Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are injectable treatments made from purified DNA fragments, commonly derived from salmon or trout. They support skin hydration and renewal, helping improve texture, elasticity and fine lines over time. Rather than focusing on facial volume or contour, treatment focuses on the quality of your skin for gradual, natural-looking improvement.
- Improved hydration
- Skin renewal
- Gradual results
- Personalised treatment
- Skin quality first
- Targets hydration, texture and elasticity
- A planned series
- Number and spacing of sessions tailored to your needs
- Results over time
- Improvements develop gradually over the following weeks
- Temporary recovery
- Small injection bumps, swelling or bruising may occur
Dr. Steph on polynucleotides
This short video from Dr. Steph is on the way.
How it works
Supporting renewal from within
Polynucleotides are chains of purified DNA fragments that attract and retain water. They are also studied for supporting tissue repair and fibroblast activity, the cells involved in producing collagen and maintaining the skin’s structure.
Small amounts are injected into selected areas to support gradual improvements in hydration, texture and elasticity. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers used to restore volume or define facial contours, polynucleotides primarily focus on skin quality.
Treatment tailored to your skin
We assess your skin, concerns and medical history before selecting the formulation, treatment areas and injection approach. Comfort measures may be used where appropriate, and your response is reviewed before recommending further sessions.
- Hydration support helps skin feel more supple and reduces the appearance of dehydration-related lines.
- Skin renewal supports gradual improvements in texture and elasticity.
- Precise placement allows suitable formulations to treat delicate areas, including under-eye skin.
What it treats
Fine lines & crepey texture
Polynucleotides may soften fine lines and improve crepey-looking texture, helping skin appear smoother and more supple.
Under-eye skin quality
Suitable formulations may improve delicate under-eye texture and fine lines, helping the area look more refreshed. Dark circles can also come from pigmentation, visible blood vessels or hollowing, so we assess the cause before recommending treatment.
Dehydration & reduced elasticity
Treatment may improve moisture retention and elasticity in skin that feels dry, less resilient or less supple.
Face, neck & décolletage
Depending on the formulation and your suitability, treatment may address changes in skin quality across the face, neck and décolletage. We assess each area individually to determine where treatment could help.
Sessions & aftercare
How many sessions you’ll need
Treatment is often planned as a series. We recommend the number and spacing according to the product selected, treatment area and your goals, reviewing your response along the way.
When results develop
Improvement develops gradually over the following weeks. Early changes may include better hydration, while improvements in texture and elasticity take longer to assess. Maintenance is personalised to your response and treatment plan.
What recovery looks like
Small raised bumps can appear at injection points, along with redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising. These settle as the area recovers, with timing varying by product, placement and individual response. Allow flexibility around important events.
Aftercare that supports recovery
Keep skincare gentle and protect your skin from the sun. Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas unless instructed otherwise.
Our team will explain when to resume makeup, active skincare, exercise and heat exposure. Check with us before scheduling facials, massage or other skin treatments.
When to contact us
Contact our team promptly if you develop increasing pain, worsening redness or swelling, discharge or unexpected skin colour changes. Vision changes require immediate emergency assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Are polynucleotides the same as “salmon DNA”?
“Salmon DNA” is a common nickname for fish-derived polynucleotides. The treatment contains highly purified DNA fragments, rather than whole cells or unprocessed fish material.
How are they different from dermal filler?
Hyaluronic acid filler commonly restores volume or refines shape. Polynucleotides primarily target hydration, elasticity and texture. Some formulations also contain hyaluronic acid, so the exact product matters.
Are polynucleotides and PDRN the same?
They are related DNA-derived ingredients, but the terms are not interchangeable. PDRN generally contains shorter DNA fragments, while polynucleotides generally contain longer chains. Formulation and delivery method influence how each treatment works.
Will they remove dark circles?
They may help where under-eye skin quality contributes to a tired appearance. Pigmentation, visible vessels, hollowing or puffiness may need a different approach or a combination of treatments.
Does treatment hurt?
You may feel brief pinching or stinging during the injections. Sensitivity varies by area, and we’ll discuss suitable comfort measures before treatment.
Can I have treatment if I have a fish allergy?
Tell us before booking. Many formulations are fish-derived, and we need to check the product’s instructions and your medical history before determining suitability.
Is treatment suitable for everyone?
Suitability depends on your medical history, skin and the product used. Tell us about allergies, medications and any active skin infection. Treatment is generally deferred during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
Can polynucleotides be combined with other treatments?
They may form part of a plan alongside Botox, dermal filler or skin treatments. We recommend the sequence and spacing according to your concerns and recovery needs.
Are there any risks?
Temporary bumps, redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising can occur. Infection, allergic reactions and other injection-related complications are possible. We’ll explain the risks relevant to your product and treatment area at consultation.
Bring your concern, not a treatment name.
Whether it’s fine lines, crepey texture or changes in under-eye skin quality, tell us what you’d like to address. We’ll assess your skin and help you decide whether polynucleotides suit your goals.