Polynucleotides under the eyes: who they suit, how many sessions and how long they last
Prices as of 25.10.2026
Dark circles under the eyes: what polynucleotides can and can’t fix
Cause first – it decides the method.
Thin, dry skin and fine lines
What polynucleotides are for: denser, better-hydrated skin and a less tired look.
A hollow under the eye (tear trough)
Lost volume casts the shadow. Polynucleotides won’t fill it – that is a filler’s job.
Brownish tone, pigment
Often after rubbing the eyes, dermatitis or sun. Sun protection and treatment by a dermatologist help.
Bluish tone, visible veins
Vessels show through thin skin. Polynucleotides strengthen the skin but don’t remove the vessels.
Puffiness and eye bags
Allergy, thyroid disease or fat pads aren’t fixed by injections: see your GP first, or a surgeon for fat pads.
Polynucleotides vs under-eye filler vs Profhilo
Typical timings from Melior; the plan follows an assessment.
| Polynucleotides | Under-eye filler | Profhilo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | salmon or trout DNA fragments | hyaluronic acid gel | concentrated hyaluronic acid |
| Job | strengthen and hydrate thin skin | fill the under-eye hollow | hydrate face and neck, support elasticity |
| Adds volume | no | yes | no |
| Course | 2–3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart | usually 1 session | 2 sessions, about 4 weeks apart |
| Results show | in days, clearer at 2–3 weeks | at once, final in 1–2 weeks | in 5–10 days |
| Lasts | up to 6 months | 9–12 months | 6–12 months |
| At Melior | HP Cell Vitaran I | Teosyal Redensity II | Profhilo |
How long do polynucleotides under the eyes last?
Tap a point on the timeline.
Treatment day
Up to 45 minutes: very fine needles or a microcannula, numbing cream if needed. Afterwards mild redness, swelling and needle marks.
Days 1–3
Redness and swelling usually settle. Skin may look fresher within a couple of days.
After 3–4 weeks
Second session. Changes become clearer over 2–3 weeks.
The course
Usually 2–3 sessions. The fullest effect comes after the course, not after a single session.
Up to 6 months
How long results typically last, depending on skin and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions are usually every 3–6 months.
Bruising, swelling, bumps: possible side effects
Under-eye skin is thin, so swelling shows more here.
Common
- redness and swelling – 1–3 days
- needle marks, small raised spots
- swelling shows more than on the cheeks
Less common
- a bruise – usually gone within a week
- a bump that lasts longer than a week
- cold sore flare-up, allergic reaction
Let the clinic know
Very rare but urgent
- skin turns pale or bluish at the injection site
- pain gets worse
- vision changes
Contact the clinic at once, or 112
Who polynucleotides under the eyes suit – and who not
A good fit if…
- your under-eye skin is thin and dry
- you have fine lines and a tired look
- you don’t need added volume
- you want a gradual change
Not done if…
- allergy to fish or any ingredient
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- autoimmune disease
- infection, inflammation, cold sore or fever
- a clotting disorder or blood thinners
- recent laser or peel in the area
In more detail
Polynucleotides in plain words
They are purified DNA fragments from salmon or trout tissue. In the skin they support repair and the production of collagen and elastin, and they bind water. They don’t change your features or add volume – which is why they are chosen for thin under-eye skin.
At Melior the eye area has its own treatment, HP Cell Vitaran I; for the face and neck there are other polynucleotide treatments.
Profhilo vs polynucleotides: what's the difference?
Profhilo is concentrated hyaluronic acid: it hydrates and supports elasticity in the face and neck and usually lasts 6–12 months after 2 sessions. Polynucleotides are a different substance focused on repairing and strengthening thin skin, so they are chosen more often for the eye area.
The two can be combined on a specialist’s plan. A fuller comparison is in our skin boosters guide.
Polynucleotides vs under-eye filler
A filler is a hyaluronic acid gel: it fills the hollow (tear trough) at once and lasts 9–12 months. Polynucleotides don’t fill the hollow – they improve the skin itself. When both a hollow and thin skin play a part, the specialist sometimes combines the two.
To be fair about fillers: in this area they can cause lasting swelling, and with imprecise technique the shadows can look worse. That is why the decision follows an assessment. More on fillers: botulinum toxin vs dermal fillers.
Preparation and aftercare
For 24 hours before, alcohol is avoided, and aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3 and vitamin E are put off if you take them on your own. Medicines prescribed by your doctor are not stopped on your own: they are discussed at the consultation, along with any fish allergy.
Afterwards: no eye make-up for 24 hours, and no rubbing or massaging the area. For 48 hours no sauna, hot bath, hard exercise or alcohol. For 7 days no sunbed or direct sun, SPF 50 daily, and no laser or peels.
What does the research say?
Evidence is still limited. A 2025 systematic review included 9 small studies (219 patients): side effects were mild and usually settled within a week, but the authors rated the evidence as low to moderate quality.
In a randomised split-face trial around the eyes (27 people, 3 sessions 2 weeks apart), overall aesthetic results did not differ between polynucleotides and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, but skin hydration and elasticity improved more with polynucleotides. In both groups the effect faded over time.
Frequently asked questions
How long do polynucleotides under the eyes last?
Usually up to 6 months after a course of 2–3 sessions. It depends on your skin, lifestyle and sun exposure. Maintenance sessions are usually every 3–6 months.
How much do polynucleotides under the eyes cost in Tallinn?
At Melior Clinics, HP Cell Vitaran I for the eye area is €200 per session (price list 25.10.2026). A course is usually 2–3 sessions. Under-eye filler is €345.
Do polynucleotide injections hurt?
Most people feel light pricking. Very fine needles or a microcannula are used, and numbing cream can be applied beforehand.
Will polynucleotides get rid of dark circles?
It depends on the cause. If the shadows come from thin skin, polynucleotides can soften them. They don’t fill a hollow, and pigment, visible veins and fat pads usually need other treatments or a dermatologist.
When will I see results?
Skin often looks fresher within a few days and clearer at 2–3 weeks. The fullest effect comes after a course of 2–3 sessions.
Can they be combined with botulinum toxin or filler?
Yes, on a specialist’s plan: polynucleotides improve the skin, while botulinum toxin and filler do different jobs. The specialist decides the order and the gap between treatments at the consultation.
Polynucleotides under the eyes: any downsides?
You need a course, the effect is temporary, and swelling or a bruise may show for a few days. People with a fish allergy can’t have them, and the research is still small.
Polynucleotides under the eyes in Tallinn
Read next
- Park KY, Kwon HJ, Youn CS, Seo SJ, Kim MN. Treatments of Infra-Orbital Dark Circles by Various Etiologies. Ann Dermatol. 2018;30(5):522–528
- DermNet: Dark circles under the eyes
- Lee YJ, Kim HT, Lee YJ, et al. Comparison of the effects of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenation: a randomized, double-blind, split-face trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(1):254–260
- Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16721
- Funt D, Pavicic T. Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:295–316
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Whether a treatment suits you is decided by a specialist at the consultation. Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn · Estonian Health Board licence L04198.
