Polynucleotides Skin

Regenerative treatment of facial skin with highly purified polynucleotides. Stimulates the skin’s own fibroblasts to improve skin quality and structure – without volume enhancement. Standard course: 3 sessions 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Regenerative treatment of facial skin with highly purified polynucleotides. Stimulates the skin's own fibroblasts to improve skin quality and structure — without volume enhancement. Standard course: 3 sessions at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks.

Polynucleotides are highly purified, short DNA fragments that are injected into the skin as a solution. They form their own substance class within regenerative aesthetics and fundamentally differ from hyaluronic acid fillers or skin boosters: they do not add volume but activate the skin's own repair and regeneration processes.

"Polynucleotides address what fillers and botulinum toxin type A cannot: the quality of the skin itself. Not through volume enhancement, but through the activation of the body's own regenerative mechanisms."Dr. med. Thomas Ackermann · Private Practice Herzogenaurach

Mechanism of Action — how polynucleotides actually work

Contrary to what is occasionally simplified, polynucleotides do not repair genetic information and do not replace damaged DNA. Their effect is based on two well-documented cell-biological mechanisms.

Mechanism 1

A2A Adenosine Receptor Activation

Polynucleotides bind to the A2A adenosine receptor of fibroblasts — the skin's central connective tissue cells. This activation increases collagen synthesis, the formation of the extracellular matrix, and cellular metabolic activity.

Documented in several in-vitro- and in-vivo-studies on photobiomodulation and wound healing (e.g., Belletti 2007, Galeano 2008).

Mechanism 2

Substrate Provision for Salvage Pathways

The highly purified polynucleotides provide skin cells with building blocks for their own repair and regeneration processes — via so-called salvage pathways, which are metabolically more efficient than the de novo synthesis of all building blocks.

Described in review articles on regenerative medicine and in dermatological application research (e.g., Cavallini 2021, Khan 2022).

Important ClarificationPolynucleotides do not repair genetic information and are not a "DNA repair drug" in the classical molecular biological sense. Their effect is regenerative and cell-activating, not genome-modifying. Anyone who promises you otherwise is unduly simplifying.

Indications — when a treatment is useful

We use polynucleotides for clearly defined indications. Unlike hyaluronic fillers, the focus here is not on volume enhancement, but on improving skin quality at a cellular level.

Skin Quality

Wrinkle Smoothing & Skin Structure

For fine lines, dull skin structure, and reduced skin elasticity, polynucleotide treatment addresses the cellular cause: through the activation of fibroblasts and the stimulation of collagen synthesis. A cumulative effect built up over several sessions.

Skin Quality

Improvement of Skin Quality

The overarching treatment goal: a calmer, more structured, more resilient skin appearance. Suitable for patients who wish to maintain healthy skin long-term without aiming for visible changes through volume enhancement.

Post-acne

Acne Scars & Post-Acne Skin Condition

For fine, non-deep acne scars and post-acne skin conditions, polynucleotide treatment can smooth the skin's texture and support tissue regeneration. For deep, fibrous scars, complementary procedures (microneedling, subcision) are recommended.

Photo-damage

Photo-damage & Premature Skin Aging

After years of UV exposure, the skin shows reduced elasticity and irregular pigmentation. Polynucleotides address fibroblast function and support the regeneration of the dermal matrix.

Treatment Regimen — three coordinated sessions

The cumulative effect of polynucleotide treatment builds up over a series of sessions. Standard in our practice: three sessions, each three to four weeks apart.

01
Initial Session

Activation

First stimulation of fibroblasts. The acute effect is usually subtle — cellular reconstruction begins in the tissue.

02
3-4 Weeks Later

Build-up

Deepening of the cellular response. First visible changes in skin structure and feel are usually noticeable during this phase.

03
Another 3-4 Weeks

Consolidation

Stabilization of the effect. The final result continues to develop over the following 6 to 12 weeks — collagen synthesis takes time.

Maintenance TreatmentAfter completion of the initial series, a booster session every 6 to 12 months may be beneficial to maintain the achieved skin quality level. We will discuss the individual frequency after completing the initial series and assessing the treatment results.

Treatment Procedure for a Session

Consultation & Skin Analysis

Clarification of the individual indication, patient expectations, and possible contraindications. For first treatments, a detailed informed consent discussion with documentation.

Skin Cleansing & Anesthesia

Thorough skin cleansing. If desired, application of a numbing cream (approx. 20 to 30 minutes application time), which makes the treatment experience significantly more comfortable for most patients.

Injection of the Polynucleotide Solution

The highly purified polynucleotide solution is injected with a fine needle or blunt cannula into the mid to deep dermis — specifically into the treatment zone. The session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

Soothing & Aftercare Instructions

After the treatment, the skin is cooled and soothed. You will receive specific behavioral instructions for the following 24 to 48 hours — mild cleansing, no intense sports, no solarium, consistent sun protection.

Realistic Expectations

Polynucleotides work cumulatively and biologically — not through immediate volume effect. A single session alone rarely shows dramatic changes. Measurable improvements emerge over the complete initial series and the subsequent 6 to 12 weeks of the build-up phase: calmer skin, improved skin structure, increased skin elasticity, more even skin relief. The treatment is not a substitute for hyaluronic fillers for volume loss and does not replace botulinum toxin for dynamic wrinkles. It is an independent regenerative approach with different indications — not a "better than" or "worse than" compared to other methods, but rather a different objective level.

When not to treat

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient study data
  • Active skin infections in the treatment area
  • Acute autoimmune diseases with skin involvement — dermatological clarification before treatment
  • Known allergies to a component of the polynucleotide solution
  • Anticoagulation with increased bleeding risk — individual risk-benefit assessment
  • Recent aesthetic procedures in the area — minimum interval to be clarified individually
  • Oncological therapy — consult with the treating oncologist before treatment

In the preliminary consultation, we will review your individual situation, pre-existing conditions, and medication to ensure a safe treatment.

Frequent Questions

Are polynucleotides a hyaluronic filler?

No. Hyaluronic fillers add volume — polynucleotides activate the skin's natural regeneration. They are fundamentally different substance classes with different indications. Polynucleotides are suitable for patients who want to improve skin quality, not for those who want to build volume contours.

Are polynucleotides really derived from salmon trout sperm?

Yes — the raw material for highly purified polynucleotides is indeed DNA from salmon trout spermatozoa. This DNA is highly purified, fragmented, and sterilized in a multi-stage pharmaceutical process. The final product contains exclusively defined, short DNA fragments — no cellular or genetic components of the original organism.

How quickly will I see results?

Subtle changes in skin quality and feel are usually noticeable 4 to 6 weeks after the first session. The full treatment result develops over the entire initial series and the subsequent 6 to 12 weeks of the building phase. Polynucleotides are not an "instant treatment" — the effect is biological, not mechanical.

Does the treatment hurt?

With the preparatory numbing cream, the treatment is well-tolerated by most patients. The injections are noticeable, sometimes causing a slight burning or pressure sensation. After the session, small wheals, redness, or temporary swelling may occur, which usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.

When should I not be treated?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, with active skin infections in the treatment area, with acute autoimmune diseases involving the skin, or with known allergies to components of the solution. For anticoagulation or oncological therapy, an individual clarification is required. We will discuss details in the preliminary consultation.

Can I combine polynucleotides with other treatments?

Yes, combinations are beneficial in many cases. Common examples: polynucleotides for skin quality improvement, supplemented by hyaluronic acid fillers for volume needs, botulinum toxin for dynamic wrinkles, or microneedling for deeper acne scars. Timing is important — we will jointly determine the individual sequence.

What does the treatment cost?

You can see the guide price above. The exact billing is individual according to GOÄ and depends on the scope of treatment, the treatment area, and the number of sessions. We will transparently discuss the estimated total costs of the initial series during the initial consultation.

Note on the substance:Polynucleotides are highly purified short DNA fragments (polydeoxyribonucleotides, PDRN) and are used as a sterile injectable solution. They are approved as a medical device. The treatment is performed by a physician.Source reference:The underlying evidence of efficacy is based on published studies on adenosine receptor-mediated wound healing and regenerative dermatology. Key references: Belletti 2007, Galeano 2008, Cavallini 2021, Khan 2022. These publications are publicly accessible peer-reviewed journal articles.Note:This description serves for general public education and does not replace individual medical advice. The individual suitability of a polynucleotide treatment for you will be checked in a personal consultation.Legal notice:This text is a medical explanation within the scope of the physician's duty to inform (§ 8 MBO-Ä). It does not contain product-related advertising within the meaning of § 10 Abs. 1 HWG. We deliberately refrain from using brand names — what is decisive for the effect is not the brand name, but the substance class, the preparation, and the professional application.