What is Nucleofill?
Nucleofill is a range of injectable gels containing polynucleotides, used with the aim of supporting skin quality.
Nucleofill is among the products offered by the Austrian company Croma and belongs to the class of polynucleotide products popularly known as “salmon DNA”. It contains polynucleotides obtained by purifying fish-derived DNA. The product is injected into the skin in small amounts and does not change your genetic make-up. The word “DNA” refers to the origin of the ingredient, not to any interference with the genetic information in your cells.
The Nucleofill range includes variants of different densities for different areas and skin needs. Which variants are legally available in Türkiye is checked before treatment, together with the batch number and expiry date. Manufacturing and distribution details can also be verified from the packaging. You may ask to see the packaging and batch information before treatment; these details are also recorded in your notes for future reference.
What does Nucleofill aim to do, and what does it not do?
Nucleofill aims to support skin-quality features such as hydration, texture and elasticity; it does not replace lost volume or lift the face.
The changes being sought are a more even, hydrated appearance, softer fine lines and support for elasticity. It may be considered for areas such as the face, eye area, neck and décolletage, in line with the product's instructions for use. Change is gradual and is followed as sessions progress. Response differs from person to person; age, skin type, sun damage and lifestyle can all influence the outcome.
Despite the word “fill” in its name, Nucleofill should not be thought of as a conventional volumising filler. Volume loss, marked sagging and deep wrinkles may need other approaches such as hyaluronic acid filler, biostimulators or energy-based devices. Comparing Nucleofill with other polynucleotide products is not a ranking of superiority; the physician chooses according to your needs, and methods can be sequenced within one plan where appropriate.
Who may not be suitable for Nucleofill?
Nucleofill is generally not recommended, or is postponed, in cases of fish allergy, pregnancy, breastfeeding or active infection at the treatment site.
Because the product is obtained from fish-derived DNA, a history of fish allergy is asked about in detail at the consultation. There is insufficient safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so treatment is deferred. If you have a cold sore, active acne or another skin infection, the area is allowed to heal first. Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient is also a reason not to proceed, and other options are then discussed.
Active autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication and a tendency to keloid scarring need further assessment. Recent laser, peel or filler treatments may affect timing. It is important to share your medicines, supplements and previous treatments at the consultation. In some cases treatment is postponed or a different approach is suggested; suitability is decided by the physician after a face-to-face review.
How is it performed, and how many sessions are needed?
After a topical anaesthetic cream if needed, the product is placed with a fine needle or cannula; plans usually involve several sessions a few weeks apart.
The skin is cleansed and, if needed, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied. Depending on the chosen variant and area, the product is placed in small points with a fine needle or with a cannula. You may feel stinging and pressure; sensitivity varies from person to person. Treatment time depends on the size of the area. Afterwards the area is cleansed and most people return to everyday activities the same day.
A common plan is several sessions a few weeks apart; the exact number and intervals depend on the product's instructions for use and your skin. How long the effect lasts varies, and maintenance timing is agreed at follow-up. If combined with other treatments, the order is set by the physician. Before an important event or a flight home, allow a few days for any redness and bumps to settle.
What can I expect afterwards, and what are the risks?
Redness, swelling, bruising and small bumps at the injection points can occur; these usually settle within a few days.
Small raised bumps (papules), tenderness and mild swelling may appear at the injection points and usually settle within a few days. Bruising may be more noticeable if you take blood thinners. Rarely, an allergic reaction, infection or prolonged redness can develop. If you notice increasing pain, fever, widespread itching, breathing difficulty or a marked change in skin colour, contact your physician without delay.
You are advised not to wear make-up on the first day and not to rub the area. Avoiding saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and alcohol for a few days, using sunscreen and cleansing with gentle products are generally recommended. When you can return to retinoids or acid-based products, and any other personalised advice, is explained after treatment. At follow-up the response is reviewed and the next session timed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nucleofill a filler?
Despite the word “fill” in its name, Nucleofill is a polynucleotide gel that aims to support skin quality; it is not a conventional filler used to add volume.
Is Nucleofill salmon DNA?
Nucleofill contains polynucleotides obtained from purified fish-derived DNA, which is why it is grouped with “salmon DNA” products. The source species is checked against the manufacturer's information.
Are there different types of Nucleofill?
The Nucleofill range includes variants of different densities. Which one is appropriate depends on the area and your skin's needs, and is decided by the physician.
Can I exercise after Nucleofill?
Avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days is generally advised. The exact timing is given by your physician based on the area treated and how your skin responds.
Can Nucleofill be used under the eyes?
The Nucleofill range may include a variant recommended for the eye area, which may be considered to support hydration and texture in thin, crepey-looking skin under the eyes. Nucleofill does not fill a hollow tear trough or remove eye bags. Bruising and swelling can be more noticeable under the eyes than elsewhere, so allow at least 1–2 weeks before an important event.
Can Nucleofill be used for chest lines on the décolletage?
Yes, the décolletage is among the areas where Nucleofill may be considered, because sun damage and side-sleeping can cause vertical chest lines there; treatment follows the product's instructions for use. The aim is to support hydration and texture in this thin skin. Because lines can reappear if sun exposure and sleeping position do not change, regular sun protection matters.
What should I do if I can feel small lumps after Nucleofill?
Small palpable lumps at the injection points can occur in the first days after Nucleofill and usually lessen within a few days as the product spreads into the tissue. Do not press on them, and avoid massage unless your physician advises it. If a lump does not settle within a few days, grows, turns red or becomes painful, contact your physician promptly.
Can I sleep on my face after Nucleofill?
On the first night after Nucleofill, it is generally advised not to sleep face down or on the treated side, and to sleep on your back with your head slightly raised if possible. This can help reduce pressure on the injection points and swelling. Once tenderness and bumps have settled, usually within a few days, you can return to your usual sleeping position.
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.