Polynucleotides Under Eyes: Expected Results and Potential Risks

Tired-looking eyes, fine lines, and dark circles can make the face appear older or less refreshed, even after a good night’s sleep. While traditional dermal fillers focus on restoring volume, polynucleotide treatments offer a different approach: supporting the skin’s quality, hydration, and overall appearance. Increasingly discussed in aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides have attracted attention as a potential option for improving the delicate under-eye area. But what results can patients realistically expect, how many sessions might be needed, and what risks should healthcare professionals consider before recommending treatment? Below, you will find detailed information about the benefits, limitations, and safety considerations of polynucleotide injections under eyes.

What Are Polynucleotide Aesthetic Treatments and What Do They Have to Do with Salmon DNA?

Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. In aesthetic medicine, injectable polynucleotide preparations are generally derived from highly purified DNA fragments, often sourced from fish such as salmon or trout. These fragments are processed and purified to meet the requirements of the specific medical product. Unlike conventional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which are primarily used to restore volume or improve contours, polynucleotide preparations are intended to support skin quality. Their proposed effects include promoting a favourable environment for tissue repair, supporting fibroblast activity, and improving the appearance of skin structure and elasticity. Polynucleotides are also associated with hydration-related benefits. Depending on the formulation and treatment protocol, they may help the skin appear smoother, more supple, and better hydrated.

Note:
Skin regeneration with the help of polynucleotides is possible on various skin types, including thin, delicate and sensitive skin.

A 2025 systematic review led by researchers at Imperial College London found nine studies covering 219 treated patients, most of low or moderate quality, and concluded: “Polynucleotides offer promising potential in esthetic medicine; however, there is limited consensus regarding their optimal use” (Lampridou et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025). The evidence is encouraging but still thin, which is why expectations matter so much in this area.

Why Approach the Under-Eye Area With Polynucleotide Treatments?

The skin beneath the eyes is thinner and more delicate than skin across many other areas of the face. It contains relatively little subcutaneous fat, making changes in skin structure, pigmentation, and underlying anatomy particularly noticeable. Fine lines, crepiness, hollowness, and dark shadows can develop with age, sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle factors. Polynucleotide treatments are considered for patients whose main concerns relate to skin quality rather than significant volume loss. Their potential appeal lies in improving the appearance of the skin without relying primarily on the volumising effect associated with conventional fillers. Common concerns that may prompt consideration of treatment include:

• Fine lines and crepey texture: The skin may appear less smooth or resilient, particularly when smiling;
• Dehydrated-looking skin: The under-eye area may look dull or emphasise small wrinkles;
• Reduced elasticity: Age-related changes can make the skin appear thinner and less firm;
• Mild dark circles: Some patients may notice improvement in the overall appearance of the area, although outcomes depend heavily on the cause of the discolouration;
• Early signs of ageing: Patients may seek a subtle improvement in skin quality rather than a dramatic change in facial contours.

At the same time, however, it is worth mentioning that not every under-eye concern is suitable for polynucleotide treatment. Prominent tear troughs, substantial fat prolapse, marked skin laxity, and pigmentation caused by melanin may require a different approach. A thorough assessment is therefore essential before selecting a treatment.

Polynucleotides Under Eyes: Expected Natural Results

One of the most important points to communicate to patients is that polynucleotide treatments are intended to produce gradual, relatively subtle improvements. Thus, they should not be presented as an instant solution for every cause of under-eye ageing. Below, you will go through the list of the expected results after polynucleotide injections.

Smoother-Looking Skin and Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Most patients may notice that the skin beneath their eyes looks smoother after a course of treatment. Fine lines and crepey texture may become less noticeable as skin hydration and quality improve. These changes are generally more relevant to superficial skin than to deep wrinkles or structural folds. Although polynucleotides cannot fully eliminate pronounced lines, and the degree of improvement varies according to skin condition, age, treatment technique, and the product used, they can effectively regenerate skin cells and, thus, create a refreshed appearance and cause a gradual improvement in the overall quality of the skin in the treated area.

Better Hydration and Power to Improve Skin Texture

The under-eye area can look tired when the skin is dry, uneven, or lacking suppleness. Polynucleotide treatments may support improvements in skin texture and hydration, potentially helping the area appear more even and refreshed. Unlike treatments that create an immediate volumising effect, these changes may develop progressively. The visible result can be modest, particularly in patients whose skin health is already good.

A Potential to Improvement in Skin Elasticity

Polynucleotides are investigated for their potential influence on fibroblast activity and processes involved in tissue repair. Fibroblasts contribute to the production and maintenance of collagen and other components of the skin’s supporting structure, thus improving skin elasticity. Some clinical studies of polynucleotide-based injectables report improvements in skin elasticity or related measures. Nevertheless, the available evidence does not establish that every under-eye formulation produces a predictable degree of collagen stimulation or tightening. Patients should not expect a surgical lifting effect, and marked skin laxity is unlikely to tighten substantially.

Possible Changes in the Appearance of Dark Circles

Dark circles are among the most common reasons patients seek under-eye rejuvenation, but they have several possible causes. These include pigmentation, visible blood vessels through thin skin, tear-trough shadows, and changes associated with ageing or allergies. Polynucleotides may improve the appearance of the area when poor skin health or thin, crepey skin contributes to the concern. However, they do not directly correct every cause of dark circles. For example, pigmentation caused by excess melanin may respond better to carefully selected topical treatments or other pigment-focused procedures, while shadows caused by pronounced hollowness may require a different assessment and treatment strategy.

A Natural-Looking Overall Look and Increased Collagen Production

For patients seeking a subtle improvement, the gradual nature of polynucleotide treatment can be appealing. The intention is to improve skin health rather than substantially alter facial proportions. Results are not immediate, and the initial appearance may be affected by temporary swelling, redness, or small injection-site marks. The final outcome should therefore be assessed after the early post-treatment reaction has settled and sufficient time has passed for any treatment-related changes to develop. Photographs taken under consistent lighting and facial positioning can help clinicians and patients assess progress more objectively than memory alone. Polynucleotides may also support collagen production by influencing fibroblast activity and processes involved in tissue repair. This may contribute to improvements in skin elasticity and texture over time, as well as enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture. At the same time, however, further research is needed to confirm the extent of collagen stimulation in human skin.

How Many Sessions of Polynucleotide Injections Are Usually Needed?

No matter whether you use polynucleotide treatment for skin tightening or creation of healthier skin, it commonly involves a course of sessions rather than a single injection. Depending on the product, the patient’s skin condition, and the clinician’s protocol, therapy plans may involve approximately two to four sessions, often spaced around two to four weeks apart. In a randomised, double-blind split-face trial at Asan Medical Center, 27 patients received three periorbital injections two weeks apart, with a polynucleotide filler on one side and non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid on the other; global aesthetic scores improved similarly on both sides, while elasticity, hydration and roughness favoured the polynucleotide side. These figures, however, are general examples, not a universal prescription, while the appropriate schedule must follow the specific product’s instructions, available clinical evidence, and the treating practitioner’s assessment. A therapy plan should consider the following factors:

• The severity of the patient’s skin concerns;
• The specific polynucleotide formulation and its approved or intended use;
• The patient’s medical history and previous cosmetic maintenance treatments;
• The response to the initial session;
• The balance between expected benefit, cost, recovery time, and therapy burden.

Some patients may benefit from maintenance sessions, but the optimal frequency and duration of benefit remain insufficiently established across products. Practitioners should avoid guaranteeing a particular number of months of improvement without reliable evidence for the formulation being used.

When Will Patients See Results, and How Long Do They Last?

The timeline varies between patients and products. Mild early changes may be noticed during the first few weeks, but improvements in skin health are generally assessed over a longer period, often after the initial course has been completed. It is important to distinguish temporary post-injection effects from genuine improvement. Swelling can briefly change the appearance of under-eye lines or hollows, but this is not evidence of a lasting treatment benefit. The durability of results is also variable. Ageing, sun exposure, genetics, skincare habits, and the underlying cause of the original concern can all influence how the area looks over time. Evidence is not yet strong enough to provide a single reliable duration that applies to every product and patient. Clinicians should explain this uncertainty before treatment and arrange appropriate follow-up to evaluate the outcome, identify adverse effects, and determine whether further treatment is justified.

The newest systematic review of periorbital polynucleotide studies pooled six trials and 350 patients, all in Korean and Thai cohorts, and noted: “Safety was favorable throughout, but no study followed patients beyond 6 months” (Ahuja et al., Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 2026). Any promise of results lasting a year or longer is therefore an extrapolation, not a measured outcome.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Polynucleotides Under Eyes

Although polynucleotide injections are generally reported to be well tolerated, they are not risk-free. Below, you will find the list of potential risks of the treatments.

Swelling and Puffiness

Temporary swelling is one of the more common side effects following under-eye polynucleotide injections. Patients may notice small raised areas at the injection sites, mild puffiness, or a feeling of tightness. These effects usually improve within a few hours to several days, although the duration varies. Because fluid accumulation is particularly noticeable beneath the eyes, even mild swelling can temporarily make the area appear less attractive. Persistent or worsening swelling should not simply be dismissed as a normal reaction. It warrants clinical assessment, especially when accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or changes in vision.

Mild Redness, Bruising, and Tenderness

Needle-based therapies can cause temporary redness, pinpoint bleeding, bruising, and tenderness. Bruising is more likely in patients with fragile blood vessels or those taking medications that affect blood clotting. Most mild reactions resolve without intervention. Patients should nevertheless receive clear instructions about expected recovery and when to contact their practitioner.

Infection and Inflammatory Reactions

As with any injectable procedure, infection is possible if appropriate aseptic standards are not maintained. Symptoms may include increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or discharge. Inflammatory reactions and hypersensitivity can also occur. Their likelihood depends partly on the product’s composition, manufacturing and purification processes, and individual patient factors. Some formulations contain additional ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which should also be considered when assessing potential sensitivities. Patients with an active infection in or around the treatment area should generally postpone elective injections until the problem has been appropriately assessed and resolved.

Allergic Reactions

Some polynucleotide products are derived from fish DNA. Although manufacturing processes include purification, the source material remains relevant when assessing patients with a history of fish allergy or previous reactions to injectable products. The practitioner should review the specific product’s instructions and contraindications rather than assuming that all formulations carry identical risks. A known allergy to an ingredient may make a particular product unsuitable. Patients should also understand that an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction may not always occur immediately. New or persistent symptoms following treatment deserve appropriate medical evaluation.

Lumps, Persistent Papules, and Uneven Texture

Small papules at injection sites can be an expected temporary effect, depending on the product and injection technique. However, persistent lumps, prolonged swelling, or irregular skin texture may require further investigation. Possible explanations include local inflammation, product-related reactions, infection, or injection-related irregularities. The cause cannot reliably be determined from appearance alone. Practitioners should document the treatment, monitor recovery, and arrange an examination when a reaction persists or worsens. Patients should not attempt to massage, puncture, or otherwise manipulate unexplained lumps without clinical guidance.

Rare but Serious Complications

The eye region contains important blood vessels, and all injectable procedures around the eyes require particular anatomical expertise. Although severe vascular complications are not well characterised for polynucleotide products specifically, injection-related vascular injury is an important general consideration in periorbital aesthetics. Sudden visual disturbance, severe or unusual pain, rapidly increasing swelling, or changes in skin colour require urgent medical assessment. Any new vision loss or double vision should be treated as an emergency.

The FDA’s patient advice for injectables in this region is unambiguous: “Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual pain, vision changes, a white, gray, or blue appearance of skin near the injection site” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)). The same FDA page lists injection of the periorbital area among uses that are not approved, so under-eye polynucleotide treatment is an off-label practice in the US and belongs in the consent conversation.

A reassuring short-term safety profile does not mean that complications are impossible. Evidence on the long-term safety of repeated polynucleotide treatments remains limited, making appropriate follow-up and adverse-event reporting important.

Polynucleotides vs. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: What Is the Difference?

Polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid fillers serve different purposes, although some patients may be candidates for either treatment. Polynucleotides are primarily considered for skin-health concerns, such as fine lines, texture, and reduced elasticity. Hyaluronic acid fillers are designed to provide volume and can be used to address selected contour deficiencies, including certain tear-trough deformities. Neither option is universally superior. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s anatomy, the underlying concern, the product’s characteristics, and the clinician’s assessment. Hyaluronic acid fillers can cause complications such as persistent swelling, visible bluish discolouration when placed too superficially, and, rarely, serious vascular events. Polynucleotides have their own potential adverse effects and cannot be assumed to eliminate the risks associated with injectable treatments. For some patients, a non-injectable approach or referral for specialist assessment may be more appropriate than either option. Treatment selection should be based on clinical need rather than popularity.

Order Polynucleotides (Nucleofill) and Other Treatments Through BeautyDermal!

To sum up, polynucleotides under the eyes offer a promising option for patients seeking gradual improvements in skin texture, hydration, and fine lines without relying primarily on volume restoration. They may also support collagen production, skin tone and hydration with minimal downtime, although the size of that effect still needs confirmation in larger trials. If you are a certified healthcare professional looking for an advantageous supplier of highly purified polynucleotides and other aesthetic treatments (like skin boosters, dermal fillers, and so on) for combination approaches, check out the assortment and purchasing terms of BeautyDermal.