Under‑eye hollows and dark circles are among the most common cosmetic concerns. Two of the most popular professional treatments are hyaluronic‑acid tear‑trough fillers and the newer polynucleotide therapy marketed as Lumi Eyes. Each treatment has distinct mechanisms, benefits and risks. This comparative guide will help you decide which option may suit your needs and why consulting an experienced practitioner is essential.
How do the treatments work?
Hyaluronic‑acid tear‑trough fillers: Dermal fillers for the tear trough contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar molecule that attracts water. When injected into the hollow, HA restores lost volume, smooths the transition between the lower lid and the cheek and reduces shadows. Current fillers are produced by bacterial fermentation and chemically cross‑linked to reduce allergic reactions⁹. The effect is immediate and can last 6–18 months¹⁰. Fillers are best suited for structural hollows rather than pigmentation.
Lumi Eyes polynucleotide therapy: Lumi Eyes is a mesotherapy treatment that uses purified polynucleotides (long DNA fragments derived from salmon) with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants¹³. Unlike volumising fillers, polynucleotides act as tissue stimulators. They promote fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, collagen production and angiogenesis⁴. Clinical trials indicate that polynucleotide injections improve skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkle depth and may even outperform hyaluronic‑acid fillers in reducing wrinkle depth and improving skin texture¹². Because results depend on tissue regeneration, multiple sessions are usually required.
Treatment protocol and longevity
| Feature | Hyaluronic‑acid fillers | Lumi Eyes (polynucleotides) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of sessions | Usually 1 session, with occasional touch‑up | Typically 2–3 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart⁶ |
| Procedure | Filler injected using a cannula or needle into the tear‑trough plane | Micro‑injections using fine needles; small droplets of polynucleotide solution deposited intradermally⁶ |
| Onset of results | Immediate volume correction | Gradual improvement over weeks as collagen and microcirculation increase |
| Duration of results | 6–18 months¹⁰ | Around 6 months, with maintenance recommended¹⁸ |
| Downtime | Mild swelling or bruising for a few days | Minimal downtime; tiny lumps and redness usually resolve within 1–2 days⁷ |
Benefits comparison
Benefits of hyaluronic‑acid fillers
- Immediate correction – Fillers provide instant volume restoration and reduce the appearance of hollows.
- Versatility – Various densities are available; practitioners can tailor the product to the patient’s anatomy.
- Reversibility – HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if there is overfilling or asymmetry.
Benefits of Lumi Eyes
- Improved skin quality – Polynucleotides enhance collagen and elastin production, boost hydration and improve microcirculation⁵.
- Reduction of pigmentation and puffiness – By improving vascular and lymphatic function and providing antioxidant effects, Lumi Eyes reduces dark circles and oedema⁶.
- Natural look and feel – Since the treatment stimulates the body’s own repair processes, results are subtle and avoid the risk of overfilling.
Potential risks and side‑effects
| Aspect | Hyaluronic‑acid fillers | Lumi Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Common side‑effects | Bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness¹¹ | Mild bruising, swelling or redness; tiny lumps that resolve quickly⁷ |
| Serious complications | Bluish hue (Tyndall effect), puffiness from overfilling, nodules, infection, vascular occlusion (rare)¹¹ | Rare allergic reaction (especially in those with fish allergies), temporary erythema or itching⁷ |
| Contraindications | Active infection, bleeding disorders, allergy to filler components | Fish allergy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, infection, bleeding disorders⁷ |
Notably, randomised trials found that polynucleotide fillers had a longer duration of effect and greater improvement in skin elasticity and wrinkle depth than hyaluronic‑acid fillers at 12 months¹². However, for patients with deep structural hollows, a volumising filler may still be necessary.
Which treatment is safer?
Both treatments are considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, because HA fillers add volume and sit close to blood vessels, there is a small risk of vascular occlusion that can lead to skin necrosis or vision loss¹¹. Using a blunt cannula and injecting slowly in the correct plane reduces this risk. Polynucleotide therapy does not add significant volume, so the risk of vascular compromise is lower; side‑effects are generally limited to mild local reactions⁷. The main safety consideration for Lumi Eyes is avoiding treatment in those with fish allergies or during pregnancy⁷.
Efficacy: which gives better results?
- Volume loss – If hollowing is the main concern, hyaluronic‑acid fillers deliver immediate correction by replacing lost volume.
- Skin quality and pigmentation – If fine lines, pigmentation and dullness predominate, Lumi Eyes may provide a superior outcome by stimulating collagen, improving hydration and reducing pigmentation⁵.
- Longevity – Studies suggest polynucleotide fillers can last as long as, if not longer than, HA fillers when it comes to skin quality and wrinkle depth¹². However, HA fillers may last longer in terms of structural volume.
Combining treatments
Our practitioner at Mesglo Aesthetic Clinic use a combination approach. They may first use Lumi Eyes to improve skin quality and pigmentation, then add a small amount of hyaluronic‑acid filler to address residual hollows. This method aims to deliver a natural, refreshed look while minimising the risk of puffiness or overfilling.
Cost considerations
Costs vary depending on product, practitioner expertise and geographic location. A single session of Lumi Eyes may seem less expensive than filler, but because multiple sessions are required, the total cost can be comparable. Patients should always prioritise practitioner qualification and safety over price.
Conclusion
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer to under‑eye rejuvenation. Hyaluronic‑acid tear‑trough fillers and Lumi Eyes offer different advantages. Fillers provide immediate volume and are ideal for deep hollows, while Lumi Eyes improves skin quality, reduces pigmentation and offers a natural, regenerative effect with a lower risk of serious complications. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s anatomy, concerns and risk tolerance. A consultation with a skilled practitioner, such as those at Mesglo Aesthetic Clinic, will ensure a treatment plan tailored to your needs and grounded in the latest evidence.
- Polynucleotides vs. Other Regenerative Treatments: A Scientific Comparison
- The Complete Guide to Non-Surgical Facial Contouring: Cheeks, Jaw, Chin, and Lips
- Scientific Focus: Understanding Polynucleotides: How DNA Fragments Regenerate Skin and Hair
- The Complete Guide to Polynucleotide Therapy: Skin and Hair Regeneration Through DNA
- London’s Environmental Factors and Their Impact on Under-Eye Ageing