If you’ve been exploring ways to rejuvenate your skin or enhance your features, you’ve probably heard about dermal fillers and polynucleotide injections. Both are increasingly popular treatments offered by aesthetic clinics like Skin Boutique Essex, but what’s the difference between the two, and how do you know which is best for you?
Let’s dive into each treatment, their benefits, differences, and what you can expect when opting for either one.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances designed primarily to add volume and fullness to areas that have lost elasticity, structure, or youthful plumpness. They usually contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your body that hydrates and adds volume to the skin.
At Skin Boutique Essex, dermal fillers are typically used for:
- Adding volume to lips
- Smoothing lines around the mouth and nose
- Enhancing cheekbones
- Restoring volume in temples and jawline
- Reducing the appearance of under-eye circles
Dermal fillers provide immediate results, which makes them a popular choice for those looking for instant improvement without downtime.
What are polynucleotide injections?
Polynucleotide injections might be less familiar to many, but they’re quickly becoming a favourite among skincare enthusiasts. These injections contain polynucleotides, which are essentially fragments of DNA extracted from natural sources, commonly from salmon DNA due to its compatibility with human skin. Don’t worry—it’s entirely safe, rigorously purified, and won’t give you any fishy side effects!
Polynucleotide injections are designed to rejuvenate skin from the inside out. They work by stimulating your body’s own ability to regenerate collagen and elastin, significantly improving skin hydration and texture. Polynucleotides are also known for their excellent healing properties, making them particularly beneficial if your skin is prone to scarring, redness, or sensitivity.
At Skin Boutique Essex, polynucleotide injections help with:
- Improving overall skin hydration and glow
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Treating acne scars and pigmentation
- Enhancing elasticity and firmness
- Promoting overall skin health and regeneration
Unlike dermal fillers, polynucleotide treatments don’t immediately plump or reshape facial features. Instead, their results appear gradually over several weeks, giving your skin a naturally revitalised appearance.
Comparing the benefits
Immediate vs long-term results
One of the biggest differences between these treatments is the timeline of results. Dermal fillers deliver almost instant improvement. You walk out of the clinic with visible changes like plumper lips or lifted cheekbones. In contrast, polynucleotide injections require patience; noticeable changes appear gradually, usually becoming apparent after a few weeks with continued improvement over several months.
Different mechanisms of action
Dermal fillers physically fill spaces beneath your skin, adding volume and smoothness right away. They’re especially good if you want to enhance or restore specific features quickly. On the other hand, polynucleotides regenerate your skin by encouraging collagen and elastin production naturally. This results in gradual yet more holistic improvements to your skin’s quality.
Targeted treatment vs overall skin health
Dermal fillers are particularly effective at targeting specific problem areas. If you’re concerned about thin lips, deep lines around your mouth, or loss of cheek volume, fillers can quickly address these concerns. Polynucleotides, meanwhile, are more suitable for improving your overall skin condition—perfect for achieving a healthy, natural glow or treating wider skin concerns like uneven texture or scars.
Which treatment suits you?
Choosing between dermal fillers and polynucleotide injections largely depends on your personal goals, skin condition, and desired outcome.
- Opt for dermal fillers if:
- You’re seeking immediate volume enhancement.
- You have specific areas you want to address, such as lips, cheeks, or nasolabial folds.
- You’re looking for instant results for a special event or immediate confidence boost.
- Opt for polynucleotide injections if:
- You prefer gradual and natural-looking improvements.
- You’re looking to improve overall skin quality, hydration, and texture.
- You have sensitive or damaged skin that needs regeneration and healing.
Can you combine treatments?
Absolutely! Combining dermal fillers and polynucleotide injections can often achieve the best of both worlds. At Skin Boutique Essex, we frequently combine treatments to deliver comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Dermal fillers can instantly target specific concerns, while polynucleotide injections can maintain and improve overall skin health in the long term.
What to expect during treatments at Skin Boutique Essex
Both treatments are administered through injections performed by our experienced nurse practitioners. For dermal fillers, treatment typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the areas treated. You’ll see results immediately, with minimal downtime (though slight swelling or bruising can occur).
Polynucleotide treatments usually take around 30 minutes. While you may notice improved hydration and texture within a couple of weeks, optimal results occur after several sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Downtime is minimal, and most clients return to normal activities right away.
Pricing and considerations
Dermal fillers generally cost more per session due to the immediate results and the volume of product needed. Polynucleotide injections may be more cost-effective over time as they provide lasting regeneration with repeated treatments.
Skin Boutique Essex provides guideline pricing clearly on our website, but we always recommend a personalised consultation to determine the exact cost and most appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically to your skin.
In summary
Both dermal fillers and polynucleotide injections have significant benefits for skin rejuvenation, but they cater to different needs and expectations. Dermal fillers are ideal for instant volume and targeted improvements, while polynucleotide injections excel at rejuvenating overall skin quality, health, and texture.
At Skin Boutique Essex, we believe the best approach to skincare is personalised. Book a consultation with one of our expert nurse practitioners today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your skincare goals.