Injectables - Polynucleotide Skin Rejuvenation

 

Polynucleotide Skin Rejuvenation in Singapore: What You Should Know

Polynucleotide treatments represent a significant advancement in regenerative dermatology, offering a scientifically backed approach to reversing early signs of skin aging and improving overall skin quality. At Stephanie Ho Dermatology, we provide physician-led, evidence-based treatments that support the skin’s natural ability to repair and renew itself—safely and effectively.

This article breaks down how Polynucleotide therapy works, who it’s for, and what to expect from treatment.

What Is Polynucleotide Treatment?

Polynucleotides are highly purified DNA fragments, often derived from biocompatible sources such as salmon or trout, with powerful tissue-healing and cell-regenerating properties. When injected into the skin, they promote cell renewal, stimulate collagen synthesis, and improve skin microcirculation.

Unlike conventional skin boosters that mainly hydrate, Polynucleotide treatments support true skin regeneration at the cellular level, addressing texture, tone, elasticity, and resilience.

How Does Polynucleotide Therapy Work?

The treatment works by injecting polynucleotide-rich gel into targeted layers of the skin using fine microinjections. Once administered:

• Fibroblasts are activated, increasing collagen and elastin production.
• Angiogenesis improves oxygen and nutrient supply to skin tissue.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms reduce oxidative stress and accelerate skin healing.
• Extracellular matrix remodeling improves firmness and dermal structure over time.

The result is healthier, thicker, more resilient skin—achieved through internal cellular repair, not superficial plumping.

When Should You Consider Polynucleotide Treatment?

You may be an ideal candidate if you have:

• Fine lines or early wrinkles
• Skin laxity or reduced elasticity
• Uneven tone or pigmentation from UV damage
• Thinning, crepey skin (especially under the eyes or neck)
• Post-laser or post-procedure recovery
• Dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin prone to redness

Polynucleotide therapy is also suitable for younger patients seeking preventive anti-aging, as it strengthens the skin before deeper wrinkles and volume loss occur. In addition, many brides-to-be find polynucleotide therapy to be very effective for delivering a glow and luminosity to their skin before their big day. 

Benefits of Polynucleotide Treatment

Patients often notice improvements in:

• Skin texture, hydration and radiance
• Elasticity and dermal thickness
• Under-eye darkness and crepiness
• Redness, inflammation, and barrier sensitivity
• Healing speed post-procedures or minor injuries

Unlike dermal fillers, which offer immediate volumising, Polynucleotide treatments provide gradual, natural rejuvenation with results that continue to improve over weeks.

How is Polynucleotide Therapy Administered?

Polynucleotide therapy is delivered through a series of small intradermal injections, usually performed using a fine needle or mesotherapy device. This allows the polynucleotides to be placed directly into the superficial to mid-dermis, where they can stimulate tissue regeneration, hydration, and repair. A fine cannula can also be used to deliver the polynucleotides into the subdermal layer, where it can optimise skin repair and regeneration with little downtime or discomfort.

Typical Procedure:

• Cleansing and numbing: The skin is cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied for comfort.
• Choose between 3 possible injection techniques:

1. Fine needle injections: Multiple intradermal injections are administered into the top layer of the skin by your Dermatologist. Leaves blebs with downtime of 2-4 days.
2. Mesotherapy injector gun: An injector gun is used to inject microdroplets of polynucleotide into the intradermal layer of the skin. This is usually less painful than the direct needle injection method. Downtime of 2-4 days.
3. Cannula method: A small cannula is introduced into the subdermal layer and polynucleotide is injected in a fan like pattern in the desired treatment areas. Least painful method with minimal downtime.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most treatment protocols include:

• 3 initial sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart
• 1 maintenance session every 4–6 months, depending on age, skin condition, and treatment area

Each session typically takes 30-60 minutes, and results often become noticeable after the second session, with full benefits seen by week 6–8.

Recovery and Aftercare

Downtime is minimal:

• Redness or mild swelling may occur at injection points and usually resolves within 2-4 days.
• Bruising is rare but possible, particularly in thinner-skinned areas like the under-eyes.
• Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and saunas for 24 hours post-treatment.

Our team will provide specific aftercare guidelines to optimise your healing and results.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Polynucleotide treatments are biocompatible and non-immunogenic, making them very well tolerated. Potential side effects include:

• Temporary discomfort, redness, or pinpoint bruising
• Rarely, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Risk of infection if proper post-care isn’t followed

Treatments at Stephanie Ho Dermatology are performed by trained dermatologists under sterile conditions to minimise risk.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Polynucleotide treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure in our clinic and typically takes 30-60 minutes. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Consultation – Your dermatologist will first conduct a detailed skin assessment and medical history review to confirm your suitability
2. Preparation – A topical numbing cream is applied to minimise any discomfort. This is usually left on for 30-45 minutes.
3. Injection – Using a fine needle, injector gun or cannula, the polynucleotide solution is injected into targeted areas of the dermis. Multiple microinjections are made to evenly distribute the product.
4. Post-treatment care – A soothing serum or recovery cream is applied, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions.

The entire process is quick, safe, and performed under strict hygiene protocols by our experienced dermatology team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How is this different from hyaluronic acid skin boosters?
  PN treatments regenerate skin structure, while hyaluronic acid boosters primarily add hydration.
• Is this suitable for the under-eye area?
  Yes. It improves thinning skin, fine lines, and under-eye hollows with minimal risk of puffiness.
• Is the procedure painful?
  Topical numbing cream is applied. Most patients report only mild discomfort.
• Can I combine it with lasers or microneedling?
  Yes. It complements other treatments well, accelerating healing and improving outcomes.
• Is there any downtime?
  Downtime is minimal—usually no more than 2-4 days of mild redness or swelling.
• Are the results permanent?
  Results are long-lasting but not permanent. Maintenance sessions every 6–12 months are recommended.
• Can it treat acne scars or rosacea?
  It can improve post-acne skin texture and reduce redness in sensitive or inflamed skin.
• Is it safe for all skin types?
  Yes. It’s safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI (all skin colours) and is non-photosensitising.
• Who should avoid this treatment?
  Those with active infections, autoimmune disorders, or known allergies to fish-derived ingredients should avoid treatment. There is also insufficient data regarding its use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. 
• How do I know if it’s right for me?
  Schedule a consultation with our dermatologists for a personalised skin evaluation.

Polynucleotide therapy is often compared to other aesthetic treatments like hyaluronic acid skin boosters and laser resurfacing. While all these treatments aim to rejuvenate the skin, they work differently:

• Hyaluronic Acid Skin Boosters: Primarily hydrate the skin and provide a temporary plumping effect, without deep regenerative benefits.
• Laser Treatments: Improve skin texture and tone by resurfacing, but involve more downtime and are more intense.

In contrast, polynucleotide therapy directly stimulates cellular repair, offering long-term improvements in skin health and resilience with minimal downtime. It is especially beneficial for patients seeking subtle, natural enhancement without drastic changes or recovery periods.

Why choose Stephanie Ho Dermatology?

As an MOH-licensed clinic, Stephanie Ho Dermatology provides physician-led care with rigorous safety standards. Our doctors combine clinical expertise with aesthetic precision, tailoring every treatment plan to your individual skin concerns, goals, and medical history.

With a strong track record in injectables, lasers, and skin restoration, our team ensures that regenerative treatments like Polynucleotide therapy are used to their fullest potential—safely, effectively, and ethically.

Book a consultation today and let us help you achieve healthier, more youthful skin through the power of regenerative dermatology.