Polynucleotides: Plenhyage, Nucleofill, Nucleadyn
02/02/23
What is Plenhyage, Nucleofill or Nucleadyn?
These are the new kids on the block in aesthetics. These highly purified polynucleotides (PN-HPT) from salmon or trout sperm are distilled into varying percentages and suspended in a water base. PNs are fragmented DNA that when injected into the skin, draws water to the molecules and signals to your body to improve perfusion with vessels and then in turn fibroblasts are stimulated in numbers and activity to create more of your own collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. You will also notice a reduction in inflammation of the skin. PNs optimise the extra cellular environment and stimulate tissue reconstruction and repair. This translates into fresher, revitalised and tighter skin. From now on I shall refer to Plenhyage, Nucleofill and Nucleadyn as Polynucleotides or PNs.
What can Polynucleotides treat and what results can you see?
I think the most exciting area Polynucleotides can be used is under the eyes. The tear trough, dark circles under the eyes and sagging skin can be really improved. It also helps with lumpy or sunken scars, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, inflammed skin, general signs of facial ageing, eyebrow and scalp hair loss. It’s also great for treating a wrinkly neck, décolleté, inner arms, thighs, and knees. The skin will have be able to reduce unsightly pigmentation and improve skin quality, thickness and hydration. This takes a few months to become fully evident.
Who can be treated by Polynucleotides?
As it is highly purified particles of DNA, water, salt and other simple salts the body already has allergic reactions are not likely. It appears to be very safe even in those who have allergies and in those who have autoimmune conditions. However please discuss this in depth with your treating Aesthetic Doctor.
How long does a treatment take?
The actual injections will take around 30 minutes. However, 1 hour is allowed to prepare you for the procedure. Most people can return to work or do the shopping straight after treatment. Ask your doctor if it is likely anyone would see the swelling after the procedure. Swelling is more likely is your eyes are treated and you have very thin baggy skin in that area.
Are Plenhyage, Nucleofill or Nucleadyn injections painful?
Treatment is generally pain-free as the needles are exceptionally thin, but we always use a numbing cream also known as local anaesthetic. Cannula (a blunt tipped needle) is often used and as this delivers products under the skin with just one needle hole so is generally well tolerated. A vibrating tool can be utilised that also reduces the sensation of needle pricks through the well known medical "Gate theory of pain relief".
How many sessions will I need?
At least 2 sessions 20 days apart. Some people may need 4 sessions. It depends on the degree of ageing your tissue has and your ability to create quality tissue when stimulated. It is so important to have a healthy diet, reduce smoking, reduce drinking alcohol and have a nutritious diet so you create good quality skin.
When will I see a difference?
Your skin quality will improve gradually as the tissues regenerate. Most notice a difference after 2-4 weeks, but things will continue to improve as this is a regenerative treatment. Full results can be expected about 3 months later.
How long will my results from Plenhyage, Nucleofill or Nucleadyn last?
For the best results repeat your treatment after 6-12 months. Even though you are banking collagen you will continue to age and so lose it again.
How much does Plenhyage, Nucleofill or Nucleadyn cost?
This is usually from £350 upwards. It depends on the existing condition of your skin and how many sessions you will require. We will confirm a price during your consultation. Prepaid courses may work out cheaper per session. Pre-paid courses are offerred at Dr K's Clinic.
What is the difference between HA fillers and Polynucleotides?
Dermal fillers simply add volume to the skin. They are “inert” volumisers in the tissues and the results are immediate. Fillers can stay in the tissues from anywhere between 6 months to years later, some remnants are there even up to 12 years later. Some people aren’t suitable for filler in the tear troughs if their skin is loose as HA draws in water and will create puffiness over time.
Even in those who are suitable, HA filler can move and create swelling years later. This is unfortunate but can be remedied by using a prescription injectable to dissolve the filler. Dr Maeve was the 3rd doctor in the UK to purchase and use a Clarius ultrasound scanning (USS) device for aesthetic purposes in her clinic. Using this USS prior to injectable filler treatments substantially reduces the rate of complications.
Polynucleotides are different, in that they stimulate regeneration at the cellular level so it takes time to be seen visually and studies show resulting volumes can be equivocal to HA fillers, although this is unusual. It’s also true that polynucleotides stimulate your own skin and will show improved texture and appearance minimising pores and roughness. Combinations of PN and dermal fillers may sometimes be recommended for an overall holistic regeneration. You will be guided by your Aesthetic Doctor at Dr K's Clinic.
What is the difference between skinboosters and the Polynucleotides Plenhyage, Nucleofill or Nucleadyn?
It’s easy to be confused about the differences between these. It’s true both create dewy looking skin, however skin boosters have hyaluronic acid and amino acids as ingredients. These work to add a soft volume and a hydration effect. However, they do not have the same type of regenerative action.
Polynucleotides work to boost fibroblast production, induces tissue repair processes, reduces inflammatory process, regulates melanogenesis and promotes hydration in the skin. This means, yes, you will get dewy skin but also a build up of your own collagen that will last for years. However in both cases your skin will continue to age, so the aesthetic benefits will not last for years.
What is the difference between biostimulators and Plenhyage?
In a way, both of these create a reaction in the skin that will lead to improved collagen production. The common biostimulators used in the UK are Sculptra, Ellansé, Radiesse, HarmonyCa, Neuvia Stimulate etc. These dermal fillers have polymers like PLLA, PCL, CaHa (with or without hyaluronic acid) that over time degrade into carbon dioxide and water.
Whilst they are present in the skin they are recognised as foreign bodies and they set up a cascade of events to create wound healing scarring collagen (types I & III) and often this transforms to a softer collagen as the skin remodels over time. CaHa appears to improve cell to cell communication and histology has shown production of elastin that peaks at 9 months. These biostimulators produce volume in the skin, but the degree of volume varies between patients.
Plenhyage in contrast, stimulates the collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid,protogylcans and other constituents of the extra cellular matrix as well as some fat cells (there are preliminary findings of pre-adipocytes). This translates into a visually more youthful looking skin. Volume enhancement attainable with biostimulators unfortunately isn't achieved with Polynucleotides.
Again, a polymer biostimulator may be recommended alongside a PN for a more holistic result.
What is the difference between Profhilo and Plenhyage?
Both Profhilo and Plenhyage will give radiance and glow to the skin. Profhilo is a mixture of non BDDE hyaluronic acid (low and high molecular weights) that stimulate collagen whilst it is present in the skin for 28 days. Profhilo face and Profhilo Body have the same concentrations of HAs but vary in volume, Face is 2 ml and Body is 3ml. The aesthetic benefits are there for around 4-6 months. There is some emerging evidence there may be a stimulation of good facial fat in that time. The new product Profhilo Structura has a higher concentration of non BDDE low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid than of the original Profhilo. There is evidence of some natural rejuvenation of outer face fat pads. This is exciting news for regenerative medicine in the UK. Profhilo Structura has yet to be launched in the UK (estimated to be in the UK in April 24).
In contrast Plenhyage has no artificial hyaluronic acid and it stimulates your skin to produce collagen, elastin and it’s own HA resulting in biorevitalisation of the skin.
What is biorevitalisation and regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine is the application of treatments developed to replace tissues damaged by age, injury or disease and is often referred to as bioregeneration or revitalisation. Bioremodelling means the structure of the tissue is altered. Often both of these processes co-exist.
Are there any problems or complications with Plenhyage?
Plenhyage is an injectable treatment so expect to have some bruising and possibly some stinging at the injection sites. If needles are used there can be little bumps for 48 hours after treatment so it may be best to avoid work until they settle.
These very pure DNA particles in a water solution have very little chance of creating an allergic reaction or delayed reactions like nodules or biofilms. These delayed reactions are unfortunate but rare complications of fillers, polymer biostimulators and possibly even Profhilo. The other fantastic thing is that there is no chance of vascular occlusion (blocked artery) because these tiny DNA fragments in water mimic exactly what is already in your blood stream. There is no gel, so blockages are very unlikely.
How do I book in for a treatment?
My private clinic is 1/2 way between Chester and Wrexham in a countryside setting with lovely gardens. I have clinical experience spanning over 25 years that includes aesthetics and dermatology. I give honest trustworthy advice on what will deliver results. Click on booking link or call us on 07711190079 to book for a consultation to see what treatments are suitable for your concerns.