What to Expect After Polynucleotide Injections: Recovery, Results & Aftercare

After polynucleotide injections, you can expect mild redness or swelling for 24–72 hours, gradual improvement in skin hydration and texture within 2–4 weeks, and full regenerative results around 6–12 weeks. Typical recovery is minimal; most people return to normal activities the same day, and visible benefits usually last 6–12 months with recommended maintenance. Follow basic aftercare guidelines (no makeup for 24 hours, avoid heat and intense exercise, and wear SPF) to maximise outcomes.

Polynucleotide injections are a modern, regenerative approach to skin rejuvenation. Rather than simply “filling” lines or temporarily tightening skin, polynucleotides work at a cellular level to stimulate repair, hydration, and collagen production. Because the process relies on your body’s biology, results develop progressively and are often more natural-looking than many instant, cosmetic fixes.

Knowing what to expect after treatment helps you plan, reduces anxiety, and gives you the best chance of excellent results. This guide covers everything you’ll need to know, from immediate reactions and the recovery timeline to aftercare steps, likely results, side effects, maintenance recommendations, and how polynucleotides pair with other treatments.

What Are Polynucleotide Injections?

Polynucleotides (PNs) are long-chain DNA fragments derived from highly purified natural sources (commonly salmon). They are formulated into injectable solutions and used as a biorevitalisation or skin booster treatment. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers (which add volume) or neuromodulators (which reduce muscle activity), polynucleotides:

• Stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production.
• Enhance tissue hydration by stimulating endogenous hyaluronic acid synthesis and optimising extracellular matrix function.
• Reduce inflammation and support tissue repair, acting as antioxidant and regenerative agents.

In clinical practice, PNs are injected superficially into the dermis (often via microinjections/mesotherapy techniques) in the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and delicate areas, such as under the eyes. They are valued for improving skin tone, elasticity, fine lines, texture, and overall skin resilience.

What Skin Concerns Do Polynucleotides Treat?

Polynucleotide injections address a range of common aesthetic and skin-health concerns:

• Fine lines and early wrinkles improve skin elasticity, so lines appear less deep.
• Dull or dehydrated skin can be improved with increased hydration and a glow.
• Crepey / thin skin — thickens the dermal matrix through collagen stimulation.
• Texture irregularities and enlarged pores affect surface texture.
• Under-eye fragility improves thin under-eye skin and reduces the look of dark shadows caused by translucency.
• Mild acne scarring or post-inflammatory texture defects — supports dermal remodelling when used alone or with microneedling/PRP.
• Ageing hands and décolletage — restores firmness and hydration in non-facial areas.

Polynucleotide therapy is not primarily for adding volume. If you require structural volume correction (deep hollows or significant fat loss), dermal fillers may be indicated in conjunction with PNs as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Happens Right After Polynucleotide Treatment? (First 24 Hours)

Immediately after injections, the treated area will show common, expected reactions. These are usually mild and self-limiting.

Typical immediate reactions:

• Redness at injection sites.
• Mild swelling or puffiness, which is more common in delicate areas like the under eyes.
• Tiny raised bumps (sometimes called “polynucleotide bumps”) where the solution sits under the skin. They usually flatten within 24 to 48 hours.
• Minor pinpoint bleeding or bruising at some injection points.
• Sensations such as tightness, tenderness or a mild pricking feeling are typically short-lived.

What’s normal vs. concerning:

• Normal: light redness, swelling, small bumps for 1–3 days; slight bruising up to 7–10 days.
• Concerning increasing pain, spreading redness accompanied by heat, pus, fever, or symptoms suggestive of infection, contact your practitioner immediately.

Immediate do’s and don’ts

• Do: Keep the area clean, follow the practitioner’s checklist, and use ice packs if advised to reduce swelling.
• Don’t: Touch, massage, or apply heavy pressure to the treated area for 24 hours; apply makeup for at least 12–24 hours (follow your provider’s guidance); exercise or expose yourself to heat for the first 24–48 hours.

Polynucleotide Recovery Timeline: Step-by-Step

Recovery is generally fast because PNs are injected superficially and the procedure is minimally invasive. Below is a typical timeline to manage expectations.

First 24 hours

• Mild redness and small bumps may occur. Avoid applying makeup, touching the area, consuming alcohol, and engaging in strenuous activity.
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling (particularly for the face/under-eye).

48–72 hours

• Redness and swelling begin to subside; small bumps smooth out.
• Light activities OK; avoid heavy cardio, saunas, sunbeds, and hot baths.

Days 4–7

• Bruising (if present) starts to fade. The skin often feels more hydrated and appears slightly fresher.
• Still avoid harsh skincare ingredients (such as retinoids and strong acids) in the treated area unless advised.

Weeks 2–4

• Collagen stimulation begins to show. Fine lines soften; texture and tone become noticeably improved.
• You can resume your regular skincare routine and most treatments, always following the timeline provided by your practitioner.

Weeks 6–12

• Full regenerative effects become apparent for many patients, including firmer, plumper skin, a more even tone, and diminished fine lines.
• Results will continue to refine as your skin’s natural remodelling continues.

3–6 months

• Benefits persist and often peak in this window for cumulative treatments. Maintenance decisions are typically made around this time.

Polynucleotide Before & After: Realistic Results to Expect

People often search for “polynucleotide before and after” images to estimate outcomes. Realistic expectations matter:

What you will likely see:

• Short-term (days to a week): Subtle hydration and a smoother skin surface; temporary swelling may accentuate this smoothness.
• Early results (2–4 weeks): fine lines soften, skin texture improves, and the complexion appears fresher.
• Full results (6–12 weeks): improved firmness, elasticity, reduced crepiness, and sustained glow.
• Long term (6–12 months with maintenance): extended collagen support and more resilient skin structure.

Important: Results vary by individual. Genetic factors, baseline photodamage, lifestyle, and the number/quality of sessions all influence outcomes. Before-and-after images are helpful, but they should be interpreted cautiously; they often depict best-case scenarios.

Essential Aftercare Tips (Do’s & Don’ts)

Proper aftercare helps reduce complications and prolong results. Here’s a comprehensive list.

Immediate (first 24–72 hours)

• DO keep the treated area clean and dry.
• DO use cold compresses to reduce swelling if advised.
• DON’T apply makeup for at least 12–24 hours (follow your clinic’s instructions).
• DON’T touch, massage, or apply pressure to injection sites.
• DON’T consume alcohol or take blood-thinning medications unless approved by your doctor.
• DON’T get any other facial treatments or aggressive exfoliation during the healing window.

First week

• DO avoid saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise.
• DO sleep with your head elevated if swelling is noticeable.
• DO use gentle, hydrating skincare — avoid retinoids or strong acids for 3–7 days.
• Avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight; wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Ongoing care (after week 1)

• DO maintain daily SPF and antioxidant-rich skincare (vitamin C serums, niacinamide).
• DO stay hydrated and maintain a nutrient-rich diet to support collagen production.
• Schedule maintenance treatments as recommended, typically every 6 to 9 months.
• DON’T skip follow-up appointments with your practitioner.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Initial hydration and subtle smoothing can appear within days. Noticeable collagen-driven changes typically start at 2–4 weeks, with complete visible improvements commonly reached between 6–12 weeks.

Why the delay? Polynucleotides stimulate biological processes (fibroblast activation, collagen synthesis), and those processes take time to create structural change. The timeframe is comparable to that of other regenerative treatments, such as PRP or microneedling, although the exact timing varies by individual.

How Many Polynucleotide Treatments Will I Need?

Typical Polynucleotide Treatment Protocol

We believe every skin journey is unique — which is why your polynucleotide treatment plan is carefully tailored to your individual skin goals, age, and condition. This treatment works gradually to rejuvenate the skin from within, and achieving the best results often depends on consistency and proper maintenance.

Initial Course:
Most clients begin with an initial course of 2–4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Many skincare experts and practitioners recommend 3 sessions as the ideal baseline to stimulate collagen and elastin effectively. During these sessions, the treatment works to repair cellular damage, improve hydration, and restore your skin’s natural glow.

Maintenance Treatments:
To preserve and extend your results, maintenance sessions are typically scheduled every 6–9 months. Over time, these follow-up treatments help your skin remain firm, smooth, and radiant. At Charisma Beauty Lounge, our specialists will monitor your skin’s progress and suggest the best timing for maintenance appointments to suit your lifestyle and desired results.

Factors Influencing the Number of Sessions

Several factors can affect how many sessions you may need and how frequently they should be performed:

• Severity of skin ageing or damage: Mature or sun-damaged skin may require a longer initial course for optimal rejuvenation.

• Treatment area: Delicate zones like the under-eye area often need more frequent touch-ups to maintain firmness and reduce fine lines.

• Personal skincare goals: Preventative treatments may need fewer sessions, while restorative goals — such as addressing deep wrinkles or uneven texture — often benefit from a longer plan.

• Practitioner’s technique and product concentration: The expertise of your skincare specialist plays a key role in achieving the most natural and long-lasting results.

At Charisma Beauty Lounge, we take a fully personalised approach, ensuring every client receives the optimal number and spacing of sessions based on their unique needs. Our trained professionals carefully assess your skin and guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring visible improvements that look natural and last longer.

Is Polynucleotide Treatment Painful?

Most patients describe polynucleotide injections as tolerable rather than painful. The level of discomfort depends on:

• Injection technique (microinjection vs cannula).
• Treatment area sensitivity (the under-eye area is more sensitive).
• Use of a topical anaesthetic (commonly applied to minimise discomfort).

Typical sensations include brief pricking or pressure; most people tolerate the treatment well with the use of numbing cream. Post-treatment tenderness can last for one to two days.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Polynucleotide injections have a favourable safety profile. Side effects are generally mild and temporary:

Common (self-limiting):

• Redness, light swelling, and small bumps at injection sites (24–72 hours).
• Mild bruising (resolves in 7–10 days).
• Tenderness or tightness.

Less common but possible:

• Infection at injection site — rare, preventable with sterile technique; treat promptly with antibiotics if suspected.
• Hyperpigmentation — uncommon but possible in reactive or darker skin tones; sun protection reduces risk.
• Nodules or persistent lumps — rare and usually manageable with massage or follow-up care.

Management tips:

• Use cold packs (avoid direct ice contact with skin).
• Over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol are acceptable for discomfort (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen pre-/post-op if bleeding risk is a concern — follow provider advice).
• Arnica gel or topical vitamin K can reduce bruising.
• Seek immediate care for signs of infection (spreading redness, increasing pain, fever).

Can You Combine Polynucleotides with Other Treatments?

Yes, polynucleotides work well in combination protocols, often enhancing outcomes when paired with complementary modalities:

• Microneedling + Polynucleotides: Microneedling creates microchannels that increase PN penetration and boost collagen induction. Timing matters — often performed in the same session or sequentially, depending on protocol.
• PRP + Polynucleotides: PRP delivers growth factors; combined with PNs, this can produce more robust tissue repair.
• Hyaluronic Acid Skin Boosters: Use PNs to improve skin quality and HA to add hydration and plumpness, balancing regeneration with immediate smoothing.
• Lasers & Chemical Peels: Surface treatments improve texture; PNs support deeper dermal repair — coordinate timing to avoid excessive inflammation.

Always consult a qualified clinician to design a safe and effective combination plan and to determine the safe timing intervals.

Long-Term Maintenance & Follow-Up Care

To keep the benefits of PN injections over the long term:

• Follow the initial maintenance schedule, which is typically every 6–9 months, or sooner for under-eye touch-ups.
• Adopt a supportive skincare regimen that includes daily SPF, antioxidant serums (such as vitamin C), and gentle retinoids (when appropriate).
• Lifestyle support: avoid smoking, limit alcohol, sleep well, and maintain a collagen-supportive diet rich in protein and vitamin C.
• Periodic assessments with your practitioner** to tailor your maintenance frequency based on visible results and skin ageing rate.

Regular maintenance sustains collagen production, allowing the gains from prior treatments to be retained and built upon.

Mistakes to Avoid After Polynucleotide Treatment

Avoid these common mistakes to prevent complications and suboptimal results:

• Skipping sunscreen — UV exposure undermines collagen and can reverse progress.
• Using harsh exfoliants or retinoids too early can irritate healing skin and may exacerbate side effects.
• Touching or massaging the treated area within the first 24–48 hours can cause the product to disperse unevenly.
• Overexercising immediately after treatment can increase blood flow and swelling.
• Skipping follow-up visits — prevents monitoring and optimal maintenance planning.

Conclusion

Polynucleotide injections represent a sophisticated, regenerative path to healthier, more resilient skin. Recovery is typically fast and comfortable, with only minor, short-lived side effects for most people. Visible improvements begin in the first few weeks, mature over 6–12 weeks, and, with proper aftercare and maintenance, can be sustained for 6–12 months per treatment cycle.

The keys to optimal results are realistic expectations, following post-procedure guidance, and committing to maintenance and supportive skincare. When performed by a qualified practitioner and paired with sensible aftercare, polynucleotides offer a natural, long-lasting approach to skin renewal that improves not only the appearance of your skin but also its function.