Polynucleotides London
Once injected, these DNA molecules signal fibroblast activity, stimulating the natural production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The result is smoother, firmer, more luminous skin that looks naturally refreshed — without added volume or drastic change. Polynucleotides also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to restore skin health, improve texture, and calm signs of stress or damage.
At Dr Preema London Clinic in Mayfair, Polynucleotides are used within personalised treatment plans to strengthen and renew the skin’s foundation, supporting long-term rejuvenation and overall skin vitality.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of DNA that are used in injectable skin treatments. They are made from long chains of nucleotides, which are the natural building blocks of DNA.
In aesthetic medicine, these DNA fragments are usually derived from salmon or trout and are carefully purified and processed before being formulated for injection. This is why you may sometimes hear polynucleotide treatments referred to as “salmon DNA injections”, although the treatment contains purified DNA fragments rather than whole fish cells or tissue.
Polynucleotides are different from dermal fillers and hyaluronic acid skin boosters because they are DNA-based molecules rather than gels designed to add volume or primarily increase hydration.
How do polynucleotides work?
Polynucleotides work by supporting the skin’s natural repair processes at a cellular level. Once injected into the skin, the DNA fragments interact with the surrounding tissue and help create an environment that supports healthier skin function.
One of their main effects is on fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. These proteins help give the skin its structure, firmness and elasticity. By supporting fibroblast activity, polynucleotides may gradually help improve the quality and resilience of the skin.
Polynucleotides also have water-binding, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support hydration and protect the skin from some of the processes associated with inflammation and tissue damage.
Because they work by supporting changes within the skin rather than adding volume, the results develop gradually. Over time, patients may notice smoother texture, improved hydration, better firmness and healthier-looking skin, although the degree of improvement will vary from person to person.
Polynucleotide Treatment Information
Advanced regenerative injectable treatment designed to support skin repair and improve overall skin quality. Delivered at our Mayfair, London clinic, each Polynucleotide Treatment plan is tailored to your individual skin concerns and goals. Read on for more details on what to expect during your treatment.
Treatment Time
How long does a Polynucleotide treatment take?
A Polynucleotide treatment typically takes around 30 minutes.
The appointment includes preparation of the treatment area and the Polynucleotide injections themselves, making this skin rejuvenation treatment easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Comfort Level
What do Polynucleotide injections feel like?
Polynucleotide injections are generally comfortable, although you may feel a series of small pinpricks or a mild stinging sensation during treatment.
A topical numbing cream may be applied beforehand to help make your Polynucleotide treatment as comfortable as possible.
Course Frequency
How many Polynucleotide treatments are needed?
We usually recommend a course of 3 Polynucleotide treatments, spaced approximately 2–3 weeks apart.
Your practitioner will create a personalised treatment plan based on your skin concerns, treatment area and desired results, helping to support improvements in skin quality, hydration and overall rejuvenation.
Action to Take Effect
How soon do you see results from Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotide results develop gradually, with improvements often beginning to appear over the following 2 weeks as the skin’s natural regenerative processes are supported.
You may begin to notice improvements in skin hydration, texture and overall skin quality, with results continuing to develop throughout your Polynucleotide treatment course.
Duration of Effect
How long do Polynucleotide results last?
Polynucleotide results can typically last up to 6 months, although this can vary depending on your skin condition, age, lifestyle and treatment area.
Completing the recommended course of Polynucleotide injections, followed by appropriate maintenance treatments, can help support longer-lasting improvements in skin quality and rejuvenation.
Maintenance
How often do you need maintenance treatments for Polynucleotides?
We generally recommend a Polynucleotide maintenance treatment every 4–6 months.
Your practitioner will advise on the most suitable maintenance schedule for your skin, helping to preserve improvements in hydration, elasticity, texture and overall skin quality.
What are the benefits of Polynucleotides?
- Skin Rejuvenation: Fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin in the skin) are stimulated, improving skin texture, firmness and elasticity, which can result in a more youthful appearance.
- Wound Healing: Polynucleotides may aid in the repair of damaged tissue and promote faster recovery from certain skin conditions or treatments, including Secret RF or Medical Needling.
- Moisturising and Hydration: The skin’s ability to retain moisture is enhanced, leading to improved hydration levels and a plumper, more radiant complexion.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduction in redness, swelling and irritation of the skin.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides can be used across several areas of the face and body where the treatment objective relates to skin texture, hydration, fine lines or tissue quality. The appropriate approach varies by area because skin thickness, underlying anatomy and the cause of the concern differ between areas such as the under-eyes, face, neck, hands and body.
| Treatment area | What polynucleotides may help with | How treatment is used in this area | Key limitations / considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-Eyes | Crepey texture, fine lines and thin-looking peri-orbital skin. | Used to address the condition, texture and firmness of the delicate skin around the eyes. | Dark circles can result from pigmentation, visible blood vessels, shadowing, volume loss or skin characteristics. Polynucleotides do not address all of these causes in the same way. |
| Face | Fine lines, dehydration, uneven texture and declining firmness. | Used to address general skin texture and tissue condition without primarily adding facial volume. | Polynucleotides are not a substitute for dermal filler when the main concern is deeper facial volume loss or when structural projection is required. |
| Neck | Crepey texture, fine lines and mild loss of skin firmness. | Used to address changes within thinner neck skin where texture and mild laxity are concerns. | Neck skin differs anatomically from facial skin. Polynucleotides should not be expected to reproduce the effect of surgery where substantial skin laxity is present. |
| Décolletage | Fine lines, crepey texture and skin affected by ageing or sun exposure. | Used to address texture and tissue condition across the upper chest. | Sun-related changes can involve pigmentation and other concerns as well as texture, so treatment should be selected according to what is actually causing the visible change. |
| Hands | Thin-looking, dehydrated or finely creased skin. | Used to address the texture and condition of the skin on the backs of the hands. | Polynucleotides do not replace lost structural volume in the same way as a volumising injectable. |
| Scalp | Scalp tissue concerns where polynucleotide treatment may be considered. | May be incorporated into an individually assessed treatment plan for the scalp. | Specific claims relating to hair growth, increased hair density or the treatment of scalp conditions require clinical review. |
| Knees | Fine lines, textural changes and mild skin laxity. | Used to address the condition and texture of skin around the knee area. | May be considered for mild skin concerns but is not an alternative to surgery where there is substantial loose skin. |
| Inner Arms | Crepey texture, fine lines and mild laxity. | Used to address skin texture and tissue condition where the skin appears thin or finely creased. | The degree of laxity matters. Significant loose skin may require a different treatment approach. |
| Abdomen | Fine lines, textural changes and mild skin laxity. | Used to address selected skin texture and tissue-quality concerns. | Polynucleotides do not remove excess skin and should not be presented as a substitute for surgery where substantial laxity is present. |
Polynucleotides Before and After Results
Polynucleotide treatment is intended to produce gradual changes in the condition of the treated tissue rather than the immediate structural change associated with adding filler volume.
Depending on the concern and individual response, visible changes may include smoother-looking texture, a reduction in the appearance of fine or crepey lines, improved hydration and an improvement in how firm the skin appears. Current Dr Preema London Clinic before-and-after material includes under-eye treatment showing changes in fine lines, skin texture and the overall appearance of the area.
Polynucleotides Under-eye Results

Polynucleotides Eye Results

Before & after: Polynucleotides around the eyes at Dr Preema London Clinic, delivering visible reduction in crepiness, dark circles, and fine lines. A natural and regenerative approach to brighter, more youthful eyes.
Who are polynucleotides suitable for?
Polynucleotide treatment may be considered for people whose main concern is the condition of their skin rather than a need to replace significant volume or reshape a facial feature.
This can include people concerned about fine lines, crepey texture, dehydration, reduced firmness or changes in skin texture associated with ageing. Treatment may also be considered for delicate areas, such as around the eyes, where the treatment objective is to work on the quality of the skin rather than create volume.
The same treatment is not automatically appropriate for every skin concern or every patient. Consultation is therefore important to establish what is causing the visible concern, whether a polynucleotide treatment can realistically address it and whether another treatment or combination would be more appropriate.
Polynucleotide Safety, Side Effects & Aftercare
Polynucleotides are an injectable treatment, so it is normal to have some temporary reaction around the injection sites. This can be more noticeable in delicate areas such as under the eyes. Common short-term effects may include:
- Mild redness or swelling
- Bruising or tenderness
- Small raised bumps at the injection points
Most patients can return to their usual routine with minimal disruption, although the treated area should be looked after carefully while it settles. Your practitioner will provide personalised aftercare, which may include temporarily avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat, alcohol and other facial or aesthetic treatments.
Polynucleotides are not suitable for everyone. Your medical history, medications and any allergies will be reviewed during consultation before treatment is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polynucleotides
Are polynucleotides better than Botox?
Polynucleotides and Botox are designed to do different things, so one is not simply better than the other. Polynucleotides focus primarily on improving skin quality, hydration and elasticity, whereas Botox is used to reduce muscle movement responsible for dynamic expression lines. The most appropriate option depends on your concerns, desired result and clinical assessment.
What are the downsides of polynucleotides?
The main downsides of polynucleotides are that results are gradual, several treatments may be recommended and improvement varies from person to person. Temporary swelling, bruising or injection-site bumps can also occur. Research into aesthetic polynucleotide treatments is promising, but the evidence base is still relatively small compared with longer-established treatments.
Are polynucleotides worth the money?
Polynucleotides may be worthwhile if your priority is gradual improvement in skin texture, hydration, elasticity and overall skin quality rather than added volume or dramatically reduced expression lines. Studies report promising improvements in skin rejuvenation, although results vary and current research remains limited. A consultation can help establish whether the likely benefits justify the cost for you.
What do polynucleotides do to your skin?
Polynucleotides are injectable skin treatments designed to improve skin quality, hydration, elasticity and texture. They support the skin’s natural repair processes and may encourage fibroblast activity and collagen production. Results develop gradually rather than adding instant volume, making polynucleotides particularly popular for fine lines, crepey skin and the delicate under-eye area.
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Dr Preema London is located on Avenfield House, 118-127 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 7AF, GB.
We’re located in the heart of London. If you’re visiting from outside elsewhere, we’re less than ten minutes by car, or 20 minutes walking from Paddington Station. Open Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM and Friday 10 AM to 7 PM.
For additional questions you can call us at 020 7221 0043
+447391153225 - WhatsApp only
Dr. Preema London Clinic
Avenfield House
118-127 Park Lane
Mayfair
London
W1K 7AF