Polynucleotides & Pregnancy

Stretch marks and incisional scars go hand in hand with childbirth. While they can be beautiful reminders of the strength and resilience of your body, we also appreciate that you may have concerns you would like to address

Scars and Stretch Marks in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of phenomenal change, emotionally and physiologically, as well as in terms of physical appearance.

Around one third of birthing people in the UK are having their children by Caesarean section, leaving a small, usually horizontal scar as a physical reminder of the incredible process their body went through to deliver their child. This incision is closed when a Caesarean section is concluded, to allow the tissues to heal by a process known as primary intention. The body restores the wounded area either with fibrotic scar tissue - wound repair - or tissue that resembles the area’s original structure and function - wound regeneration - or a combination of both.

For all pregnant people, stretch marks are a common physical sign that develop as the uterus expands and stretches the overlying skin beyond its elastic capacity. This causes tearing and dysregulation of collagen and elastin fibres that lie beneath the skin’s surface, giving rise to the thin, often shiny appearance of stretch marks.

Where do polynucleotides fit in?

Polynucleotides provide a revolutionary treatment option for stretch marks and incisional scars associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Composed of highly purified fragments of fish DNA, polynucleotides are injected just under the surface of the skin, where they promote cell renewal, increase collagen production and promote wound healing and repair. They help restore connective tissue at the site of scars and stretch marks to resemble more closely the original tissue in both structure and function - wound regeneration.

Why polynucleotides over other scar treatments?

Polynucleotides have a much lower risk profile compared to other products on the market, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, and are associated with significantly less downtime than other procedures that target stretch marks and scars, such as laser treatment. 

When can you have treatment with polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but can be considered once your nursing journey is complete and, if relevant, your incisional scar is fully healed (typically at least 6 - 12 weeks postpartum).

What to expect during and after treatment

For optimal results, we recommend a course of at least three polynucleotides treatments, each spaced 2 - 4 weeks apart. Polynucleotides are administered by a series of superficial injections, and some pain and stinging is expected so a topical anaesthetic cream is applied before we start the procedure. Following treatment, you may experience some redness, inflammation and small welts which resolve over 1 - 3 days.

Polynucleotides begin to work straight away, with noticeable results from approximately 4 weeks that continue to build for approximately 12 weeks. 

Polynucleotides aren’t suitable for everyone

Unfortunately, while their risk profile is significantly lower than other treatments available, there are still some circumstances where treatment with polynucleotides isn’t appropriate. The fragments of DNA are derived from fish, so this treatment is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy or severe food allergies. Those prone to keloid scarring should also not have this treatment and as already mentioned, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In my clinic, we will always discuss your medical history at length as well as your treatment goals to determine if polynucleotides are the best treatment for you.

Want to know more?

You can find more information on polynucleotides here. If you’re interested in exploring polynucleotides to address your stretch marks or incisional scar, we offer a range of pregnancy & postpartum packages which include polynucleotide treatment and are able to create a package bespoke to you.

If you have any questions, I would be delighted to see you in clinic. Appointments can be booked using the link below.