Kaniz: What are polynucleotides?
Dr Yusra: Polynucleotides are chains of DNA. Sourced from wild salmon trout sperm DNA, these highly purified fragments of DNA are suspended in water and available as an injectable. Different brands of polynucleotides have varying percentages of highly purified polynucleotides (PN-HPT).
Kaniz: Why are Plinest polynucleotides so different from other brands on the market?
Dr Yusra: Mastelli sources polynucleotides from freshwater fish (salmon rainbow trout) which is farmed in Europe for human consumption. The farms are carefully controlled, and all the veterinarian requirements are met, from water analysis to drug usage. The fish are grown and tested, according to the strictest regulations, to ensure the products’ highest quality and safety. Salmon rainbow trout are securely processed and separated into viands and gonads to extract the PN, which are stored in a controlled environment to ensure their perfect preservation.
Highly Purified Technology is Mastelli’s exclusive and verified process which prevents any quality impairment of the product. So far, there has been more than 2 million PN HPT Aesthetics and Osteoarticular treatments (Class III devices) and procedures with no major adverse events.
Kaniz: How do polynucleotides work?
Dr Yusra: Once injected, the DNA fragments are slowly absorbed into your skin without leaving any lumps. Once integrated within your skin, they start signalling your skin in 3 main ways. Firstly, they stimulate fibroblast cells to multiply in number and boost their activity. As cell renewal improves, so will collagen production, hydration levels, and skin glow. Your skin becomes more resilient with improved elasticity and wrinkles start diminishing.
Secondly, they are incredible antioxidants that scavenge free radicals that would normally set off cellular damage. Thirdly, they function as wound healing agents signaling your skin to intensely repair. This helps improve scars, reduce stretch marks, and improve skin texture concerns. As it enters repair mode, your skin’s discoloration improves, leaving a more even tone. Additionally, polynucleotides produce a mild increase in volume and tightening as an overall effect.
Kaniz: How is the treatment done and how long do they take to work?
Dr Yusra: Polynucleotides are injected very superficially into your skin via two methods. In some cases, it may be injected with very tiny needles leaving tiny blebs on the surface. These blebs can disappear over a few hours but may remain for longer in some people. Alternatively, a blunt-ended tube, cannula, may be used to spread the product evenly. Generally, following cannula treatment, you may notice some swelling for up to a week due to a temporary lifting effect. Afterward, the product is completely absorbed into your skin without leaving any lumps, bumps, or overfilling.
Typically, you will not notice any benefits for a few weeks. This is because the action of polynucleotides is at the cellular level, and this takes time. Although you may notice some improvement after 2-3 weeks, the full effect is visible at around 3 months.
Kaniz: Where can they be injected?
Dr Yusra: Polynucleotides have been shown to improve skin texture and function. Therefore, they are suitable for any area of the skin including the scalp for hair re-growth. We can either target small areas such as the under-eye, forehead, or mouth area or the whole face. They are effective for neck and decolletage rejuvenation tackling multiple issues. In the body, common areas are loose skin on the abdomen, above the knees, or inner arms.
Polynucleotides are often favored for certain areas as it does not cause water retention like hyaluronic acid. In the under-eye area, polynucleotides can help improve skin strength and integrity.
Kaniz: Are there any risks or possible complications?
Dr Yusra: Salmon Trout DNA is very similar to human DNA. The highly purified particles ensure you only get the purest form of polynucleotides. Even an allergy to fish does not exclude you from taking advantage of this treatment. Unlike dermal fillers, the polynucleotides are suspended in water which means they disperse without any risk of blocking blood vessels. There are no long-term risks to using polynucleotides regularly, in fact, as we continue to age, it may be something to consider on a long-term basis.
Kaniz: How are skin boosters different from polynucleotides such as Plinest?
Dr Yusra: Skin boosters contain unlinked hyaluronic acid with amino acids, other hydrating agents, or antioxidants. They have an instant gentle lifting effect on the skin as well as hydration. The hyaluronic acid attracts water and has a mild plumping effect. This helps to diminish fine lines and give your skin a glow. However, there is no regeneration, so the effects are short-term. Polynucleotides on the other hand have multiple effects: they boost fibroblast production, initiate the tissue repair process, regulate pigmentation pathways, reduce inflammation, and promote hydration. The main difference is that they don’t volumise.
Polynucleotides are the only injectables that can influence at a cellular level. Not only are they amazing for skin regeneration on their own, but they are also invaluable as pre-treatment for other modalities such as lasers, micro-needling, or surgery.
