A lot of men reach a point where good sleep and a decent skincare routine stop being enough. The skin around the eyes looks tired no matter what, the cheeks lose a little spring, old acne scars still catch the light, and a tan that used to fade now leaves things looking weathered. Fillers and neuromodulators address some of that, but they change shape or freeze movement, which is not what most men want for skin that simply looks worn rather than aged in structure.
Polynucleotides sit in a different category. Instead of filling or relaxing, they are injectable fragments of purified DNA that signal the skin to repair and rebuild itself. They have moved quickly from a niche regenerative tool into one of the more requested skin treatments in Bangkok, partly because the city has experienced injectors and partly because the pricing is a fraction of what the same vials cost in London or Los Angeles. This guide covers what polynucleotides actually are, how the brands differ, what they cost here with transparent THB and USD figures, who is and is not a good candidate, what recovery looks like, the realistic results, the risks, and how to choose a clinic that will not cut corners.
A quick note before the detail: polynucleotide treatment is a medical procedure. It requires a consultation with a licensed doctor who reviews your history, examines your skin, and confirms it is appropriate for you. Nothing below replaces that assessment.
What polynucleotides are
Polynucleotides (often shortened to PN) are long chains of purified DNA fragments, most commonly extracted from the gonadal cells of salmon or trout and then filtered to remove proteins and other contaminants. The end product is a clear gel that is highly compatible with human tissue because DNA is structurally similar across species. When injected into the skin, it does not act as a foreign filler that sits in place. It is broken down over weeks while it sends repair signals to the surrounding cells.
The headline mechanism is fibroblast stimulation. Fibroblasts are the cells in your dermis responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and resilient. Polynucleotides encourage these cells to become more active, which over time increases collagen synthesis, improves elasticity, and supports hydration. A 2024 review in the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences* summarized the proposed action as the ability to "stimulate collagen synthesis, improve skin elasticity, and enhance tissue hydration," and noted no serious adverse events across the studies it examined (Lee KWA, et al., 2024).
There is a related ingredient you will see used almost interchangeably in marketing, and it is worth getting straight because it affects what a product does. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is made of shorter DNA chains than PN. A 2025 paper in *Pharmaceutics* drew the distinction cleanly: longer PN fragments are better at extracellular matrix remodeling and behave more like a structural, hydrating gel, while the shorter PDRN fragments work mainly through adenosine A2A receptor activation to drive wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support new tissue (Kim, 2025). The mechanistic detail behind PDRN, including how A2A receptor signaling boosts growth factors like VEGF to support blood-vessel formation and collagen synthesis, was reviewed in *Biomaterials Research* in 2025 (Oh N, et al., 2025). In plain terms: most aesthetic "polynucleotide" products blend these effects, and the practical takeaway is regeneration and skin-quality repair rather than volume.
Why men ask for them specifically
Male skin is, on average, thicker and oilier than female skin, with a denser collagen network in youth that then declines at a fairly steady pace. The places men tend to show wear first are the under-eye area, the mid-cheek, and the jaw and neck, along with the textural legacy of teenage or adult acne. These are exactly the zones where adding volume tends to look off on a male face. A man with hollow, crepey under-eyes usually does not want a filler that risks puffiness; he wants the skin itself to look thicker and less tired.
That is the core reason polynucleotides have found a male audience in Bangkok. They improve the quality of the skin (firmness, smoothness, hydration, scar texture) without reshaping the face. The Menscape polynucleotide treatment for men page frames it the same way, emphasizing a non-volumizing result that keeps a natural masculine texture. For men weighing this against a hyaluronic-acid skin booster or a volumizing filler, our explainers on polynucleotides vs Rejuran and skin boosters for men in Bangkok are useful companions.
Common reasons men book:
Tired, thin, or lined under-eyes that do not suit filler
Dull, rough, or sun-damaged skin texture on the cheeks
Atrophic (depressed) acne scars and general post-acne skin quality
Early laxity along the jaw and lower face
Overall "skin tune-up" before a wedding, milestone, or simply to look less worn
The main products you will be offered
In Bangkok you will mostly encounter Korean and Italian polynucleotide brands. They are broadly similar in concept but differ in concentration, fragment profile, and what each variant targets.
Rejuran (Korea). The most recognized name. The original Rejuran (sometimes called Healer) targets overall skin quality on the face. Rejuran i is a thinner formulation for the delicate under-eye area. Rejuran HB combines polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid for added hydration, and Rejuran S is positioned for scars and more localized repair. If a clinic talks about "Rejuran types," this is the range they mean. Our dedicated guide to Rejuran for men goes deeper on the variants.
Plinest and Newest (Italy). Plinest uses an Italian purification process and is frequently chosen for sensitive skin. Newest is a related product in the same family aimed at hydration and fine lines. These are pure polynucleotide products without added hyaluronic acid.
PDRN-based injectables. Some clinics carry PDRN-forward products marketed for wound-healing and brightening effects. As noted above, the shorter-fragment chemistry leans more toward repair and anti-inflammatory action.
A good doctor chooses the product to the problem. Under-eyes get a fine, eye-specific formula. Scarring may get a more concentrated or repair-focused option. Generalized dullness across the cheeks may get a standard skin-quality polynucleotide. You should expect a recommendation with a reason behind it, not a one-size vial.
Pricing in Bangkok, with US and UK comparison
Bangkok pricing depends on the brand, the number of vials, the area treated, and the clinic's positioning. The figures below are indicative ranges gathered from Bangkok clinic pricing in 2026 and should be confirmed at your consultation, since your plan may need one vial or several. USD conversions use an approximate rate of THB 33 to USD 1.
Treatment | Bangkok (THB) | Bangkok (USD approx.) | Typical US / UK equivalent | Indicative saving |
Single session, eye area (e.g. Rejuran i, Newest) | 9,000 – 16,000 | 270 – 485 | USD 600 – 1,000 | ~45 – 60% |
Single session, full face (standard PN) | 12,000 – 22,000 | 365 – 665 | USD 700 – 1,200 | ~40 – 55% |
Full starter course (3 – 4 sessions) | 30,000 – 70,000 | 910 – 2,120 | USD 2,000 – 4,500 | ~50 – 65% |
Yearly maintenance (1 – 2 sessions) | 12,000 – 30,000 | 365 – 910 | USD 700 – 2,000 | ~50% |
Two honest caveats. First, the lowest Bangkok prices sometimes reflect a smaller vial size or a single zone rather than the whole face, so compare what is actually included, not just the headline number. Second, savings versus the West are real but vary with the exchange rate and the specific clinic, so treat the percentages as a guide rather than a promise.
What drives the cost
Brand and country of origin. Rejuran and premium Italian products usually sit at the higher end.
Number of vials and area. Full face plus neck uses more product than under-eyes alone.
Concentration and variant. Scar-focused or combination formulas can cost more than a basic skin-quality vial.
Injector seniority. A specialist doctor's time is priced differently from a junior practitioner's.
Clinic overhead and location. Central Bangkok medical clinics with anaesthetic, sterile facilities, and proper aftercare cost more than a walk-in beauty shop, and that difference is usually worth paying.
Course versus single session. Most clinics discount a pre-paid course of three to four sessions.
Who is a good candidate, and who is not
Polynucleotides suit men who want better skin quality rather than a change in facial shape. The strongest candidates have mild to moderate skin laxity, dullness, fine lines, sun damage, or textural acne scarring, and have realistic expectations that improvement is gradual.
This treatment is generally not the right first choice if:
You want noticeable volume or contour change. That is a filler conversation, not a polynucleotide one. See our facial fillers for men overview.
Your main concern is deep, structural folds or significant sagging. Energy-based skin tightening or other modalities may fit better.
You expect a single session to transform your skin. A course is needed, and results are subtle.
Contraindications
A doctor will usually advise against, or postpone, treatment in these situations:
Known allergy to fish or to any component of the product. Although purification removes most allergenic proteins and many products are tolerated even by people with fish allergies, a confirmed allergy still warrants caution and a frank discussion.
Active skin infection, inflammation, or breakout at the planned injection site.
Active or untreated autoimmune conditions, depending on severity and specialist advice.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, where safety data are lacking, so treatment is typically deferred.
A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, which needs individual assessment.
Current use of blood thinners or a bleeding disorder, which raises bruising risk and should be flagged in advance.
This is exactly why the consultation matters. Polynucleotide treatment is prescription-only and requires a licensed doctor to confirm it is safe for your history before anything is injected.
What a session is actually like
The procedure is quick and done in clinic, usually start to finish in around 30 to 45 minutes.
Consultation and mapping. The doctor examines your skin, confirms the goals, selects the product, and marks the injection points.
Cleansing and numbing. The area is cleaned and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied, then left for roughly 20 to 30 minutes so the injections are comfortable. Most men describe the sensation as small pricks rather than real pain.
Injection. The polynucleotide is placed as a series of small microinjections across the target zone, or sometimes as fine linear threads. Technique varies by area and product.
Immediate aftercare. The skin is cleaned and soothed. Tiny bumps or "blebs" where the gel was deposited are normal and settle within a day or two.
You can drive yourself home and return to work the same day in most cases, keeping in mind the short aftercare rules below.
Recovery, staged
Day 0 to 2. Small raised bumps at injection points, mild redness, and occasional pinpoint bruising. These usually fade within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid touching or massaging the area.
First 24 to 48 hours. Skip alcohol, intense exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga, all of which increase swelling and bruising. Keep the area clean and avoid heavy makeup over fresh injection points.
Day 3 to 7. Most visible after-effects have resolved. Any focal bruising typically clears within about a week, consistent with what controlled studies of polynucleotide injection report (Hong JY, et al., 2024).
Week 1 to 2. Skin often starts to feel more hydrated and smoother as the regenerative process gets going.
Week 4 onward. The collagen-building effect becomes more visible, with gradual gains in texture, firmness, and scar appearance.
Realistic, quantified results
Set expectations correctly and most men are pleased. The improvement is in skin quality, and it is cumulative across sessions rather than instant.
Timeline. Early hydration and smoothness in one to two weeks. More meaningful texture and elasticity changes over one to three months as collagen remodels.
Schedule. A typical starter course is three to four sessions spaced about three to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance once or twice a year.
Duration. Benefits commonly last around six to twelve months before a top-up is advisable.
What the evidence shows. A 2024 systematic review in the *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* pooled nine studies covering 219 patients and concluded that polynucleotide injections "have shown promising outcomes in reducing wrinkles, improving skin texture, and enhancing elasticity," with side effects that were "generally mild and transient" and moderate-to-high patient satisfaction (Lampridou et al., 2024). The same review was candid that none of the included studies scored full marks for quality and that larger, rigorous trials are still needed, so it is fair to call the results promising rather than guaranteed.
A grounded way to think about it: polynucleotides reliably make skin look healthier, fresher, and somewhat firmer. They do not lift sagging skin like a surgical procedure, and they do not erase deep scars in one course.
Have a question about your treatment?
Message our Bangkok clinic on WhatsApp and a doctor replies within minutes during clinic hours.
Risks and side effects
For most men the risks are minor and short-lived, which is one of the treatment's appeals. Still, no injectable is risk-free.
Common and expected:
Redness at injection sites for a few hours to a day
Small bumps or blebs that settle within 24 to 48 hours
Mild swelling, especially around the eyes
Pinpoint bruising, more likely if you take blood thinners or train hard right after
Uncommon:
Tenderness or a firm feeling under the skin that resolves over days
Temporary lumpiness if product is placed unevenly, usually self-correcting
Rare but reasons to seek prompt medical care. Contact your clinic or a doctor urgently if you notice:
Spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, or pus, which can signal infection
Signs of an allergic reaction such as widespread hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
Skin that turns dusky, white, or unusually painful soon after injection, which is a rare vascular warning sign that needs immediate attention
Choosing a doctor who injects regularly, uses sterile technique, and is reachable afterward is the single biggest factor in keeping risk low.
How polynucleotides compare with other skin treatments for men
Polynucleotides are one tool among several. The table below positions them against the options men most often consider. For a deeper look at the hydration-focused route, see Profhilo vs skin boosters.
Feature | Polynucleotides (PN) | HA skin boosters | Dermal fillers | Profhilo |
Main ingredient | Purified salmon/trout DNA fragments | Hyaluronic acid | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid | High-concentration hyaluronic acid |
Primary action | Regeneration, collagen stimulation, repair | Deep hydration, glow | Volume and contour | Bio-remodeling, hydration plus firming |
Adds volume? | No | Minimal | Yes | Minimal |
Best for | Scars, tired skin, elasticity, under-eyes | Dull, dehydrated skin | Reshaping, hollows | Skin laxity and quality together |
Onset | Gradual, 1 – 3 months | Fairly quick, 1 – 2 weeks | Immediate | 4 – 8 weeks |
Typical duration | 6 – 12 months | 4 – 6 months | 6 – 18 months | 6 – 9 months |
Men-specific appeal | Repairs without changing facial shape | Quick freshness | Structural change when wanted | Firming without bulk |
There is overlap, and these are often combined. A common male plan is polynucleotides for skin quality plus a conservative filler only where genuine volume is missing.
Choosing a clinic in Bangkok, and the red flags
Bangkok has excellent aesthetic medicine, but quality varies widely. Use these checks.
Green flags:
A licensed doctor performs the assessment and the injections, not an unsupervised technician
The clinic names the exact product and shows you sealed, in-date vials
A proper medical consultation covers your history and contraindications before booking
Transparent, itemized pricing that states how many vials are included
A clean, sterile clinical setting with clear aftercare instructions and a contact for problems
Honest talk about gradual results and the need for a course, rather than dramatic promises
Red flags:
Pressure to commit on the spot or "today only" deals on injectables
Vague answers about which product or how many vials, or prices that seem too good to be true
No medical history taken and no mention of contraindications
Reused or unlabeled product, or refusal to show packaging
Guarantees of permanent or instant transformation
A men's-health-focused clinic has an additional advantage: the team is used to treating male skin and male goals, so the plan is built around looking refreshed rather than reshaped.
The bottom line
For men whose skin looks tired, lax, or scarred rather than structurally aged, polynucleotides are one of the more sensible options available, and Bangkok is one of the better-value places in the world to have them done. The evidence points to genuine, if gradual, gains in texture, elasticity, and hydration, with a mild and short-lived side-effect profile, while being honest that the studies so far are promising rather than definitive. The treatment works best as a planned course with maintenance, performed by a licensed doctor who chooses the right product for your skin.
If you are weighing it up, the most useful next step is a consultation where a doctor can examine your skin, confirm whether polynucleotides or an alternative fits your goals, and give you a precise quote. You can book a polynucleotide consultation at Menscape Bangkok to get a plan tailored to men's skin repair and rejuvenation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polynucleotides the same as Rejuran?
Not exactly. Rejuran is a specific Korean brand of polynucleotide product, so all Rejuran is polynucleotide-based, but not all polynucleotide products are Rejuran. Other brands include the Italian Plinest and Newest. They share the same regenerative concept but differ in concentration, fragment profile, and which variant targets which concern. A doctor matches the product to your skin.
Do polynucleotide injections hurt?
Most men describe the injections as small pricks rather than real pain. A topical numbing cream is applied for roughly 20 to 30 minutes beforehand, which makes the session comfortable. The under-eye area can feel slightly more sensitive than the cheeks. Any tenderness afterward is usually mild and brief.
How many sessions will I need and how often?
A typical starter course is three to four sessions spaced about three to four weeks apart. After that, most men maintain results with one or two sessions a year. Your exact plan depends on your skin and goals and should be confirmed at consultation.
How long do the results last?
Benefits commonly last around six to twelve months before a top-up is advisable. Because the effect is built on your own collagen response, results appear gradually over one to three months rather than instantly, and they hold better with periodic maintenance.
Are polynucleotides safe for men with a fish or salmon allergy?
The DNA is purified to remove most allergenic proteins, and many products are tolerated even by people with fish allergies. That said, a confirmed fish or salmon allergy still warrants caution and an honest discussion with the doctor, who will weigh the risk and may advise against treatment. Never proceed without disclosing the allergy.
What is the difference between polynucleotides (PN) and PDRN?
They are closely related. PN is made of longer DNA fragments that are better at remodeling the skin's support structure and adding a hydrating, gel-like effect. PDRN uses shorter fragments that work mainly through adenosine A2A receptor activation to drive wound healing and reduce inflammation. Many aesthetic products combine the effects, and the practical result is skin repair rather than volume.
Can polynucleotides be combined with other treatments?
Yes. They are frequently paired with hyaluronic-acid skin boosters, conservative fillers where genuine volume is missing, lasers, or microneedling, usually in a staged plan rather than on the same day. A common male approach is polynucleotides for overall skin quality plus a small filler only where contour is needed. Your doctor will sequence treatments to keep them safe.
Is there downtime after a polynucleotide session?
Very little. You can usually return to work the same day. Expect small bumps and possible pinpoint bruising that settle within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid alcohol, intense exercise, saunas, and steam rooms for the first day or two to limit swelling and bruising.
How much do polynucleotides cost in Bangkok?
As an indicative guide for 2026, expect roughly THB 9,000 to 22,000 per session depending on the brand, area, and number of vials, and around THB 30,000 to 70,000 for a typical three- to four-session course. This is commonly 40 to 65 percent less than equivalent pricing in the US or UK. Confirm the exact figure at consultation, since plans vary.
Do polynucleotides remove acne scars completely?
They improve the appearance and texture of atrophic acne scars over a course of sessions, but they do not erase deep scars entirely in one round. Polynucleotides work by improving skin quality and stimulating repair. For pronounced scarring, a doctor may combine them with other modalities such as lasers or microneedling for a better result.

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