Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are the new buzz word in the aesthetic industry right now. Although it is new to aesthetics; it is not new when it comes to clinical medicine. For many years patients who suffered burns to the skin have being treated with fish skins. This regenerates and renews the burnt skin and produces new skin. This technology had now being transferred into an injectable format to make us all look younger!

Firstly, what are polynucleotides?

These are fractions of DNA/RNA from salmon sperm that have been highly purified. They are classified as ‘injectable bio-stimulators’. When injected into the dermis, this ‘switches on’ the skin cells called fibroblasts. As we age, fibroblasts are reduced and produce a reduced amount of collagen and elastin. The loss of these two proteins gives way to fine lines and wrinkles. The skin becomes lax, thin and saggy. By stimulating the fibroblasts, polynucleotides produce more collagen and elastin and also better functioning proteins. Not only that, but they also have anti-inflammatory effects and stabilise melanocytes – so if you have hyperpigmentation or rosacea, polynucleotide treatment will improve these issues.

Are these the same as skin boosters?

No, skin boosters such as Profhilo will plump and mainly hydrate. These are classed as an injectable moisturiser. Polynucleotides however, replace damaged and ageing skin cells: increasing collagen, elastin and producing anti-inflammatory effects which will improve the following issues:

· Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
· Tighten loose skin
· Reduce scarring and pigmentation (age spots)
· Calm inflammation (rosacea)

Are polynucleotides better than fillers?

Polynucleotides work differently to fillers and are another tool to our aesthetic arsenal. Some instances such as tear trough fillers which can bring many issues to the patient such as swelling and worsening of the under eye area, polynucleotides would make far more sense as first line rather than filler under the eye. However if it is skin quality you want improving without changing the shape of the area to be injected – i.e. – bigger lips, smoother jawline then polynucleotides would be a great treatment. If you wanted more volume replacement such as cheek restoration; cheek fillers would give you a better outcome.

How many treatments are required?

For best effects, you will need three treatments, four weeks apart. These results will take time to see (but will be worth it!). The effects of the polynucleotides last 9–12 months.

When would I choose a skinbooster over polynucleotides?

In my opinion, if I was attending a big event like a wedding and just wanted a glow and smoothness to my skin, skinbooster treatment would be a good call. If a patient explains they want to renew and replace saggy damaged skin and are prepared to wait a few weeks to notice a difference, I would suggest polynucleotides. I feel the effects of polynucleotides last longer than skin booster treatments.

Areas that polynucleotides can be used:

· Under eye area: for darkness, hollowing, lines and wrinkles
· Anywhere on the face where you want to target sagging skin, lines and wrinkles
· To reduce redness and pigmentation
· Neck: sagging skin, neck bands
· Chest: sagging skin, lines, wrinkles

What are the risks?

Side effects that can occur include bruising, redness and swelling, which settles after 1–2 days. Depending on the injection technique used, small papules can also be observed that, again, will settle after a few days. Serious adverse effects have not yet been observed.