Are polynucleotides the same as filler?

No. Filler is used to replace or shape volume. Polynucleotides are chosen for skin quality and gradual repair support. They will not give you a lifted cheek, a fuller lip or an immediate contour. That distinction matters, because the best result starts with choosing the right treatment for the actual concern.

Can polynucleotides treat the under-eye area?

They can be considered for the delicate skin around the eyes, particularly where texture and crepiness are the issue. They do not remove every dark circle, hollow or eye bag, and I will not pretend they do. If the concern is mostly volume loss, pigmentation or fat pads, we need to talk about that honestly before treating.

How many appointments are usually needed?

A course is commonly recommended, with appointments spaced several weeks apart, because the change is gradual. The number depends on the product, area and your starting point. I will explain the likely plan before you commit and review after treatment rather than assume that more is always better.

When will I see results?

You may notice the skin settling and looking more hydrated after the early healing period, but the more meaningful changes take time. Most people assess the result over several weeks and months, not days. This suits people who want a gentle change, but it is not the right fit if you need a result for an event next weekend.

Are polynucleotides suitable if I have a fish allergy?

No. Many polynucleotide products are derived from salmon or trout, so a fish allergy needs to be taken seriously. Please tell me before booking. We can discuss a different treatment if one is appropriate, but I would not take a chance with a known allergy.

Polynucleotides.

A regenerative injectable treatment for people looking to support skin quality gradually, rather than add volume.

Book From £150

Polynucleotides at Visage

A medical decision, taken slowly.

Your polynucleotides plan is shaped in a free consultation by a registered nurse with an MSc in Advanced Practice. We only proceed when it's genuinely the right call.

About Bernadette

Polynucleotides at Visage

A medical decision, taken slowly.

Your polynucleotides plan is shaped in a free consultation by a registered nurse with an MSc in Advanced Practice. We only proceed when it's genuinely the right call.

About Bernadette

Overview

What it is, in plain English.

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, commonly derived from salmon or trout, used in injectable skin treatments. They are not filler and they do not create instant shape. The aim is to support the skin's own repair processes over time, which can make them useful where the skin is thin, marked, tired-looking or less resilient. They are often discussed for the eye area, face, neck and areas affected by acne scarring, but suitability is personal. This is not a treatment to rush into because it is popular online. We will look at your skin, your medical history and the change you are hoping for before deciding whether it is worthwhile.

Benefits

Why clients choose it.

Supports a gradual improvement in skin quality and texture.
Does not add volume or alter the shape of your face.
May be considered for thin or delicate skin, including around the eyes.
Can form part of a longer-term plan for acne-scarred skin.
Results develop steadily rather than appearing overnight.
A consultation-led choice, with room to say that another option is better.

What I use

The products, named.

Which products a clinic buys is one of the clearest differences between one clinic and another, so I would rather you knew exactly what goes into your skin.

Lumi Eyes Pro

Polynucleotide eye treatment

Dermaqual

A polynucleotide treatment developed specifically for the thin, delicate skin under the eyes. Purified polynucleotides support the skin’s own repair, improving hydration, fine crepey lines and the tired look of the lower lid over a course of three. It does not fill hollows or remove fat pads, and I will say so if that is the real concern.

Plinest

Polynucleotide skin treatment

Mastelli

Mastelli in Italy pioneered polynucleotide treatment, and Plinest is its flagship product. Highly purified polynucleotides from salmon DNA support the skin’s repair, improve hydration and help calm inflammation. Plinest Face is the full-strength product for the face and neck; Plinest Eye is a gentler concentration made for the eye area. Best given as a course of three, two to three weeks apart.

Vitaran

Polynucleotide skin treatment

A polynucleotide range in two strengths: Vitaran I for the face and neck, and the lighter Vitaran II for the eye area. Purified salmon DNA fragments support the skin’s repair processes, with a gradual improvement in texture, tone and resilience rather than an overnight change. Usually given as a course of three.

Who it's for

Suitable candidates

Adults concerned by fine lines, texture or skin that feels less resilient.
Clients looking for gradual skin support, not immediate volume.
People who understand that a course and review may be needed.
Clients who are comfortable discussing fish allergy and medical history in detail.

Who it's not for

Not suitable if

Anyone with a fish allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the chosen product.
Pregnant or breastfeeding clients.
People with active infection, inflammation or broken skin in the treatment area.
Anyone whose health history means treatment should be delayed or discussed with their wider clinical team.

What to expect

Before, during, and after.

before

Your consultation covers your goals, treatment history, allergies and current health. Please tell me about any fish allergy, medications, cold sores or active skin conditions. Avoid alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning medicines for 24 hours where medically safe.

during

The product is placed with a fine needle or cannula, depending on the area. Numbing cream can be used. A face appointment usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

after

Redness, tenderness, swelling and tiny injection marks are normal at first. Bruising is possible. You will have clear aftercare and should avoid heat, exercise and make-up on the area for the advised period.

What’s different here

Why this isn’t a high-street treatment.

In the room

Visage

Typical high-street clinic

Who treats you

VisageRegistered nurse, MSc Advanced Practice

Typical clinicOften non-medical, lightly trained

Consultation

VisageFree, 30 min, no deposit, no pressure

Typical clinicCharged or rushed, deposit up-front

Privacy

VisageOne client at a time, discreet entrance, no shopfront

Typical clinicSalon chair, foot traffic, walk-ins

Plan

VisageEvidence-based, declined if not right for you

Typical clinicProduct-led upsell on the day

Investment

From £150

Prices start from £150. Your plan depends on the area, product and whether a course is appropriate, so your exact price is confirmed after a proper consultation.

Free consultation

Every treatment begins with a no-obligation consultation. We talk through your goals, your medical history and what's realistic, before any decision is made.

Book

Questions

Polynucleotides FAQs.

No. I deliberately designed the clinic this way. We sit back from Friars Lane, behind electric gates, with private parking entirely out of view from the road — your car can't be seen from the street. There is no signage on the building, no shopfront, no waiting room window. You walk straight through a discreet entrance, the door closes behind you, and you are the only client in the clinic. Many of my clients tell me Visage is the most private clinic they have ever used. That is by design, not by accident.

A note from Bernadette

“I like polynucleotides for the right skin concern because they ask the face to do less, not more. There is no instant drama. The goal is healthier-looking skin over time, with the same face looking rested and cared for.”

Bernadette Tobin · RN, MSc

References & further reading