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We can provide cover for regenerative treatments (polynucleotides) within your medical malpractice insurance policy if you have the relevant qualifications to perform this treatment.
If you are looking for insurance to cover polynucleotides, please contact the team on 0800 634 3881 or email cosmeticsales@hamiltonfraser.co.uk.
Hamilton Fraser provides polynucleotides cover for doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, operating department practitioners and physiotherapists. Polynucleotides are covered as standard for these medical professionals under mesotherapy skin rejuvenation.
Polynucleotides are a newly emerging trend in anti-ageing injections that stimulate tissue repair and encourage restoration and regeneration of the skin from within. They can be used in a wide range of applications as a rejuvenating treatment for older skin and as a preventative treatment for younger skin.
Polynucleotides (full name polydeoxyribonucleotides) are long chains of nucleotides that make up DNA and RNA molecules. They are derived from fragments of fish DNA (which resemble human DNA), which means they have the ability to function as a biostimulator, kick-starting regeneration in the skin. Not only are they anti-inflammatory, thanks to their antioxidant properties, but they increase collagen production, resulting in a thicker, healthier epidermis.
Regenerative treatments (polynucleotides) also include mesotherapy.
Polynucleotides are being used to reverse the ageing of tissues and repair scarring by tackling the concern from the source, in contrast to the traditional approach, for example with fillers, which focuses on treating symptoms. Some of the applications of polynucleotides include:
In addition to their success rate with these applications, polynucleotides work well alongside other treatments, enhancing their effects, such as by boosting the longevity of anti-wrinkle injections.
Research shows that polynucleotides can increase collagen by up to 47% in 23 days and help create a thicker, healthier epidermis with improvements of 52% in 23 days. With a range of applications, the benefits of polynucleotides include:
The risks of polynucleotides are less than those of other injectable procedures, but this will depend on the practitioner’s experience and technique. However, unlike dermal filler, the treatment cannot be reversed as the product can’t be dissolved. Side effects of polynucleotides are generally minimal, with the main potential side effects relating to the site of the injection, where patients may experience redness, swelling and bruising which should settle after one to two days. More serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are extremely rare. As with all treatments, it’s important to carry out a thorough pre-treatment consultation to assess the patient’s suitability.
Although polynucleotides are well tolerated by most patients and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, they are derived from fish, therefore are not appropriate for vegans. Allergic reactions are very unlikely as the particles of DNA are highly purified, so it can be safely injected into those who have allergies, including seafood allergies, with clinical trials reporting no allergic reactions to date. Polynucleotides are not suitable for patients who are pregnant or intending pregnancy, or who are breastfeeding.
Before the treatment a numbing cream can be applied to the patient, especially if there are multiple injections involved. Depending on the area of treatment, the polynucleotides can be injected via two methods. The first are very tiny needles, leaving tiny blebs on the surface which disappear usually after a few hours. Alternatively, a blunt-ended cannula may be used to spread the product evenly. The process usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Patients can generally return to normal activities straight after treatment.
In terms of aftercare, no makeup is advised for 12 hours and no laser treatments or excess heat for three weeks. SPF should be applied strictly for two to three weeks, and sunlight avoided.
Unlike with dermal fillers, which have an instant effect, patients won’t notice the full benefits with polynucleotides immediatlely. This is because the action is at the cellular level and it takes time to become apparent, but patients may see some improvement after two to three weeks.
Results last around six to nine months on average, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and rate of ageing.
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Doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, operating department practitioners and physiotherapists who have undergone relevant training can perform polynucleotides treatment.
Practitioners will need to undergo relevant training before performing polynucleotides procedures and the trainer must be a medical professional.
What Hamilton Fraser policy conditions should practitioners be aware of?
There are no specific policy conditions that practitioners need to be aware of for polynucleotides treatments, however practitioners performing this treatment must make sure they adhere to manufacturer guidelines at all times.
With any treatment, in the event of a claim insurers will always require proof of manufacturer and the batch code of the product, which must also hold the relevant CE marking. Our article on grey market products provides more information on the importance of sourcing all products from reputable and listed suppliers.
As with any treatment, all known side effects must be explained to the patient in the consultation and the patient must sign a consent form which outlines that they understand the risks, prior to the procedure.
Claims for polynucleotides are extremely rare, but as with any procedure, there is always the risk that an accident can occur during the process, or that an insurance claim could be brought against you, particularly because treatments with polynucleotides are relatively new.
One potential claims scenario is that a patient has a polynucleotides treatment to help with their skin looking tired and also with some pigmentation that they are worried about. Although the treatment is done as normal, the patient gets in touch a couple of days later to say they have some swelling, redness and lumps as a result of the treatment.
These side effects were noted in the consent form and also discussed in the consultation, so the patient is advised to let the treatment settle. However, as the patient has complained/advised of a physical change/potential adverse reaction, this is a matter you as the practitioner would need to notify us of, in the case of a formal claim coming in, and in line with your policy obligations.
Claims top tip: Explaining and documenting any potential side-effects, and getting signed consent, is just as important as the treatment itself. Make sure anything discussed in the consultation is noted, ideally in email form so that you have an audit trail.
For more information on regenerative treatments (polynucleotides) see our partner, DermaFocus.
