Face
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Sep 8, 2024
The “tired look” is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for both men and women. It’s not just about dark circles or under-eye hollows—it’s the overall impression of fatigue that can persist, even when we’re well-rested. This tired appearance can affect self-esteem, impact first impressions, and, in some cases, make individuals feel like their outer appearance no longer reflects their energy or vitality.
Today, the approach to this concern has evolved. Rather than masking the signs of fatigue with makeup or treating the area with conventional volumizing fillers alone, many aesthetic healthcare professionals are turning to polynucleotides—a new generation of regenerative treatments that work with the skin, not against it.
Understanding the Tired Look
The periorbital area (under and around the eyes) is one of the thinnest and most delicate regions of the face. As we age, the skin in this area becomes even thinner, drier, and more susceptible to structural changes due to:
Collagen and elastin loss
Reduction in microcirculation
Oxidative stress
Volume loss in the tear trough
Repeated muscular movement
These factors combine to create shadows, puffiness, fine lines, and dullness—producing what is perceived as a chronically tired or aged look.
Enter Polynucleotides: What Are They?
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of DNA that act as biostimulators, triggering the skin’s natural repair processes. Unlike fillers, which primarily add volume, polynucleotides focus on cell regeneration, tissue repair, and hydration.
When injected into the skin, polynucleotides stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin while improving skin oxygenation and microcirculation. This makes them ideal for fragile areas such as the tear trough, where traditional hyaluronic acid fillers might pose a higher risk of edema or a visible Tyndall effect.
Why Use Polynucleotides in the Eye Area?
The eye contour requires a delicate, nuanced approach. Polynucleotides offer several advantages when treating the tired look:
1. Tissue Regeneration
Rather than filling or stretching the tissue, polynucleotides support cell turnover and dermal remodeling, leading to improved skin texture, firmness, and tone over time.
2. Deep Hydration
By improving the extracellular matrix and enhancing hydration at a cellular level, they help restore plumpness and radiance to crepey or dehydrated under-eye skin.
3. Natural Results
Patients often report a “well-rested” appearance rather than an overcorrected one. The improvements are progressive and subtle—ideal for those seeking discreet yet effective changes.
4. Safety Profile
Due to their regenerative rather than volumizing nature, polynucleotides minimize the risk of puffiness or irregularities, which are more common with fillers in this area. Additionally, they are biocompatible and well-tolerated, with a low risk of adverse reaction when administered correctly.
Clinical Protocols and Expected Results
A full treatment protocol typically includes 2 to 3 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart, depending on the product used and the patient’s individual skin condition. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 6–9 months for continued results.
Patients usually report:
Smoother under-eye skin
Reduced appearance of fine lines
Brightening of dark circles
Improved elasticity and hydration
A more refreshed and rested look
Results build gradually over the course of the treatment cycle and continue to improve as collagen production is stimulated.
Who Is This Treatment For?
Polynucleotides are suitable for a broad spectrum of patients:
Younger patients with early signs of fatigue, mild dark circles, or poor skin quality around the eyes
Mature patients experiencing more visible signs of aging, including volume loss, dehydration, and under-eye dullness
Men and women seeking a natural alternative to fillers in this sensitive area
Patients looking to prevent further degeneration of the skin with a regenerative approach
Safety First: Key Considerations
When performed by a trained aesthetic healthcare professional, polynucleotide treatments are considered safe and minimally invasive. However, as with any injectable, patient selection and proper technique are essential.
Practitioners should:
Conduct a full facial assessment to rule out anatomical issues that may require a different approach
Use microinjection or cannula techniques suited to the product and patient profile
Set realistic expectations and educate the patient on the gradual nature of the results
While rare, mild swelling or bruising may occur post-treatment and typically resolves within a few days.
A Shift Toward Regeneration
The aesthetic field is steadily moving away from approaches that merely “fill” or camouflage aging features. Instead, there is growing interest in therapies that stimulate, restore, and regenerate. Polynucleotides exemplify this philosophy. Rather than altering facial expressions or volumes, they support the skin’s own potential—making them one of the most promising tools in aesthetic medicine today.
For those struggling with a tired look that doesn’t match their inner vitality, polynucleotide therapy offers a new path: one rooted in restoration, not transformation.