Polynucleotides, Under-Eye Filler Treatment, Melbourne
The delicate under-eye area is one of the first places to show signs of ageing, tiredness, and volume loss, leading many people to seek treatments that can restore brightness, smoothness, and a refreshed appearance. Two of the most effective options for treating concerns in this area are polynucleotides and tear trough fillers, but while both can improve the under-eye region, they work in very different ways.
If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, understanding the differences between polynucleotides and tear trough fillers can help you make the right decision for your skin and aesthetic goals.
What are polynucleotides and how do they work?
Polynucleotides are an advanced regenerative treatment designed to repair, rejuvenate, and strengthen the skin at a cellular level. Unlike traditional volume enhancement, polynucleotides do not add volume but instead stimulate tissue repair, improve skin elasticity, and enhance hydration. Derived from purified DNA fragments, they work by activating fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
This treatment is particularly beneficial for under-eye concerns such as fine lines, crepey skin, dark circles, and mild hollowness. As the under-eye area is prone to thin, fragile skin and reduced blood circulation, polynucleotides help by boosting skin thickness, reducing pigmentation, and improving overall skin quality.
A full course of polynucleotide treatment typically consists of three sessions, spaced around two to four weeks apart. Results develop gradually over several weeks, with the skin appearing brighter, firmer, and more hydrated over time. The effects of polynucleotides last around six to twelve months, with many patients choosing to have maintenance sessions to sustain their results.
Polynucleotides suit those experiencing signs of ageing, thin or fragile under-eye skin, or persistent dark circles that do not improve with skincare alone. They are particularly beneficial for patients who want a regenerative, long-term approach to improving the under-eye area without adding unnecessary volume.
What are tear trough fillers and how do they work?
Tear trough fillers are a hyaluronic acid-based treatment designed to restore lost volume and smooth hollow under-eyes. As we age, the fat pads beneath the eyes begin to shrink, creating a sunken, tired appearance. Tear trough fillers work by carefully adding volume, supporting the under-eye area and creating a brighter, more refreshed look in suitable patients.
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler just below the eye to soften hollowing and reduce shadows. The filler attracts water, improving hydration and plumpness, making the under-eye area appear smoother and brighter.
Unlike polynucleotides, which require multiple sessions, tear trough filler gives a visible change in a single treatment. The effects last between six and eighteen months, depending on the individual’s metabolism and the type of filler used.
Tear trough fillers are best suited for patients with moderate to severe volume loss in the under-eye area. They are particularly effective for individuals who appear tired due to deep hollows or pronounced tear troughs. However, fillers are not always the best choice for those with very thin skin or significant pigmentation, as adding volume alone does not address skin texture or circulation issues.
How do polynucleotides and tear trough fillers compare?
While both treatments improve the under-eye area, they work in completely different ways. Polynucleotides focus on cellular repair, hydration, and skin regeneration, making them a strong choice for individuals who have fragile, crepey skin or persistent dark circles. They do not add volume, so they are a great option for patients who want to improve under-eye skin quality without risk of puffiness or overfilling.
Tear trough fillers, on the other hand, are designed for structural support and volume restoration. If your primary concern is deep hollows or sunken eyes, fillers may be the better option as they instantly restore lost volume, making the area appear brighter and less shadowed.
Another key difference is the treatment process and longevity. Polynucleotides require a course of treatments and results appear gradually, whereas tear trough fillers deliver immediate volume correction in just one session. However, polynucleotides actively improve skin health over time, offering long-term benefits beyond just volume restoration.
For some patients, a combination of both treatments works well. Polynucleotides can improve the skin’s resilience and hydration, while a small amount of filler can restore volume where necessary. This approach supports a natural, balanced result that enhances the freshness and brightness of the under-eye area.
Which treatment is right for you?
Choosing between polynucleotides and tear trough fillers depends on your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. If you are struggling with thin skin, fine lines, or dark circles and want a long-term approach that strengthens the skin, polynucleotides are the stronger option. They work gradually to improve skin quality, suiting those who prefer a regenerative approach rather than immediate volume correction.
If your main concern is hollowness or deep-set tear troughs, fillers provide immediate lifting and plumping, helping to soften shadows and restore a rested appearance. However, fillers should always be administered by an experienced practitioner, as the under-eye area is delicate and prone to complications if not treated correctly. At Aesthetic Doctors Australia, we offer expert guidance on both treatments, tailoring each approach to suit your needs and facial anatomy. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, a consultation with our team will help you decide on the most effective way to refresh, rejuvenate, and brighten your under-eye area in a way that looks natural and balanced.
