Polynucleotides in St Ives
Polynucleotides are a regenerative injectable that improves the quality of your skin rather than adding volume. At Avismo in St Ives they are one of our most popular treatments for thin, tired skin under the eyes, across the face and on the neck.
- From
- £225
- Appointment
- 30 minutes
- Results
- Build gradually over a course of 2 to 3 sessions
- Lasts
- Several months, with maintenance every 6 months
- Downtime
- Minimal, most people return to normal the same day
What polynucleotides are and how they work
Polynucleotides are chains of highly purified DNA fragments. Once placed in the skin, they act on your fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and elastin, encouraging them to work more effectively. They also help the skin hold on to water and support a healthier skin barrier.
Unlike dermal filler, polynucleotides do not add volume and they will not change the shape of your face. The change they bring is in the skin itself: better hydration, more bounce, a smoother surface and a fresher, less tired look. Many people describe the result as their skin simply looking healthier.
At Avismo we use the Polyphil range, which has separate formulations for different areas, including the face, the delicate eye area and the scalp. Your practitioner will recommend the right one for you at your consultation.
Polynucleotides for under-eyes
The skin under your eyes is some of the thinnest on your body, and it is often the first place to show tiredness, dehydration and the early signs of ageing. Crepey texture, fine lines and a darker, shadowed look are common concerns, and they are not always helped by filler.
Where the problem is the quality of the skin rather than a true hollow, polynucleotides under the eyes can be a better fit. Polyphil Eye is placed with a series of very fine, shallow injections around the eye area to thicken and hydrate the skin over time. It is a gentle option for people who want to look more rested without adding volume.
If you do have a hollow as well, your consultation will look at both. Sometimes a course of polynucleotides is recommended first to improve the skin, and a structural treatment is discussed later, if at all. We will always be honest if polynucleotides are unlikely to give you the result you are hoping for.
Face, neck and décolletage
Beyond the eyes, polynucleotides are used across the face, on the neck and on the décolletage, where skin can look thin, crepey or sun-tired. They are a good choice if you want gradual, natural-looking improvement in texture, firmness and radiance rather than a dramatic change.
A course of 2 to 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart is usually recommended, followed by a single maintenance treatment every 6 months. Results build slowly as the skin regenerates, so most people notice the difference over the weeks after their second and third sessions rather than straight away.
Why choose a nurse-led clinic in St Ives
Polynucleotide treatments at Avismo are carried out by our injecting team: Karen, our founder, a registered nurse since 2000 and a V300 independent nurse prescriber with a Level 7 qualification in aesthetic medicine, or Lorna, an HCPC-registered operating department practitioner with more than three years in aesthetics. Both are regulated healthcare professionals and work to the same clinical standards.
Avismo is Save Face accredited and was recommended in The Tweakments Guide in 2026. Every treatment starts with a free consultation, and you are never under any pressure to go ahead on the day.
Results
See real results at your consultation
We only show before and afters of our own clients, with their written consent, so there are none online for this treatment yet. Ask at your free consultation and we will show you examples in person.
On the day
What happens at your appointment
- 01 We go through your medical history, check you are suitable and talk through the area you would like to treat.
- 02 Your skin is cleansed and numbing cream can be applied to keep you comfortable.
- 03 Small amounts of Polyphil are placed with fine injections across the treatment area, which takes around 30 minutes.
- 04 You may see small raised bumps at the injection points, which usually settle within a day or so.
- 05 You leave with written aftercare and a plan for your next session in 3 to 4 weeks.
Safety
What you need to know before polynucleotides
Every treatment carries risk. Nothing here replaces the consultation, where all of this is discussed with you before you consent to anything.
Not suitable if
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergy to fish or fish products, as polynucleotides are usually derived from purified fish DNA
- Active infection, cold sores or inflamed skin in the treatment area
- Autoimmune conditions or immunosuppressive treatment, assessed individually
- Blood thinning medication or a bleeding disorder, assessed individually
Common and expected
- Small raised bumps at the injection points for the first day
- Mild redness, swelling or tenderness for a few days
- Bruising, which is more likely around the eyes
Serious risks
Serious complications are uncommon. As with any injection, infection is possible and is reduced by careful preparation of the skin and good aftercare. Allergic reactions are rare, and a fish allergy is checked before treatment. Polynucleotides are placed superficially in small amounts and are not a volumising filler, but any injectable should only be given by a trained medical professional who can recognise and manage complications. You will be given a number to call if you have any concerns after treatment.
Aftercare
- Avoid touching or rubbing the area for the rest of the day
- No makeup over the injection points for 12 hours
- Avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas and steam rooms for 24 hours
- Sleep slightly elevated for the first night if you have had your eyes treated
- Avoid other facial treatments over the area for two weeks
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day
Polynucleotides
| Polyphil, single treatment | £225 |
| Polyphil, course of 3 | £600 |
| Polyphil Eye, single treatment | £225 |
| Polyphil Eye, course of 3 | £600 |
| Polyphil Next, single treatment | £225 |
| Polyphil Next, course of 3 | £600 |
| Polyphil Hair, single treatment | £225 |
| Polyphil Hair, course of 3 | £600 |
Consultations are free. Booking and payment are handled through our secure online booking system. Full price list.
Questions
Are polynucleotides a filler?
No. They do not add volume or change your facial shape. They work by improving the quality of the skin, so the result is healthier, more hydrated skin rather than a structural change.
Do polynucleotides work under the eyes?
They can be very helpful for crepey skin, fine lines and a tired, shadowed look under the eyes, particularly where the skin is thin. They will not fill a deep hollow or remove eye bags, and your consultation will explain what is realistic for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people have a course of 2 to 3 treatments, 3 to 4 weeks apart, then a maintenance treatment every 6 months. A course of three costs £600.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe mild discomfort. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand, and the injections are small and shallow.
When will I see results?
Results develop gradually as your skin regenerates, so there is little to see on the day. Most people notice improvements in texture, firmness and hydration over the course, and these last for several months.
Do I need a consultation first?
Your consultation is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. It is where we check your medical history, talk through what you would like to change, and agree a plan together.
Do you see clients from Huntingdon, St Neots and Cambridge?
Yes. Avismo is on Edison Road in St Ives, and many of our clients travel in from Huntingdon, which is roughly 15 minutes away by car, and from St Neots and Cambridge, which are around 30 minutes. We also see a lot of people from the villages around St Ives, including Hemingford Grey, Houghton, Fenstanton and Somersham. Appointments can be booked online at a time that suits your journey.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 48 hours notice if you need to move or cancel your appointment, so the time can be offered to someone else. Deposits and late-cancellation terms are explained when you book through our online booking system.
Your practitioners
Looked after by the Avismo team
Every practitioner here is a registered healthcare professional, trained in this treatment and working to the same clinical standards, so you are in safe hands whoever you see.
Karen Moseley
Founder, Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber
Founded Avismo in 2014 after many years in the NHS. Karen carries out every prescription consultation in person.
Lorna
Operating Department Practitioner
An HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner with more than 19 years in healthcare, who joined the team in May 2025.
Avismo Skin
From the Avismo Skin range
Home skincare from the clinic's own range. We can tell you at a free skincare consultation which, if any, suit your skin.
Client reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google by 93 clients
I’ve been seeing Lorna for years now, and I honestly wouldn’t trust anyone else. As always, she did an amazing job with my HIFU and [anti-wrinkle] treatments. What I really appreciate is how clear and honest she is from the start—she explains exactly what to expect (and makes it clear it’s not a facelift), which I find so reassuring. The results still speak for themselves though—I’m absolutely delighted. Lorna always takes the time to understand what’s right for me and never overdoes anything, which is why I keep going back. I trust her completely, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for natural, professional results.
I can't speak highly enough of Karen. Her care, skill, medical knowledge, and eye for the aesthetic is incredible. If you're thinking of exploring injectables, go straight to this lady.
I had my first appointment with Lorna for [anti-wrinkle treatment], I was nervous but I was soon put at ease. The treatment was done slowly and carefully, I'm 3 days post treatment, I have no bruising and looking forward to seeing the finished result. The clinic is lovely and clean and spacious, I cant wait for my next treatment in July.
Excellent friendly service with Lorna, the clinic is spotlessly clean and I’m always happy with the results. Thank you!!
I’ve tried laser hair removal at other places before, but this has by far been the best and most effective experience! I’ve noticed a real difference from my very first session. The space is incredibly clean and calming, and Andrea provides such a professional and thorough service, always making me feel comfortable and at ease. Highly recommend!
I’ve recently had a skin booster with Karen and have most definitely seen a difference. Karen has treatments to suit everyone so highly recommend her as there is absolutely no pressure. You always leave feeling good.
The team here are so fantastic. They’re so good at identifying the specific treatment plan you need, and Lorna always does the best job, I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Had HIFU with Andrea. Felt very cared for and informed, the full face and neck treatment was administered efficiently in a relaxed environment. I would recommend and will be returning to Andrea in the future.
Karen is great! Really warm, professional and I’m over the moon with the results. I will definitely be returning for future treatments.
I had a really lovely experience at this clinic. The clinic itself is spotless, welcoming and professional, and the staff are medically trained, which gives you real confidence in the care and advice you receive. What really stood out to me was the holistic approach. Rather than focusing on one specific area or simply trying to make you look younger, the advice was centred on enhancing my natural features in a way that feels right for my age. The approach is thoughtful, personalised and genuinely rooted in medical knowledge. I felt listened to, reassured and in very safe hands. I cannot recommend this clinic enough to anyone looking for a professional, considered and natural approach to aesthetics.
Had a lovely HIFU treatment with Andrea. Very friendly and professional. Was my first cosmetic treatment and couldn't have asked for a better one. Wonderful experience.
Karen is brilliant, she gave me some great advice suggesting a different area to what I thought I needed and the results were perfect! She definitely knows what she is doing and gives you choices to enhance your face. Would highly recommend her to anyone.
I felt so understood by Andrea and bonus that she has professional background of my journey. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable along with privacy and reassurance. I am looking forward to my next session. If anyone is considering acupuncture please come and have a chat with this team.
Karen & Lorna are truly professional, it was my first time and I can say I’m very pleased with the result! Would highly recommend!
I visited Karen for my first ever treatment. I was immediately impressed by her professionalism, knowledge, and warm welcome. I felt instantly reassured ahead of the treatment, and was extremely pleased with the results. It was a fabulous experience, in which I felt safe due to her professional background. I have already rebooked!
I have been having treatments with Karen for 8 years, she is fantastic at what she does, a complete professional. When making decisions about ‘tweakments’ you want to be sure you’re in safe hands and you absolutely would be. I have recently started my laser hair removal journey with Lorna and I cannot recommend enough, I have seen a noticeable difference from my first session. Lorna makes you feel completely comfortable and explains the whole process. Thank you dream team!
Karen listens to concerns and the objective desired, discusses the treatment options available and their outcome, she did not just advise the most expensive! Karen made me feel at ease, I will definitely be revisiting!
Always a great experience having a treatment. Karen listens and advises, puts you at ease and is so knowledgeable. She’s the best around if you’re hoping for natural looking enhancements. Extremely happy with the results, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Karen runs a really lovely clinic for aesthetics. I’d been wanting to give micro-needling a go for about a year and wish I hadn’t waited so long. Karen is super-professional and the procedure was not painful at all. Karen will put you at ease immediately.
Really wonderful treatment with Andrea. She explained everything so well and was very thorough and professional. The place is amazing- so lovely and clean. I will definitely be back!
This was the first time i had ever had any treatment. The whole experience was amazing. Lorna was very professional and explained everything to me. And made me feel comfortable. I am very pleased with the results. Very pleased that those lines have gone 😊 Thank you
Karen was warm, professional, and very knowledgeable. She explained everything clearly, which made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the treatment. I had microneedling and am so far pleased with the results. I was looking for a more natural way to rejuvenate my skin, and this feels like exactly the right treatment for me. Thank you, Karen!
Karen is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, she has given me a variety of aesthetic treatments over the years and I have always been very pleased with the results. She has also advised me about skin care regimes to help optimise results.
I went through crytherapy treatment for skin tags on my face and chest area twice now with Karen. Both times the marks disappeared without a trace. The treatment is not painful at all however it could be a little unpleasant but Karen made it easier and more bearable with her professional approach and lovely personality. I will definitely recommend this place to everyone who wants professional support on affordable price.
Karen has done facial peels and also micro needling for me for over a year and I have been delighted with the results every time. She is a highly qualified nurse prescriber and, working in the NHS myself, I feel huge confidence in her skills and knowledge, and feel very safe in her hands.
I had the most fantastic treatment with Karen. She takes her time in explaining the treatment in detail and she makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Super professional and would highly recommend Avismo.
Karen is brilliant at what she does, fills you with confidence both during and after your treatment and always has time for your queries. It's also very comforting to know that your practitioner is a trained nurse with many years of experience behind her.
Karen takes the time to listen and understand what I want from my treatment. Her clinical experience and the compassion she has for the care of her clients fulfils the 100% trust and reassurance I look for.
I would highly recommend Karen at Avismo Aesthetics. She is very friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of skincare and treatments. Already booked in for my next appointment!
Not sure where to start?
Your consultation is free and there is no obligation to book anything afterwards. Tell us what you would like to change and we will talk you through the options honestly, including when the answer is to wait.