Polynucleotides are long chains made of the building blocks of DNA. In aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides derived from salmon are injected into the skin with very fine needles, a treatment often called salmon DNA mesotherapy or a salmon DNA skin booster. At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, it is done with Nucleofill, a polynucleotide product, and is known as “DNA Işıltısı” (DNA Glow).

The polynucleotides are prepared as a purified gel and are considered compatible with human tissue. Once injected, they stimulate fibroblasts in the deeper layers of the skin and support collagen and elastin production. That is why the treatment is not only about hydration: it is a biostimulation method that aims to activate the skin’s own repair process.

It has three main effects:

• Firming: by supporting collagen production, it helps the skin look firmer and fuller.
• Antioxidant support: it helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental stress.
• Deep hydration: its water-binding ability hydrates the skin from within.

Salmon DNA can also be combined with plasma prepared from your own blood; see our GRP / PRP page.

Nucleofill is mainly chosen when skin quality has declined and the skin has lost its vitality. It may suit:

• Loss of elasticity: skin that is becoming thinner and starting to sag slightly.
• Dull, tired skin: a pale, lifeless look due to sun damage, stress or smoking.
• The eye area: fine lines and dark circles around the eyes.
• Skin repair: supporting recovery after acne scars or skin injuries.

Polynucleotides can be used on the face, around the eyes, on the neck and on the décolletage. Unlike classic hyaluronic acid mesotherapy, they aim to support the skin’s repair process as well as hydrating it. On their own, they do not correct deep wrinkles or marked volume loss; in those cases other treatments are planned alongside.

The treatment is also chosen as a preventive step when skin quality first starts to change. The amount of product and the areas treated are tailored to your skin’s needs.

Stopping medicines that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin, for a few days beforehand (after checking with your doctor) and avoiding alcohol help reduce the risk of bruising. Nucleofill is not a surgical procedure and is done in the clinic in these steps:

1. Analysis: skin hydration and loss of elasticity are assessed, and the areas to treat are chosen.
2. Preparation: the skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied for comfort.
3. Injection: the product is placed in the middle layer of the skin with very fine needles or cannulas. On the face, a method known as the five-point technique is usually used.
4. Aftercare: the area is cleaned and a soothing product is applied if needed.

The treatment takes about 20–30 minutes. No long recovery is needed, and most people return to their social life the same day. For darkness and hollowing under the eyes, it can be planned together with under-eye light filler. When combined with chin and jawline filler, it also supports the quality of the skin over the jawline.

Nucleofill is a non-cross-linked product. When injected by a doctor, side effects are usually mild and temporary. As with any injection, you may notice:

• Mild swelling and redness: small bumps like mosquito bites at the injection points, usually gone within 1–2 hours.
• Bruising: temporary bruises where the needle entered, especially in sensitive skin. A cold compress afterward helps lower this risk.
• Sensitivity: the skin may be more sensitive for a few days, so sunscreen is important.
• Pigmentation: rarely, dark spots can appear if the skin is not protected from the sun; your doctor will then assess skin spot treatments.

On the first day, avoid touching the area, saunas, Turkish baths and intense exercise. Don’t sleep face down or massage the area for the first few nights. If you notice unexpected swelling, increasing pain or redness, contact your doctor.

The number of sessions depends on your skin. A course of 3 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart, is usually planned. For young skin without specific concerns, a single session may be enough for prevention.

Because polynucleotides support the skin’s structure, the effect is long-lasting, but it is not permanent. Skin is living tissue, and aging continues.

• Single session: the effect is usually maintained for 6–9 months.
• After a course: once 2–3 sessions are complete, results may last up to a year.
• Maintenance: a yearly top-up session is recommended to maintain the result.

How long results last varies from person to person with age, skin type, smoking and sun protection. Regular sunscreen and a balanced skincare routine help maintain the result for longer.