Dr Lauren Evans MBChB (Gla) Dip Derm (RCPSG)
Facial Aesthetics Doctor with 10 years of experience - Glasgow & Edinburgh Clinics
Awarded Best Aesthetics Doctor Practitioner for two years running - Scottish Aesthetics Excellence Awards '23, '24
Director of Education and Development & Advanced Trainer at Facial Aesthetic Courses
Previously an NHS Dermatology Specialty Doctor
POLYNUCLEOTIDE TREATMENT
What is Polynucleotide treatment and how does it work?
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. In skincare, polynucleotide treatment falls under the category of biostimulators and is used for its regenerative properties, aiding in the repair and rejuvenation and anti-aging properties, promoting cellular repair and hydration. This can lead to improved skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance.
The brand Dr Lauren uses is Ameela®, which sources these building blocks of DNA from purified salmon DNA extracted from spermatozoa, creating a pure active substance with inactivated proteins and peptides. Ameela® has different varieties of Polynucleotides with different concentrations, depending on clinical need: Ameela Face, Ameela Eyes, Ameela Rejuvenation, and Ameela Body.
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What can Polynucleotide treatment be used for?
Polynucleotides can be used for a number of medical conditions as well as for cosmetic reasons:
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Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: The regenerative properties of polynucleotides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Improved Skin tone and texture: The treatment can even out skin tone and improve overall texture, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
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Enhanced skin elasticity: By stimulating collagen and elastin production, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, helping with contouring and tightening.
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Improved skin hydration: Polynucleotides help retain moisture in the skin, leading to a more hydrated and plump appearance.
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Detoxifying effect: The Polymeric macromolecules can plan an immediate “scavenger” action against free radicals.
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Reduced inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
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Tissue Repair: Polynucleotides attract stem cells to the treated area, resulting in strong tissue repair and the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis).
Biostimulation is not just seen in the skin, but in all cell structures of the area injected, including bone, muscle, and adipose tissue.
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Polynucleotide treatment can enhance several vital areas, including:
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Face: Address fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance.
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Around the eyes: this is one of the most popular treatments that polynucleotide treatment helps with crèpey skin, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, hollowness, and eye bags.
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Neck: Combat signs of ageing on the neck, including necklines and loose skin.
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Décolletage: Restore and rejuvenate the delicate skin of the chest and décolletage.
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Body: Improve areas of skin laxity or stretch marks.
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Why Choose Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotide treatment offers several advantages:
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Natural Results: Polynucleotides enhance your beauty without altering your natural features, providing subtle yet impactful improvements.
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Longevity: The effects of polynucleotide treatment last longer than traditional aesthetic treatments, meaning fewer visits to maintain your results.
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Safety: Ameela® is a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution purified to ensure your safety and minimise the risk of adverse reactions.
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How soon can I see the results of Polynucleotide treatment?
Patients often notice an improvement in skin hydration and texture within a few days after the first treatment. However, the full benefits, such as reduced fine lines and improved elasticity, typically become more evident after a few weeks as the skin undergoes regeneration.
How many Polynucleotide treatment sessions are required?
The number of sessions required varies based on individual skin concerns and goals.
Typically, a series of 2-4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart is recommended for optimal results.
How long will the effects of Polynucleotide treatment last?
The results of polynucleotide treatment can last several months, depending on individual factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle.
Maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain the benefits. On average, these are 6-9 months later, depending on individual factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle.
Can Polynucleotide treatment be combined with other treatments?
Yes, polynucleotide treatment can be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as hyaluronic acid fillers, Botox, and Morpheus 8 to achieve more comprehensive results.
Dr Lauren will create a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.
What are the side effects of Polynucleotide treatment?
Like all medicines, Polynucleotide treatment can produce unwanted effects.
Common side effects are minimal and may include slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days.
Occasionally, if a thicker variety of Polynucleotide is used in in the eye area (which is occasionally chosen depending on the aims of treatment, but always discussed with you first), then it is possible that some swelling to the treatment area may last up to two weeks.
Serious side effects are rare, such as allergic reactions or injections. It is important to follow post-treatment care instructions and contact Dr Lauren if you experience any unusual reactions.
No other side effects have been reported.
Is Polynucleotide treatment painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. Topical numbing creams can be applied to the treatment area to enhance comfort. Any mild discomfort experienced typically subsides shortly after the treatment.
What is the recovery time after Polynucleotide treatment?
The recovery period is typically short. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately, with any minor side effects resolving within a few days.
Occasionally, if a thicker variety of Polynucleotide is used in in the eye area (which is occasionally chosen depending on the aims of treatment, but always discussed with you first), then it is possible that some swelling to the treatment area may last up to two weeks.
Am I a candidate for Polynucleotide treatment?
​Polynucleotide treatment is suitable for most skin types, but a consultation is necessary to determine personal suitability.
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Polynucleotide treatment is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Polynucleotide treatment may not be suitable for:
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Patients with infection at the proposed treatment site.
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Patients on blood thinning medication (e.g. aspirin, warfarin).
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Patients taking over-the-counter medication that can thin the blood or increase bruising (Omega-3, Vitamin E, Cod liver oil, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba).
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Patients with a suppressed immune system.
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Patients with an autoimmune disease.
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Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the product, or who have multiple confirmed allergies.
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Patients with allergy to fish.
Advice prior to treatment
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For seven days prior to treatment, avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, or ibuprofen-based medications, Omega-3, Vitamin E, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba. If you are prescribed a blood thinning medication such as aspirin or an anticoagulant by your doctor for a cardiovascular condition, then please check with your doctor prior to stopping the medication.
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For 24 hours prior to treatment, do not drink alcohol to avoid extra bruising.
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On the day of treatment, arrive to the clinic with a clean face.
What to expect on the day
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Dr Lauren will go through what your aims are for treatment and will explain to you what is appropriate and achievable. A treatment plan will be agreed upon prior to treatment.
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You will fill in a medical assessment questionnaire and complete a written consent form.
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Pre-treatment photographs will be taken for your medical records.
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Any make-up will be removed from treatment area with a baby wipe.
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The area will be cleaned again with chlorhexidine solution.
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Polynucleotide solution is injected into the targeted areas using a fine needle or a cannula. Numbing cream may be applied to the area if required.
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Post-procedure cream will be applied to the treated area following treatment.
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You will be given a post-treatment advice sheet.
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Dr Lauren will let you know if any further treatments or follow-up is required.
Polynucleotide treatment aftercare instructions
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Don’t apply foundation or creams over the treatment area for 6 hours after your treatment.
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Avoid strenuous exercise first 24 hours or hot tubs.
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Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your treatment.
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Refrain from using harsh skincare products for a few days.
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No saunas or tanning booths for 2 weeks after your treatment – and don’t have radiofrequency, IPL, laser, or any other heat treatments near the treated area for 2 weeks.
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Always wear a broad spectrum, high factor (30 or above) SPF, and avoid direct sun exposure.
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Bruising can be helped by taking oral bromelain (pineapple extract) and oral arnica, or by applying arnica cream.
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Any skin colour changes, such as an area of skin becoming purple or red, or bruising which appears abnormal, please contact the clinic immediately.
What to expect after treatment
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There may be small marks, bumps, and bruising immediately following the procedure but be reassured that these will disappear within a couple of days.
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You will begin to notice an improvement in skin hydration and texture within a few days when the swelling subsides. The full benefits, such as reduced fine lines and improved elasticity, typically become more evident after a few weeks as the skin undergoes regeneration.
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Any follow-up appointments will be given approximately 2-4 weeks following your initial treatment.
How can I book a consultation?
To book a consultation and learn whether polynucleotide treatment is right for you, please contact the clinic directly on 0141339 7579.