In aesthetic medicine, trends come and go. New treatments appear regularly, often accompanied by bold promises and expectations of dramatic change.
However, the treatments that interest me most are those that work with the biology of the skin rather than simply changing its appearance.
This is one of the reasons I have become so interested in polynucleotides.
As a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, my career has always been centred around understanding tissue – how it heals, how it repairs, and how we can support the body’s natural processes. You can read more about my surgical background and approach to patient care here.
For me, aesthetic medicine is not about chasing perfection or making someone look like a different person. It is about helping patients achieve healthier, more resilient skin and feeling confident in themselves.
Polynucleotides are one of the treatments that align particularly well with this philosophy.
WHAT ARE POLYNUCLEOTIDES?
Polynucleotides are injectable regenerative treatments made from purified DNA fragments (chains of nucleotides, which are the building blocks involved in many biological processes).
If you would like to explore the treatment itself in more detail, you can read my guide to polynucleotide treatments.
When introduced into the skin, they act as stimulators – supporting the skin’s natural repair pathways and encouraging processes involved in hydration, elasticity and tissue quality.
Unlike dermal fillers, which are primarily used to restore lost volume or enhance facial contours, polynucleotides focus on improving the quality and health of the skin itself and importantly, increase the skin’s resilience.
Think of the difference between adding something to the skin and supporting the skin to perform at its best.
WHY DO I FIND POLYNUCLEOTIDES SO INTERESTING?
What excites me about regenerative medicine is the shift away from simply correcting visible signs of ageing and towards supporting long-term skin health.
As we age, our skin naturally changes. Collagen production declines, hydration levels alter, and the skin’s ability to repair itself becomes less efficient.
Polynucleotides aim to support these natural processes by:
- encouraging fibroblast activity, which plays an important role in collagen and elastin production
- improving hydration within the skin
- improving the skin’s resilience against free radicals, oxidative stress, pollution and more
- supporting healthier skin texture and elasticity
- helping create a more refreshed and radiant appearance
The aim is not to change your face. It is to improve the quality of the skin you already have.
WHAT CAN POLYNUCLEOTIDES HELP WITH?
Polynucleotides may be considered for patients who are looking to improve:
- fine lines and early signs of skin ageing
- tired or dull-looking skin
- reduced elasticity
- uneven texture
- dehydration
- delicate areas such as the skin around the eyes
- some forms of scarring, including acne-related skin concerns
- skin resilience
During a consultation, I always assess the individual rather than treating a particular “problem area” in isolation. Every person’s skin, lifestyle, genetics and goals are different.
ARE POLYNUCLEOTIDES THE SAME AS DERMAL FILLERS?
No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings.
Dermal fillers and polynucleotides have different purposes.
You can read more about my approach to dermal filler treatments and how they are used to restore facial balance and volume.
Polynucleotides are focused on skin quality – supporting hydration, texture and elasticity.
Neither treatment is “better”; they simply address different concerns.
The right choice depends on what you are hoping to achieve.
CAN POLYNUCLEOTIDES REPLACE ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS?
This is another question I am frequently asked.
The simple answer is that they work in completely different ways.
Botulinum toxin injections work by temporarily reducing muscle activity, which can soften certain dynamic lines caused by repeated facial movement.
Polynucleotides do not work on facial muscles. Instead, they are designed to support the skin itself.
Some patients may benefit from one approach, some from another, and some may benefit from a personalised combination of treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections.
Other regenerative approaches, such as skin boosters, may also be considered depending on your individual skin concerns.
A thorough consultation is essential to understand what is right for you.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT?
Before any treatment, I carry out a detailed consultation to understand your concerns, medical history and expectations.
If polynucleotides are suitable, the treatment involves a series of small injections into targeted areas of the skin, typically after numbing cream has been applied.
Most patients experience only mild temporary effects such as redness, swelling or small bumps at the injection sites, which usually settle quickly.
Results develop gradually. This is not a treatment designed for an overnight transformation – and that is exactly what many of my patients appreciate.
The goal is natural improvement over time. Think of polynucleotides as an investment in your skin health and resilience.
WHY CHOOSE A CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON FOR REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS?
My background in plastic and reconstructive surgery has given me a deep understanding of anatomy, tissue behaviour and the importance of careful assessment.
Aesthetic treatments should never be about simply following trends. They should be about understanding the individual in front of you and choosing treatments that are appropriate, evidence-based and aligned with their goals.
For me, regenerative aesthetics represents an exciting area of medicine because it focuses on supporting skin health while respecting individuality.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Polynucleotides are not a magic solution and they are not designed to replace every other aesthetic treatment.
However, for carefully selected patients, they offer an exciting approach to improving skin quality in a subtle and natural way.
My aim is always the same: to help patients look refreshed, healthy and confident while still looking like themselves.
Natural results. Still you.
If you’re considering aesthetic treatments, I’d be delighted to discuss your options during a consultation.
Email: contact@shethanaji.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7903 159640
