Many people need 2 to 3 polynucleotide sessions to see a visible improvement in under-eye hollows, with treatments usually spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. At Alcove Aesthetics in St James’s, London, I plan the exact number of sessions after assessing your skin thickness, hollowness and lifestyle, and I sometimes combine polynucleotides with other treatments. You can read more about how I use polynucleotides on my main treatment page.
At a glance
| | Polynucleotides for under-eye hollows |
|———————–|—————————————-|
| What it treats | Under-eye hollows, fine lines, crepey skin, tired-looking eyes |
| Number of sessions | Typically 2 to 3 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart |
| Treatment time | Around 30 minutes in clinic |
| Downtime | Usually mild swelling or small bumps for 24 to 72 hours |
| When results show | Early changes from 3 to 4 weeks, fuller effect over 2 to 3 months |
| How long results last | Often around 6 to 12 months, with maintenance as needed |
How many polynucleotide sessions do I really need for under-eye hollows?
For most patients, I recommend a course of 2 to 3 polynucleotide sessions for under-eye hollows, usually spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Very thin, crepey or more mature under-eye skin may need a 4th session in the initial course.
Polynucleotides are a skin quality and tissue-regenerating treatment, not a simple filler that “fills the gap” in one go. The area under the eyes is delicate, so I prefer to build collagen, elastin and hydration gradually. This reduces the risk of puffiness and keeps results looking natural.
Here is how I typically plan the course for under-eye hollows:
- Mild hollows, younger skin: often 2 sessions
- Moderate hollows or early laxity: usually 3 sessions
- Marked hollows, crepey or mature skin: 3 to 4 sessions in the first course
After your initial course, I often suggest a single maintenance session every 6 to 12 months, depending on how your skin responds.
How do I know if I need 2, 3 or 4 polynucleotide sessions?
I decide the number of polynucleotide sessions for under-eye hollows during a face-to-face skin assessment at Alcove Aesthetics in Central London. I look at the depth of the hollow, the quality of your skin and what is actually causing the shadowing.
Factors that influence the number of sessions
I pay particular attention to:
Depth of the hollow
Shallow hollow with good skin tone often needs fewer sessions.
Deeper hollows, especially with bone loss, tend to need more.
Skin quality
Firm, elastic skin responds faster.
Thin, crepey, sun-damaged or mature skin usually needs extra support.
Pigmentation or vascular show-through
If dark circles are mainly pigmentation or visible blood vessels, polynucleotides can improve skin quality but will not fully correct colour.
You may still benefit, but expectations need to be realistic and sometimes a different primary treatment is more suitable.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, high sun exposure, poor sleep and high stress can slow collagen production.
In these cases, I may recommend an extra session and stronger focus on skincare.
During your consultation, I will usually give you a clear plan, for example: “We will start with 3 sessions, then review at 3 months and decide if we need a 4th or move to maintenance.”
What is the typical treatment schedule for polynucleotides under the eyes?
Polynucleotides are usually performed as a short course, rather than one-off top-ups from the start. For under-eye hollows, I follow this kind of schedule in my St James’s clinic.
Standard under-eye polynucleotide course
Session 1
Baseline treatment to “wake up” the tissue and stimulate repair.
I place small, precise deposits of polynucleotide gel in the under-eye area.
Session 2 (3 to 4 weeks later)
Builds on the first session, reinforces collagen stimulation.
Some patients start to notice softer hollows and smoother skin around this point.
Session 3 (3 to 4 weeks later, if needed)
Fine-tunes the result and supports longer-lasting improvement.
Particularly helpful for older skin or more pronounced hollows.
Optional Session 4
Reserved for more challenging cases, such as very thin skin with structural hollows.
I decide this after seeing how you respond to the first 2 to 3 sessions.
Maintenance sessions
Once we reach a result you are happy with, I usually recommend:
- Review at around 6 to 9 months
- Maintenance polynucleotide session every 6 to 12 months as needed
Results vary between individuals, so I always reassess rather than booking automatic repeat treatments.
How long before I see a difference under my eyes with polynucleotides?
You can expect early changes in the under-eye area from around 3 to 4 weeks after your first polynucleotide session, with more noticeable improvement building over 2 to 3 months. The changes are gradual, because the treatment relies on your own tissue regeneration.
What most people notice over time
Although every face and skin type is different, many patients describe:
- Around 3 to 4 weeks: skin may feel slightly more hydrated and less crepey
- After 2nd session: hollows can look a little softer, with fewer fine lines
- After 3rd session and beyond: under-eyes often look fresher, with smoother texture and improved light reflection
Polynucleotides are not an instant “before and after” like some dermal fillers. If you want more immediate structural support, I might discuss combining them with carefully chosen tear trough and under-eye treatment or with skin boosters in other facial areas, depending on suitability.
Can polynucleotides replace filler for under-eye hollows?
Sometimes, but not always. Polynucleotides can improve mild to moderate under-eye hollows and crepey skin by supporting collagen, elastin and hydration. For deeper structural hollows caused by bone and fat loss, polynucleotides alone may not give enough lift.
During consultation I often:
Use polynucleotides alone when:
Hollows are mild
Skin is thin and crepey, with early signs of ageing
There is a history of puffiness with filler or a preference to avoid volumising products under the eyes
Consider combination treatment when:
Hollows are moderate, with both volume loss and skin quality issues
We may improve mid-face volume with cheek filler or other structural support, and use polynucleotides for skin
Suggest alternative approaches when:
The main concern is pigmentation, strong veins or lifestyle factors such as poor sleep
Polynucleotides may still help skin quality, but I will explain if they will not address the main cause of the dark circles
The key is to match the treatment to the actual cause of the hollow or shadow, not just the appearance in photos.
What are the risks and side effects of under-eye polynucleotides, and who should avoid them?
Polynucleotides are generally well tolerated when used correctly in the under-eye area, but all medical treatments carry risks and side effects. I always explain these clearly in person before treating you.
Common and expected effects
Short term, you may notice:
- Small bumps or papules where the product has been placed, usually settling within 24 to 72 hours
- Mild swelling, especially in the first 24 hours
- Temporary redness and slight tenderness
These effects are usually mild and self-limiting. I will give you aftercare instructions to help things settle comfortably.
Less common risks
Less common issues can include:
- Bruising, occasionally more visible in the under-eye area
- Prolonged swelling in those prone to fluid retention
- As with any injectable procedure, a very small risk of infection
I use sterile technique and a careful injection strategy to reduce these risks, but they cannot be completely removed. If you ever feel something is not settling as expected, I prefer you to contact me promptly so I can review you.
Who is not suitable for under-eye polynucleotides?
Polynucleotide treatment under the eyes is not suitable if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active skin infection or inflammation in the area
- Have certain uncontrolled medical conditions or are on medications that significantly affect healing or immunity
- Have unrealistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve
Suitability is always confirmed at a face-to-face consultation, where I will take a detailed medical history and examine your skin and facial structure carefully.
How I plan polynucleotide sessions at Alcove Aesthetics in St James’s, London
At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem, every polynucleotide plan for under-eye hollows starts with a detailed consultation, not with a fixed number of sessions. My background as a Dental Surgeon, with training in facial anatomy and surgical precision, is particularly useful in this delicate area.
During your visit to 120 Pall Mall in St James’s, a short walk from Piccadilly and Westminster, I will:
- Take a full medical and aesthetic history
- Examine your under-eye hollow from multiple angles and in different lighting
- Assess bone structure, cheek support and skin thickness
- Discuss your goals, lifestyle and how much downtime is practical for you
I favour a conservative, staged approach, with small, precise placements and close follow-up. My clinic has been recognised by the GHP Global Excellence Awards as Best Anti-Ageing Aesthetics Practitioner, Central London 2024 and 2025, and I apply the same attention to detail to every under-eye case.
Where appropriate, I may also recommend a broader skin consultation to look at skincare, sun protection, sleep and nutrition, since these all affect how well you respond to polynucleotides.
Frequently asked questions
How long do polynucleotide results under the eyes last?
For many people, polynucleotide results under the eyes last around 6 to 12 months before a top-up is useful. Some notice benefits for longer, especially if they look after their skin and avoid excessive sun exposure. I usually suggest a review at around 6 to 9 months to decide if and when a maintenance session is needed.
Is there much downtime after under-eye polynucleotides?
Most patients experience mild swelling and small bumps where the product is placed, particularly in the first 24 to 72 hours. These usually settle on their own. You can often return to desk-based work the same or next day, but I advise avoiding heavy exercise, saunas and rubbing the area for a short period after treatment.
Will polynucleotides make my under-eyes puffy?
When polynucleotides are placed correctly and in appropriate amounts, they are less likely to cause long term puffiness than some volumising fillers. The area may look slightly swollen for a day or two after treatment. I always assess for a history of fluid retention or morning puffiness and adapt the plan accordingly, or advise against treatment if needed.
Can I combine polynucleotides with other under-eye treatments?
Yes, polynucleotides can often be combined with other treatments as part of a wider rejuvenation plan. For example, we might address mid-face volume with dermal filler, then use polynucleotides to improve under-eye skin quality. Combination treatment is not suitable for everyone, so I will only recommend it if it is safe and in line with your goals.
Do polynucleotide injections under the eyes hurt?
Most people describe polynucleotide injections under the eyes as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. I usually apply a topical numbing cream before treatment, and I use fine needles and careful technique to minimise discomfort. The procedure is relatively quick, and any soreness afterwards is typically mild and short-lived.
If you are considering polynucleotides for under-eye hollows and would like a personalised plan for how many sessions you might need, you can book a consultation online at Alcove Aesthetics, call 07856 962248 or send a WhatsApp message to 07457 404982.
Written by Dr Goziem Onuchukwu, BDS, MSc Aesthetic Medicine. Dental Surgeon with a special interest in aesthetic medicine and founder of Alcove Aesthetics, St James’s, London.
