Skin TreatmentsApril 2026

Are Polynucleotides Worth It? Results, Timeline, Cost & Who Should Get Them (2026)

An honest look at what polynucleotides actually do, how long results take, what they cost, and whether they are the right treatment for your skin.

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Polynucleotides at a Glance

Best For

Skin quality, texture, fine lines, under-eye rejuvenation

Results Timeline

Gradual improvement over 6 to 12 weeks

Sessions Needed

Usually 2 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart

Downtime

Minimal. Small bumps for 24 to 48 hours

Quick Answer

Yes. If your goal is healthier, stronger, better-quality skin over time, polynucleotides are one of the most effective treatments available. They are not about instant results or dramatic change. They are about genuine, lasting skin improvement.

What Polynucleotides Actually Do

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon or trout DNA. When injected into the skin, they work at a cellular level to trigger your body's own repair processes.

This is not about adding volume or freezing muscles. It is about improving the actual quality of your skin from the inside out. Think of it as giving your skin the building blocks it needs to repair itself.

In practical terms, that means:

Skin regeneration

Stimulates fibroblast activity, encouraging the skin to produce new, healthy cells

Collagen and elastin support

Helps rebuild the structural proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient

Tissue repair

Supports healing in areas of damage, thinning, or scarring

The areas where I see the most dramatic improvement at my Fulham clinic are the under-eyes, the lower face, and the neck. These are all areas where the skin tends to become thin and lose its strength over time.

Polynucleotide before and after results showing improved skin texture and firmness on the face, treated in Fulham, London

Before and after polynucleotide treatment on the face. Visible improvement in skin texture, firmness, and overall quality.

Results Timeline: What to Expect and When

This is not an instant-results treatment. The skin needs time to respond and rebuild. Most of my clients in London start noticing meaningful changes around the four-week mark, with the full effect developing over two to three months.

Week 1 to 2Recovery and early response

Any small bumps from the injections settle within a day or two. Underneath the surface, the polynucleotides are starting to stimulate your fibroblasts. You will not see visible change yet, but the process has begun.

Week 4 to 6First visible changes

This is when most people start to notice something different. The skin looks a little healthier, a little smoother. Fine lines may appear softer. Under-eye hollowing or crepiness often improves noticeably by this stage.

Month 2 to 3Full results

The real transformation. Skin quality is visibly better. Texture is smoother, tone is more even, and the skin has a firmness and resilience it did not have before. This is the stage where most of my clients say they can really see and feel the difference.

Polynucleotide before and after results on the neck area showing reduced crepiness and improved skin tone, treated in Fulham, London

Before and after polynucleotide treatment on the neck. Notice the reduction in crepiness and improved skin tone.

Who Polynucleotides Work Best For

In my experience treating clients across Fulham and wider London, these are the people who get the most out of polynucleotides:

Ideal Candidates

  • +Thin or crepey skin that has lost its firmness
  • +Under-eye hollowing, dark circles, or fine lines
  • +Acne scarring or post-inflammatory damage
  • +Early signs of ageing where skin quality is declining
  • +Neck and decolletage showing sun damage or thinning

Not the Best Fit If You Want

  • xInstant glow or same-day results
  • xVolume replacement (cheeks, lips, jawline)
  • xA lifting or tightening effect
  • xA one-off quick fix rather than a gradual process

Is This You?

If you are in your mid 30s to 50s and starting to notice your skin looks thinner, more tired, or just not as resilient as it used to be, but you do not want filler and you are not ready for anything invasive, this is exactly where polynucleotides work best.

I see this a lot with my clients in Fulham. They come in saying things like "my skin just looks dull" or "my under-eyes look hollow even when I have slept well" or "the skin on my neck is starting to look like crepe paper." These are the people who get the most out of this treatment.

You are not looking for a dramatic transformation overnight. You want your skin to genuinely improve over time, to look healthier and feel stronger. That is what polynucleotides deliver, and that is why they are worth it for the right person.

How Polynucleotides Compare to Other Treatments

One of the most common questions I get is how polynucleotides compare to other popular skin treatments. Here is an honest overview.

PolynucleotidesProfhiloBotoxFillers
Primary goalSkin regenerationHydration & laxityWrinkle relaxationVolume replacement
How it worksCellular repairBio-remodellingMuscle relaxationPhysical filling
Results speedGradual (6-12 weeks)Moderate (4-8 weeks)Fast (3-7 days)Immediate
Duration6-12 months6 months3-4 months6-18 months
Best forSkin quality & textureGlow & elasticityExpression linesLost volume
Natural lookingVery naturalNaturalDepends on doseDepends on technique
Under-eye suitableExcellentLimitedNoRisky

Cost and Value

Polynucleotide treatments are a premium investment in your skin. A single session in London typically costs between 300 and 450 pounds depending on the area being treated. Most treatment plans involve two sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, so you are looking at roughly 600 to 900 pounds for a full course.

That might sound like a lot, but consider what you are getting. This is not a surface-level treatment that wears off in a few weeks. Polynucleotides genuinely change the quality of your skin. The results build over time and last for months. Many of my clients find they actually spend less overall because they need fewer top-up treatments compared to other options.

The key is working with a practitioner who understands your skin and can recommend the right treatment plan. A good consultation will tell you whether polynucleotides are the best use of your budget, or whether something else might suit your goals better.

Not Sure If Polynucleotides Are Right for You?

The best way to find out is a consultation. I will assess your skin, talk through your concerns, and give you an honest recommendation. No pressure, no hard sell.

Book a Consultation

Fulham, London. In-person consultations available.

Included with your treatment

Complimentary Red Light Therapy

Included at no additional cost with qualifying skin treatments.

All regenerative skin treatments at Georgina Sookias Aesthetics include complimentary professional Red Light Therapy.

Our professional system combines 630nm and 660nm red light with 810nm, 830nm and 850nm near infrared wavelengths. These wavelengths have been widely studied for their ability to support skin health, cellular energy production and collagen synthesis.

As part of our regenerative approach to skin health, we include professional Red Light Therapy after qualifying treatments to support the skin during the recovery phase and enhance the overall treatment experience at no additional cost.

Collagen Support
Recovery Support
Skin Radiance
Regenerative Approach

This is provided complimentary with all qualifying skin treatments as part of our regenerative approach to skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polynucleotides worth the money?

For most people looking to improve skin quality, texture, and resilience without filler or toxin, polynucleotides offer genuine, long-term results. They are one of the few treatments that actually repair and regenerate skin at a cellular level.

How long do polynucleotide results last?

Results build gradually over 6 to 12 weeks after a course of two sessions. Most clients see improvements lasting several months, with maintenance sessions recommended every 4 to 6 months to sustain the benefits.

What areas can polynucleotides treat?

Polynucleotides are commonly used on the face, under-eye area, neck, decolletage, and hands. They are particularly effective for thin, crepey, or sun-damaged skin.

Are polynucleotides better than Profhilo?

They work differently. Profhilo hydrates and improves skin laxity using hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotides focus on cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Many clients benefit from combining both treatments.

How much do polynucleotides cost in London?

A single polynucleotide session in London typically ranges from around 300 to 450 pounds depending on the area treated and the clinic. Most treatment plans involve two sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

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