Polynucleotides vs. other treatments

Learn how Polynucleotides compares to Dermal Fillers, Profhilo, Sculptra, and Sunekos to stimulate collagen and elastin production

Written by
Dr Yiannis Valilas
Published on
13.11.2024

Key Takeaways

  • Unlike traditional Dermal Fillers that provide immediate volume, polynucleotides work by stimulating collagen and elastin activity over time, leading to gradual improvements in skin quality, texture, and resilience [1][2].
  • Polynucleotides can be safely combined with treatments such as hyaluronic fillers, Profhilo, Sculptra, and Microneedling to enhance overall aesthetic outcomes [3].
  • Polynucleotide treatments are particularly effective in delicate areas such as the under-eye, helping help with hydration, skin thickness, and the appearance of dark circles [4].

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic treatments, patients now benefit from a growing range of treatments targeting different aspects of skin health and appearance. Among these options are Polynucleotides – which have gained significant attention not only in my clinic, but globally too – for their regenerative and skin-improving properties.  

Unlike traditional Dermal Fillers, which provide immediate volume, polynucleotides work gradually by supporting collagen production, improving hydration, and enhancing overall skin quality [1] [5]. 

As my patients’ demand continues grow for natural-looking, long-term rejuvenation – I believe it’s essential to understand the advantages of Polynucleotides compared with other available treatments like fillers, Profhilo, Sunekos, and Sculptra

What are Polynucleotides?

Even to doctor like myself, Polynucleotides are rather fascinating. These molecules are composed of long chains of nucleotides – the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA. In aesthetic medicine, they are typically sourced from purified salmon DNA and are valued by both practitioners and patients for their regenerative, moisturising, and tissue-supporting effects [1][2]. 

Clinical studies have shown that Polynucleotides support increased hydration, improved elasticity, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue repair, and the improved appearance of fine lines and texture [1][4][6].  

Polynucleotides are also considered highly well-tolerable (which my patients and I can attest to!), with good biocompatibility and a low risk of adverse reactions [2]. 

Let’s see how this next-gen injectable compares to other available aesthetic treatments.

Polynucleotides vs. Dermal Fillers

Polynucleotides and Dermal Fillers serve different – and often complementary – roles. Polynucleotides support both collagen and elastin activity, improve skin texture and elasticity, enhance hydration over time, and do not add volume [1][5]. 

Dermal Fillers help restore lost volume, sculpt and contour, provide immediate results, and stay exactly where they’re placed due to cross-linking composition. When combined, Polynucleotides can improve the quality of the skin foundation, allowing Dermal Fillers to sit more smoothly and naturally [3].

Polynucleotides vs. Profhilo

While both of these treatments are aimed at improving skin quality, their mechanisms work differently. Polynucleotides support cellular repair and regeneration, as well as offer broader tissue-repair effects [1][5]. They are also one of the very few treatments suitable for delicate areas such as the under-eyes. Profhilo on the other hand spreads evenly beneath the skin to deeply hydrate, and improve elasticity and firmness. 

Simply put – Profhilo excels at hydration and skin tightening, whereas Polynucleotides provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation for weakened or damaged skin.

Polynucleotides vs. Sunekos

Polynucleotides and Sunekos are both aimed at skin rejuvenation, but they work in distinct ways. Polynucleotides focus on repairing and regenerating the skin at a cellular level, enhancing tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and supporting skin resilience [1][6]. Sunekos, on the other hand, combines hyaluronic acid with six amino acids to support collagen and elastin production, improving fine lines, elasticity, and hydration [9]. 

While both improve skin quality, Sunekos is ideal for boosting elasticity and radiance, whereas polynucleotides offer deeper repair and resilience, especially for damaged or aging skin.

Combining Polynucleotides with Other Treatments

Polynucleotide treatments offer excellent versatility and can be effectively combined with a number of other injectables to enhance overall results. Here's an overview of how polynucleotides can be integrated with other popular treatments.

Dermal Fillers

As mentioned, Dermal Fillers help restore lost volume and Polynucleotides enhance skin quality and elasticity. I often recommend staggering these treatments, starting with Polynucleotides to improve skin quality first. This approach creates a firmer, healthier foundation, and enables Dermal Fillers to integrate smoothly and in some cases, even improve their longevity [3].

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-Wrinkle Injections can help prevent new wrinkles from forming and existing lines from deepening. When paired with Polynucleotides, these injectables are great at improving the skin’s overall surface appearance.

Profhilo Structura

Polynucleotides offer complementary results to Profhilo Structura’s lifting effects. Where Profhilo excels at targeting superficial fat deposits and contouring, Polynucleotides enhance this outcome by improving and supporting the surrounding tissue. Together, these treatments create a noticeable lifting and firming effect.

Microneedling 

One of the main benefits of Microneedling is the fact that it helps increase product absorption. So, when Polynucleotides are introduced into the mix, their hydration and improved texture benefits are often amplified [10].

Conclusion

Polynucleotides are transforming aesthetic medicine by offering a regenerative, long-term approach to skin improvement. Unlike treatments that focus only on volume or hydration, Polynucleotides support deeper repair – improving elasticity, resilience, and overall skin health [1] [6].

In my experience, while treatments like Dermal Fillers, Profhilo, Sunekos, and Sculptra each provide specific benefits, Polynucleotides truly stand out for their ability to work gradually yet effectively, enhancing results both alone and in combination.

Interested in how Polynucleotides could help your anti-ageing concerns? Get in touch with us today to start your personal aesthetics journey.

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Reference list

[1] Kim J, et al. Polynucleotide-based injections in skin regeneration. J Cosmet Laser Ther.

[2] Cervelli V, et al. Use of polynucleotides in aesthetic and regenerative medicine. J Craniofac Surg.

[3] Lee S, et al. Combination therapies with PN for facial rejuvenation. Aesthetic Surg J.

[4] Viganò A, et al. Polynucleotide efficacy in periocular rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol.

[5] Mazzocchi M, et al. Role of PDRN/PN in collagen support and tissue repair. J Plast Dermatol.

[6] Lee JH, et al. Anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties of PNs. Arch Aesthetic Plast Surg.

[7] De Boulle K, et al. Hyaluronic acid fillers: clinical use and safety. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

[8] Dalfrà V, et al. Hybrid cooperative HA complexes and bio-remodelling. J Cosmet Dermatol.

[9] Papadopoulos L, et al. Amino acid + HA injectable combinations. J Cosmet Dermatol.

[10] Fabbrocini G, et al. Microneedling in combination therapy for skin rejuvenation. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res.

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