Polynucleotides
- Polynucleotides – single session£200
- Polynucleotides – course of 3£540
Skin Regeneration
Polynucleotides
A regenerative injectable that supports your skin's own repair. Polynucleotides help strengthen thin, crepey skin under the eyes and on the neck and décolletage, improving elasticity, hydration and texture gradually and naturally. Available at our Southwell clinic.
About Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are injectable treatments made from purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon or trout, that support the skin's natural repair processes. They can help improve elasticity, hydration and thickness in delicate areas such as under the eyes and the neck. At Skin Anatomy in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, treatment is planned at a free consultation.
Some skin concerns are less about lines or volume and more about the quality of the skin itself. Under the eyes, on the neck and across the décolletage, skin is naturally thinner, and with age, sun exposure and hormonal changes it can become crepey, fragile and dull. Dark hollows can look more obvious as the skin thins and the colour of the tissue beneath shows through. Moisturisers and even hydrating injectables cannot always address this, because the skin needs support to repair and strengthen, not just hydration.
Polynucleotides work differently from fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. They are chains of purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon or trout, which are highly compatible with human tissue. Once placed in the skin, they are thought to support the activity of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin, while attracting water and helping to create a healthier environment for the skin to renew itself. Rather than creating an instant change, they encourage gradual regeneration over the weeks after each session.
This makes polynucleotides a popular choice for the delicate under-eye area, where many other treatments are unsuitable or carry more risk, and one of our clients chose them to refresh the skin around her eyes. They are also used to improve crepey skin on the neck and décolletage, fine lines around the mouth, general texture and elasticity, and to support the appearance of acne scarring alongside resurfacing treatments. Results are subtle and natural: you look like a rested, healthier version of yourself.
At Skin Anatomy, Magdalena Wasiewicz, our Founder and Lead Aesthetic Practitioner, assesses your skin at a free consultation in Southwell before recommending a course. Because polynucleotides are derived from fish, we check carefully for allergies and review your full medical history. We use numbing cream and TargetCool CO2 skin cooling for comfort, and we agree realistic timescales with you so you know what to expect at every stage.
Polynucleotides at a glance
- 30–45 minutes
- Bumps settle in 24–48 hours
- Builds over 8–12 weeks
- Course of 3, 2–3 weeks apart
- Numbing cream & cooling
- From £200
How it Works
Procedure details
Your skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied, particularly for the under-eye area. TargetCool CO2 skin cooling is used to keep the injection points comfortable. The polynucleotide solution is placed into the skin with a very fine needle as a series of small injections, or with a cannula where that suits the area better. Small raised bumps form where the product sits and gradually flatten as it disperses. The injections usually take 20 to 30 minutes, with around 45 minutes allowed for the whole appointment.
Benefits
Polynucleotides can help improve skin thickness, elasticity and hydration, which may soften fine lines and crepey texture and make under-eye hollows and darkness look less obvious. Because they support the skin's own repair rather than adding volume, results look natural and continue to develop for several weeks after each treatment. They suit delicate areas where many other injectables are not ideal, and they complement skin boosters, anti-wrinkle injections or CO2 laser as part of a longer-term plan. Results vary from person to person.
Risks & side effects
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Small bumps at the injection points are expected and generally settle within 24 to 48 hours. Redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising can occur, and the under-eye area can look puffy for a few days. Less commonly, lumps, infection or an allergic reaction may occur; because the product is fish-derived, anyone with a fish allergy should not have this treatment. Very rarely, any injection can affect a blood vessel. We explain all risks fully at consultation before you decide.
Recovery
Most clients return to work the same or next day. Allow for small bumps and some puffiness, especially after under-eye treatment, and avoid booking an important event in the following few days. Avoid make-up for 12 hours and strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol and pressing on the area for 24 to 48 hours. Improvement is gradual: skin often feels better within a few weeks, with the most visible change typically around 8 to 12 weeks after completing your course.
When to contact us
Please contact us promptly if you develop pain that worsens rather than eases, skin that turns pale, dusky or mottled, spreading redness, heat, significant swelling or discharge. Any change to your vision after treatment around the eyes needs urgent medical help. We also want to hear from you if bumps have not settled after a week, or if you are simply unsure whether something is normal. If you have difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, call 999.
Who is Polynucleotides for?
- Thin, crepey or dark-looking under-eye skin
- Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
- Crepey skin on the neck and décolletage
- Dull, tired skin that has lost its elasticity
- Supporting the appearance of acne scarring and uneven texture
- People who want gradual, natural-looking improvement
It may not be suitable if you
- You have a fish or salmon allergy
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have an active skin infection or cold sore in the area
- You have an autoimmune condition (assessed at consultation)
- You take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder (assessed at consultation)
- Your under-eye concern is mainly puffy fat pads or loose eyelid skin, which may need a different approach
- You are under 18
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over. We check your medical history at your consultation and will always tell you honestly if a treatment isn’t right for you.
Benefits
Why clients choose Polynucleotides
- Supports the skin's natural repair and renewal
- Improves the look of thin, crepey skin under the eyes
- Helps skin look firmer and more elastic
- Improves hydration and overall skin quality
- Can soften fine lines and uneven texture
- Natural results with no added volume
- Suitable for delicate areas such as the neck and décolletage
Areas we treat
- Under-eye area
- Crow's feet
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Full face
- Acne-scarred areas
We confirm which areas are suitable for you at your free consultation.
Your visit
Your Polynucleotides journey, step by step
Step 1: Free consultation
We start with a free consultation in Southwell to understand your concerns and examine your skin, particularly the under-eye area if that is your focus. We take a full medical history, check for fish allergies and explain whether polynucleotides, another treatment or a combination is likely to give you the best result.
Step 2: Preparing for treatment
Where medically safe, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil supplements and alcohol for a few days before treatment to reduce the chance of bruising. Tell us about any new medication, illness or cold sores. Because small bumps and puffiness are common, choose a date without important plans in the following few days.
Step 3: Treatment day
After cleansing and numbing, we use TargetCool skin cooling and place the polynucleotides with fine injections or a cannula. You will see small bumps afterwards, which are expected. The appointment lasts around 45 minutes, and you can usually carry on with your day afterwards, taking a little care with the area.
Step 4: Aftercare & review
Most people have a course of three sessions, two to three weeks apart. We check your progress at each visit and review your result around 8 to 12 weeks after the course, when the improvement is usually most visible. Maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months help sustain the benefits.
Our technology
TargetCool CO2 skin cooling
TargetCool is a precise, portable medical device that delivers controlled CO2 cooling to a small, targeted patch of skin. We use it during polynucleotide treatments to cool each area just before the needle, which has a numbing effect and helps keep injections comfortable. This is particularly helpful around the eyes, where the skin is thin and sensitive. The cooling is carefully controlled, so it is applied exactly where it is needed without over-chilling the surrounding skin.
Price guide
Polynucleotides prices
Every treatment starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Prices include VAT; where a price is shown as “from”, your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed before you book.
Client reviews
What our clients say
Rated 5.0 from 29 reviews on Google
“I had a polynucleotide treatment around my eyes and my face. Magda was extremely thorough and very gentle and the results are amazing, my skin looks glowing. I am so pleased and will definitely be returning!”
“I recently went to Skin Anatomy for CO2 fractional laser and the E50 exosomes, and honestly, the whole experience was brilliant. Both Harper and Magdalena were so professional but genuinely friendly with it. What I really…”
“Exceptional practitioner with an incredible eye for facial balance and natural aesthetics. I’ve had [anti-wrinkle treatment] treatments with Magdalena for many years, and recently I had lip filler as well. What stood out most was…”
“I had the laser treatment on my face, neck and chest last Tuesday. I am still healing as I braved going for an high level treatment. I am already seeing a big difference and I am very happy with the results. I was made to feel at…”
“I had my co2 laser treatment a few weeks ago with Magdalena and I'm so happy I went with her. She's very knowledgeable and she and Harper answered all my questions, no problem. The treatment was quicker than I expected and after…”
“Magdalena is very professional, knowledgeable and very good at what she does! Highly recommend! I had a C02 laser treatment done with her and I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!! Thank you so much Magdalena xx”
Read more client reviews
Some reviews have been lightly edited, shown in square brackets, to meet UK advertising rules on prescription-only medicines.
Before you book
Aftercare & possible side effects
Looking after your skin
- Do not rub, press or massage the treated area for 24 hours
- Avoid make-up for at least 12 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
- Sleep with your head slightly raised the first night after under-eye treatment
- A cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth can ease puffiness
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for 48 hours
- Wear SPF 50 daily to protect your results
Possible side effects
- Small raised bumps at injection points for 24–48 hours
- Redness, tenderness and mild swelling
- Temporary under-eye puffiness
- Bruising, which can take up to a week to fade
- Infection, which is uncommon
- Allergic reaction, particularly with a fish allergy
- Very rarely, product affecting a blood vessel
Most side effects are mild and settle on their own. We explain every risk at your consultation and give you written aftercare. If you are worried after treatment, call us on 07777 711 277; for anything urgent, contact NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Have a question?
Polynucleotides: your questions answered
What are polynucleotides used for?
Polynucleotides are mainly used to improve the quality of thin, delicate skin. Popular areas include crepey or dark-looking skin under the eyes, fine lines around the eyes and mouth, and the neck and décolletage. They are also used to support skin texture and the appearance of acne scarring alongside other treatments.
Are polynucleotides good for dark circles under the eyes?
Polynucleotides can help when dark circles are linked to thin, crepey under-eye skin. By supporting thickness and elasticity, they may make the shadowing look less obvious. They are less effective when darkness is caused by pigmentation, genetics or puffy fat pads, so we assess the cause at consultation before recommending treatment.
How many polynucleotide sessions will I need?
Most clients need a course of three sessions spaced two to three weeks apart. Some people with more advanced skin changes benefit from an extra session. After the initial course, a maintenance treatment every 6 to 12 months helps keep skin in good condition. We tailor the plan to your skin at consultation.
When will I see results from polynucleotides?
Results from polynucleotides develop gradually. Some clients notice brighter, better-hydrated skin within a few weeks, but the most visible improvement in thickness and texture is usually seen around 8 to 12 weeks after completing the course, as the skin continues to renew. Results vary between individuals.
Do polynucleotide injections hurt?
Most clients find polynucleotide injections tolerable with the right preparation. We apply numbing cream and use TargetCool CO2 skin cooling to reduce discomfort, as the under-eye area can be sensitive. You may feel brief stinging or pressure during the injections and some tenderness afterwards. Everyone's experience is different.
Is there downtime after polynucleotides?
There is usually little downtime after polynucleotides. Small bumps at the injection points typically settle within 24 to 48 hours, and some redness, puffiness or bruising is possible, especially under the eyes. Most people go back to work the next day, but it is sensible to avoid important events for a few days.
Can I have polynucleotides if I am allergic to fish?
No, polynucleotides are not suitable if you have a fish or salmon allergy, because the DNA fragments are typically derived from salmon or trout. Please tell us about any allergies at your consultation. We can recommend alternatives, such as certain skin boosters, that may suit you better.
Polynucleotides or skin boosters — what is the difference?
Polynucleotides mainly support skin repair and strength, while skin boosters mainly provide deep hydration and glow. Polynucleotides are often preferred for thin, crepey under-eye skin, whereas boosters suit dull, dehydrated skin across the face. The two work well together, and we can plan a combined course if that suits your skin.
Where can I have polynucleotides near Nottingham?
You can have polynucleotides at Skin Anatomy, 17 Queen Street, Southwell, which is around 30 minutes' drive from Nottingham and convenient for Newark-on-Trent and Mansfield. Treatment always starts with a free, no-obligation consultation so we can check your suitability and plan the right course for you.
What are the prices for Polynucleotides in Southwell and Nottingham?
Polynucleotides at Skin Anatomy starts from £200. Polynucleotides – single session: £200; Polynucleotides – course of 3: £540. All prices include VAT; where a price is shown as "from", your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed at a free consultation before you book. See the price guide for every treatment.
Skin concerns
Concerns Polynucleotides can help with
- Tired Eyes & Dark CirclesThin, crepey under-eye skin strengthened and brightened with regenerative treatments.
- Fine Lines & WrinklesExpression lines and crepey texture treated with injectables, resurfacing and regenerative care.
- Skin Laxity & JowlsLoose skin along the jawline, chin and neck tightened and redefined without surgery.
- Acne ScarsRolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars softened by resurfacing and collagen-building treatments.
- Dull, Dehydrated SkinRestore hydration, bounce and glow to tired, lacklustre skin.
- Stretch Marks & ScarsImprove the colour and texture of stretch marks and surgical scars with fractional laser.
Visiting Skin Anatomy
Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire
Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for Polynucleotides from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:
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