Beauty review: Can this new salmon sperm injectable get rid of under-eye bags for good?

“They’re a type of bio-stimulator,” Dr James Cotter, medical director and co-founder of Sisu Clinic, says. “In that, they stimulate elastin collagen in the skin, much like Profhilo, which stimulates hyaluronic acid. About 90% of collagen comes from fibroblasts, and to be very simplistic about it, polynucleotides turn up the activity of fibroblasts in the skin to produce more elastin and collagen which are responsible for suppleness and tightness. The result is tighter, firmer skin.”

The benefits, so people allege, are extensive and transformative. When used correctly, polynucleotides are proven to significantly boost skin’s hydration levels, repair damaged skin and promote new tissue growth, which helps to mitigate some of the damage caused by sun damage. That said, the main reason people are raving about it is its ability to target the undereye area.

“The under eye area is where it’s become known for, as it’s great for tackling fine lines, but it can be used in the face; cheeks, forehead; and lower face like chin,” Dr Cotter says. 

“The company we work with, Mastelli, have products specifically for certain areas, like Plinest for the under eye, and others for jawline or lower face –those ones also combine hyaluronic acid into the formula.”

Treatment protocol is three or four treatments about two to three weeks apart. “Thereafter, it’s up to the patient,” Dr Cotter says. “Some do it every few months, some leave it longer.”

My experience

I attended Sisu’s South Anne Street Clinic in Dublin for polynucleotides, to see what all the fuss was about. 

Treatment time was less than 15 minutes each time, and Dr Sahar Elmahi, who I attended, minimised injection sites on either side of my face by choosing one area and adjusting the needle each time to target. 

Due to it being a sensitive area, I did flinch a little, but it’s very manageable. Afterwards, there were small lumps all around my eyes. To be frank, I looked a bit lumpy for about 24 hours. The next day I could hide most of this with concealer, and the following day all was back to normal. (That said, this varies from person to person.)

Aftercare centred around not getting the skin too hot; no exercise, saunas or steam for 48-72 hours. 

They say that people generally notice a difference before their third visit, and that’s exactly what happened to me. While subtle, I felt that the dark, tired under-eyes I developed over the pandemic gently melted away.

I felt revived and juicy, and noticed how little concealer I used in the weeks that followed.

The only downside, it seems, is price. Polynucleotide treatments at Sisu cost €285 for one session and €500 for two. For me, two sessions were needed to see the full benefit, each spaced two to four weeks apart.

Some just take one, while others take three. But, for most, this is all you need for lasting results. 

My final takeaway is to remind those considering it that results don’t happen overnight; a change in skin laxity and texture takes time and if you’re looking to see a difference ahead of an event or special occasion, it’s worth allocating some time so that results can be really seen. 

And, to keep skin laxity where you want it, use SPF every single day.

So, would I have it again? Absolutely. It is expensive, but it has saved me a lot of money on eye cream and makes me dread Zoom calls less when I haven’t slept. I look far fresher, which is something I’d been searching for for a long time.

Kate received a complimentary treatment in exchange for an honest review

Polynucleotide providers in Cork

• Ailesbury Clinic, East Village, Douglas
• Ora Skin Clinic, Main Street, Ballincollig
• The Glow Clinic 22 Marlboro Street, Cork City