PRP or polynucleotides for under-eye rejuvenation, which is right for you?

Written By Sama Samy

PRP and polynucleotides both improve under-eye skin by stimulating repair, but they suit different concerns. Polynucleotides have the stronger evidence for crepey, thin under-eye skin and fine lines. PRP, made from your own blood, suits dullness, uneven colour and patients who prefer an entirely natural option. Many patients benefit from combining the two.

Key points

  • Regenerative under-eye treatment is one of the defining aesthetic trends of 2026, according to the UK patient safety organisation Save Face.

  • A 2026 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found polynucleotides consistently improve under-eye skin elasticity, hydration and fine lines, with a favourable safety profile.

  • PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood, which makes it a natural choice for patients who want nothing synthetic.

  • Neither treatment adds volume, so deep hollows may still need structural correction.

  • The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers under-eye PRP from £495 and polynucleotides from £445.

Why are under-eye treatments changing in 2026?

Under-eye treatment in the UK has shifted from filling to regenerating. Tear trough filler can correct hollows well, but the delicate under-eye area is prone to swelling, puffiness and a bluish tint when hyaluronic acid sits too close to the surface. Patients increasingly ask for treatments that improve the quality of the skin itself.
PRP and polynucleotides answer that request. Both work by encouraging the skin's own cells to repair and produce collagen, so results look natural and develop gradually. A 2026 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine noted that the limitations of filler in this region have driven growing interest in regenerative alternatives.
Ask which under-eye treatment suits you on WhatsApp and send a photograph taken in daylight without make-up.

What is under-eye PRP?

Under-eye PRP is an injection of platelet-rich plasma, prepared from the patient's own blood, into the thin skin beneath the eyes. The platelets release growth factors that support blood vessel health, collagen production and tissue repair. Because the plasma is autologous, allergic reactions are very rare.
The evidence for under-eye PRP is promising but early. A 2014 pilot study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found PRP improved the evenness of under-eye colour after treatment. Larger trials are still needed, and our doctors explain that honestly at consultation.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon or trout, that are injected into the skin as a medical device. Polynucleotides bind water and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that suit sensitive, reactive skin.
The 2026 Journal of Clinical Medicine review compared polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid filler for the under-eye area. The authors found that filler remains superior for structural correction, while polynucleotides consistently improve dermal quality, including elasticity, hydration and fine lines. Patients with a known fish allergy should discuss this with the doctor before treatment.

How do PRP and polynucleotides compare?

PRP and polynucleotides overlap in purpose but differ in source, evidence and the concerns they suit best. The comparison below sets out the main differences.

Under-eye PRP

  • Source. The patient's own blood, prepared during the appointment.

  • Best for. Dullness, uneven colour, early fine lines, and patients who want an entirely natural treatment.

  • Evidence. Promising early studies, with larger trials still awaited.

  • Course. Usually three sessions around four weeks apart.

  • Downtime. Mild swelling and possible pinpoint bruising for one to three days.

  • Price at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. From £495.

Polynucleotides

  • Source. Purified fish-derived DNA fragments, supplied as a medical device.

  • Best for. Crepey, thin under-eye skin, fine lines and poor elasticity.

  • Evidence. The stronger body of evidence for under-eye skin quality.

  • Course. Usually three sessions two to three weeks apart.

  • Downtime. Small bumps for 24 to 48 hours and possible bruising.

  • Price at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. From £445.

"The question is never which treatment is fashionable," says [Doctor name], lead PRP doctor at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. "It is what the skin under the eye actually needs. Thin, crepey skin and dull, uneven colour are different problems, and we match the treatment to the problem." [Quote to be approved by the reviewing doctor before publication.]

Which under-eye treatment is right for me?

The right under-eye treatment depends on the main concern. Polynucleotides usually suit patients whose skin is thin, crepey or lined. PRP suits patients whose main concern is dullness or uneven colour, or who want a treatment made only from their own blood.
A combined plan often gives the most complete result. Our doctors frequently alternate polynucleotides and PRP across a course, so the skin receives both signals. Neither treatment restores lost volume, so patients with deep hollows may also need structural correction, which the doctor will discuss.
Book your free suitability review on WhatsApp to receive a doctor's recommendation.

When will I see results from under-eye treatment?

Results from under-eye PRP and polynucleotides build gradually. Hydration and brightness often improve within two to four weeks of the first session. Texture, fine lines and skin thickness continue to improve for three months after the course, as new collagen matures.
Results typically last 6 to 12 months. A single maintenance session every six months keeps the improvement steady for most patients.
Ask for your under-eye plan on WhatsApp and a doctor will reply with a recommendation.

Are under-eye injections safe?

Under-eye injections are safe when performed by a trained doctor who understands the anatomy of the area. The under-eye region has thin skin and important blood vessels, so technique and experience matter. The most common side effects are mild swelling and bruising, which settle within a few days.
Choosing a doctor-led clinic is the most important safety step. Read our guide to choosing a safe PRP clinic in London for the questions to ask before booking.

How does the free suitability review work?

The free suitability review is a doctor's honest recommendation before any appointment. Send a short message and two daylight photographs of your under-eye area, one facing forward and one at an angle, through WhatsApp. A GMC-registered doctor reviews them and either approves you for a consultation or suggests a better-suited option.
Start your free review now, call +44 20 3951 3429, or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRP or polynucleotides better for dark circles?

PRP and polynucleotides can both improve dark circles caused by thin skin or poor skin quality. Polynucleotides have stronger evidence for thin, crepey skin, while PRP suits uneven colour. Dark circles caused by hollowing or genetics may need a different approach.

Can I combine PRP and polynucleotides?

PRP and polynucleotides can be combined in a single course. Many doctors alternate the two treatments so the skin benefits from both repair signals.

How many under-eye sessions will I need?

Most patients need three under-eye sessions for either treatment, followed by maintenance every six months. The doctor confirms the plan after assessing your skin.

How much do under-eye treatments cost at The London PRP Clinic?

The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers under-eye PRP from £495 and polynucleotides from £445, at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 6AZ.

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Sama Samy
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