PRP vs polynucleotides: how they differ, what they cost and what to ask
Both are offered for the same three problems: tired under-eyes, scars and a general skin refresh. One comes from a vial, the other from a blood draw. Which Dr Leah would use for a given pair of eyes turns on one feature of the under-eye area.
In The Ageless Blueprint, Dr Leah rates PRP for four uses and polynucleotides for five concerns, all out of 10, and explains where each one wins. This page covers what any patient should know before booking either.Side by side
| PRP | Polynucleotides | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Platelet-rich plasma: a sample of your own blood, spun to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected back into the skin | Purified DNA fragments, generally derived from fish, supplied as a ready-made injectable to improve skin quality |
| Generally used for | Thin-skinned dark circles and fine under-eye lines, scars, pattern hair loss and overall skin quality | Crepey under-eye skin and dark circles, selected scars and general facial rejuvenation |
| Areas treated | Under-eyes, face, scalp, scars | Under-eyes, face, scars on the face or body |
| Results | Gradual improvement in skin texture, under-eye quality or hair density over the course; subtle on the face as a whole | Gradual improvement in hydration, texture and fine lines; will not fill a hollow or remove a bag |
| Sessions | Three for the face and under-eyes; four to six for hair | Two or three to start, then maintenance by result |
| Downtime | Small raised blebs for several hours; bruising or swelling can last longer | Swelling, bruising and raised injection points for a few days, most visible around the eyes |
| Discomfort | A blood draw from the arm or hand, then injections many people find uncomfortable; a longer appointment | The product stings on injection and contains no anaesthetic |
| Typical UK price | £250 to £500 per session for the face; £300 to £600 per session for hair | £200 to £450 per session |
| Main risks | Bruising, swelling and infection; no allergy risk from the product itself because it is your own blood; difficult blood draws in some patients | Bruising, swelling, temporary lumps and infection; may make existing puffiness more prominent; allergy to fish-derived ingredients |
The practical differences
PRP in brief
- Made from you: nothing foreign is injected, which some patients value above all else
- The appointment is longer and more involved, with a blood draw and centrifuge step before any injection
- The one treatment of the two with a track record for pattern hair loss, best while follicles are still active
- A course of at least three is standard, so the total cost and time commitment are higher than a single price suggests
Polynucleotides in brief
- Ready in a syringe, so the appointment is short and the dose is consistent
- Products such as Plinest, Nucleofill and AMEELA have eye-specific formulations
- Evidence includes a randomised trial on surgical scars and a small split-face trial around the eyes, although the research base is still young
- Not a treatment for eye bags or for a deep hollow under the eye
Five things to ask before you book either
- Under my eyes, is the problem thin skin, a hollow, a bag or pigmentation? Which of those will this treatment improve?
- If I have any puffiness under my eyes, which of the two would you choose and why?
- For PRP, which centrifuge system do you use and how long will the whole appointment take?
- For polynucleotides, which product will you use, and do I need to declare a fish allergy?
- How many sessions are in the course, what is the total price, and what change should I expect by the end?
Dr Leah’s verdict on both is in the guide
Chapter 7 of The Ageless Blueprint rates PRP out of 10 for the under-eyes, scars, pattern hair loss and overall facial skin quality, with a separate rating for PRF, and gives Dr Leah’s view on whether the blood draw, longer appointment and course are worth it. Chapter 4 rates polynucleotides for five concerns and explains the under-eye feature that leads Dr Leah to one treatment rather than the other. Nine pages, with illustrations.
This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess your face, skin and medical history. Prices are typical UK ranges, accurate as of September 2026, and vary between clinics. For adults aged 18 and over.
Common questions
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is made from your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then injected. Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, usually from fish, supplied in a syringe. Both aim to improve skin quality gradually rather than add volume.
Both are used for dark circles caused by thin skin, and neither fixes a shadow caused by a deep hollow or pigmentation. The guide gives Dr Leah’s rating for each and explains which under-eye feature tips the choice.
PRP for the face, including the under-eyes, is usually a course of three; PRP for hair loss is four to six. Polynucleotides are usually two or three initial sessions, then maintenance depending on the result.