Treatment comparison
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) vs Polynucleotides
PRP vs polynucleotides at The London Road Clinic, Newark. Compare these regenerative injectables for skin quality, fine lines and rejuvenation, and understand which suits your concern.
Side by side
At a glance
| Compare | Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Concentrated platelets derived from your own blood | Purified nucleic-acid fragments used as a regenerative injectable |
| Source | Autologous: drawn from you on the day of treatment | Externally prepared purified extract |
| How it works | Growth factors and regenerative cells support tissue repair when injected or microneedled into the target area | Supports skin repair processes, hydration and elasticity at a cellular level over time |
| Main concerns | Skin quality, early ageing changes, mild acne scarring, dull skin, early hair thinning | Fine lines, crepey texture, loss of firmness, particularly in delicate areas such as around the eyes and mid-face |
| Sessions needed | A course recommended for progressive results | Short course, often 2 to 3 sessions depending on area and goal |
| Downtime | Mild redness for 1 to 3 days; temporary bruising or swelling at treatment sites | Usually minimal; temporary redness or small injection-site marks can occur |
| Results timeline | Builds over weeks to months | Builds gradually over several weeks as skin quality improves |
| Price from | From £150 | From £200 |
The science
How each treatment works
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP begins with a small blood draw, which is then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and regenerative cells. This concentrate is injected or microneedled into the target area, whether that is the scalp, face or under-eyes. The clinic also offers iPRF, which incorporates a fibrin matrix that may help prolong growth-factor release. The goal throughout is to support repair and renewal using your own biology.
Full Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) details →Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are purified nucleic-acid fragments used in regenerative injectable treatments. Unlike dermal filler, they do not add volume or change facial shape. Instead, they work over time to support skin repair processes, improve hydration and build elasticity. At The London Road Clinic they are particularly used for fine lines, crepey texture and reduced firmness in delicate areas such as the eye area and mid-face.
Full Polynucleotides details →Clinical perspective
Which is right for you?
PRP and polynucleotides are both regenerative injectables designed to improve skin quality over time rather than change facial shape or add volume. They share some overlap in how they are used, but their source material, mechanism and ideal applications differ. PRP begins with a blood draw. The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and regenerative cells from your own circulation, and the resulting concentrate is then injected or microneedled into the target area. The clinic also offers iPRF, which incorporates a fibrin matrix that may help sustain the release of growth factors over a longer period. Because PRP uses your own biology, allergy risk is very low. It is used for a broad range of concerns including dull skin, early lines, mild acne scarring and early hair thinning, and can be applied across the face, under-eyes and scalp. Polynucleotides are a prepared external treatment. Purified nucleic-acid fragments are injected into the skin to support repair processes, hydration and elasticity at a cellular level. Unlike filler, they do not add volume or change the shape of the face. They are particularly valued for delicate areas such as around the eyes and mid-face where filler may not be the most appropriate choice, and where the goal is a gradual, natural improvement in skin resilience and tone rather than an immediate structural change. Both treatments are courses rather than single-session fixes, and results build over weeks. The choice between them is often guided by the specific concern and area. If you prefer an autologous approach using your own biology, PRP may suit you better. If your primary concern is delicate-area skin quality without any volumising effect, polynucleotides are often a well-matched choice. Your clinician will consider both options at consultation and advise which is more appropriate for your skin and goals.
Finding the right fit
Who each treatment suits
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Adults who prefer a regenerative treatment that uses their own biology with minimal allergy risk
- Those with dull skin, early ageing changes, mild acne scarring or early hair thinning on the scalp
- Those who want flexibility: PRP can be applied across the face, under-eyes and scalp in a single session
Polynucleotides
- Adults primarily concerned by fine lines, crepey texture or loss of firmness, especially in delicate areas such as around the eyes and mid-face
- Those who want a regenerative injectable with predictable, steady improvement without adding bulk
- Those who want the benefits of a regenerative treatment without the blood draw step
Common questions
Frequently asked
What is the main difference between PRP and polynucleotides?
Which is better for under-eye skin quality?
Is PRP suitable for hair thinning as well as skin?
Do either of these treatments add volume to the face?
How many sessions are usually needed?
When will I see results from either treatment?
Are either of these treatments suitable during pregnancy?
Explore each treatment
Read the full treatment details
65 London Road, Newark
Still not sure which is right for you?
Your clinician will assess your skin, talk through both options and give you an honest recommendation, including if neither is the right choice. No obligation to proceed.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahe Boghossian, Medical Consultant, GMC 5204600 . Last reviewed 23 May 2026.
