What Is a Sunekos Injection? | A Doctor Explains the Effects, Cost, and Downtime

There are two types of Sunekos preparation｜Sunekos 200 and Sunekos 1200

There are in fact two types of Sunekos preparation: Sunekos 200 and Sunekos 1200. The better known of the two is the "200."

The Sunekos that most readers of this article originally had in mind is probably the "200."

The difference between the two lies in the "molecular weight" of the non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Specifically, Sunekos 200 is "low molecular weight" and Sunekos 1200 is "medium molecular weight."

The details of molecular weight get too technical, so we will omit them.

The important point is that, as stated here , “the target sites vary depending on the molecular weight” .

Please refer to the table below.

	SUNEKOS 200	SUNEKOS 1200
Component	Low-molecular-weightnon-crosslinked hyaluronic acid + 6 types of amino acids	Medium-molecular-weight non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid + 6 types of amino acids
Effect	Improved firmness and radiance, reduced fine lines, improved dark circles	Improvement of deep wrinkles and nasolabial folds
Areas of strength	Around the eyes, under the eyes	Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, hollow cheeks

As you can see from the table here, "1200" may give the impression of being "a preparation that addresses concerns in the deeper layers of the skin." That impression is correct, because the larger the molecular weight, the stronger the "volumizing" action.

Smart Skin Clinic does not offer Sunekos 1200.

The reason is that, like Sunekos 1200, we have a preparation called Profhilo that is well suited to nasolabial folds and deep wrinkles. Because the areas where Sunekos 1200 excels are almost the same as those of Profhilo, if you are considering Sunekos 1200, we invite you to also consider Profhilo as an option.

For more information on PROFHILO, click here.

What is the latest version of Sunekos, "Sunekos Performa®"?

In 2024, an improved version of Sunekos, “Sunekos Performa®,” was released with enhanced efficacy.

Compared to the original Sunekos, “Sunekos Performa” features a 28% increase in amino acid content—from 100 mg to 128 mg—and a rise in non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid from 30 mg to 35 mg. Furthermore, with a 40% reduction in hyaluronic acid degradation, its effectiveness has been significantly enhanced.

You can simply think of it as a superior version of Sunekos (the next-generation Sunekos). For more details, please see the article below.

Sunekos is recommended for people with these concerns

Those who have read this far may have questions and concerns like these.

A cosmetic dermatologist will provide a professional and easy-to-understand solution.

Let me start by getting straight to the point.

To explain in more detail, it’s best to think of Sunekos as a “formulation that’s gentle on the eye area”.

In fact, until the Sunekos preparation came along, concerns around the eyes (dark circles, fine lines) were among the more difficult ones to address.

Against this backdrop, the Sunekos formulation was developed, so I highly recommend considering it if you’re troubled by dark circles or fine lines under your eyes.

If you’re struggling with wrinkles that are slow to improve or deep wrinkles, “Juvelook Volume (Renisna)” may also be an option. It is made from an ingredient called PDLLA and is an injectable formulation that excels at adding volume.

The following article provides a detailed explanation of “Juvelook Volume (Renisna)”.

Effect

While you may already understand the effects of Sunekos from the “Recommended for People with These Concerns” section mentioned earlier, I’ll explain them again.

To summarize, the effects are as follows:

Let us introduce one medical paper that provides the basis for the above effects. As shown below, clinical research has demonstrated its "effects on concerns around the eyes."

The study concluded that HA-AA application (≈ Sunekos injection) is effective in treating dark circles and wrinkles in women aged 30 to 55. Furthermore, feedback from participants revealed that the height of their eyebrows and upper eyelids increased. Therefore, HA-AA application (≈ Sunekos injections) can be used for rejuvenation of the periorbital area (i.e., the area around the eyes).

Ayse Gul Kabakci, et al. Assessing the Rejuvenation Effectiveness of a Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acid Mixture in the Periorbital Region. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023; 16: 973–980.

Why is the Sunekos preparation effective?

We hope you now understand how effective Sunekos is.

Next, let us explain the mechanism behind "Why is the Sunekos preparation effective?"

Many people may feel they "don't need to understand" how this works, so unless you are interested, feel free to skip this section.

To understand how Sunekos works, it helps to first understand "what causes each of these concerns in the first place."

So, we will explain why "dark circles under the eyes" and "fine lines under the eyes" occur, respectively.

Why do dark circles under the eyes occur?

First, "dark circles under the eyes" are classified into the following three types depending on the cause.

Among these, the best indication for Sunekos is "1. blue dark circles." The reason is that blue dark circles result from volume loss caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin in the skin under the eyes.

Because Sunekos has an action that helps compensate for this volume loss, it may be expected to improve blue dark circles.

Why do fine lines around the eyes form? And why is this area prone to dryness?

Fine lines form due to factors such as the following.

Factors like those above trigger the following reactions in the skin.

When the reactions above occur within the skin, the visible result is what we see as "fine lines."

As you may understand from reading this far, the Sunekos preparation works to move these reactions in an "improving" direction.

One of the factors contributing to the formation of fine lines is “dryness,” and the area around the eyes is particularly prone to dryness.

Why is the area around the eyes so prone to dryness? There are mainly two reasons for this.

Due to two factors—thin skin and a low density of sebaceous glands—the area around the eyes is “a delicate area with low moisture-retention capacity that is prone to dryness”.

With its non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and six amino acids, the Sunekos preparation also moisturizes the under-eye area, so its benefits extend beyond current treatment to a preventive effect as well.

Sunekos supplements naturally increase collagen and elastin

When the non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and six amino acids that make up Sunekos are injected into the part of the skin called the dermis, they stimulate cells called fibroblasts. When stimulated, fibroblasts become active and produce the components collagen and elastin.

This collagen and elastin are the components that give skin its firmness and elasticity. By increasing these components, it is possible to naturally restore and generate firmness and elasticity in the skin.

Treatment area / method

With Sunekos, a fine needle is used to make numerous small injections at about 10 to 30 spots per side.

The areas and extent of the injections are somewhat customized to your individual concerns, but as a general guide, you can picture something like the following.

Which layer is it injected into?

Injectable formulations vary in both their ingredients and intended purposes.
Therefore, it is extremely important to administer each formulation at the appropriate “depth” and “volume” to ensure optimal results.

In the case of Sunekos, the main injection layer is the "superficial dermis."

The skin has a layered structure—from the surface: the epidermis, the dermis (superficial, middle, and deep layers), the subcutaneous fat layer, and the muscle layer—each playing a different role. The superficial dermis lies just beneath the epidermis and is the layer responsible for the skin's "visible texture," such as smoothness, firmness, and moisture.

The superficial dermis is the layer where Sunekos's ingredients and intended effects can be drawn out most effectively, and this is the medical rationale for our clinic injecting this preparation into that layer.

Recommended number/frequency of treatments | How many times should I have it?

This is a question we're often asked during actual counseling, so we'll explain it just as we would tell you at the clinic.

"How many Sunekos sessions are ideal?"

I think it would be best to take the 4-session set .

"What is the ideal interval between sessions?"

I think an interval of about two weekswould be best.

*The reason we don't speak in absolutes is that with cosmetic dermatology treatments, results vary from person to person, so we're neutrally conveying the methods generally recommended in cosmetic dermatology and by manufacturers. While we don't make guarantees, we generally recommend receiving treatment at the number of sessions and frequency described above.

How to space out other treatments

Many people have had other cosmetic treatments beforehand or wish to have them in the future, so we often receive questions like this during counseling.

We will explain this so that reading it resolves your questions.

"I'm also having laser treatment—how long should I space it out?"

As long as the laser is not applied under the eyes (the Sunekos injection area), there is no need to space them out.

If the laser is or will be applied under the eyes, we recommend leaving an interval of at least 2 weeks, and preferably about 1 month.

This basic guidance applies not only to lasers but to other treatments as well.

"Can I have other treatments on the same day?"

Yes, this is possible.

Since Sunekos injections treat one specific area—under the eyes—other treatments can be performed on the same day.

For example, a Profhilo injection can be performed on the same day.

Are there any disadvantages to the Sunekos preparation?

In general, the "Risks, Side Effects, and Downtime" described in this article should give you what you need.

If you would like more detailed information, please also see the article below.

Level of pain｜need for anesthesia

The level of pain with Sunekos is low to moderate.

Features of the Sunekos Injection at Smart Skin Clinic

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A post shared by Smart Skin Clinic [Aesthetic Dermatology] Jimbocho Juvelook & Profhilo & Sunekos (@smartskin_clinic)

Those who are not eligible for the treatment

In principle, the treatment can be performed unless you have some serious illness or inflammation in the area to be treated.

The following is provided as reference information, since we are obliged to include it to inform "those who are not eligible for the treatment," so please take a quick look through it.

Risks and Side Effects・Downtime

Risks, side effects, and downtime may mean roughly the same thing to you, so we will explain them together.

In a Sunekos injection, the Sunekos preparation is injected under the eye with a needle at several dozen or more spots per side. As a result, reactions like the following may occur.

The reactions described above usually subside within 24 hours.

Another point I always make sure to mention is the possibility of “bruising”. Since there are sometimes misunderstandings about this, I’d like to explain it carefully.

First, please take a look at the following.

As noted here, bruising occurs at a certain frequency (about 3–10%).

Bruising happens when the needle strikes a "blood vessel (a vein)" beneath the skin, causing a small tear so that blood leaks out and clots.

In other words, to prevent it, "it's best not to hit a blood vessel." However, these blood vessels (veins) are very thin, and their course (where they run) differs from person to person. For this reason, it cannot be prevented 100% by the physician's skill alone.

At Smart Skin Clinic, we are "committed" to using ultra-fine needles and make every effort to reduce the risk of bruising as much as possible. We appreciate your understanding of this when you visit us.

The course of downtime is explained in more detail in the article below. If you would like to know more, please also see the following article.

Aftercare｜advice for daily life after treatment

First we will summarize the "what not to do" items, and then explain the reasons in detail.

So, let us first summarize "what not to do" after the treatment.

Next, we will briefly explain "why you should not do these things."

The area where Sunekos was injected is experiencing mild “inflammation”.

Simply put, inflammation can be described as “the body’s effort to return to its original state”. Since the body is working hard to heal the injection site, it’s best to leave it alone.

The common thread among the “Things to Avoid Within 24 Hours” is anything that “excessively increases blood flow or applies heat.” These factors can exacerbate inflammation, which may result in a condition known as “inflammatory hyperpigmentation” or slow down the healing process.

In short, “to avoid exacerbating the inflammation, avoid irritation and let the body heal naturally.”

The Difference Between Sunekos Injections and Other Treatments

Even among treatments that aim to “prepare the skin’s foundation through injections,” each has its own areas of expertise and specific goals. It’s easier to choose the right one by considering “where the issue is and what kind of concern you have.”

*Results may vary from person to person, and a doctor will determine suitability following an examination.

Pricing

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Smart Skin Clinic [Aesthetic Dermatology] Jimbocho Juvelook & Profhilo & Sunekos (@smartskin_clinic)

Sunekos (manual, physician-administered) pricing

Sunekos Water Light Injection (mechanical) pricing

Sunekos Performa (manual, physician-administered) pricing

Treatment Flow

FAQ

What is the difference between Sunekos injections and conventional hyaluronic acid?

When hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin, it is processed to bind the hyaluronic acid molecules together so that it is less easily absorbed. This process, called "cross-linking," is done to maintain the skin's firmness and hydration over a longer period. However, if this "cross-linked hyaluronic acid" accidentally enters a blood vessel, there is a risk that it may lodge within an artery and cause vascular occlusion.

On the other hand, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid that has not been processed to be "cross-linked. Unlike regular hyaluronic acid, the hyaluronic acid used in SUNEKOS injections is not cross-linked. This is expected to reduce the risk to the body and the risk of post-injection results.

Which should I choose, SUNEKOS 200 or 1200?

Our clinic offers only Sunekos 200.
For the eye area, we use 200. The 1200 is used for "deeper" wrinkles such as nasolabial folds and the hands. In such cases, a Profhilo injection may be a good fit, so please do consider Profhilo.

How effective is a single session?

Results vary from person to person, but even a single session may help improve dark circles and fine lines. In general, a set of 3 to 4 sessions makes the effects easier to notice.

How long do the effects last?

This varies from person to person, but generally around 9 months to 1 year. It can also change depending on lifestyle, skincare, and other factors.

Can I wear makeup on the same day?

Since this is a treatment around the eyes, you can wear makeup on the same day everywhere except the eye area. For the treated area itself, we recommend waiting until the next day.

Details

Physician Who Supervised This Page

Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician

Kota Ishii

We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.

See the Philosophy of Our Doctors and Clinics

Interview with Director Kota Ishii

Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.

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Jimbocho Clinic

〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F

Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00

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〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

Hours: 10:00–19:00