Polynucleotide treatment is a series of micro-injections of purified DNA fragments (polynucleotides) that stimulate your skin’s own fibroblasts to repair, rehydrate and rebuild collagen. Unlike a dermal filler it adds no volume: it improves skin quality – fine lines, dark and crêpey under-eyes, dull or dehydrated skin, acne scarring. Each session takes 30–60 minutes at Dr Elif Clinic on Harley Street, London; results start within a few weeks, build over a course of sessions, and are maintained with a top-up every 6–12 months.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are naturally occurring molecules made of long chains of nucleotides – the building blocks of DNA. In aesthetic medicine they are used as an injectable skin regenerator: rather than filling a line or relaxing a muscle, they signal the skin to heal itself. That makes them a different category from dermal fillers (volume) and anti-wrinkle injections (muscle relaxation), and closer to skin boosters such as Profhilo.
How do polynucleotides work?
Injected into the dermis, polynucleotides activate fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, whose output declines with age. The result is increased collagen synthesis and a stronger skin structure. Polynucleotides also attract and bind water, hydrating the skin from within, which plumps fine lines and improves the skin barrier. Over successive sessions they integrate into the skin’s cellular matrix, so the improvement is regenerative and long-term rather than cosmetic and temporary.
What do polynucleotides treat?
- Under-eye area – dark circles, thin crêpey skin and fine lines, where filler is often the wrong answer (see also our wrinkle-free under-eye treatment)
- Fine lines and wrinkles across the face, neck and décolletage
- Dull, dehydrated or dry skin – deep hydration and smoother texture
- Loss of elasticity and early laxity
- Acne scarring – regeneration of scarred tissue
- Prevention – younger patients maintaining skin quality
Polynucleotide before and after
A Dr Elif Clinic patient after a course of polynucleotide injections at our Harley Street clinic. Results vary from person to person.
What to expect: the polynucleotide treatment process
- Consultation. The dermatologist assesses your skin, confirms polynucleotides are the right choice (or suggests an alternative) and sets the number of sessions.
- Injection. A topical anaesthetic may be applied, although the treatment is well tolerated. Polynucleotides are placed with a series of micro-injections into the dermis of the treated area. Each session takes 30–60 minutes depending on the area.
- Course. Polynucleotide treatment is a course, not a single visit: the full effect is seen after several sessions.
- Maintenance. Most patients repeat a session every 6–12 months to sustain the result.
How long do polynucleotides take to work, and how long do they last?
Results start to become visible within a few weeks of the first session as hydration improves, with the full effect – smoother, firmer, more even skin – seen after the course is complete, because collagen remodelling takes time. The results are long-lasting, persisting for several months; the exact duration depends on your skin type, age and lifestyle, which is why maintenance every 6–12 months is recommended.
Side effects, downtime and aftercare
Side effects are minimal and typically limited to mild redness, swelling or small bruises at the injection points, which usually settle within a few hours to a few days. As with any injectable there is a small risk of infection, minimised by following the aftercare you are given: avoiding sun exposure and vigorous exercise for a short period, and using the skincare your practitioner recommends. Staying well hydrated helps the result.
Who is polynucleotide treatment suitable for?
Polynucleotides suit a wide range of patients looking for a non-invasive way to improve skin health: those with early signs of ageing (fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity), dehydrated or dull skin, post-acne scarring, and younger patients who want to maintain their skin. Patients with active skin infection or a tendency to keloid scarring need to discuss suitability with the dermatologist first – every patient is assessed at consultation.
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo vs dermal filler
| Polynucleotides | Profhilo / skin boosters | Dermal filler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Purified DNA fragments | Hyaluronic acid | Cross-linked hyaluronic-acid gel |
| Main action | Regeneration, repair, collagen, hydration | Hydration and skin quality | Volume and shape |
| Best for | Under-eyes, fine lines, scarring, dull or damaged skin | Overall glow and hydration | Lips, cheeks, jawline, contour |
| Adds volume | No | No (subtle plumping) | Yes |
Polynucleotides can be combined with other treatments – dermal fillers, microneedling or laser – to enhance the overall result. At Dr Elif Clinic they are also the skin-booster component of Endoskin®, our Endolift laser and polynucleotide combination for skin tightening. Your practitioner will tailor the plan to your skin.
Polynucleotide treatment cost in London
The price depends on the area treated and the number of sessions in your course. Current prices are on our price list; the dermatologist confirms the plan at consultation before anything is booked.
Polynucleotide FAQs
A course of micro-injections of purified DNA fragments that stimulate the skin’s fibroblasts to produce collagen, repair damage and hold more water. It improves skin quality rather than adding volume.
Yes. Polynucleotides activate fibroblasts, increasing collagen synthesis and hydration, which shows as smoother, firmer and brighter skin. The effect builds over a course of sessions rather than appearing all at once.
Results start to become visible within a few weeks of the first session, with the full effect after the course is complete as collagen remodels.
Results are long-lasting, persisting for several months depending on skin type, age and lifestyle. Most patients have a maintenance session every 6–12 months.
Polynucleotide treatment is a course of several sessions. The dermatologist sets the number at consultation depending on the area and your skin.
Yes – the under-eye is one of the most common areas we treat. Polynucleotides hydrate and regenerate the thin under-eye skin and improve dark circles and fine lines without adding volume.
Mild redness, swelling or small bruises at the injection points, usually settling within a few hours to a few days. There is a small risk of infection, minimised by following aftercare instructions.
Yes. Polynucleotides can be combined with dermal fillers, microneedling or laser to enhance the overall result, and they are the skin-booster component of our Endoskin® (Endolift + polynucleotide) treatment. Your practitioner tailors the plan to your skin.
Book a polynucleotide consultation on Harley Street or call / WhatsApp +44 7979 725302.
