The Journal
Written by: ACRE | Published On: July 17, 2026
Polynucleotides vs Dermal Fillers: Regenerative Treatments Explained
The aesthetics industry continues to evolve towards treatments that not only improve appearance but also support long-term skin health. While dermal fillers remain one of the most popular injectable treatments worldwide, regenerative aesthetics is becoming increasingly sought after by patients looking for subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation.
Polynucleotides are at the forefront of this shift. These regenerative injectables work differently from traditional fillers, stimulating skin repair and collagen production rather than simply restoring lost volume. Understanding the differences between polynucleotides and dermal fillers is essential for practitioners who want to recommend the right treatment plan for each patient.
In this guide, we explain how polynucleotides work, compare them with dermal fillers, and explore their benefits, longevity, downtime, and suitability for different patients.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are highly purified DNA fragments that work by stimulating fibroblasts within the skin. Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid - all essential components for maintaining skin quality, elasticity, and hydration.
Unlike traditional volumising injectables, polynucleotides focus on tissue regeneration and cellular repair. Once injected into the skin, they encourage the body’s natural healing response, improving overall skin quality over time.
This makes polynucleotides particularly attractive for patients who want a refreshed, healthier appearance without dramatic changes to facial volume or contours.
Popular polynucleotide products include:
- Plinest
- PolyPhil
- Nucleofill
- Pluryal
- Vitaran
How Polynucleotides Work
Polynucleotides work at a cellular level. After injection, the DNA fragments interact with fibroblast receptors, stimulating tissue regeneration and promoting collagen synthesis. The treatment also supports skin repair through:
- Improved microcirculation
- Increased hydration
- Antioxidant activity
- Enhanced wound healing
- Reduction in inflammation
As collagen production increases gradually, results appear naturally over several weeks rather than immediately after treatment.
This regenerative mechanism means polynucleotides are often used for:
- Under-eye rejuvenation
- Crepey skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Skin laxity
- Neck rejuvenation
- Décolletage rejuvenation
Many practitioners also combine polynucleotides with other injectable treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
For example, practitioners may combine:
- Polyphil with skin boosters
- Plinest alongside microneedling
- Polynucleotides with energy-based treatments for enhanced collagen stimulation
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels designed to restore volume, contour facial features, and smooth wrinkles. Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that attracts and retains water.
Unlike polynucleotides, dermal fillers provide immediate structural support and visible volume enhancement.
Common treatment areas include:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Tear troughs
Widely recognised filler brands include:
How Dermal Fillers Work
Hyaluronic acid fillers physically occupy space beneath the skin to restore lost volume and smooth folds or wrinkles. Because HA attracts water, fillers can also improve hydration and create a plumping effect.
Results are usually visible immediately after treatment, making dermal fillers ideal for patients seeking quick aesthetic improvements.
Different filler formulations vary in density and elasticity depending on the treatment area. Softer fillers may be used for delicate areas like the lips or tear troughs, while firmer fillers are typically chosen for structural support in the cheeks or jawline.
Examples of filler treatments include:
- Lip enhancement with Belotero
- Mid-face restoration using volumising HA fillers
- Chin and jawline contouring
- Deep wrinkle correction
Polynucleotides vs Dermal Fillers: Key Differences
Although both treatments are injectable aesthetic procedures, they serve different purposes and produce different outcomes.
The decision between polynucleotides and dermal fillers depends on the patient’s concerns, anatomy, and desired results.
Benefits of Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are becoming increasingly popular due to their regenerative approach and natural-looking outcomes.
Improved Skin Quality
One of the biggest advantages of polynucleotides is their ability to improve overall skin quality rather than simply masking signs of ageing. Patients often report smoother texture, increased hydration, and healthier-looking skin.
Natural-Looking Results
Because polynucleotides stimulate the body’s own regenerative processes, results develop gradually and subtly. This appeals to patients who want rejuvenation without looking “overfilled”.
Suitable for Delicate Areas
Polynucleotides are particularly effective in areas where traditional fillers may carry higher risks or produce unnatural results, such as the under-eye area.
Reduced Risk of Overcorrection
As polynucleotides do not add significant volume, there is less risk of overfilled or exaggerated outcomes.
Versatility
Polynucleotides can be used across the face, neck, hands, and décolletage, making them a highly versatile regenerative treatment.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Despite the rise of regenerative aesthetics, dermal fillers remain one of the most effective treatments for volume loss and facial contouring.
Immediate Results
Patients often appreciate seeing visible improvements immediately after treatment.
Facial Contouring
Dermal fillers are highly effective for sculpting and enhancing facial features, including the cheeks, chin, jawline, and lips.
Customisable Outcomes
Different filler densities allow practitioners to tailor treatments to specific areas and desired outcomes.
Brands such as Belotero provide a range of formulations suitable for fine lines, lip enhancement, and deeper structural support.
Longevity and Maintenance
How Long Do Polynucleotides Last?
Polynucleotide results develop gradually over several weeks as collagen production increases. Most treatment protocols involve an initial course of 2–3 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Results can typically last between 6–12 months depending on:
- Age
- Skin condition
- Lifestyle factors
- Treatment area
- Product used
Maintenance treatments are often recommended every 6–9 months to sustain results.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Dermal filler longevity depends on the product, injection depth, and treatment area.
Most hyaluronic acid fillers last:
- 6–12 months in high-movement areas like the lips
- 12–18 months in structural areas like the cheeks or jawline
Patients may require periodic top-ups to maintain volume and contour.
Downtime and Recovery
Both polynucleotides and dermal fillers are minimally invasive treatments with relatively little downtime.
Polynucleotide Downtime
Following treatment, patients may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Small injection bumps
- Temporary redness
- Minor bruising
These effects usually resolve within 24–72 hours.
Because polynucleotides stimulate healing processes rather than adding volume, the treatment is generally considered low-risk and well tolerated.
Dermal Filler Downtime
Dermal filler recovery can include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Temporary asymmetry
Most side effects resolve within several days, although swelling in areas such as the lips may last longer.
Practitioners should always provide comprehensive aftercare guidance regardless of the injectable treatment used.
Patient Selection: Which Treatment Is Best?
Choosing between polynucleotides and dermal fillers depends on patient goals, anatomy, and expectations.
Ideal Candidates for Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are often suited to patients who:
- Want subtle rejuvenation
- Have early signs of ageing
- Are concerned about skin quality
- Prefer natural-looking results
- Have thin or crepey skin
- Want preventative anti-ageing treatments
Patients who are hesitant about traditional fillers may also feel more comfortable starting with regenerative treatments like Plinest or Nucleofill.
Ideal Candidates for Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are often selected for patients who:
- Have noticeable volume loss
- Want facial contouring
- Desire immediate results
- Want lip enhancement
- Require structural support
- Combining Polynucleotides and Fillers
In many cases, the best results come from combining both treatments.
For example:
- Polynucleotides can improve skin quality and hydration
- Dermal fillers can restore lost volume and structure
This combination approach allows practitioners to address multiple aspects of ageing while maintaining natural-looking results.
The Future of Regenerative Aesthetics
Patient demand is increasingly shifting towards treatments that support long-term skin health rather than dramatic cosmetic changes.
Polynucleotides represent a significant development in regenerative medicine because they work with the body’s natural repair processes instead of simply replacing lost volume.
For practitioners, understanding the differences between regenerative injectables and traditional fillers is essential for creating personalised treatment plans and achieving optimal patient outcomes.
As education around regenerative aesthetics continues to grow, polynucleotides are likely to become even more prominent within modern aesthetic practice.
1. Are polynucleotides better than dermal fillers?
Polynucleotides and dermal fillers serve different purposes, so one is not necessarily better than the other. Polynucleotides focus on skin regeneration, collagen stimulation and improving skin quality, while dermal fillers are designed to restore lost volume and enhance facial contours. The most suitable treatment depends on the patient's concerns, desired results and overall treatment goals.
2. Can polynucleotides and dermal fillers be used together?
Yes, many practitioners combine polynucleotides and dermal fillers as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. Polynucleotides can improve skin texture, hydration and elasticity, while dermal fillers restore volume and structural support. This combination approach can help achieve natural-looking results while addressing multiple signs of ageing.
3. Are polynucleotides a good alternative to under-eye fillers?
Polynucleotides have become increasingly popular for under-eye rejuvenation because they support tissue repair, collagen production and skin quality improvement without adding significant volume. For patients concerned about thin, crepey or ageing under-eye skin, polynucleotides may offer a regenerative alternative to traditional tear trough fillers, although suitability should always be assessed during a professional consultation.
