Real-World Use of Polynucleotide Injections in Scar Prevention and Management: A Nationwide Survey of Korean Society for Anti-Aging Dermatology (KAAD) Dermatologists

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 May;25(5):e70887. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70887.

Abstract

Background: Scarring is a common dermatologic concern with both aesthetic and functional implications. Polynucleotide (PN)-based injectables have emerged as medical devices in dermatologic practice; however, real-world evidence on their use in scar management remains limited.

Objective: To describe current clinical practices, application patterns, and perceived roles of PN injections in scar prevention and management among dermatologists belonging to the Korean Society for Anti-Aging Dermatology (KAAD).

Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among KAAD dermatologists. The questionnaire assessed PN use by scar type and etiology, injection techniques, combination strategies, and barriers to adoption. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Among 501 respondents, 73.0% reported using PN for scar management. PN was most commonly used for scar prevention (81.4%) and atrophic scars (74.9%), with limited use in hypertrophic scars (10.1%). Intradermal injection over three sessions was the most common approach. PN was frequently incorporated into multimodal protocols, including botulinum toxin, fillers, corticosteroids, bleomycin, and energy-based devices. Reported benefits included improved tissue response, enhanced skin texture, and accelerated wound recovery. Key barriers to PN adoption were product cost (66.7%), limited awareness of its role in scar management (52.6%), and injection discomfort (25.2%).

Conclusion: PN injections are commonly incorporated into scar prevention and management among KAAD dermatologists participating in this survey, particularly for acne-related, surgical, and traumatic scars. These findings provide real-world insight into current practice patterns and are hypothesis-generating. Prospective studies are needed to define optimal treatment protocols, including dosing, treatment intervals, and combination strategies.

Keywords: Korea; polynucleotide; real‐world practice patterns; scar management.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cicatrix* / etiology
  • Cicatrix* / prevention & control
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
  • Cosmetic Techniques*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dermal Fillers / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologists / statistics & numerical data
  • Dermatology / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intradermal
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'* / statistics & numerical data
  • Republic of Korea
  • Societies, Medical
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Dermal Fillers

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