Why do dark circles and fine lines form under the eyes?
A dark look under the eyes can have several causes: blood vessels showing through thin skin, increased pigment, shadows from a hollow, and fluid retention are the main ones. Many people have several of these at once, so the cause needs to be identified before choosing a method.
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the body, and the muscles and blood vessels beneath it lie close to the surface. As the skin thins, these structures show more and a bluish or purplish tone can appear. Genetic predisposition, loss of collagen and moisture with age, sun damage, lack of sleep, allergies and frequent rubbing can all contribute. With age, a hollow can also form where the lower lid meets the cheek, casting a shadow under light that strengthens the impression of a dark circle.
Fine lines are mostly related to loss of hydration and elasticity, while lines that deepen when you smile or squint are also caused by muscle movement. “Under-eye darkness” is therefore not a single diagnosis but the shared appearance of different causes, and the right method depends on the cause. If you want to compare other options for the same concern, you can read our pages on under-eye mesotherapy, on dark circles and on under-eye filler.
What does salmon DNA aim to do under the eyes, and what does it not do?
Salmon DNA aims to support the hydration, texture and elasticity of the skin under the eyes. It does not add volume, fill hollows, remove bags or on its own correct genetic or pigment-related dark circles. Its effect varies from person to person, and realistic expectations are discussed at the consultation.
After polynucleotide treatment, the expected effect under the eyes is skin that looks more hydrated, smoother and fresher, with softer fine lines. Where a bruised look comes from blood vessels showing through thin skin, better skin quality may offer a limited contribution. This effect varies from person to person and is assessed as sessions progress. Not everyone sees the same level of change, which is why expectations should be discussed realistically at the consultation.
For a marked under-eye hollow, bags caused by protruding fat pads, and pigment-related dark circles, polynucleotides may not be enough. In these situations fillers, other injection methods, pigment treatments or surgical assessment may come into consideration, and in some people more than one method needs to be sequenced at suitable intervals. Which cause predominates is identified during examination under good light and from different angles; choosing a method without that step can leave results out of step with expectations.
How does it differ from under-eye filler?
Under-eye filler places hyaluronic acid to reduce hollowing and volume loss, aiming to lessen the shadow. Salmon DNA supports skin quality without adding volume. The two address different problems and do not replace each other; the choice is made at the consultation.
Filler is an approach that aims to fill the space beneath the skin. Where a hollow is casting the shadow, filler may be the more suitable option for reducing it. However, the under-eye area is delicate: the amount and depth of product and the person's anatomy shape the outcome. Risks include swelling, bruising, irregularity, oedema and, very rarely, serious vascular complications; these are covered in more detail on our under-eye filler page.
With salmon DNA, small amounts of product are placed into the skin and the main aim is to support tissue quality. If the skin looks thin and crinkled but there is no marked hollow, a polynucleotide may be considered. When both a hollow and thin skin are present, the methods may be considered within the same plan at different times. Which one, or which sequence, is suitable is decided by the physician after a face-to-face examination; neither option is regarded as superior to the other, and the choice follows the anatomy.
Who may not be suitable, and what are the risks?
Treatment is generally not recommended or is postponed for people with a fish or salmon allergy, for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and where there is active infection or inflammation around the eyes. Swelling and bruising can be more noticeable here than in other areas.
Because the products are fish-derived, allergy history is always asked about. Cold sores, styes, eczema or other inflammation of the eyelid, recent eye surgery, or follow-up for an eye condition are assessed separately. Blood-thinner use, bleeding disorders, active autoimmune disease and a tendency to keloids call for additional assessment. In people with a marked tendency to oedema, swelling may last longer; this is discussed together with expectations and the timing is arranged accordingly.
Common effects are redness, swelling, bruising and small bumps at the needle points, which usually settle within a few days. Rarely, an allergic reaction, infection or prolonged swelling may develop. Changes in vision, increasing pain, fever, marked colour change or shortness of breath need prompt medical attention or emergency care. Planning treatment a few weeks before an important event leaves room for these temporary effects to settle.
How does the treatment and session process work?
The area is cleaned, numbing cream is usually applied, and the product is placed in small amounts with a fine needle or cannula. The plan is usually a few sessions a few weeks apart; the number and interval vary by person and product.
You may feel pricking and pressure, and because the area is sensitive you can ask for pauses during the procedure. Whether the product suits the eye area, its consistency and its instructions for use are checked before treatment, and the physician decides which product is chosen. For product-specific details see our Rejuran i and Nucleofill pages, and for general planning and intervals see our sessions page.
After treatment, avoiding eye make-up on the first day, not rubbing the area, and staying away from saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise and alcohol for a while are generally advised. Sunscreen and sunglasses help during recovery, and keeping your head slightly raised when sleeping can reduce morning puffiness. Personal after-care advice depends on the product and your skin and is explained after the procedure; contact your physician if anything unexpected happens.
Frequently asked questions
Will salmon DNA completely remove under-eye dark circles?
No, this outcome should not be expected for everyone. Salmon DNA may give limited support where the look comes from thin skin, while dark circles caused by pigment, hollowing or bags may not improve on their own. The cause is identified at the consultation, together with which method may come into consideration.
Can I have both filler and salmon DNA under the eyes?
In some people both can be considered within the same plan, one for volume and the other for skin quality. The sequence and intervals are set by the physician because of the risk of swelling and bruising; a gap of a few weeks between the two is generally preferred.
How long does an under-eye salmon DNA procedure take?
Excluding preparation and the time for numbing cream, treatment of the eye area usually takes less time than the whole face. The exact time depends on the area covered and the product chosen. Most people return to daily activities the same day, although bruising can occur.
How long does swelling last under the eyes after salmon DNA?
Swelling and bruising usually settle within a few days, and may last longer in people prone to oedema. If swelling increases, is painful or clearly one-sided, or if you develop fever or changes in vision, contact your physician without delay. Sleeping with your head slightly raised and limiting salty food may help.
Do I need to take care with glasses or contact lenses after treatment?
If you wear contact lenses, it is generally advised to put them in and take them out on the first day with clean hands and without rubbing the area. Your physician may also suggest glasses instead of lenses for a few days depending on swelling and sensitivity. Any redness, pain or change in vision needs prompt attention.
At what age is salmon DNA considered for the under-eye area?
There is no single right age. Treatment is judged by the skin's needs rather than age, and thin skin, dryness and fine lines can appear at different ages. If hollowing or marked bags are the main concern, other methods may come into consideration. This assessment is made at the consultation.
Sources (4)
- J Clin Med: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Versus Polynucleotides for Under-Eye Rejuvenation (2026)
- Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol: A Real-World Study of Polynucleotides HPT for Treating Periorbital Hyperpigmentation (2026)
- J Cosmet Dermatol: Prospective Observational Study of Polynucleotide Injections for Periorbital Rhytides (2026)
- J Cosmet Dermatol: Long-Term Safety of Intradermal Polynucleotides in the Periocular Region: A Retrospective Study (2026)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.