Polynucleotides: Treatment Advice & Aftercare
Updated: 5 days ago
Important: Fish Allergies: Many injectable polynucleotide products are derived from purified DNA obtained from fish such as salmon or trout. Please tell us before treatment if you have a known fish allergy or if you're unsure whether your allergy could be relevant.
Before & After Your Polynucleotide Treatment
Polynucleotides are injectable skin-quality treatments designed to support skin repair, hydration and overall skin quality. They are commonly used on the face, neck and delicate eye area to improve concerns such as fine lines, crepey texture and skin quality.
Polynucleotide products are commonly derived from highly purified fish DNA, so it is important to tell us if you have a fish allergy or sensitivity before treatment.
Your practitioner will assess your skin, medical history and treatment area and recommend the most appropriate product and treatment plan for you.
Before Your Treatment
To help minimise bruising, swelling and irritation:
Avoid alcohol for approximately 24 hours beforehand.
Avoid retinol, exfoliating acids and other potentially irritating active skincare for around 48 hours before treatment.
Avoid waxing, peels, laser or other treatments that may irritate the area immediately beforehand.
Arrive with clean, healthy skin where possible.
Tell us about all medication, supplements and herbal remedies you are taking.
Let us know if your health, medication or skin has changed since your consultation.
Tell us if you have recently had another injectable or advanced treatment in the same area.
Tell us if you have a history of cold sores when treatment is planned close to an area where they occur.
Medication
Some medication can increase the likelihood of bleeding or bruising.
Please tell us if you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet medication, anti-inflammatory medication or other medicines that may affect healing.
Do not stop prescribed medication for a cosmetic treatment unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it has advised you to do so.
Is Polynucleotide Treatment Suitable for Everyone?
Treatment may not be suitable or may need to be postponed in some circumstances.
Please tell your practitioner if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a known fish allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the product ingredients
have an active infection or are currently unwell
have a cold sore, rash, wound, inflammation or active skin condition in the treatment area
have an autoimmune condition
have a condition affecting your immune system or healing
have a bleeding or clotting disorder
are taking medication that affects bleeding or clotting
have a history of significant allergic reactions
are undergoing treatment for cancer or have a significant current medical condition
have recently had another injectable, laser, peel or advanced skin treatment in the area
have previously experienced an unexpected reaction to an injectable treatment.
Your practitioner will assess your medical history and the particular polynucleotide product being considered before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
What to Expect After Treatment
Because polynucleotides are delivered through multiple small injections, temporary reactions around the injection sites are normal.
You may experience:
small raised bumps
redness
tenderness
swelling
bruising
mild itching or sensitivity.
The small bumps generally settle as the product disperses.
Under-Eye Treatments
The eye area can swell more noticeably than other areas because the tissue is delicate.
You may notice puffiness, small bumps or bruising following an under-eye treatment. This is usually temporary, but I would advise clients not to book an eye PN treatment immediately before an important event.
Swelling and bruising vary considerably between individuals and can take several days to completely resolve.
Aftercare
For the first 24–48 hours:
Avoid touching or rubbing the area unnecessarily.
Don't massage the treated area unless your practitioner specifically advises you to.
Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours.
Avoid swimming while the injection sites are healing.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, very hot baths and excessive heat.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other potentially irritating skincare.
Use gentle skincare while the area settles.
Avoid alcohol immediately afterwards if possible, as it may contribute to bruising.
Avoid other treatments to the area while it is healing.
Makeup
Avoid makeup over the injection sites for approximately 24 hours.
When you restart makeup, use clean brushes or applicators and avoid excessive rubbing of the treated area.
Sun Protection & Skincare
Keep your skincare relatively simple while the skin is settling.
Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser and protect exposed areas with a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50.
Avoid deliberate tanning and sunbeds following treatment.
Once the skin has completely settled, you can gradually return to your normal active skincare routine.
Other Treatments
As a general guide, allow around two weeks between polynucleotide injections and other advanced treatments in the same area, including:
other injectable treatments
microneedling
chemical peels
laser treatments
waxing
other treatments that significantly irritate or disrupt the skin.
Your practitioner may recommend a different interval depending on the treatments being combined.
When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?
Mild swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising and small injection-site bumps can be normal.
Please contact us if:
swelling or redness is becoming worse rather than improving
the area becomes increasingly hot or painful
you notice discharge or other signs of infection
you develop a significant or unusual reaction
you're concerned about how the area is healing.
Contact the clinic urgently if you develop severe or increasing pain, marked changes in skin colour or another sudden or unexpected reaction following treatment.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or significant swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
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