Under-eye wrinkles may be improved by injecting salmon-derived ingredients into the dermis around the eyes to help the skin recover itself, rather than simply filling the area.
Several studies report improvement in fine under-eye wrinkles. Among types of dark circles, it is known to be better suited to blood vessels showing through thin skin than to pigmentation.
The safest approach is to confirm the suitability of the treatment based on a thorough examination of your individual condition during a consultation. (Individual results may vary.)
➊What is Rejuran I for treating under-eye wrinkles?
One approach to treating under-eye wrinkles is to inject a substance derived from salmon (Rejuran) into the skin around the eyes, which helps the skin to regenerate and repair itself.
The area under the eyes is considered the thinnest part of the face, so it requires a different approach than the cheeks or forehead.
The key is to send recovery signals to cells within the skin, rather than creating volume by filling.
This ingredient has been used for a long time in research related to wound healing and inflammation reduction.
Small injections around the eyes are known to help calm redness and inflammation while supporting the gradual formation of collagen that gives skin firmness.
➋How does it differ from under-eye filler?
Under-eye filler replaces lost volume, whereas Rejuran I addresses under-eye wrinkles, skin texture, and elasticity, so the concerns they target differ.
Fillers are suitable for cases where the under-eye area appears sunken or lacks volume due to structural issues.
By contrast, Rejuran is a closer fit for fine wrinkles, dry and rough skin texture, or dark circles caused by blood vessels showing through thin skin.
Conventional fillers carry risks of showing through with a bluish tint or migrating in thin areas such as under the eyes; Rejuran focuses on improving skin texture itself without those concerns.
| Category | Under-eye fillers | Rejuran I |
|---|---|---|
| Main concerns | Hollowing and structural lack of volume | Under-eye wrinkles, skin texture, and vascular dark circles |
| Mechanism of action | Fill the volume | Promotes the repair of skin cells. |
| Thin skin vulnerability | May show through or migrate | Relatively small |
"The two procedures, filler and Rejuran, differ fundamentally because filler aims to fill in the volume that has been lost, while Rejuran aims to help the skin's natural healing process."
➌Which is right for me?
Many people describe under-eye concerns as a single issue. In most cases, however, hollowing, wrinkles, pigmentation, and vascular factors occur separately or in combination.
If under-eye hollowing creates a shadow, volume support comes first. If fine lines that form when smiling or rough texture are the concern, Rejuran is the more relevant approach.
The approach to treating dark circles depends on whether they are dark brown or bluish-toned.
The brown-type, which has accumulated pigment, often requires the use of a laser in addition to Rejuran, while the blue-type, which shows visible blood vessels, is reported to have a relatively good response.
Many patients exhibit characteristics of both types, so it is necessary to first determine their actual type through a diagnostic process.
- ✓ Clear hollowing: focus on filler-based volume support
- ✓ Fine lines, texture, and vascular dark circles: focus on Rejuran
- ✓ Pigmented or mixed types: assess combination treatment during consultation
➍What is the duration of the effects, and how long do they last?
Rejuran I is typically administered in a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart. A research report indicates that the most significant improvements are typically observed around 3 months after the initial treatment.
Unlike a single treatment that produces immediate results, this procedure involves multiple sessions, with the effects gradually accumulating over time.
Some studies observed a slight decline in improvement at 6 months compared with the initial period, so additional maintenance at 4–6-month intervals is commonly recommended after completing the initial course.
However, this trend can vary from person to person depending on their skin condition and the rate of aging.
| Stage | Typical timeframe | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Initial stages | Every 2-3 weeks, 3-4 times | Encouraging fundamental improvements |
| Peak noticeable improvement | Around 3 months | Greatest reported improvement in wrinkles and texture |
| Maintenance | Every 4-6 months | Additional procedures for maintaining the effects |
➎Side effects and precautions
While serious side effects are rare, it's important to be aware that any procedure involving injections can sometimes cause temporary reactions.
The skin around the eyes is thinner than other areas, which can make bruises or swelling appear more noticeable.
Immediately after the injection, temporary, raised bumps may appear, but they usually disappear naturally within one week.
Redness, a sensation of heat, or itching may rarely occur.
Furthermore, as this ingredient is derived from salmon, individuals with fish or shellfish allergies should consult a doctor before undergoing the procedure to ensure it is safe for them.
It is also necessary to inform the doctor in advance if the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a history of autoimmune diseases.
➏Who I recommend this for, and who should reconsider
I tend to recommend this procedure when under-eye wrinkles, skin texture, or vascular dark circles are the main concern rather than hollowing.
Because it is not a filling procedure, it particularly suits people seeking a natural improvement in skin texture.
Conversely, if the under-eye area has a significant structural depression and creates distinct shadows, it may be difficult to achieve the desired results using Rejuran alone.
For these patients, I sometimes discuss a volume-filling treatment first. I want to make clear that this is because the suitable approach genuinely differs, not to recommend a higher-revenue procedure.
The thickness of the skin under the eyes and the specific concerns are determined after a direct visual examination during the consultation (individual results may vary).
"Since the goals of filler and rejuvenation treatments are different, if you have prominent under-eye hollows, it's more reasonable to consider a volumizing treatment first, rather than Rejuran."
QFrequently asked questions
The initial course generally consists of 3–4 sessions at 2–3-week intervals.
The research findings indicate that improvements were most noticeable around the 3-month mark, and that maintaining these results often requires follow-up treatments.
Individual results vary.
If hollowing is severe, volume-filling treatment is more appropriate; if fine lines or skin texture are the concern, Rejuran is the closer fit.
If both concerns coexist, it is best to decide priorities together during consultation.
While the skin around the eyes is thinner, so any bruising or swelling may be more noticeable than in other areas, this is usually a temporary reaction that resolves within a few days.
While some minor marks may remain for a short period, they usually disappear within a week.
| Types of dark circles | Rejuran response |
|---|---|
| Pigmented type (brown) | Limited response; consider combining with pigment-targeting laser |
| Vascular type (bluish) | It's relatively good. |
First, we assess the thickness of the skin under the eyes and the specific concerns during the consultation. Then, if necessary, we will also design a treatment plan that includes combining it with other procedures.
After applying the numbing cream, a small amount of the solution is then injected into the eye area using thin needles, divided into small portions.
The most accurate way to determine the best course of action is to consult with a doctor and discuss your specific situation (individual results may vary).
References
- Kim et al., "Efficacy of Polynucleotide for Periorbital Rejuvenation", Dermatologic Surgery, 2026
- Lee et al., "Needle vs Cannula Injection of Polynucleotide for Pore Improvement: A Split-Face RCT", 2026
A drop placed under the eye is less about creating volume and more about creating conditions for skin cells to recover themselves.
It's important to remember that wrinkles around the eyes can be treated through rejuvenation procedures that send signals to the skin cells to promote healing and improvement.
If you're wondering if this procedure is right for your under-eye wrinkles, please consult with a doctor at LUNN Clinic to get a personalized assessment.
Dr. Park Hyungkwon, Director and Dermatologist at LUNN Clinic
As disclosed under Article 56 of the Medical Service Act, this procedure may cause redness, bruising, swelling, and temporary papules (raised bumps). Consultation is required before treatment if you have a fish allergy.
Treatment and procedure results may vary depending on the individual’s condition.
This column is intended to provide medical information.
