Skin treatments
Polynucleotide Skin Boosters in Knightsbridge: The Complete Guide
What polynucleotides are, how they repair post-summer skin, how they differ from Profhilo and filler, the treatment course and results timeline, safety, downtime, cost in London, and who they suit best.
By Fatemeh, Founder & Lead Practitioner, Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic 16 min read
Reviewed December 2025 
What polynucleotides actually are
Polynucleotides are short, highly purified chains of nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA — extracted from the reproductive cells of cold-water fish and sterilised to medical grade. Injected into the skin, they act as a biological signal: they mop up free radicals, reduce low-grade inflammation, and stimulate fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen and elastin) to work more effectively. The result is skin that is better hydrated, more elastic and more even in tone.
Think “repair”, not “fill”
Filler adds structure. Polynucleotides improve the living quality of the skin itself — which is why they’re favoured for thin, crepey or fatigued skin and delicate areas like the under-eye.
Why skin needs help after summer
Cumulative UV exposure over the summer months degrades collagen and elastin, disrupts the skin barrier and drives oxidative stress. By autumn many people notice dullness, rough texture, dehydration lines, more visible pigmentation and a general loss of “bounce”. Polynucleotides are well suited to this recovery phase because they target repair and hydration at the same time.
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo vs filler
| Polynucleotides | Profhilo (bio-remodelling HA) | Dermal filler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main action | Skin repair, anti-inflammatory, fibroblast stimulation | Deep hydration + mild collagen/elastin stimulation | Adds volume and structural support |
| Best for | Thin, crepey, fatigued, sun-stressed skin; under-eye quality | Widespread mild laxity, “glow”, skin hydration | Defined volume loss, contour, deep folds |
| Course | 2–3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | Single session, topped up as needed |
| Results timeline | Builds over 2–3 months | Visible from ~4 weeks | Immediate |
| Maintenance | Every 6–9 months | Every 6 months | 9–18 months depending on product |
These treatments are complementary; a personalised plan may use more than one.
Areas and concerns treated
- Under-eye — crepiness, dark shadowing from poor skin quality, fine lines
- Face — overall dullness, dehydration, early laxity, rough texture
- Neck and décolletage — sun damage, “tech neck” lines, crepe texture
- Hands — thinning, crepey skin
- Acne scarring — as part of a wider plan, to improve skin repair
The treatment course, step by step
- Consultation & skin assessment
Your practitioner examines skin quality, discusses goals and confirms suitability. Photos are taken for comparison.
- Session 1
Numbing cream is applied. The product is placed with a fine needle or cannula in a series of small points or as a light mesh. Takes 20–30 minutes.
- Sessions 2 (and 3)
Repeated at 2–4 week intervals. Most people have two sessions for maintenance skin and three for more depleted or sun-damaged skin.
- Review at 8–12 weeks
Results are assessed against baseline photos and a maintenance interval is agreed — usually a single session every 6–9 months.
Give sun-stressed skin a reset
Book a complimentary skin assessment. We’ll tell you whether polynucleotides are the right choice and design a course around your skin.
Results and how they build
Illustrative share of the final visible improvement typically present at each point after a full course.
Early on, skin often looks plumper and more hydrated within a week or two — partly the product itself. The lasting change (better elasticity, finer texture, more even tone) develops as fibroblast activity increases over the following two to three months.
Downtime and aftercare
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Immediately after | Small raised bumps at injection points, mild redness |
| Bumps settle | A few hours to 24 hours (mesh technique) or 1–2 days (bolus points) |
| Bruising | Possible, especially under the eyes; usually minor, 3–7 days |
| Back to normal | Same day; make-up after 12–24 hours |
| Avoid for 24–48h | Strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol, active skincare, facials |
Tell your practitioner if
You have a true fish allergy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection or cold sore in the area, an autoimmune condition, or a tendency to keloid scarring. Treatment is also deferred around dental work and other injectables by a couple of weeks.
What it costs in London
| Option | Typical London price |
|---|---|
| Single session (face) | £250–£400 |
| Course of 2 | £480–£750 |
| Course of 3 | £600–£1,000 |
| Under-eye focused session | £250–£350 |
| Maintenance session (6–9 monthly) | £250–£400 |
Consultation is complimentary and redeemable against treatment. Your plan and price are confirmed after assessment.
How Levirgo delivers polynucleotide treatment
- Practitioner-led skin assessment to decide whether polynucleotides, Profhilo, filler or a combination best fits your goal.
- CE/UKCA-marked, medical-grade product only, with full traceability.
- Cannula technique under the eyes where appropriate to reduce bruising.
- Baseline and follow-up photography so results are measured, not guessed.
- A written course and maintenance plan with itemised pricing.
- CQC-registered clinic in Knightsbridge with a 24-hour aftercare contact.
Frequently asked questions
How much do polynucleotide skin boosters cost in Knightsbridge?
A single face session is about £250–£400 in London. A course of two is roughly £480–£750 and a course of three £600–£1,000. Maintenance sessions every 6–9 months are priced like a single session.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people have two to three sessions spaced two to four weeks apart — two for maintenance-level skin, three for more depleted or sun-damaged skin. Results are then maintained with one session every six to nine months.
When will I see results?
Skin often looks more hydrated and plumper within a week or two. The lasting improvement in elasticity, texture and tone builds over two to three months as fibroblast activity increases.
What is the difference between polynucleotides and Profhilo?
Profhilo is a bio-remodelling hyaluronic acid focused on deep hydration and a general “glow”. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments focused on skin repair, calming inflammation and stimulating fibroblasts — better suited to thin, crepey, fatigued or sun-damaged skin and the under-eye area. They can be combined.
Is there any downtime?
Minimal. Expect small bumps at the injection points for a few hours to a day or two, possible minor bruising (especially under the eyes), and mild redness. You can return to normal the same day and wear make-up after 12–24 hours.
Do polynucleotides help under-eye dark circles?
They help when the shadowing is caused by thin, poor-quality, crepey skin — improving skin thickness and texture reduces the hollow, tired look. They do not correct dark circles caused by pigmentation or deep tear-trough volume loss, which need other treatments.
Are they safe if I have a shellfish allergy?
Yes — the product is derived from fish (salmon or trout), not shellfish, so shellfish allergy is not a contraindication. A true fish allergy does need to be discussed at consultation.
Can I have them while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Like most injectable aesthetic treatments, polynucleotides are not offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
How do polynucleotides compare with microneedling?
Both improve skin quality. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injury to trigger repair; polynucleotides deliver a biological repair signal directly into the skin with less surface disruption. They are often used together in a skin-quality plan.
How long do the results last?
The benefit of a full course typically lasts six to nine months, after which a single maintenance session keeps skin quality topped up. Ongoing sun protection significantly extends how long results hold.
Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic · Knightsbridge
Repair, hydrate and strengthen your skin
A doctor-led plan in Knightsbridge using medical-grade polynucleotides, with results measured against baseline photos. No obligation to proceed.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information about polynucleotide skin boosters and is not medical advice. Suitability, results, downtime and risks vary between individuals and can only be assessed in a personal consultation. Prices are indicative London ranges for 2026 and are confirmed in writing after assessment.