Injectables
Polynucleotides
Injectable treatments that may support skin quality, with subtle, gradual change over a course.
At a glance
- Appointment
- Varies
- We'll tell you how long to allow when you book
- Course
- A short course
- Planned with you at your consultation
- Downtime
- Little
- Small bumps or redness for a few days
- Results
- Gradual
- Over the weeks after your course
- Evidence
- Developing
- Small studies so far
- Price from
- £329
- Free 20-minute consultation
Written using information from the American Academy of Dermatology and published research. Last reviewed October 2026. How we wrote this page
What polynucleotides are
Polynucleotides (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) are purified fragments of DNA, usually from salmon or trout. They're injected into the skin with the aim of improving how it looks and feels. PDRN is made of smaller fragments, and PN of longer ones.
They're used for crepey or thin skin, including under the eyes, fine lines and dullness. We offer five: Rejuran, Plinest, Plenhyage XL, PhilArt and Nucleofill. We'll recommend one at your consultation, based on your skin and the area.
The evidence is still developing. A review of 9 small aesthetic studies found promising effects on wrinkles, texture and elasticity, but called for better trials. So we talk about subtle, gradual change.
Who it’s for
Adults only
Treatment is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Often a good fit if you
- have crepey or thin-looking skin, including under the eyes
- feel your skin looks dull or tired
- want subtle change rather than added volume
Not suitable, or we’ll wait, if you
- are allergic to fish or salmon, as the products come from fish DNA
- have a skin infection or inflammation in the area
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
We'll recommend a product, or tell you if something else would suit your skin better, at your consultation.
What happens on the day
-
Step 1: Consultation and skin check
We talk through what you'd like to change, go through your medical history, including any allergies, and choose the product that suits you.
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Step 2: Preparing your skin
Your skin is cleansed and prepared.
-
Step 3: The treatment
The product is injected into the skin in small amounts across the area.
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Step 4: Straight afterwards
You may see small bumps, redness or swelling at the injection points. You'll get aftercare advice for your treatment.
Recovery and results
-
The first few days
Small bumps, redness, swelling or bruising, which settle.
-
Over your course
Polynucleotides are usually given as a course of injections. We'll plan yours at your consultation.
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Over the following weeks
Any change is gradual.
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Longer term
How long results last isn't well established, so maintenance is planned with you.
Aftercare
Please do
- Let any small bumps settle on their own.
- Get in touch if swelling, redness or pain gets worse after the first day or two.
| Avoid | For |
|---|---|
| Strenuous exercise | Until the next day |
| Sun, sunbeds and tanning | While swelling settles |
| Touching or massaging the area | Unless we advise you to |
Risks and side effects
- Common and expected
- Mild, short-lived redness, small bumps, swelling or bruising at the injection points.
- Less common
- An allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to fish. Please tell us about any allergies.
- Rare but serious
- Infection, as with any injection. The randomised trials found no serious treatment-related side effects. Contact us straight away if the area becomes hot, very painful or swollen.
Worried after your treatment?
If anything about your skin worries you, contact us straight away on WhatsApp (opens WhatsApp) or call 07532 895989.
Prices
Polynucleotides
Per session
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Rejuran | £349 |
| Plinest | £329 |
| Plenhyage XL | £349 |
| PhilArt | £329 |
| Nucleofill | £329 |
Your 20-minute consultation is free. We’ll confirm your final price and plan before any treatment.
Your questions
What are polynucleotides?
Purified DNA fragments, usually from salmon, injected into the skin with the aim of improving its quality.
Does the evidence support them?
Early studies are encouraging, but they're small, and the evidence is still developing.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually a short course. We'll suggest one for your skin at your consultation.
I'm allergic to fish. Can I have them?
Please tell us. Products made from fish DNA may not be suitable for you.
What's the difference between the products?
They're all based on purified DNA fragments, and PDRN products use smaller fragments than PN products. We'll explain which suits your skin at your consultation.
What are the side effects?
Usually mild bumps, redness or bruising that settle within days.
How we wrote this page
Written using information from the American Academy of Dermatology and published research. Last reviewed October 2026.
- PubMed. Polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides for skin rejuvenation, scar prevention and wound healing: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
- PubMed Central. The effectiveness of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine: a systematic review
- PubMed Central. Comparison of polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides in dermatology: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives
- PubMed. Expert perspectives: evidence-based applications of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine
- PubMed Central. Hyaluronic acid fillers versus polynucleotides for under-eye rejuvenation
- American Academy of Dermatology. Fillers FAQs
This page is general information, not medical advice. At your consultation, we'll talk through what's right for you.
Have a question about polynucleotides?
Message us on WhatsApp, give us a call or send an enquiry with the form. Your 20-minute consultation is free, at our clinic on 8 Commerce Road, Wood Green.
Thank you.
We’ve received your enquiry and will reply on WhatsApp during our opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
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