Polynucleotides vs Profhilo: questions to ask

They are different products

Profhilo is a branded hyaluronic-acid injectable made by IBSA. Polynucleotide products use nucleotide polymers, which published papers describe as produced from salmon or trout DNA. Products may differ in source, formulation and intended use.

They should not be treated as the same treatment under different names. Neither a popular brand nor an online recommendation establishes suitability for your skin.

What each one is

Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the skin, and it is used in many injectable products. Profhilo is a skin-focused injectable, which is different from choosing a dermal filler for shape or definition. Its manufacturer describes it as a treatment for skin laxity; ask what that means for your concern and what a realistic change would look like.

Polynucleotides are a newer category in aesthetics. Different brands are made and used in different ways, and the way they work is still being studied. At SM Aesthetics Clinic, the polynucleotide options include VITARAN and LumiPN, and other skin-focused products include Profhilo, Seventy Hyal, STYLAGE HydroMax and Plenhyage. The exact product is confirmed at consultation.

Start with the concern

Explain whether your priority is skin hydration, texture or a particular area that looks tired. Ask which exact product is proposed and how it relates to that concern. A skin-focused injectable is different from choosing filler for shape or definition.

Tell Sian what you have already tried, including your skincare routine and any previous treatments. A consultation may also suggest skincare, another option or no procedure. Persistent redness, a rash or an unexplained skin change may need medical assessment rather than a cosmetic treatment.

Ask how strong the evidence is

Research into aesthetic polynucleotides includes promising results, but the evidence is still developing. A 2025 systematic review found nine studies with 219 patients in total, rated them as low to moderate quality and called for more rigorous research. A 2026 expert paper also described the evidence base as limited and noted that how polynucleotides work is still under investigation.

For any product, including Profhilo, ask whether the evidence covers the proposed product, area and concern. Product claims should be considered alongside independent research. Improvement is not guaranteed, individual response varies, and online descriptions of repair or rejuvenation can oversimplify the choice.

Ingredients, allergies and your health

Because the polynucleotides described in published papers are produced from fish DNA, ask about the source of the product being proposed. Mention any allergies, including to fish or seafood, and any previous reaction to an injectable or local anaesthetic.

Tell Sian about medicines, supplements, medical conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not stop prescribed medication to fit a treatment without advice from your prescriber. Not everyone is suitable, and you will be told honestly if a treatment is not right for you.

Compare the whole plan

Ask about the appointment schedule, total course cost, recovery and maintenance. The clinic’s price guide shows skin boosters from £110 and polynucleotides from £180, and lists prices for additional sessions, because a course may be discussed. Your exact cost is confirmed at your consultation, so compare the full plan rather than a single-session price.

Injection-site marks, bruising and swelling may affect your plans. Product-specific instructions matter more than assuming all skin boosters have the same aftercare.

Recovery and when to get help

Small bumps, redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising can be visible after injections. How long they last depends on the product, the area and your own response. Allow time before an important event, and do not assume there will be no visible marks.

Increasing redness, pain, warmth or discharge needs prompt assessment, so contact the clinic. Breathing difficulty or rapidly developing swelling of the face or throat is an emergency: call 999.

Questions to ask

• Which exact product are you proposing, and why for my concern?
• What is it made from, and is it suitable with my allergies?
• What evidence relates to this product and this area?
• How many sessions are suggested, and what is the total cost?
• What side effects should I expect, and which need a call?
• When will we review whether it has made a worthwhile difference?
• What are the alternatives, including no treatment?

There is no universal winner

The useful question is which option, if any, fits your circumstances. Compare expected benefits, limitations, risks and overall commitment. You do not need to select a product before meeting Sian, and a consultation does not commit you to treatment.

Sian completed skin booster and polynucleotide training through VA Clinic in Romford in April 2024. See the skin boosters page for current guide prices, and our first consultation guide for help preparing.