Harness the power of nature to regenerate your skin from within. Polynucleotides are a revolutionary treatment that promotes deep tissue repair and anti-aging.
✓ Doctor-led, nurse-administered treatment with Nurse Rashmi Mehta ✓ Part of Contoura Medical
What Are Polynucleotides?
Cellular Repair
Polynucleotides are natural compounds that signal your cells to regenerate. They are derived from highly purified salmon DNA, which is known for its remarkable compatibility and regenerative capacity with human skin.
Targeted Areas
This treatment is particularly effective for delicate areas, including under the eyes to treat dark circles, the neck, décolletage, and general facial skin quality to improve texture and elasticity.
Natural & Safe
As a bio-revitalizing agent, Polynucleotides are extremely safe. They work by boosting fibroblast activity, leading to increased collagen and elastin production for long-lasting, natural results.
By Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician, Contoura Medical · Treatments delivered by Nurse Rashmi Mehta · Last updated 11 October 2026
Polynucleotides are injectable, highly purified DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon, that support the skin's own repair. They suit adults with thin, crepey or tired looking skin, most often under the eyes, and also on the face, neck and décolletage, over a course of sessions.
What it is and how it works
Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, purified from fish sources. A clinical article in the PMFA Journal describes them as coming from salmon trout or chum salmon, and the purification process removes proteins so that what remains is a well tolerated gel.
Once injected into the skin, they are thought to encourage fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, while calming inflammation and supporting hydration. A 2026 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine describes them as bioactive agents that promote dermal remodelling rather than adding volume. That distinction matters: polynucleotides improve the quality of the skin itself, so they will not fill a deep hollow or lift a heavy area the way dermal filler can.
At Orovenza, treatment is carried out by Nurse Rashmi Mehta, our Aesthetic Nurse, in a clinical room at Langham Hospital, with medical oversight from Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical.
Who it is best suited for
Adults with fine lines, crepiness or thin skin under the eyes, where filler may be too heavy or unsuitable.
People noticing dullness, dehydration or loss of bounce across the cheeks and jawline.
Those with fine lines and texture changes on the neck or décolletage.
Patients who want a gradual, natural change without altering their facial shape.
People preparing skin before, or maintaining it after, collagen stimulating treatments such as microneedling.
Your treatment journey at Orovenza
Consultation: Nurse Rashmi assesses your skin, discusses your medical history, including any fish or seafood allergy, and talks through what polynucleotides can and cannot do for you.
Plan: you receive a written plan covering the areas to treat, the number of sessions, spacing between them and your personal cost.
Treatment day: the skin is cleansed and numbing cream applied where helpful. Small amounts are placed with a fine needle or cannula, usually taking 20 to 40 minutes.
Aftercare: you go home with written aftercare guidance and a direct number for any questions.
Review: after your course we review your skin, compare with your starting photographs and agree whether maintenance makes sense.
Results and how long they last
Polynucleotides work gradually, so improvement is usually noticed across the course rather than after the first visit. The 2026 Journal of Clinical Medicine review describes a typical protocol of three to four sessions two to three weeks apart, followed by spaced maintenance, and notes that the best long-term interval has not yet been defined.
The same review reports a periorbital trial showing wrinkle improvement of around 37 to 39% at 16 to 28 weeks, with particular strengths in elasticity, hydration and texture. Results vary between individuals, and maintenance sessions are usually needed to keep the improvement going.
Recovery and aftercare
Small raised bumps at the injection points are normal and usually flatten within 24 to 48 hours.
Avoid make-up on treated skin for 12 hours and keep the area clean.
Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and alcohol for 24 hours.
Do not massage or press on the treated area unless advised.
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, which also protects the collagen you are trying to build.
Call us if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness or anything that worries you.
Safety, side effects and who should avoid it
Common effects are mild redness, swelling, small bumps and occasional bruising, all usually short-lived. The Journal of Clinical Medicine review cites a systematic review of 219 treated patients reporting only mild, transient side effects.
Because they come from fish, polynucleotides are not suitable if you have a known fish or seafood allergy.
Treatment is postponed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection such as a cold sore, or during an acute illness.
Tell us about autoimmune conditions, blood thinning medicines or recent dental work, as these can affect planning.
We treat adults only, and the JCCP recommends choosing a registered, appropriately trained practitioner for any injectable treatment.
Polynucleotides compared with Profhilo and dermal filler
Feature
Polynucleotides
Profhilo
Dermal filler
What it treats
Thin, crepey skin, fine lines, under-eye quality
Dehydration, laxity and dullness across the face and neck
Volume loss, hollows and contour
How it works
DNA fragments support repair and collagen
High-concentration Hyaluronic Acid spreads and hydrates
Cross-linked gel adds structure where placed
Number of sessions
Usually three to four
Usually two, about four weeks apart
Often one, with a top-up if needed
How long it lasts
Gradual; maintenance advised
Several months; maintenance advised
Varies by product and area
Downtime
Bumps for 1 to 2 days
Bumps for up to 24 hours
Swelling for a few days
How Orovenza compares
Treatment in a hospital setting at Langham Hospital, 77 Hallam Street, Marylebone.
Doctor-led, nurse-administered care, with treatment by Nurse Rashmi Mehta and clinical leadership from Dr Edwin Anthony (GMC 4776646).
A consultation before every treatment, including allergy screening and baseline photographs.
A fixed consultation fee, not deducted from treatment prices, so costs are transparent from the start.
A review appointment after your course to judge results honestly and plan any maintenance.
If you are considering polynucleotides for your under-eye area or skin quality, a consultation at Langham Hospital is the first step, or call us on 020 3890 1911. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices, and your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation. Book a consultation
Frequently asked questions
What are polynucleotides made from?
They are purified DNA fragments, usually taken from salmon or salmon trout. The purification process strips away proteins, leaving a gel that the body tolerates well. Because of their fish origin, we ask every patient about fish and seafood allergy at consultation before any treatment is booked or carried out.
Can I have polynucleotides if I have a fish allergy?
No. A known fish or seafood allergy is a reason not to have polynucleotides, because the material is fish-derived. If this applies to you, Nurse Rashmi can suggest alternatives for skin quality, such as Profhilo, which is based on Hyaluronic Acid, or microneedling, which works through controlled micro-injury without any injected product.
How many polynucleotide sessions will I need?
Most people have a course of three to four sessions, spaced two to three weeks apart. The exact number depends on your skin, the area treated and your goals. After the course, many patients have maintenance sessions at longer intervals, which we plan together at your review appointment rather than fixing in advance.
When will I see results from polynucleotides?
Changes are gradual. Some people notice fresher, better hydrated skin after the second session, but the fuller effect on texture and fine lines tends to appear in the weeks after the course finishes. This is because the treatment supports your own collagen production, which takes time, rather than filling the skin straight away.
Do polynucleotide injections hurt?
Most patients find them very manageable. We apply numbing cream first, and the under-eye area is often treated with a fine cannula to limit the number of entry points. You may feel mild stinging as the gel goes in. Any tenderness afterwards is usually gone within a day or two.
Is there any downtime after polynucleotides?
Downtime is short. Small bumps at the injection points usually flatten within 24 to 48 hours, and some people have mild swelling or a small bruise, particularly under the eyes. Most patients return to work the same or next day. Avoid make-up on treated skin for 12 hours.
Are polynucleotides better than filler for under-eye hollows?
They do different jobs. Polynucleotides improve thin, crepey under-eye skin, while filler replaces lost volume in a deeper hollow. A 2026 review found similar overall aesthetic improvement in direct comparisons, with polynucleotides stronger for elasticity and texture. For some patients a combination, planned carefully, gives the best result.
What affects the cost of polynucleotides?
Cost mainly depends on the number of areas treated, how much product each area needs and the number of sessions in your course. Treating the under-eyes alone differs from treating the face, neck and décolletage together. Your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation, and the consultation fee is separate.
Can I combine polynucleotides with other treatments?
Yes. Polynucleotides pair well with microneedling, Morpheus8 Scale & Burst or Profhilo as part of a skin quality plan, and with anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines. We space treatments sensibly, usually by at least a week or two, so each area can settle and we can see what each treatment is doing.
Are polynucleotides safe?
Published studies so far report mainly mild, temporary side effects such as redness, swelling and bruising, with no serious complications attributed to polynucleotides. Safety also depends on the practitioner, so treatment at Orovenza is carried out by an experienced aesthetic nurse in a hospital setting, with doctor oversight and screening at consultation.
Nurse Rashmi Mehta leads the Orovenza non-surgical aesthetics service at Contoura Medical.
Orovenza provides a clinically led approach to non-surgical aesthetic treatments, with treatment planning centred on individual assessment, appropriate indications and natural-looking outcomes.
Patients are assessed before treatment so that the most appropriate option can be discussed based on their goals and clinical circumstances.
Ready to Rejuvenate Your Skin?
Book a specialised consultation to discuss how Polynucleotides can be tailored to your unique skin needs and aesthetic goals.
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