Polynucleotides Treatment in Thames Ditton

The term 'salmon sperm injections' has spread online as a shorthand, and while it sounds alarming, the reality is considerably more straightforward. Polynucleotides used in aesthetics are typically derived from purified DNA extracted from salmon testes or roe — the DNA fragments themselves are the active ingredient, not any biological material in its original form.

The extraction and purification process produces a sterile, highly refined product containing only the nucleotide chains needed for tissue repair. Any proteins, fats, or other biological material are removed. The resulting product has a well-established safety profile across many years of clinical use. If you have a fish allergy, this is worth raising at your consultation, as the relevant product's allergenicity data can be reviewed.

Yes — the under-eye area is one of the most well-established indications for polynucleotide treatment. The skin here is exceptionally thin and delicate, making it prone to dark circles, hollowing, fine lines, and crepiness that many other treatments cannot safely address. Polynucleotides can be injected very superficially in this area, improving skin thickness, reducing the appearance of dark circles caused by skin transparency, and smoothing fine lines around the eye.

Results in the under-eye area build over 2–3 sessions and continue to improve over several months as the tissue regeneration progresses. For patients where the darkness beneath the eyes is primarily vascular (visible blood vessels) rather than caused by hollowing, polynucleotides are often a better-tolerated and more appropriate option than filler in this sensitive area.

Polynucleotides can be used across the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. On the face, commonly treated areas include the under-eye zone, forehead, cheeks, and the perioral area around the mouth. The neck and décolletage respond well to treatment for crepey or sun-damaged skin, and the back of the hands is another area where the skin-regenerating properties are particularly beneficial.

Because polynucleotides improve skin quality across the treated area rather than targeting specific lines or features, they work well for patients who want an overall improvement in skin health and resilience rather than a single targeted cosmetic correction.

Polynucleotides and Profhilo are both injectable skin-quality treatments, but they use entirely different mechanisms and are not direct substitutes for each other.

Profhilo is a pure hyaluronic acid bio-remodeller — it provides intense hydration, spreads through the skin tissue to remodel collagen and elastin, and produces a plumping, lifting effect. It is highly effective for dehydrated, lax skin that has lost firmness and bounce.

Polynucleotides work at the cellular and genetic signalling level, stimulating the skin's own repair and regeneration pathways. They are particularly suited to thin, fragile, or damaged skin — including post-acne, sun-damaged, or aged skin where tissue quality is fundamentally compromised rather than simply dehydrated. For some patients, Dr Bravis may recommend both treatments as part of a comprehensive skin-quality plan, as they complement rather than replicate each other.

A standard course typically involves 2–3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. This initial course establishes the regenerative process, with results continuing to build for 3–6 months after the final session as the tissue repair process progresses gradually.

Top-up treatments are generally recommended every 6–9 months to maintain and build on the initial improvement. The response after the first and second sessions will inform the most appropriate interval for your ongoing top-up schedule.

Downtime is minimal for most patients. You may notice small bumps or raised areas at the injection sites immediately after treatment — this is normal and typically settles within 24–48 hours. Mild redness and localised swelling can also occur, particularly in the delicate under-eye area, but generally resolves within a few days.

We advise avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure for 24 hours post-treatment. Arnica gel can help minimise any bruising. Most patients return to their normal routine the following day.

Because polynucleotides work by stimulating the skin's own regenerative processes, results develop gradually rather than appearing immediately. Most patients begin to notice improved skin texture, brightness, and hydration 4–6 weeks into their course, with the more significant changes in firmness and fine lines becoming visible 2–3 months after the final session.

This gradual timeline can feel slower than treatments that produce an immediate effect, but the improvement in underlying skin quality tends to be more durable. Patients who complete the full course and attend for maintenance top-ups typically sustain their results over the medium to long term.

Yes — polynucleotides are generally well tolerated across all skin types, including skin types I–VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. They carry a low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with some other treatments (such as more aggressive peels or lasers), which makes them a suitable option for patients with darker skin tones who need to be cautious about treatments that could trigger pigmentation changes.

They are particularly beneficial for mature or damaged skin that has lost thickness and resilience. Polynucleotide treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A full medical history review at your consultation will confirm suitability.

Yes — polynucleotides combine well with other treatments and are often used as part of a broader skin-quality plan. They are frequently used alongside Profhilo — the two treatments address complementary aspects of skin quality. They also work well in sequence with Celluma Pro LED therapy, which supports healing and collagen production between injection sessions.

For patients who also want to address dynamic wrinkles, polynucleotide sessions can be timed alongside anti-wrinkle injections. Dr Bravis will advise on the most logical sequencing so each treatment can work without interfering with the others.

Yes — Thames Dental & Skin is in Thames Ditton, Surrey, and is accessible for patients from Kingston upon Thames, Esher, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton, and across the wider Surrey area.

Polynucleotide treatments start from £300. A consultation is the first step — your skin, concerns, and goals are all assessed before any treatment is agreed, and a personalised plan is provided so you know exactly what to expect.