Polynucleotides or fillers?

Polynucleotides: when are they the right choice?

Polynucleotides are biologically active molecules related to human DNA, obtained from purified and safe biological sources. Once introduced into the skin, they activate natural regeneration mechanisms, stimulate fibroblast activity, and promote increased synthesis of collagen, elastin, and the skin’s own hyaluronic acid.

As a result, the skin gradually restores its density, elasticity, and level of hydration, becoming more resistant to external and age-related factors. Polynucleotides work not superficially but at the cellular level — they do not mask imperfections, but help the skin regenerate from within.

What polynucleotides do:

• stimulate fibroblasts;
• activate collagen and elastin synthesis;
• improve microcirculation;
• reduce inflammation;
• restore the skin after stress, aggressive procedures, and photoaging.

Which concerns and skin types are they suitable for?

Polynucleotide injections are used not only to improve the condition of facial skin, but also in body treatments and recovery programs. At the same time, both the goals of the procedure and the injection technique vary depending on the area and the specific objectives.

• Face. Polynucleotides for the face are mainly used to restore skin quality and achieve gentle rejuvenation. In the periorbital area (polynucleotides under the eyes), they help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and dryness. In the forehead and glabellar area, they help smooth fine expression lines; in the cheeks and cheekbones, they increase tissue density and firmness. Polynucleotide biorevitalization in the jawline and facial contour area improves definition, while in the lip area and nasolabial folds it enhances elasticity and deep hydration without adding volume.
• Neck and décolleté. Biorevitalization with polynucleotides is effective for delicate areas that quickly lose tone. It helps reduce the appearance of “Venus rings,” minimize fine wrinkles, increase skin density, and restore optimal hydration levels.
• Body. Polynucleotide injections, such as Rejuran S polynucleotides, are widely used to improve skin quality on the body. The procedure helps increase turgor and elasticity in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms, and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Polynucleotides are effective for the skin after rapid weight loss or childbirth. In addition, they are often included in rehabilitation programs after device-based treatments, including laser procedures, RF lifting, ICOONE, and Ultraformer MPT.
• Recovery after aggressive procedures and injuries. Due to their regenerative effect, polynucleotides are widely used in recovery protocols after laser resurfacing, deep chemical peels, surgical procedures, and intensive device-based treatments to accelerate healing and improve tissue quality.

How often polynucleotides should be injected will be determined by a cosmetologist after a diagnostic assessment.

Fillers: when are they needed?

Fillers are injectable products, most commonly based on hyaluronic acid, that are introduced into the tissues to restore or create volume, correct facial contours, and smooth wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body, so with proper product selection and correct injection technique, fillers provide a predictable and controllable result.

The main purpose of fillers is to mechanically compensate for tissue loss that occurs with aging or due to anatomical features. They fill voids, support tissues from within, and restore facial proportions. Fillers allow the doctor to work with shape, relief, and symmetry, creating clearer contours and a more structured facial appearance.

Fillers are used in cases where changes are related not so much to skin quality as to the loss of volume or structural support. They are effective for:

• pronounced nasolabial folds;
• marionette lines;
• hollowing in the midface;
• an indistinct jawline.

Fillers are also used to correct asymmetry, shape the lips, cheekbones, and chin, and to restore harmonious proportions and overall facial balance.

The effect of fillers is noticeable almost immediately after the procedure. The face appears more voluminous, structured, and refreshed; wrinkles become less pronounced, and contours more defined. It is important to understand that fillers do not improve skin quality at the cellular level — they work specifically with shape and volume — which is why the best results are achieved when they are combined with regenerative treatments.

Key differences: polynucleotides vs fillers

Purpose of the procedure:

• Vitaran polynucleotides are aimed at skin restoration and overall skin health, activating natural regenerative processes at the cellular level.
• Fillers are used to correct facial shape, restore or create volume, and achieve well-defined contours.

Effect on volume and facial features:

• Polynucleotides — reviews show that they do not alter anatomical features or add volume, preserving natural facial expressions.
• Fillers directly affect facial features, allowing the modeling of proportions and symmetry.

Speed of results:

• Rejuran polynucleotides and similar products provide a gradual effect that develops over several weeks as tissues regenerate.
• Fillers deliver a visible result almost immediately after the procedure.

Duration of effect:

• Polynucleotides have a cumulative effect that remains after completing a course of treatments.
• Fillers typically provide a stable result for an average of 9 to 18 months, depending on the product and injection area.

Key differences between the treatments:

• Primary action: polynucleotides — regeneration; fillers — volume and shape.
• Impact on facial features: polynucleotides — no; fillers — yes.
• Speed of effect: polynucleotides — gradual; fillers — almost immediate.
• Improvement of skin quality: polynucleotides — yes; fillers — partially.

What to choose in typical situations?

• Thin, dehydrated skin. The optimal choice is polynucleotides, as they improve skin quality, increase density and hydration, and activate natural regeneration processes without changing volume.
• Loss of volume. In this case, fillers are more appropriate, as they compensate for tissue deficiency, restore facial proportions, and improve contour definition.
• Desire for a natural-looking result. If the priority is the most delicate and subtle effect possible, polynucleotides are the better choice. They do not alter facial features but enhance appearance by improving skin health.
• Need for a fast result. When results are required in the shortest possible time, fillers are the optimal solution, as their effect is visible almost immediately after the procedure. By contrast, the results of under-eye polynucleotides become noticeable only over time.

Can polynucleotides and fillers be combined?

Can fillers and polynucleotides be combined? There are no contraindications to such a combination. On the contrary, this approach often delivers the best results.
In modern cosmetology, these methods are frequently used together:

• first, polynucleotides — to prepare and “revitalize” the skin;
• then, fillers — for targeted volume correction;
• or conversely, to maintain skin quality after contouring procedures.

This approach looks максимально natural and reduces the risk of complications.

Book a consultation with the cosmetologists at the LeoDerm clinic. The specialists will explain what polynucleotides and fillers are, clarify the differences between them, and help you choose the optimal option specifically for you.