Polynucleotide Treatment

Skin regeneration: Activates fibroblasts at a cellular level to stimulate new collagen and elastin, improving skin structure from within rather than masking concerns on the surface

Deep hydration: Improves the skin’s capacity to retain moisture, reducing dullness, dryness and crepey texture progressively over the treatment course

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and inflammation, making polynucleotides suitable for sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin and post-acne scarring

Versatile treatment zones: Effective on the face, under-eye area, neck, décolletage and hands – particularly well suited to areas where the skin is thin or crepey

Minimal downtime: Mild redness and swelling at injection sites typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours, with most patients returning to normal activity the following day

Long-lasting improvement: Results from a completed course typically last 6 to 12 months, with each course building on the structural improvement from the last

Treatment type: Regenerative injectable biostimulator

Common concerns treated: Fine lines, dull skin, dark circles, crepey skin, skin laxity, acne scarring, uneven skin texture, dehydrated skin

Procedure length: Typically 20 to 40 minutes depending on treatment area

Anaesthetic: Topical numbing cream applied before treatment; most patients find the procedure well tolerated

Recovery time: Minimal. Mild swelling, redness and pinpoint marks typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours

Results visible: Initial improvements in hydration from the first session; visible improvement in skin quality from 3 to 6 weeks, continuing to develop over 3 to 6 months

Sessions recommended: Typically 2 to 4 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6 to 9 months

Polynucleotide treatment is an injectable skin treatment that uses highly purified DNA fragments derived from salmon to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration processes. Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume, or Botox, which relaxes muscle movement, polynucleotides work at a cellular level to improve the quality, hydration and structural integrity of the skin itself.

The active ingredient, polynucleotides (also referred to as PN), consists of chains of nucleotides that are the building blocks of DNA. When injected into the skin, these fragments signal fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, to become more active. The result is gradual but genuine improvement in skin quality: firmer, better hydrated, more resilient skin that looks healthier rather than simply different.

Polynucleotides are also referred to as salmon sperm injections in popular media, a name that refers to the source of the DNA used. The treatment has nothing to do with cosmetic salmon sperm itself; the DNA is extracted, purified and processed until no cellular material remains. For a full explanation of this, read our salmon sperm injections guide.

The treatment is classified as a biostimulator, meaning it stimulates the body’s own biological processes rather than depositing a foreign substance. A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, covering nine studies and 219 patients, found polynucleotide injections produced statistically significant improvements in skin texture, elasticity and wrinkle reduction. This is also why results develop gradually over weeks rather than appearing immediately. The improvements are driven by your own skin responding to the treatment, not by the product itself sitting in the tissue.

Polynucleotide injections are administered using fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas depending on the treatment area and practitioner preference. Sessions typically take 20 to 40 minutes and are performed in a clinical setting. The treatment is sometimes referred to as a polynucleotide injection, PN therapy, or PDRN treatment, though PDRN refers to a related but technically distinct class of shorter DNA fragments. Most UK clinic treatments use longer-chain PN products.

Polynucleotide treatment is suitable for a wide range of patients. It is particularly effective for those who want to improve skin quality rather than add volume or alter facial structure, and for those who want gradual, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

Good candidates for polynucleotide treatment typically:

• Want to improve skin hydration, texture, elasticity or radiance
• Have fine lines, early signs of ageing, or dull, tired-looking skin
• Are concerned about crepey or thinning skin, particularly around the eyes, neck or décolletage
• Have dark circles or under-eye skin quality concerns they want to address
• Have acne scarring affecting skin texture
• Are looking for a treatment that works progressively rather than delivering immediate dramatic change
• Have realistic expectations about the gradual nature of results
• Are in good general health with no active skin infections at the time of treatment
• Are comfortable with a course of sessions rather than a one-off treatment

Who is not suitable for polynucleotide treatment:

Polynucleotide treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Patients who should not have the treatment include:

• Those with a known allergy to fish or seafood. The DNA is derived from salmon and although the purification process removes proteins, a precautionary contraindication applies for fish allergy sufferers
• Vegetarians and vegans. The treatment uses fish-derived ingredients and is not suitable for those who avoid animal products
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Those with autoimmune conditions, as the treatment stimulates immune-mediated repair processes
• Those with active skin infections or inflammation at the treatment site
• Those taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (including ibuprofen, aspirin, high-dose omega-3 and ginseng) who have not discussed this with their practitioner before treatment

A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential before treatment to confirm suitability and review medical history.

Patients often consider polynucleotide treatment alongside other injectable or regenerative options. The table below compares polynucleotides with the most commonly considered alternatives to help patients understand which approach may be most appropriate for their concerns. A practitioner consultation is always required to determine the right treatment for individual needs.

Scroll →

Polynucleotide treatment can address a wide range of skin quality concerns. Because it works by activating the skin’s own repair and regeneration processes, it is particularly effective for conditions where the underlying skin structure has been depleted or damaged rather than where volume has simply been lost.

Fine lines and early wrinkles: Polynucleotides stimulate fibroblast activity which increases collagen and elastin production in the dermis. This gradually thickens and firms the skin, softening fine lines from within rather than filling them from above. Results are progressive over weeks rather than immediate.

Dark circles and under-eye skin quality: Dark circles caused by thin, poor-quality periorbital skin respond well to polynucleotides because the treatment improves skin density and tissue quality. Polynucleotides also help regulate melanocyte activity, reducing melanin overproduction that contributes to pigmentation-related dark circles, while improving lymphatic circulation to make the periorbital skin thicker and less translucent. Structural hollowing requires tear trough filler rather than polynucleotides.

Crepey and dehydrated skin: Polynucleotides improve the skin’s capacity to retain moisture by stimulating hyaluronic acid production within the dermis. This addresses the root cause of crepey texture – depletion of the dermal matrix – rather than hydrating the surface temporarily.

Acne scarring and uneven texture: Collagen remodelling triggered by polynucleotide treatment gradually improves the texture of scarred skin. Post-inflammatory skin changes including redness and roughness also respond well to the anti-inflammatory properties of purified DNA fragments. Significant atrophic scarring may require combination treatment with CO2 laser resurfacing for more dramatic improvement.

Sun damage and pigmentation: UV-damaged skin has depleted collagen reserves and impaired cellular repair mechanisms. Polynucleotides support cellular regeneration and can improve uneven tone and roughness from photoageing, though significant pigmentation may need additional targeted treatment.

Sensitive and rosacea-prone skin: The anti-inflammatory properties of purified polynucleotides make this one of the few injectable treatments suitable for chronically inflamed or sensitive skin. Rather than triggering an immune response, polynucleotides actively reduce inflammatory signalling in the treated tissue.

Polynucleotide treatment is not a substitute for volume restoration, surgical lifting or muscle-relaxing treatments. Patients with significant volume loss, deep structural changes or pronounced dynamic wrinkles will often achieve better results from a combination approach or treatments specifically designed for those concerns.

Several branded polynucleotide products are used by UK clinics. All reputable products used in the UK should be CE-marked or hold equivalent UK regulatory approval. The brands most commonly used in UK clinical practice include:

Scroll →

The choice of product is made by your practitioner based on your skin concerns, treatment area and their clinical experience with specific formulations. Asking which product will be used, why it has been chosen and confirming it holds appropriate regulatory approval are reasonable questions to raise at your consultation.

Polynucleotide treatment is increasingly used alongside other aesthetic treatments to enhance results or address concerns that a single treatment cannot fully resolve.

Polynucleotides and CO2 laser resurfacing: One of the most clinically logical combinations. CO2 laser resurfacing creates controlled skin renewal by removing damaged outer layers and stimulating collagen. Polynucleotides, applied during the recovery period, can support skin quality improvement and hydration as the skin heals. The combination is particularly used for patients with acne scarring or significant sun damage who want to address both surface texture and deeper skin quality simultaneously.

Polynucleotides and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): PRP uses the patient’s own blood plasma, concentrated in growth factors, to support tissue repair. Combined with polynucleotides, the two treatments reinforce each other’s regenerative signalling. This combination is used for patients seeking intensive skin rejuvenation or accelerated recovery.

Polynucleotides and dermal fillers: Polynucleotides improve skin quality and texture while dermal fillers restore volume and structural support. The two treatments serve different purposes and complement each other well for patients showing both skin quality decline and volume loss. They can often be performed at the same session or in a planned treatment sequence.

Polynucleotides and Profhilo: Both are biostimulatory injectables targeting skin quality but they work through different mechanisms. Some practitioners use them together in patients who want both the regenerative effect of polynucleotides and the hydrating, tissue-stimulating properties of Profhilo. The combination is typically planned across several sessions rather than administered simultaneously.

Polynucleotides and Sculptra: Polynucleotides improve skin quality at a cellular level while Sculptra addresses structural volume loss beneath. The two complement each other well for patients who need both skin quality improvement and deeper structural restoration.

During your consultation, ask your practitioner whether a combination approach may be appropriate for your specific concerns. Not all clinics offer all combination treatments, and the order and timing of treatments matters clinically.

The under-eye area is one of the most popular treatment zones for polynucleotide injections. The periorbital skin is the thinnest on the face and ages earlier than most areas, leading to dark circles, fine lines and crepey texture that can make patients look tired even when they are not.

Polynucleotides work well in this area specifically because they improve skin quality from within rather than adding volume, making them appropriate for patients with dark circles driven by skin thinness and poor tissue quality rather than structural hollowing. For patients with significant volume loss under the eyes, tear trough filler may be more appropriate, and a practitioner consultation will clarify which approach suits individual anatomy.

For a full guide to polynucleotide treatment for the under-eye area including results, what to expect and who it suits, read our dedicated polynucleotides under eyes guide.

Polynucleotide injections are widely referred to as salmon sperm injections in media coverage and social media. The name is accurate in origin: the DNA fragments used in most polynucleotide products are derived from the genetic material of salmon. However, the clinical reality is more precise than the name suggests.

The raw material undergoes extensive purification. By the time it is used clinically, only highly purified DNA fragments remain. No salmon sperm cells, no proteins, no biological matter beyond the DNA chains themselves. The purification process is what makes the product biocompatible and safe for injection into human skin.

The name has helped make the treatment searchable and has brought a wider patient audience to regenerative aesthetics, which is not a bad thing. But it should not be the reason a patient chooses or avoids the treatment. The relevant question is whether the clinical evidence supports its use for your concerns and whether a qualified practitioner has assessed your suitability.

For a full breakdown of what salmon sperm injections are, how they work, costs and side effects, read our dedicated salmon sperm injections guide.

Polynucleotide treatment delivers gradual, progressive results. Unlike dermal fillers or Botox which produce visible change quickly, polynucleotides work by stimulating your skin’s own biological response, which means improvements build over weeks and months rather than days.

Most patients notice improved skin hydration and a subtle brightness from the first or second session. The more significant changes in skin texture, firmness and fine lines typically become visible from 3 to 6 weeks after treatment, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months as new collagen and elastin develop.

Common improvements seen in polynucleotide treatment before and after results include:

• Firmer, more resilient skin texture
• Improved hydration and a visible reduction in dullness
• Softer fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth
• Reduced appearance of dark circles related to skin quality
• Smoother, less crepey skin around the eyes, neck and décolletage
• More even skin tone and reduced roughness from acne scarring or sun damage
• A rested, refreshed appearance that does not look obviously treated

Results vary depending on the patient’s age, skin condition, number of sessions completed and aftercare. Patients who complete a full course of 3 to 4 sessions consistently report better outcomes than those who have a single session.

An important note on longevity: polynucleotide results typically last 6 to 12 months before maintenance is required. However the collagen and elastin produced during treatment is genuine structural improvement that does not simply disappear when the stimulatory effect fades. Your baseline improves with each course of treatment.

For a full breakdown of results by area, timeline and what to realistically expect, read our dedicated polynucleotides before and after guide.

The cost of polynucleotide treatment in the UK varies depending on the clinic, the practitioner’s experience, the product used and the area being treated. A single session typically costs between £250 and £600 at most UK clinics. London clinics are generally at the higher end of this range, with premium practices treating larger areas with multiple vials charging £800 to £1,500 per session. Clinics in Manchester and Birmingham typically charge between £250 and £400 per session.

Because polynucleotide treatment almost always requires a course of sessions rather than a single treatment, patients should consider the total course cost when planning their budget. A typical course of 3 sessions costs between £750 and £1,200 in Manchester and Birmingham, and between £900 and £1,800 at mid-range London clinics. Maintenance sessions every 6 to 9 months are usually recommended to sustain results.

Some clinics offer package pricing for a full course of polynucleotide sessions, which can represent better value than booking sessions individually. It is worth asking about this during your consultation if more than one session is recommended.

Factors that influence polynucleotides treatment cost include:

• Treatment area (under eyes only vs full face vs face and neck)
• Number of sessions in the recommended course
• Product used and volume required per session
• Clinic location and practitioner experience
• Whether combination treatments are included
• Aftercare products and follow-up appointments

When comparing prices, consider both cost and practitioner qualifications. Polynucleotide treatment is a medical injectable procedure that should only be performed by a trained and qualified practitioner. Unusually low prices can reflect shortcuts in product quality, practitioner training or clinical standards.

The Aesthetic Standard lists verified polynucleotide clinics across London, Manchester and Birmingham, each manually reviewed for practitioner credentials, safety standards and patient care.

Polynucleotide treatment is performed as a day procedure. Patients arrive at the clinic, undergo treatment and return home the same day with minimal restrictions on normal activity.

Before the procedure begins, a topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area and left for around 20 to 30 minutes to take effect. Your practitioner will review your medical history and consent form, take photographs of the treatment area, and discuss the injection plan for the session. This is a good opportunity to ask any remaining questions before treatment begins.

During the procedure, the polynucleotide solution is injected into the skin using fine needles or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the treatment area and your practitioner’s preferred technique. The injections are placed at multiple points across the treatment area. Most patients experience mild discomfort, described as a light pricking or pressure sensation. The treatment itself typically takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Immediately after treatment, you may notice small raised bumps or wheals at the injection sites. This is normal and expected; it indicates the product has been placed correctly. The wheals typically flatten within a few hours. Redness and mild swelling are common on the day of treatment. Your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions and advise on what to expect during the recovery period.

Most patients can return to work and normal activities the following day.

One of the key advantages of polynucleotide treatment over many other skin resurfacing or injectable treatments is the minimal recovery period. Because the procedure involves fine needle injections rather than ablation or significant tissue disruption, the healing process is fast and the visible signs of treatment resolve quickly.

Aftercare after polynucleotide treatment is straightforward. Because the recovery is minimal, the main focus is on protecting the injection sites during the first 24 to 48 hours and supporting the skin’s regenerative response during the weeks that follow.

Practitioners commonly recommend the following aftercare guidelines:

• Avoid touching, rubbing or pressing the treated area for at least 24 hours after treatment
• Do not apply makeup for 24 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection at injection sites
• Avoid intense exercise, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat for 24 to 48 hours, as heat increases swelling and can affect the distribution of the product
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment, as it increases bruising risk
• Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or other blood-thinning supplements for at least 24 hours after treatment unless prescribed by your doctor
• Apply a high-SPF sunscreen once the skin has settled and maintain consistent sun protection throughout the treatment course, as UV exposure undermines skin quality improvement
• Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner, as these may vary depending on the product used and treatment area

Polynucleotide treatment is considered a safe injectable procedure when performed by a trained and qualified practitioner using CE-marked products. The risk profile is generally considered lower than many other injectable treatments because the treatment does not add volume or alter facial structure, and the DNA fragments used are highly biocompatible with human tissue.

Most patients experience only mild, temporary side effects that resolve within 24 to 48 hours. These are a normal part of the treatment process rather than complications.

Possible polynucleotide treatment side effects include:

• Small raised bumps or wheals at injection sites (expected, resolve within hours)
• Redness and mild swelling at the treatment area (resolves within 24 to 48 hours)
• Bruising at injection sites (occurs in approximately 15% of patients, resolves within 48 to 72 hours)
• Temporary skin sensitivity or tenderness

Less common risks include:

• Infection at injection sites (rare when proper aftercare is followed and treatment is performed in a clinical environment)
• Allergic reaction, particularly in patients with fish or seafood sensitivity (this is why a thorough allergy history must be taken before treatment)
• Vascular occlusion (very rare, but as with all facial injectables, a risk that underscores the importance of choosing a practitioner with appropriate medical training and emergency management capability)

The risk of serious complications is significantly reduced by choosing a qualified medical practitioner, ensuring the product used is CE-marked or holds equivalent regulatory approval, and following aftercare instructions carefully.

If you experience unexpected symptoms following treatment, including signs of infection, significant swelling, skin discolouration or visual disturbance, contact your practitioner promptly.

Polynucleotide treatment is a medical injectable procedure that requires appropriate training, clinical knowledge and access to CE-marked products to be performed safely and effectively. Choosing the right clinic is important both for your safety and for achieving the best possible results.

During a consultation, a qualified practitioner should take a full medical history, assess your skin concerns and suitability, confirm you have no relevant contraindications including fish allergy, pregnancy or autoimmune conditions, and discuss the proposed treatment plan including the product to be used, number of sessions recommended, expected results and potential risks.

When choosing a polynucleotide clinic, consider:

• The practitioner’s qualifications and specific training in injectable treatments
• Whether the clinic uses CE-marked polynucleotide products and can confirm this if asked
• Whether a proper medical consultation is conducted before treatment
• Whether the clinic has a clear process for managing adverse reactions
• Before and after photos of patients treated at the clinic for the same concerns
• Clear guidance on aftercare, expected recovery and follow-up
• Professional membership of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) for doctor and dentist-led clinics, or the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) for nurse-led clinics
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration. CQC is the independent government regulator of health and social care in England. CQC registration is not currently mandatory for aesthetic injectable clinics, but where a clinic voluntarily holds CQC registration, this demonstrates an exceptionally high level of clinical governance and commitment to patient safety

How The Aesthetic Standard verifies polynucleotide clinics:

You can verify that a practitioner holds current statutory registration directly on each regulator’s website: General Medical Council (GMC) for doctor-led clinics, General Dental Council (GDC) for dentist-led clinics, or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nurse-led clinics. Voluntary accreditation with Save Face, the UK’s only government-approved aesthetics register, or the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) provides further reassurance of meeting recognised safety standards.

Every polynucleotide clinic listed on The Aesthetic Standard has been reviewed against these criteria by our editorial team before being listed. We verify practitioner statutory registration, professional body membership and voluntary CQC registration where held. We review independent patient feedback across Google, Trustpilot and RealSelf. We speak directly with the lead practitioner at every clinic, and where possible we also speak with patients who have undergone treatment there.

A consultation is your opportunity to assess whether the clinic and practitioner are right for you. These questions will help you make an informed decision:

• What polynucleotide product do you use and is it CE-marked?
• How many polynucleotide treatments do you perform each month?
• Can I see before and after photos of patients you have treated for similar concerns?
• Am I a suitable candidate based on my skin type, medical history and concerns?
• Do I have any contraindications including fish allergy or autoimmune conditions?
• How many sessions are you recommending and why?
• What results can I realistically expect and over what timeframe?
• What aftercare will I need and are there any restrictions on my normal activities?
• What is your process if I experience a reaction or adverse effect after treatment?
• Will I need a follow-up appointment and is this included in the cost?

Patients looking for polynucleotide treatment can find verified clinics in several major UK cities. Each city guide covers local pricing, how we select clinics in that area and verified practitioners offering polynucleotides:

• Polynucleotide Clinics in London
• Polynucleotide Clinics in Manchester
• Polynucleotide Clinics in Birmingham

Browse our full treatments guide or explore our clinic directory to find verified practitioners and clinics across the UK.