PRP or polynucleotides?
Both belong to 'regenerative aesthetics': they fill nothing but make the skin renew itself. The differences lie in origin, course and evidence.
Own-blood plasma or DNA fragments from salmon: both stimulate the skin to regenerate, in different ways.
Own blood versus biopolymer.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is obtained from your own blood: after the blood draw, platelets are concentrated in a centrifuge; their growth factors stimulate fibroblasts and new vessel formation. It is injected or worked in with microneedling. No foreign material, no allergy risk.
Polynucleotides are highly purified DNA fragments, mostly from salmon germ cells, injected as a gel. They act as antioxidants, bind water and stimulate fibroblasts – the skin becomes denser and more elastic. Standardised product, consistent quality.
Typical cases: hair loss, acne scars, general skin renewal combined with needling – PRP. Thin skin under the eyes, neck, décolleté, hands, skin preparation before fillers – polynucleotides. Both suit patients who want 'nothing foreign' or 'nothing filled'.
Evidence: PRP has been studied for years, with good data for hair and scars and mixed data for wrinkles. Polynucleotides are newer; studies show improvement in elasticity and skin thickness, long-term data are still limited.
At a glance.
| Criterion | PRP | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | own blood | salmon DNA, purified |
| Principle | growth factors | DNA fragments, antioxidant |
| Allergy risk | practically none | very low (note fish allergy) |
| Course | blood draw + centrifuge, 45 min | injection, 20–30 min |
| Sessions | 3–4, 4 weeks apart | 2–3, 3–4 weeks apart |
| Strengths | hair, scars, with needling | eye area, neck, thin skin |
| Durability | 6–12 months | 6–12 months |
| Guide price | from €250 per area | from €250 per area |
Simplified comparison. Which method suits you follows only from examination and consultation. Prices are guide values under the GOÄ; the individual amount is stated in writing before treatment.
A question about PRP or polynucleotides?? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppThe essentials.
Important note.
This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.
Frequently asked questions.
Can PRP and polynucleotides be combined?
Yes, increasingly so – for example PRP with needling across the face and polynucleotides under the eyes.
I have a fish allergy – are polynucleotides off limits?
The proteins are removed, reactions are not described; still, with a severe fish allergy PRP is preferred.
Sources and further reading.
- German Society of Dermatology (DDG)
- DermNet – dermatology reference
- American Academy of Dermatology
- PubMed – biomedical literature database
- NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Medical Association North Rhine – patient information
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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