Polynucleotides in London
DNA-based skin regeneration for under-eyes, face, neck and hands.
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments (PDRN), derived from salmon, that activate the skin’s own repair cells to rebuild collagen, elastin and hydration from within. At the West Hampstead clinic they treat under-eye hollows and dark circles, crepey skin, fine lines and scarring, given as a course of three to four sessions two to four weeks apart. Results build over 8 to 12 weeks and last 6 to 12 months. Treatment starts from £300.
Polynucleotides are one of the most genuinely regenerative skin treatments available, and the under-eye is where they shine. Rather than filling or hydrating, they switch on your skin’s own repair machinery, which is why they work so well for thin, crepey, shadowed under-eye skin that filler cannot safely improve.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
202 Google reviews
GMC
Registered Doctor
MRCS
Royal College of Surgeons
Every treatment
BEFORE AND AFTER RESULTS
Polynucleotide before and after - Hampstead Aesthetics
Real patients, unretouched. Under-eye is the signature application – most dramatic fine lines and wrinkles improvements come from this area.
Polynucleotides Under Eye
Under Eye Regeneration for Dark Circles
Polynucleotides Mid Face
Mid Face Rejuvenation
Under Eye Treatment
Reduction of Under Eye Hollow
Not sure if Polynucleotides are right for you?
Considering polynucleotides for under-eye bags, overall skin ageing, or skin quality after rapid weight changes? Arrange a doctor-led assessment with Dr Chike, he’ll tell you whether PDRN is the right tool, or recommend a more suitable alternative.
HOW IT WORKS
Salmon DNA fragments that rebuild the skin matrix
Treatment is doctor-led from assessment to aftercare. A numbing cream is applied first, then the polynucleotides are placed with fine-needle injections, a series of small pricks rather than anything painful, taking 20 to 30 minutes per session. Mild redness for a few hours afterwards is normal. The product, Ameela or Plinest, is chosen per session for your skin and target area.
The regeneration is gradual and cumulative: each session builds on the last. Subtle improvement shows at 4 to 6 weeks, with the real change at 8 to 12 weeks once the regenerative cycle completes. A short course is needed because the effect compounds rather than appearing after a single treatment.
What it targets
Under-eye hollows and dark circles, crepey neck, fine lines, sun damage, acne scarring, and overall skin quality. Especially powerful for fine lines and wrinkles
How it feels
Numbing cream beforehand. Fine-needle injections, you feel pricks but no pain. 20–30 minutes per session. Mild redness for a few hours afterwards.
When results show
Subtle improvements at 4–6 weeks. Real change at 8–12 weeks once the regenerative cycle completes. Cumulative - each session builds on the last.
How long it lasts
6–12 months from a completed course. Annual maintenance keeps the result. Not reversible, but unlike biostimulators, PDRN itself is fully metabolised within weeks.
“For thin, dark, crepey under-eye skin, polynucleotides do something filler cannot, they regenerate the skin itself. When I assess a tired under-eye, I am honest about whether PDRN, filler, or a combination is the right tool, because they solve different problems.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
HOW POLYNUCLEOTIDES COMPARE
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo, Skin Boosters and Rejuran
Polynucleotides are the deepest regenerative option, slowest onset, longest result, and the only one with strong evidence for under-eye and scar work. Here we compare Skin Boosters, Profhilo and Rejuran to Polynucleotides.
| TREATMENT | MECHANISM | BEST FOR | SESSIONS | LONGEVITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Polunucleotides PDRN |
DNA Repair and Collagen Scaffold |
Under Eye, Scarring, Deep Regeneration |
3-4 |
6-12 months |
|
Profhilo |
HA Bio-Remodeller |
Overall Skin Quality, Mild Laxity |
2 |
6-9 months |
|
Skin Boosters |
Micro HA Hydration |
Quick Glow, Hydration |
3 |
3-6 months |
|
Rejuran |
Korean PN with HA Carrier |
Skin Texture, Pore Refinement |
3-4 |
6-9 months |
WHAT TO EXPECT
Three steps from assessment to settled result
Doctor-led at every step. Product chosen, Ameela or Plinest, based on your skin and target area.
1
Skin assessment with your doctor
Medical and skin review with Dr Chike. We confirm polynucleotides fit your concern, or recommend an alternative such as Profhilo or tear trough filler for under-eye hollowing.
30 MINUTES · NO OBLIGATION
2
Treatment Course
3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart. Each 20–30 minutes. Numbing cream and fine-needle technique. Ameela or Plinest selected per session, both stocked in clinic.
3
Review appointment included
Reviews built into every session. Final assessment 8–12 weeks after the last injection, when the regeneration cycle completes.
COMPLIMENTARY · DOCTOR – LED
PRICING
Polynucleotides London - what it costs at Hampstead Aesthetics
Per session and course pricing. Final cost confirmed at consultation.
| Treatment | Per Session | Course of 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Polynucleotides for Eyes |
£300 |
£800 (save £100) |
|
Polynucleotides Full Face |
£400 |
£1000 (save £200) |
|
Polynucleotides Hair / Scalp |
£300 |
£800 (save £100) |
- 30-minute Dr Led assessment
- Ameela or Plinest PDRN
- Reviews at Every Session
- Aftercare Plan
TRUSTED BRANDS
Clinically validated products we use
We work exclusively with clinically validated, CE-marked brands across every treatment we offer, from Sofwave ultrasound platform treatment to the injectables, biostimulators and medical skincare our patients use at home. Every product is sourced from authorised UK distributors, so you get predictable outcomes, genuine ingredients and full regulatory traceability on everything that touches your skin.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What London patients say
Google 4.9 ★★★★★
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
At Hampstead Aesthetics, every polynucleotide treatment is performed exclusively by Dr Chike Emeagi, a fully registered medical doctor whose qualifications and licence to practise are publicly verifiable.
MRCS - Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP - Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine - Postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC Licensed - Full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration directly on the https://www.gmc-uk.org/
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Why Doctor Led Matters
Polynucleotides, like dermal fillers, are regulated as CE-marked medical devices rather than prescription-only medicines. Under UK law as it stands, that means there is no legal requirement for the person injecting them to hold any medical qualification at all. The government has committed to closing that gap through a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but it is not yet in force. We think that is precisely why who treats you matters. At Hampstead Aesthetics every treatment is assessed, planned and carried out by Dr Chike himself — there is no delegation to a non-medical injector.
Two things make careful, medically-led treatment especially important here. First, polynucleotides are injected — often into delicate areas such as the under-eye — so anatomical knowledge, sterile technique and honest candidacy assessment matter. Second, unlike hyaluronic acid filler, polynucleotides are not reversible: there is no dissolving agent, and the product is instead broken down naturally by the body over the following weeks. That places the emphasis on getting the assessment, the product choice and the placement right in the first place — which is what a doctor-led consultation is for.
Safety & Suitability
- Contraindication screening before every session — including pregnancy or breastfeeding, a salmon or fish allergy (polynucleotides are derived from purified salmon DNA), active facial infection, an autoimmune flare, and a history of keloid scarring
- Sterile, single-use technique — fresh needles for every session
- Honest candidacy assessment — if your concern is volume loss rather than skin quality, we will tell you a filler or biostimulator is the better tool rather than proceed regardless
- Anaphylaxis kit and emergency medications on site — full adrenaline protocol in the event of an allergic reaction
- ACE-certified practitioner and 999 escalation protocol — emergency complication management certification, with written procedures for hospital transfer
We use only genuine, CE-marked polynucleotide products (Ameela and Plinest) sourced from authorised UK distributors, so every product is fully traceable. We carry full professional indemnity insurance covering all treatments performed at this clinic.
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Before any treatment you will receive a full written consultation covering your medical history, contraindications, realistic outcomes, and all associated risks, including the fact that the treatment is not reversible. Treatment will not proceed without your informed, documented consent.
If you have a concern about your treatment, you are entitled to raise it directly with Dr Chike and, if it remains unresolved, to escalate to the General Medical Council.
Your consultation, treatment course, and reviews are all conducted by the same doctor. There are no hand-offs.
Reviewed July 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC No. 4418489. Regulatory position correct at the date of review; the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is subject to change.
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
Polynucleotides London - your questions answered
How much do polynucleotides cost in London?
At Hampstead Aesthetics, single-session polynucleotides start at £300. The standard 3-session course is £800 (saving £100). A 3-session course is £800 for eyes or hair, or £1,000 for full face, each saving against the per-session price. Pricing covers the PDRN product, professional administration by Dr Chike, and reviews at every session.
How long do polynucleotide results last?
Typically 6–12 months from a completed course. Longevity depends on age, baseline skin quality, lifestyle, and how many sessions you’ve had. Most patients return for an annual maintenance session.
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo — which do I need?
Both are regenerative injectables but they work differently. Profhilo is HA-based and best for overall skin quality and mild laxity — fast onset (2–4 weeks), 2 sessions. Polynucleotides are PDRN-based, slower-onset (8–12 weeks) but deeper and longer-lasting (6–12 months) — and the only option with strong evidence for under-eye and scar work.
Can polynucleotides treat dark circles?
Yes, they’re one of the most effective options for dark circles caused by under-eye hollowing, crepiness, or thin skin. By stimulating regeneration in the orbital area, they thicken the skin and reduce visible vascular shadowing. For dark circles caused by pigmentation, a different approach is needed.
Ameela vs Plinest — what's the difference?
Both are high-quality PDRN derived from salmon DNA. Plinest is the original Italian polynucleotide — longest clinical track record. Ameela is a stabilised PDRN designed for longer-acting regeneration in delicate areas like the under-eye. Dr Chike chooses based on your skin, target area, and treatment goal — both are stocked in clinic.
Do polynucleotides hurt?
Most people find them very tolerable. A numbing cream is applied first, and the fine-needle injections feel like small pricks rather than pain. Each session takes 20 to 30 minutes, with mild redness and small bumps for a few hours afterwards, particularly under the eyes, which settle on their own.
How many sessions will I need?
A course of three to four sessions, two to four weeks apart, is usual, because the regeneration is cumulative and each session builds on the last. Established concerns such as deeper under-eye changes or scarring tend toward four. After the course, an annual maintenance session keeps the result.
When will I see results?
Subtle improvement appears at 4 to 6 weeks, with the real change at 8 to 12 weeks once the regenerative cycle completes, building further across the course. Polynucleotides reward patience; the final assessment is usually 8 to 12 weeks after the last session.
Are polynucleotides reversible?
They are not reversible in the way hyaluronic acid filler is, but unlike a biostimulator the PDRN itself is fully metabolised within weeks. What remains is your own regenerated skin rather than a product sitting in the tissue, so there is nothing to dissolve and the effect fades gradually over time.
How are polynucleotides different from filler?
Filler adds volume and is reversible. Polynucleotides add no volume; they regenerate the skin’s own collagen, elastin and blood supply to improve quality. For under-eye hollowing that needs volume, tear trough filler is the right tool, while for thin, crepey, shadowed skin, polynucleotides are usually better. The two are sometimes combined.
Can polynucleotides treat acne scars?
Yes, they help atrophic acne scarring and texture by regenerating the skin, and they pair well with microneedling or RF microneedling for deeper scarring. A course is needed and improvement is gradual. Dr Chiké will set realistic expectations and may suggest combining treatments for the best result.
Is there much downtime?
Minimal. Mild redness and small bumps at the injection points last a few hours, sometimes with slight under-eye swelling. Most people return to normal activity the same day. Avoid makeup for the rest of the day and heat, exercise and alcohol for 24 hours.
Can they be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Polynucleotides combine well with Profhilo or skin boosters for hydration, with microneedling for scarring, and with tear trough filler where both regeneration and a little volume are needed under the eye. Treatments are spaced sensibly, and Dr Chiké will plan the sequence.
Who is not a good candidate?
They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a salmon or fish allergy, an active facial infection, an autoimmune flare, or a history of keloid scarring. If your concern is volume loss rather than skin quality, cheek filler or Sculptra are more appropriate. Suitability is confirmed at a doctor-led assessment.
How soon before an event should I have them?
Because the result builds over 8 to 12 weeks, start a course at least a couple of months before an important event for the fullest benefit. For a single session, allow at least two weeks so any redness or small bumps settle, even though the deeper change continues afterwards.
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Arrange your polynucleotide consultation in West Hampstead
Polynucleotides reward careful assessment and technique, especially under the eyes, so they should be doctor-led. Dr Chiké Emeagi is Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Every injection is performed by Dr Chiké, not delegated, and the product is chosen per skin and area.
Two products are stocked so treatment can be tailored, Ameela or Plinest, and reviews are built into every session. The clinic is on West End Lane in West Hampstead, NW6, a short walk from West Hampstead station and easy to reach from Swiss Cottage, Camden, St John’s Wood and across North London.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
Both doctors see patients at our West Hampstead clinic. Fifteen minutes from King’s Cross by tube, with free street parking nearby.
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, MSc, GMC No. 4418489. Last reviewed June 2026.
This page is for information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Polynucleotide products used (Ameela, Plinest) are CE-marked medical devices. All treatments carry potential risks, which will be discussed in full before any procedure. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS