Nucleofill Eyes Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Polynucleotide-based treatments like Nucleofill Eyes are revolutionizing the way we approach delicate under-eye concerns, providing subtle rejuvenation, hydration, and improved skin quality without the heaviness of traditional fillers. But as with any injectable treatment, understanding the potential side effects is essential for both safety and patient satisfaction.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the typical side effects of Nucleofill Eyes, what’s considered normal versus cause for concern, and how you, as a medical aesthetician, can best guide your patients through the healing journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Nucleofill Eyes is a polynucleotide-based biostimulator designed for the under-eye area, improving hydration, elasticity, and circulation.
2. Mild side effects such as swelling or bruising are normal and typically resolve within a few days.
3. Rare complications can occur but are often preventable with proper injection technique and patient screening.
4. Good communication is key: Setting realistic expectations and offering aftercare guidance reduces patient anxiety.
5. With proper technique and education, Nucleofill Eyes remains a safe and effective under-eye rejuvenation treatment.

What Is Nucleofill Eyes?

Nucleofill Eyes is a specialized polynucleotide gel developed to treat the sensitive under-eye area. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume, Nucleofill works by stimulating tissue regeneration, enhancing lymphatic drainage, and improving skin texture through deep hydration and cellular repair.

It’s commonly used to address:

• Under-eye puffiness
• Dark circles
• Thin or crepey skin
• Early signs of under-eye hollowness

Thanks to its gentle yet biologically active formula, Nucleofill Eyes has become a go-to for patients looking for natural, regenerative results.

Interested in exploring the full range? You can buy Nucleofill products or choose to buy polynucleotides online from Best Buy Fillers.

Common & Mild Nucleofill Eyes Side Effects

Like any injectable treatment, Nucleofill Eyes may produce temporary side effects that are completely normal and expected. These include:

• Mild swelling at the injection site, usually resolving in 1–3 days
• Redness or tenderness, particularly within the first 24 hours
• Bruising, especially in patients with fragile capillaries or those on blood-thinning medications
• A sense of heaviness or pressure, which tends to subside as the product integrates

These side effects are typically mild, self-limiting, and manageable with cold compresses and patient reassurance.

Rare but Possible Reactions

Though rare, more serious side effects can occur. These may include:

• Persistent swelling or inflammation, lasting beyond 5–7 days
• Palpable lumps or nodules under the skin that don’t dissipate naturally
• Localized allergic reactions such as itching or rash
• Vascular compromise, though extremely rare with Nucleofill due to its non-volumizing nature

It’s important to distinguish between normal post-injection changes and warning signs. If a patient experiences increasing pain, changes in skin color, or visible vessel patterns, they should be referred for evaluation immediately.

Signs It’s Time for Follow-Up

Even with the best technique and product placement, every treatment—Nucleofill Eyes included—requires follow-up at some point. So, how do you know when it’s time to bring your patient back in?

Generally, if a patient is still experiencing persistent swelling, bruising, or tenderness beyond the normal recovery window (typically 3–5 days), it’s worth scheduling a check-in. While mild puffiness can linger for a bit longer in some individuals, anything that seems to be getting worse—or just not improving—deserves a closer look.

You should also invite your patient back if they report:

• Lumps or uneven texture in the treated area after the first week
• Prolonged redness or warmth, which could indicate inflammation or infection
• Discomfort that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies

Equally important, follow-up isn’t only about troubleshooting. It’s a great opportunity to assess the initial results, discuss whether an additional session is needed for optimal outcomes, and reinforce patient trust. Often, one Nucleofill session isn’t enough to achieve full under-eye rejuvenation, so setting up a plan for continued care helps manage expectations and enhances long-term satisfaction. You can learn more from our blog post about Nucleofill polynucleotides.

Timeline of Healing: What to Expect

Helping your patient understand the typical post-treatment experience is key to reducing anxiety and avoiding unnecessary concern. Most reactions to Nucleofill Eyes are mild and temporary, and a clear healing timeline goes a long way in building patient confidence.

Here’s what they can generally expect:

• Immediately after treatment: There may be slight redness, pinpoint swelling at the injection sites, and a mild stinging sensation. These are completely normal and typically subside within a few hours.
• Day 1–3: This is when most of the visible swelling or puffiness occurs. Bruising may start to appear, especially in patients with fair or sensitive skin. Patients might notice their under-eyes look fuller—this is often temporary fluid retention and not the final result.
• Day 4–7: The area begins to settle. Swelling and bruising fade, and the product integrates more fully into the tissue. Some patients notice improved hydration or skin texture by the end of this phase.
• Week 2 and beyond: This is when the true benefits of Nucleofill Eyes start to shine. Collagen stimulation takes time, so subtle improvements in firmness, tone, and elasticity will continue over the next few weeks. Encourage patients to wait until this point before evaluating the need for additional sessions.

Of course, individual healing times can vary, especially based on metabolism, skin type, and the body’s response to polynucleotides. It’s always a good idea to reassure patients that slower healing doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

Learn more about Nucleofill Eyes before and after results from our blog to help patients visualize this progressive transformation.

How Aestheticians Can Minimize Risk of Nucleofill Eyes Side Effects

The skill and knowledge of the practitioner are crucial to the safety and success of Nucleofill Eyes. Tips include:

• Use superficial injection techniques: Nucleofill is intended for intradermal or just-subdermal delivery.
• Avoid overcorrection: More product doesn’t mean better results—this can lead to lumps or puffiness.
• Screen for contraindications: Recent infections, allergies, or prior complications should all be discussed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines: Adhering to proper technique and dosing reduces risk.

Best Practices for Post-Treatment Care

Post-treatment care can make or break the final results. While Nucleofill Eyes is generally low-risk with minimal downtime, reinforcing smart aftercare habits ensures your patient gets the most out of their treatment—and stays safe while doing it.

Here are some key tips to share with patients:

• Avoid touching or massaging the area for at least 24 hours, unless otherwise instructed. The under-eye region is delicate, and we want the product to settle naturally.
• Skip intense workouts for a day or two. Heavy sweating, blood flow increase, and facial movement can aggravate swelling or bruising.
• Stay upright for a few hours after treatment and avoid lying flat immediately—this helps prevent product migration and reduces fluid retention.
• Use cold compresses gently if there’s visible swelling. But avoid direct pressure, and always wrap ice packs in a soft cloth.
• Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and salty foods right before and after treatment, as these can increase bruising and puffiness.
• Delay makeup application around the eyes for at least 12–24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

FAQ

Is Nucleofill safe for eyes?

Yes. When administered by a trained professional, Nucleofill Eyes is safe and well-tolerated.

How long does it take for Nucleofill Eyes to work?

Initial improvements are visible within 2–4 weeks, with full effects by 6–8 weeks.

What are lumps after Nucleofill?

Lumps can occur due to product placement or swelling. Most resolve on their own; persistent ones may need review.

Is Nucleofill FDA approved in the USA?

Nucleofill is CE-marked in Europe. As of now, it is not FDA-approved for use in the U.S.

Can Nucleofill go wrong?

Complications are rare when performed by skilled practitioners. Patient screening and proper technique are essential.

Can you use Nucleofill Strong under eyes?

No. Nucleofill Strong is intended for thicker skin areas like the jawline. For the under-eye, use the specifically formulated Nucleofill Eyes.

Sources

1. Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: a Systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Published online December 8, 2024. doi:10.1111/jocd.16721
2. Gomes C., Silva A. C., Marques A. C., Sousa Lobo J., and Amaral M. H., “Biotechnology Applied to Cosmetics and Aesthetic Medicines,” Cosmetics 7 (2020): 33, 10.3390/cosmetics7020033. – DOI
3. Marques C, Porcello A, Cerrano M, Hadjab F, Chemali M, Lourenço K, Hadjab B, Raffoul W, Applegate LA, Laurent AE. From Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) to Polynucleotides (PNs): Bridging the Gap Between Scientific Definitions, Molecular Insights, and Clinical Applications of Multifunctional Biomolecules. Biomolecules. 2025 Jan 19;15(1):148. doi: 10.3390/biom15010148. PMID: 39858543; PMCID: PMC11764130.