crepe/fine lines in many cases.
• Session 3 (optional): for under‑eyes or scarred/photodamaged areas needing extra support.
• Maintenance: typically every 6–9+ months; frequency is personalised.

If your priority is overall glow/elasticity, we may combine your plan with Profhilo® or exosome therapy. For deeper scars or etched lines, we’ll discuss staged microneedling, fractional CO₂ or selected dermal fillers.

Safety, Downtime and Aftercare

Polynucleotide injections are generally well‑tolerated. Expect small injection marks, mild redness or swelling that settle over 24–72 hours; occasional pinpoint bruises can occur (especially under‑eye). You’ll receive written aftercare and escalation guidance. We avoid treatment over active infections or unstable inflammatory skin disease and adapt timing around events.

• Immediately after: avoid rubbing for several hours; keep area clean.
• First 24 hours: avoid strenuous exercise, sauna/steam, or heavy alcohol.
• Make‑up: usually acceptable the next day if skin is intact.
• Contact us urgently for unusual pain, spreading redness, visual symptoms or any concern.

Under‑Eye Focus: When Polynucleotides Are (and Aren’t) the Answer

The under‑eye complex is anatomically sensitive. Polynucleotides can improve skin quality — think fine lines, crepe and mild laxity — but they do not remove significant fat bags or fluid. If your main issue is shadowing from hollowing, carefully selected non‑filler under‑eye rejuvenation or conservative filler may be considered. If puffiness predominates, we’ll explore lymphatic‑aware care and lifestyle modifications first.

Many patients get the best result from a staged plan: a polynucleotide course to condition skin, then targeted microneedling or fractional CO₂ for texture, and only then consider minimal filler if needed for contour.

Polynucleotides vs Profhilo®, Exosomes, Microneedling and Fillers

Polynucleotides vs Profhilo®

Both improve skin quality; Profhilo® is a stabilised HA bioremodeller that spreads widely for hydration and elasticity, while polynucleotides act as bio‑scaffolds and signalling for tissue repair. Many patients benefit from using them sequentially or alternating through the year for layered improvement.

Polynucleotides vs Exosome Therapy

Exosomes deliver vesicles rich in growth factors and signalling molecules. Polynucleotides are not vesicles; they are polymer chains that help modulate the extracellular environment. Your clinician may pair them in a protocol designed around your skin’s needs.

Polynucleotides vs Microneedling / Fractional CO₂

Microneedling and fractional CO₂ trigger collagen through controlled micro‑injury. Polynucleotides complement by conditioning the matrix without thermal injury. Combination or staged approaches are common for scars and etched lines.

Polynucleotides vs Dermal Fillers

Fillers restore shape or structure; polynucleotides improve skin quality. If hollowness or sagging dominates, fillers or Endolift® may be more effective; if crepe, texture and dullness dominate, polynucleotides shine — or we mix carefully.

Related Conditions We Commonly See

• Acne scars – atrophic scars and texture irregularity benefit from layering approaches.
• Hyperpigmentation & melasma – polynucleotides improve skin quality; pigment protocols are addressed in parallel.
• Sun damage – texture, fine lines and dullness often improve alongside SPF and lifestyle measures.
• Rosacea – consider barrier support and trigger control; procedural choices are individualised.
• Dry skin – hydration and elasticity gains complement skincare optimisation.

Diagnostics that may feature in your plan: digital skin analysis and 3D face analysis for objective tracking.

Your Consultant‑Led Pathway in Maida Vale

1. Consultation: medical history, skin exam, photography, goal setting.
2. Design: choose polynucleotides vs alternatives (or sequence) and map areas.
3. Treatment: precise micro‑injections; written aftercare provided.
4. Review: check‑in at ~4 weeks to plan session 2/3 or add complements (e.g., Profhilo®).
5. Maintenance: every 6–9+ months, adjusted to seasons and events.

FAQs: Polynucleotide Injections in London