Polynucleotides are one of the fastest-growing aesthetic treatments in Ireland, and for good reason. Unlike treatments that primarily add volume or hydrate the skin, polynucleotides work at a cellular level to stimulate your body's own repair and regeneration processes. The result is genuine skin renewal, not just a temporary cosmetic effect.
If you have heard of polynucleotides but are not sure what they actually are, how they work, what they cost, or whether they are right for you, this guide covers everything you need to know.
We also have a separate comparison guide if you are trying to decide between polynucleotides, Profhilo, and skin boosters.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of DNA - the same molecule that carries genetic information in every living cell. In aesthetic medicine, these fragments are extracted from salmon or trout, then highly purified so that only the structural DNA chains remain.
The purification process removes all proteins and potential allergens, meaning that even patients with fish allergies are generally considered suitable for treatment.
When injected into the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin), these DNA fragments act as biological signals. They activate fibroblast cells - which are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid - and stimulate them to increase production. In simpler terms, polynucleotides tell your skin to repair and rebuild itself.
This regenerative mechanism is not new. Polynucleotides have been used in medicine since the 1950s for wound healing and burn treatment, where their ability to accelerate tissue repair is well documented. Their application in aesthetic medicine is more recent, but the underlying science is well-established.
You may hear polynucleotides referred to as the "salmon facial", a colloquial term that has gained traction on social media. While it is catchy and not inaccurate (the DNA fragments are typically derived from salmon), the clinical terminology is more precise: polynucleotide therapy, or sometimes PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) therapy, which refers to a specific subtype of polynucleotide.
How do polynucleotides differ from other skin treatments?
Understanding where polynucleotides sit relative to other skin rejuvenation treatments helps clarify what makes them distinctive.
Dermal fillers add volume directly. They physically fill a space beneath the skin using hyaluronic acid gel. The effect is immediate and structural. Essentially, your face looks different because product has been placed there.
Profhilo hydrates and bio-remodels. It uses a high concentration of hyaluronic acid that spreads beneath the skin to deliver deep hydration and stimulate some collagen and elastin production. The effect is a glow and improved skin quality, primarily driven by hydration.
Skin boosters deliver surface-level hydration through micro-injections of hyaluronic acid across the treatment area. They refresh and plump the skin, but the effect is largely hydration-based.
Polynucleotides regenerate. They work at a deeper, cellular level, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid from within. The effect develops gradually as your skin genuinely rebuilds its structural framework. This is not adding something to the skin; it is activating the skin's own repair mechanisms.
This is why polynucleotides tend to produce the most long-lasting results of any skin-quality treatment, because the changes are structural rather than temporary. It is also why the results take longer to become fully visible, as genuine tissue regeneration takes time.
What are polynucleotides used for?
Polynucleotides have a broad range of applications, but they are particularly effective for certain concerns.
Under-eye rejuvenation is one of the most popular applications. The skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin and delicate, making it difficult to treat with traditional fillers (which can cause puffiness or a bluish discolouration called the Tyndall effect). Polynucleotides are well suited to this area because they improve skin quality without adding volume, reducing dark circles, crepiness, and mild hollowing through regeneration rather than filler placement.
Fine lines and skin texture across the face, neck, and décolletage respond well to polynucleotides. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, the treatment gradually smooths fine lines and improves overall skin texture without changing facial proportions.
Acne scarring can be improved with polynucleotides, as the regenerative process helps to remodel scar tissue and stimulate new, healthier skin. For a detailed look at acne scarring treatment options, see our guide to acne scarring.
Sun-damaged and environmentally stressed skin benefits from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polynucleotides. If your skin has suffered from years of cumulative UV exposure, even in Ireland's relatively moderate climate, polynucleotides can help repair some of that damage at a cellular level. See our guide to pigmentation and sun damage for more on this concern.
Scalp and hair rejuvenation is an emerging application. Polynucleotides injected into the scalp can stimulate the hair follicle environment, potentially improving hair density and quality. This application is newer and the evidence base is still developing, but early results are promising.
Skin laxity, particularly mild to moderate laxity in the face and neck, can be improved as the increased collagen and elastin production firms and tightens the skin over time. For more significant laxity, polynucleotides may be combined with other treatments. See our page on skin laxity for more.
What brands are available in Ireland?
Several polynucleotide products are used by Irish clinics. The most common include Nucleofill (derived from salmon DNA), Plinest (derived from trout DNA), and Ameela (a pure polynucleotide product with longer chain lengths). Other products available include PhilArt and Plenhyage.
These products differ in their formulation, concentration, and chain length. Longer chain polynucleotides are generally considered to produce longer-lasting results. Your practitioner should be able to explain which product they use, why they have chosen it, and how it suits your specific concerns.
All polynucleotide products used by reputable Irish clinics should be CE-marked and sourced through authorised distributors. As with all injectable treatments, it is worth asking your practitioner about the specific product and its provenance.
How much do polynucleotides cost in Ireland?
Based on current pricing from clinics across Ireland, a single session of polynucleotide treatment typically costs between €250 and €400, depending on the clinic, the product used, and the treatment area.
A full course typically involves three to four sessions spaced two to four weeks apart. This means the total cost of a complete course generally ranges from €750 to €1,400.
Some clinics offer course packages at a reduced rate; for example, three sessions for a bundled price lower than three individual bookings. If you are committing to a full course, it is worth asking about package pricing.
Under-eye treatments are sometimes priced differently because they require less product per session. A single under-eye polynucleotide session may cost between €200 and €350.
Maintenance sessions are typically recommended every four to six months after the initial course, at the standard per-session rate.
Compared to Profhilo (approximately €500 to €700 for a two-session course) and skin boosters (approximately €400 to €700 for a two-to-three-session course), polynucleotides sit at a similar or slightly higher price point per course. However, results from polynucleotides tend to last longer, typically nine to twelve months versus six to nine months for Profhilo, which can make them more cost-effective over time.
You can use our cost calculator to estimate what treatment might cost for your specific needs.
What to expect: the treatment process
Understanding what happens before, during, and after treatment helps set realistic expectations.
Before treatment, your practitioner should conduct a thorough consultation. This includes assessing your skin, discussing your concerns and goals, explaining the treatment and its risks, and confirming that you are a suitable candidate. Polynucleotides are generally well tolerated, but they may not be suitable for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active skin infections in the treatment area.
During treatment, your practitioner will use a fine needle or cannula to inject small amounts of polynucleotide product into the dermis. Topical numbing cream is usually applied beforehand to minimise discomfort. The treatment typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the area being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as mild and less uncomfortable than dermal fillers due to the finer needle and smaller volumes involved.
After treatment, you may notice small bumps or papules at the injection sites. These are normal and typically resolve within two to five days. The under-eye area may show these bumps for slightly longer due to the thinness of the skin. Some mild redness and swelling is common for the first 24 to 48 hours. You can usually return to normal activities immediately, though most practitioners recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, and direct sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours.
Results develop gradually. Unlike fillers, which show immediate results, polynucleotides work by stimulating biological processes that take time. You may notice an initial improvement in skin hydration and glow within two to three weeks, but the full regenerative effect which includes improved firmness, reduced fine lines, and better texture, typically develops over two to three months as new collagen is produced. The results continue to improve after each session in the course.
Results typically last nine to twelve months after a full course, which is generally longer than Profhilo or skin boosters. Many patients choose to maintain their results with a single top-up session every four to six months.
Who should consider polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are suitable for a wide range of patients, but they are particularly well suited to people with under-eye concerns (dark circles, crepiness, mild hollowing) where traditional fillers may not be appropriate, anyone noticing early to moderate signs of skin ageing who wants to improve skin quality rather than add volume, people with skin that has suffered environmental or UV damage, patients who have tried Profhilo or skin boosters and want to go deeper with a regenerative approach, and anyone looking for natural, gradual improvement rather than an immediate visible change.
They may be less suitable as a standalone treatment for significant volume loss (where dermal fillers would be more appropriate) or for deep dynamic wrinkles (where anti-wrinkle injections are more effective). Many practitioners recommend combining polynucleotides with other treatments as part of a comprehensive skin health plan.
If you are unsure whether polynucleotides are right for you, our treatment quiz can help guide you based on your specific concerns, or you can read our comparison guide to see how polynucleotides compare to Profhilo and skin boosters.
Finding a verified practitioner
Polynucleotides are an injectable treatment that should be administered by a qualified, experienced practitioner. While the regulatory requirements for polynucleotides are not as clearly defined as those for anti-wrinkle injections (which are prescription-only), the safest approach is to choose a practitioner who is registered on the Medical Council, Dental Council, or NMBI register.
You can search for register-verified aesthetic practitioners offering polynucleotide treatments across Ireland on SafeSkin, including dedicated listings for Cork and Dublin. Every clinic in our directory has been independently checked against these registers. For a full guide on what to look for and what questions to ask before any aesthetic treatment, see our article on how to choose a qualified aesthetic practitioner.
Medically reviewed by Dr Stephen Creedon
All SafeSkin editorial content is reviewed by a registered medical professional before publication.