The salmon sperm facial, at all three of our London clinics
Polynucleotides in London
Stronger, healthier skin, renewed from within.
Polynucleotides are an injectable treatment that triggers your skin’s own healing and renewal response, supporting collagen and elastin to improve fine lines, texture, scarring and dehydration, including under the eyes. A course of three 30 minute sessions, with no downtime.
- Nineteen years of expertise
- GMC and GDC registered doctors
- 250,000+ treatments performed
- Multi-award winning
Our Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (ID 1‑129888578). View our registration
Polynucleotides at a glance
The questions most people ask first. Your Treatment Coordinator and your practitioner will go through each of them with you.
- Treatment time
- Around 30 minutesFine injections placed under the skin in the areas you would like to improve.
- How it feels
- ComfortableA topical anaesthetic cream is available if you would like one.
- Back to your day
- Straight awayNo downtime, so you can go back to work immediately.
- Your course
- Three sessionsSpaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
- How long it lasts
- 6 months and moreTypically, after a course. Results vary from person to person.
- Who treats you
- A doctor or nurseInjectables are only carried out by a doctor or a fully qualified nurse.
What would you like to improve?
Polynucleotides work on the quality of the skin itself. Choose an area to see what they can help with and what to expect.
Under the eyes
For dark circles, fine lines and loss of skin volume.
- What you notice
- Dark circles, fine lines and thin, crepey skin under the eyes.
- What it does
- Triggers your skin’s own healing and renewal response, supporting collagen and elastin to strengthen and repair the skin.
- Good to know
- Polynucleotides can work in areas where typical skin boosters may be less effective.
Forehead
For fine lines and wrinkles across the forehead.
- What you notice
- Fine lines and skin that has lost some of its firmness and elasticity.
- What it does
- Supports collagen and elastin production, improving fine lines, skin quality, tone and texture over time.
- Good to know
- Lines that appear when you move are softened by anti-wrinkle injections, and the two are often combined.
Lips
For fine lines and loss of volume in and around the lips.
- What you notice
- Fine lines around the mouth, and lips that have lost some volume.
- What it does
- Improves hydration and elasticity in the skin, for a softer, smoother look.
- Good to know
- If you would like more shape or volume, dermal fillers restore volume, and your practitioner will tell you honestly which suits you.
Skin quality
For texture, scarring and dehydration across the face.
- What you notice
- Uneven texture, scarring, dryness and redness.
- What it does
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits help protect against environmental stress and ageing and reduce redness, while collagen and elastin support improves texture and hydration.
- Good to know
- A course of three sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, is usually recommended.
Every plan is tailored to your skin and the result you would like. Your practitioner will talk you through which areas will make the difference you are hoping for.
Plan yours at a consultationWhat are polynucleotides, and how do they work?
Polynucleotides, often called the salmon sperm facial, are an injectable treatment made from biocompatible proteins derived from fish DNA, most commonly salmon. Because these proteins are closely similar to human DNA, they are well tolerated by the skin.
Once injected under the skin, they trigger a cellular healing and renewal response. This promotes collagen and elastin production and tissue regeneration, so the skin itself becomes stronger, more elastic and better hydrated. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to protect against environmental stress and ageing and to reduce redness.
- A medical treatment, led by doctorsInjectables at EF MEDISPA are only carried out by a doctor or a fully qualified nurse, after a consultation and a full medical history.
- A course for lasting changeA course of three sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, is usually recommended. Results typically last 6 months and more.
Who will treat me?
With injectables, the person holding the needle matters most. At EF MEDISPA, injectable treatments are only ever carried out by a doctor or a fully qualified nurse, and our injectables team is led by four doctors, each registered with the General Medical Council or the General Dental Council, with over 60 years of combined practice.
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Dr Marco La Malfa
Lead Injector, at EF MEDISPA since 2011
A clinical doctor of anaesthetics with over fifteen years in aesthetic medicine, an injectables trainer for the Menarini Group and a member of the UK injectables complications committee.
GMC 6082116
-
Dr Katerina Charakida
Senior Dermatologist, at EF MEDISPA since 2009
A cosmetic and aesthetic dermatologist who qualified at Imperial College London, known for her work on ageing skin, melasma, acne scarring and dermal fillers.
GMC 6030845
-
Dr Asel Usupbaeva
Aesthetic Physician, at EF MEDISPA since 2013
Over twenty years in medicine and fifteen in aesthetics, with advanced training in muscle-relaxing injections and a refreshingly honest approach to managing expectations.
GMC 6150757
-
Dr Ivona Igerc
Facial Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine
Has practised across Croatia, Slovenia, India, South Korea, China and the UK, with rare experience of facial anatomy across ethnicities. Founder of the Academy of Face Design, London.
GDC 268228
“Change should be felt, not announced. The best work leaves only a better version of yourself.”
Dr Marco La Malfa, Lead Injector
It all starts with a complimentary consultation with one of our Treatment Coordinators, who takes your medical history and listens to what you would like to change. Your practitioner then assesses your skin and plans your treatment with you, and will tell you honestly what will work and what will not.
Regulated by the Care Quality Commission
EF MEDISPA has offered expert-led care in London for 19 years, since 2007. Our Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and rated Good. ID 1‑129888578. View our registration
Are polynucleotides right for me?
Your consultation includes a full medical history, and we only go ahead if treatment is safe and right for you. If a different treatment would serve you better, you will be told honestly.
Not sure which treatment suits your concern? Try our Treatment Guide.
They’re often a good fit if
- Your main concern is the quality of your skin: fine lines, texture, scarring or dehydration
- You have dark circles, fine lines or thin, crepey skin under your eyes
- You’d like a subtle improvement rather than a change in shape or volume
- You’d like a quick treatment with no downtime
They may not be the right first step if
- You have any allergies or medical conditions, or take any medication. Please tell us at your consultation, where we take your full medical history
- Your main concern is lines that appear when you move, where anti-wrinkle injections work on the muscle
- Your main concern is a loss of volume or shape, where dermal fillers may suit you better
Every plan is tailored to you, and results vary from person to person. Your practitioner will talk you through what is realistic for your skin.
How many sessions will I need, and how long do results last?
Polynucleotides work with your skin’s own renewal, so they are given as a short course. Here is what most people can expect.
- Your consultation
A complimentary consultation with a Treatment Coordinator, then your practitioner plans the areas to treat with you.
- Session one
Around 30 minutes in the clinic, with optional numbing cream, then straight back to your day.
- Sessions two and three
Spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, completing your course of three.
- After your course
Results typically last 6 months and more. Your practitioner will advise you on when to return.
Every plan is tailored to you, and individual results vary.
Book my complimentary consultationWhat happens at your appointment?
From your first conversation to the end of your course, here is what to expect.
Your complimentary consultation
A one-to-one consultation with one of our Treatment Coordinators to talk through your skin and what you’d like to improve. After taking your full medical history, they suggest the treatment that suits you best. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
Meet your practitioner
Your treatment is carried out by a doctor or a fully qualified nurse, who assesses your skin, plans the areas to treat and answers your questions before you begin.
Your treatment
Polynucleotides are injected under the skin in the areas you’ve chosen. A topical anaesthetic cream is available if you would like one, and treatment takes around 30 minutes.
Back to your day
There’s no downtime, so you can go back to work straight away.
Completing your course
Your second and third sessions follow 2 to 4 weeks apart. Results typically last 6 months and more.
Book your complimentary polynucleotides consultation
Tell us a little about you and a Treatment Coordinator will be in touch within 24 hours to answer your questions and find a time that suits you.
Request your consultation
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Thank you
Your consultation request has been received. A Treatment Coordinator will be in touch within 24 hours.
- Complimentary, with no obligation to go ahead
- A reply within 24 hours from a Treatment Coordinator
- A plan designed around you, your skin and your diary
Prefer to choose your own time?
See available times at your nearest clinic and book online straight away.
See the calendar and book onlinePrefer to call? Polynucleotides are available at:
- Kensington020 7937 5554
- Chelsea020 7368 7676
- St John’s Wood020 7449 0888
Complimentary consultations exclude medical and doctor appointments, which may incur a fee.
How much do polynucleotides cost?
Every plan is personal to your skin and the areas you’d like to treat, usually as a course of three sessions, so we talk you through your options and your investment at your complimentary consultation rather than online. There is no obligation to go ahead.
What do our patients say?
Reviews left on Google by patients at our Kensington, Chelsea and St John’s Wood clinics.
4.5
Average rating on Google across our three London clinics.
★★★★★“Yana is the best! Super thorough and gives the best results. Does not rush treatments, takes time and care to give the best possible treatment and is friendly and welcoming. Would keep coming just for Yana!”
★★★★★“Faten is exceptionally professional and meticulous. She personalizes each treatment, delivering impressive results. Highly recommended!”
★★★★★“Wonderful team. A special thanks to the wonderful Lara who was very attentive toward me and went out of her way to accommodate me.”
Your questions, answered
Can’t see your question? Our patient team is happy to help on 0207 361 1000.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides, often called the salmon sperm facial, are an injectable skin treatment made from biocompatible proteins derived from fish DNA, most commonly salmon. Because these proteins are closely similar to human DNA, they are well tolerated. Once injected under the skin, they trigger a cellular healing and renewal response that promotes collagen and elastin production and tissue regeneration.
Why are they called the salmon sperm facial?
The polynucleotides used in treatment are derived from fish DNA, most commonly salmon sperm, which is where the nickname comes from. They are given as injections under the skin rather than as a facial applied to the surface.
What can polynucleotides treat?
Polynucleotides improve the quality of the skin itself. They are used for fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, scarring and skin dehydration, and can be used on the forehead, the lips and under the eyes, for dark circles, fine lines and loss of skin volume. Their anti-inflammatory benefits can also help reduce redness.
Can polynucleotides be used under the eyes?
Yes. Under the eyes is one of the most popular areas, for dark circles, fine lines and thin, crepey skin. Polynucleotides can work in areas where typical skin boosters may be less effective.
How are polynucleotides different from other skin boosters such as Profhilo?
Hyaluronic acid boosters such as Profhilo mainly hydrate the skin by drawing in and holding moisture. Polynucleotides use nucleotides such as DNA and RNA to stimulate fibroblast activity, which supports collagen and elastin production, so they work on repairing and strengthening the skin. Your practitioner will suggest which suits your skin, and the two can be combined.
How many sessions will I need?
A course of three sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, is usually recommended. Your practitioner will tailor your course to your skin.
How long do results last?
Results typically last 6 months and more after a course. Individual results vary, and your practitioner will advise you on when to return.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. A topical anaesthetic cream is available if you would like one, and treatment takes around 30 minutes.
Is there any downtime?
No. There is no downtime, and you can go back to work straight away.
Who will carry out my treatment?
Injectable treatments at EF MEDISPA are only ever carried out by a doctor or a fully qualified nurse. Our injectables team is led by four doctors: Dr Marco La Malfa, our Lead Injector (GMC 6082116), Senior Dermatologist Dr Katerina Charakida (GMC 6030845), Aesthetic Physician Dr Asel Usupbaeva (GMC 6150757) and Dr Ivona Igerc (GDC 268228), with over 60 years of combined practice.
Are polynucleotides safe?
Polynucleotides are biocompatible, and because they are closely similar to human DNA, they are well tolerated. Every treatment starts with a consultation and a full medical history, and we only go ahead if treatment is safe and right for you. Please tell us about any allergies, medical conditions or medication.
Can polynucleotides be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Polynucleotides work on the skin itself, so they combine well with anti-wrinkle injections, which soften expression lines, and dermal fillers, which restore volume. Your practitioner will suggest the plan that suits you.
How much do polynucleotides cost?
Every plan is personal to your skin and the areas you’d like to treat, usually as a course of three sessions, so we talk you through your options and your investment at your complimentary consultation rather than online. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Which EF MEDISPA clinics offer polynucleotides?
All three. Our Kensington clinic on Kensington Church Street, our Chelsea clinic on the Kings Road and our St John’s Wood clinic on St John’s Wood High Street.
Where can I have polynucleotides in London?
Polynucleotides are available at all three of our clinics. Call or WhatsApp your nearest one.
Kensington
- Address
- 29 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4LL
- Stations
- High Street Kensington, Olympia
- Open
- Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 6pm, Thursday 11am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Chelsea
- Address
- 193 Kings Road, London SW3 5ED
- Stations
- Sloane Square, South Kensington
- Open
- Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm. Closed Sunday.
St John’s Wood
- Address
- 69 St John’s Wood High Street, London NW8 7NL
- Station
- St John’s Wood
- Open
- Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
You might also like to explore
- ProfhiloA hyaluronic acid treatment that improves tone, texture, elasticity, firmness, hydration and radiance.
- Anti-Wrinkle InjectionsSoften the expression lines that appear when you frown, smile or raise your eyebrows.
- Dermal FillersRestore volume and soften lines that stay when your face is relaxed.
This page was last updated in October 2026.
