Polynucleotides, Profhilo and Skinboosters

What is it?

Regenerative treatments are injectables that work on skin quality rather than volume or structure. They don’t change the shape of your face. Instead, they aim to improve hydration, firmness and texture.

I use three main options:

Polynucleotides (Plinest) are purified DNA fragments, usually derived from fish. They are thought to support the skin’s own repair processes, and are often used for thin, delicate skin.
Profhilo is a highly concentrated form of hyaluronic acid designed to spread through the skin after injection, with the aim of improving hydration and supporting firmness and elasticity.
Skinboosters, such as Sunekos and Vivacy, are fine hyaluronic acid treatments placed in small amounts across an area to improve hydration, smoothness and glow.

In my experience, many people who think they need filler actually need better skin. When the main concern is crepiness, dullness, dehydration, fine lines or skin that has lost its bounce, a regenerative treatment is often a more appropriate and more natural-looking choice.

I may also recommend them alongside other work, because filler under poor-quality skin rarely looks its best.

Who it suits

People whose skin feels thinner, drier or less firm than it used to
Patients who want to look fresher without any change in shape
Those with crepey or tired skin on the face, around the eyes, neck, chest or hands
Areas beyond the face too: the scalp (for hair), arms, legs and stomach
People going through perimenopause or menopause who have noticed their skin changing

Polynucleotides are not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. None of these treatments are suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is active infection or inflammation in the area.

What I consider when deciding

What your skin actually needs. These treatments overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Broadly, if dehydration and dullness are the main issues, a hyaluronic acid treatment may suit best. If the skin is thin, fragile or slow to recover, I may lean towards polynucleotides. Sometimes a combination makes sense.

The area being treated. The skin under the eyes is very different from the skin on the cheeks or neck. Some treatments suit delicate areas better than others.

Whether the problem is skin or structure. If an area looks hollow because of lost volume or support, improving skin quality alone won’t fully address it.

Your expectations. Regenerative treatments are subtle and gradual. If you are hoping for an immediate, visible change, I would rather tell you now than disappoint you later.

Your skin routine and sun habits. Injectables work best on skin that is looked after at home. I may suggest small changes to your routine.

The evidence. Profhilo and hyaluronic acid skinboosters have been used for a number of years. Polynucleotides are widely used and early evidence is encouraging, but the research is still developing. I’ll always tell you honestly where the evidence stands.

The commitment. These treatments are given as a course and then maintained, so I want you to know the full cost and time before starting.

What can realistically be achieved

The aim is skin that looks more hydrated, feels firmer and has a healthier glow. Fine crepiness and texture can soften. These treatments will not lift loose skin, replace lost volume or change the shape of your face. Results are refined rather than dramatic.

Downtime

Expect small raised bumps at the injection points, which usually settle within a day or two. Bruising and swelling are possible, particularly around the eyes, and can last around two weeks. Most people return to normal activities straight away, although you may prefer to avoid make-up and strenuous exercise for a short time afterwards.

Results

Because these treatments work with your skin’s own processes, improvement builds gradually over the weeks following treatment. Profhilo is commonly given as two sessions about a month apart. Polynucleotides and skinboosters are often given as a course of two to four sessions, a few weeks apart. To maintain the result, I repeat skinboosters, Profhilo and polynucleotides every three months.

Risks and important considerations

Common effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary bumps at injection sites. Less common risks include infection, prolonged swelling, lumps and allergic or inflammatory reactions. As with any injectable treatment, there is a rare risk of a product affecting a blood vessel, which is why technique and anatomy matter. Please tell me about any allergies, particularly to fish or seafood, and about any medical conditions or medications.

Common questions

Which one is right for me?

That depends on your skin, the area and your goals. I’ll recommend the one I think will help you most.

Will people notice?

My hope is that they notice you look well, without being able to say why.

Can these treatments help under my eyes?

Often, yes, particularly where the skin is thin or crepey. If the concern is hollowness from lost volume, other approaches may be needed. I’ll explain the difference.

Can I combine this with other treatments?

Yes. Almost every treatment I offer works alongside the others. Choosing can feel overwhelming, so I’ll help you decide, based on your preferences, your comfort, the result you want and what you’d like to invest. Then I’ll plan the order and timing so each one can do its job.

Price

See the pricing page. Every plan is confirmed at consultation.

Regenerative