Under-Eye Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides placed precisely to refresh the fragile skin under the eyes.
- Treatment time
- About 20 minutes
- Results
- Brighter within a few days; full effect over 2–3 months
- Longevity
- Up to 9 months after a full course
- Downtime
- Puffiness for 2–3 days
About Under-Eye Polynucleotides
Nowhere on the face is the skin thinner than under the eyes, so this is where tiredness shows first: fine lines, crepey skin, dark shadows and a slightly sunken look. Filler isn't always the right fix. When the problem is the skin itself, adding volume can make the area look puffy. Under-eye polynucleotides work differently, prompting the skin to repair itself and become thicker.
John places polynucleotides across the under-eye area through a series of tiny, shallow injections. Over the next few weeks the skin gets stronger, smoother and brighter, and dark circles caused by thin skin look softer.
Key Benefits
- 01Makes thin under-eye skin thicker and stronger
- 02Fine lines and crepey skin look softer
- 03Lightens dark circles caused by thin or damaged skin
- 04Eyes look brighter and more rested
- 05Repairs rather than adds volume, so there's no puffiness
- 06Often suits this delicate area better than filler
Is this treatment right for me?
This treatment is for you if your under-eyes look tired, lined or crepey, or if your dark circles come from thin skin rather than deep hollows. If a hollow is the main problem, tear-trough filler may suit you better, and sometimes the two are used together. John will work out which applies to you.
You may be suitable if…
- The skin under your eyes looks thin, lined or crepey
- You have dark circles or a tired look that make-up can't cover
- You'd rather not have filler in this area
- You aren't pregnant or breastfeeding and you're not allergic to fish
Your consultation will consider…
- Whether the main issue is skin quality, hollows, pigmentation or puffiness
- Whether you tend to hold fluid under your eyes
- Any fish allergy, as this means polynucleotides aren't suitable
- When your social events are, as the area stays puffy for a few days
What to expect
Before treatment
At your consultation John looks at the condition of your skin (how hydrated it is, any fine lines, laxity and texture), talks through what you're hoping for and goes over your medical history. Skin boosters work as a course, not a single appointment, so you'll go home knowing how many sessions you need and how far apart. Where it's safe for you, stop alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements like fish oil for a few days beforehand, because they make bruising more likely.
During treatment
Once the numbing cream has worked, John gives a series of very small, shallow injections across the under-eye area on both sides. It takes about 20 minutes. You might feel a slight sting as the product goes in, but most people manage it easily.
After treatment
Right after treatment your under-eyes will look puffy and a bit bumpy. That's normal, and it settles in two to three days. The repairing effect then builds over the next few weeks.
Watch
See this treatment in the clinic, in short videos on John’s aesthetics site, Trusted Touch Aesthetics.
Watch 11 videos →Results & longevity
You may see some brightening within a few days. The bigger change, with smoother, thicker, less lined skin and softer dark circles, comes over two to three months as the skin rebuilds itself. For the best result, have a course of three sessions two to four weeks apart. The effect can last up to about nine months before you'd need a maintenance session. Results vary with your skin, age and lifestyle.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Skin under the eyes reacts more than the rest of your face, so after each session expect it to look puffy and a little bumpy for two to three days, and you may get small bruises. Book your sessions well away from big events.
Side effects
Expect little raised bumps where the needle went in; they normally flatten within a few hours, though now and then they take a day or two. Redness, tenderness and small bruises often happen and don't last long. Less common effects include a lump that lingers, a mild infection or an allergy-type reaction. These products are hyaluronic acid or come from natural sources, so serious reactions are uncommon.
Aftercare
For the rest of the day, leave the injection points alone: no make-up, and no touching or massaging unless John has told you to. Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and alcohol for 24 hours, and keep out of strong sunshine. Keep your skin well moisturised and wear SPF every day, as this protects your result.
Get in touch with the clinic if redness starts to spread, pain gets worse, a lump grows instead of settling, or the colour of your skin changes.
- Downtime
- Very little: small bumps lasting a few hours, a day at most
- Redness
- Slight, and gone within hours
- Swelling
- 2–3 days of puffiness
- Bruising
- You may get small bruises, which clear within a week
- Normal activities
- The same day; avoid hard exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have polynucleotides or tear-trough filler?
If your under-eyes are hollow, filler lifts that hollow. If the skin itself is thin, lined or dark, polynucleotides improve the skin. Many people do well starting with polynucleotides, then adding a little filler afterwards if it's still needed.
How long will the puffiness last?
Two to three days, sometimes a bit longer if you bruise easily. Sleeping with your head propped up and using a cool compress both help.
How many treatments?
Three, two to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance every six to nine months.
Will it get rid of dark circles?
It helps dark circles that come from thin skin, which is the most common kind. Darkness caused by pigmentation needs a different treatment, and John will tell you honestly which type you have.
Is it painful?
We apply numbing cream beforehand. Each injection stings for a moment, and most people find the whole treatment easy to tolerate.
How soon can I wear make-up?
From the following day. For the rest of your treatment day, keep the injection points clean and leave them uncovered.
What happens at my consultation?
John looks at your skin, talks about what you want to change, goes through your medical history and suggests the right product and course for you, with the price made clear before you book anything.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Banana Beauty Lab and runs his aesthetics practice, Trusted Touch Aesthetics, here. He specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. His training is CPD-certified, he is fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.