To understand what polynucleotides are, we need to go back to basic biochemistry. Nucleotides are organic molecules made up of sugar, phosphate and a nitrogenous base. When these are grouped together in a chain, they form a polynucleotide, such as DNA and RNA. Here’s an update from the experts at Aesthetic Models World Recruitment.  

They have been used in the biomedical field for gene therapy, DNA sequencing, intra-articular joint restoration, scar revision, as well as experimentally in cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases prior to their application in the aesthetic field. 

Different polynucleotides can stimulate dermal fibroblasts, adipocytes and osteoblasts and, depending on their design, improve skin, fat and bone function. Overall, they improve skin collagen and elastin.  

Polynucleotides used in aesthetics are generally derived from fish gonads, while hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are generally derived from bacterial fermentation. Thus, polynucleotides cannot be used in patients allergic to fish.  

Each product will have individual treatment protocols depending on the target tissue, and these are often brand-specific. They are commonly injected with a needle into the deep dermis using a microblus technique.  

In general, elderly patients with moderate tissue laxity will benefit most from this type of stimulating treatment. 

If tissue laxity and facial volume loss are too severe, surgical intervention is often a more appropriate choice.

Younger patients who are just beginning to show the first signs of age-related facial changes may also benefit from polynucleotides. Results for this group of patients tend to be less dramatic.  

In particular, polynucleotides are often used in patients with thin, sagging skin, such as in the tear trough area. Patients with fine wrinkles can also benefit.  

Polynucleotide treatments often require a course of 2 to 3 sessions spaced approximately 2 to 4 weeks apart. Sessions also depend on the product’s specific protocol, and must be followed by regular maintenance doses. Patients must therefore commit to regular treatments.   

Unlike most HA fillers, these products generally do not contain a local anesthetic. As a result, practitioners may need to perform a local anesthetic infiltration to make the experience comfortable for the patient.  

The choice of injection technique depends on the target area, the tissue and the practitioner’s skill level. If the target area is large, it will probably be more comfortable for the patient to administer with a cannula.  

As with any treatment, the longevity of results is multifactorial, including initial tissue condition, age, genetics and lifestyle. 

Most pharmaceutical companies indicate that they expect polynucleotide results to last from 6 to 12 months. With HA putty, results depend on the area used. This can vary from 3 to 24 months.