![Official] Smart Skin Clinic｜Aesthetic Dermatology Group (Jimbocho, Yokohama)](https://smartskin-clinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Smart-skin-clinic-ロゴ500-×-100-px.png)
【Starting at ¥27,500】Smart Skin Clinic in Tokyo and Yokohama Offers Affordable Snekos Injections
*Number of cases | During the period from September 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
| Sessions (3cc/session) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
| Once | 33,000 yen | 11,000 yen |
| 2 sessions | 62,000 yen (31,000 yen per session) | 10,300 yen |
| 4 sessions | 110,000 yen (27,500 yen per session) | 9,200 yen |
*We offer self-pay (non-insured) treatments only; insurance does not apply.
Our clinic has also introduced "Sunekos Performa," the latest, upgraded version of Sunekos.
Compared to Sunekos, the following three improvements make it far more effective at increasing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
- Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid increased from 30mg to 35mg
- Amino acid content increased 28%, from 100mg to 128mg
- 40% reduction in the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the body
"What kind of injection is a Sunekos injection, and what effects does it have?"
"I want to get Sunekos injections and I'm choosing a clinic."
Do you have any of these questions or concerns?
In this article, Smart Skin Clinic—an aesthetic dermatology clinic that performs more than 10,000 injectable treatments per year—explains these questions and concerns in an easy-to-understand way.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Effects of Sunekos injection (Before/After)
Improving blue dark circles in 10 minutes, without surgery
Addresses various dark circles, fine lines, and sagging in addition to blue dark circles
What is SUNEKOSinjection?
A Sunekos injection is a treatment in which a preparation (drug) called "Sunekos" is injected into the face.
The Sunekos preparation is"non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid"and"six amino acids"These are the main components of the preparation.
There are two types of hyaluronic acid: "cross-linked" and "non-cross-linked." The cross-linked type is the conventional hyaluronic acid most people picture. Specifically, this solid form of hyaluronic acid is placed deep within the skin to add firmness and elasticity and boost volume.
Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is injected as a soft rather than solid form of hyaluronic acid. As it disperses through the skin, it naturally replenishes firmness and elasticity and adds volume.
The names of the six amino acids contained in the Sunekos preparation and their actions are as follows. By acting on the dermis deep within the skin, these amino acids naturally boost collagen and elastin.
1. Glycine｜Collagen production
2. L-proline｜Natural moisturizing factor (NMF), hyaluronic acid production, fibroblast stimulation
3. L-lysine｜Collagen production
4. L-alanine｜Elastin and collagen production
5. L-valine｜Elastin production, maintenance of skin firmness and elasticity
6. L-leucine｜Signals tissues to promote protein synthesis
A distinctive feature of the Sunekos preparation is that the ratio of this "non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid" to the "amino acids" is a special, internationally patented composition.
This ratio has been shown to be efficient for boosting components such as collagen and elastin deep within the skin (the dermis).
We will cover the specific benefits you can expect in the "Effects" section.
In addition, it holds the "CE Mark Class III"Approved as compliant with European safety standardscertification. Put simply, this means it is a highly safe preparation approved by a body comparable to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. As for "why Europe," it is because Sunekos is made in Italy.
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.
What matters is that"the differences in molecular weight change which areas each is best suited to."That is what we mean.
Please see the table below.
 SUNEKOS 200 |  SUNEKOS 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Component | Low molecular weightNon-cross-linked hyaluronic acid + 6 amino acids | Middle moleculeNon-cross-linked hyaluronic acid + 6 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, "Sunekos Performa®"—an improved, more effective version of Sunekos—was released.
Compared to conventional Sunekos, "Sunekos Performa" has a 28% higher amino acid content (from 100mg to 128mg) and more non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (from 30mg to 35mg), and its 40% reduction in the hyaluronic acid breakdown reaction makes it far more effective.
simply put,an upgraded version of Sunekos (a next-generation Sunekos)is a good way to think of it. For more details, we've also summarized this in the article below, so please take a look if you're interested.
Sunekos isRecommended if you have any of these concerns
Those who have read this far may have questions and concerns like these.
"In what cases should I choose the Sunekos preparation?"
"I'm not sure whether Sunekos is really right for me."
Our aesthetic dermatologists will address this in a professional and easy-to-understand way.
Let us start with the conclusion.
If any of the following apply to you, Sunekos may be a good option.
[Who the Sunekos preparation is mainly for]
・Those bothered by dark circles under the eyes
・Those bothered by fine lines around the eyes
・Those bothered by dryness around the eyes
[Hopes and concerns you may have]
・Hyaluronic acid injections and surgical procedures "don't feel natural" to me, so I'd prefer a treatment that allows for natural-looking changes
・I've been told that "dark circles and fine lines under the eyes can't be fixed," but I still want to do something about them
・I'd rather avoid treatments with more than 3 days of downtime
To explain in more detail, it helps to understand Sunekos as"strong around the eyes."a preparation.
In fact, until the Sunekos preparation came along, concerns around the eyes (dark circles, fine lines) were among the more difficult ones to address.
It was against this backdrop that the Sunekos preparation emerged, so if you are bothered by dark circles or fine lines under the eyes, it is well worth considering.
If you are troubled by wrinkles that just won't improve or by deep wrinkles,"Juvelook Volume (Lenisna)"can also be an option. Made of a component called PDLLA, it is an injectable preparation with a strength in adding volume.
In the following article,"Juvelook Volume (Lenisna)"we explain this in detail.
Effect
We hope you understood the effects of the Sunekos preparation from the earlier "Recommended for these concerns" section, but let us explain them once more.
Organized and summarized, the effects are as follows.
[Main effects] (the effects customers most look forward to)
・Improvement of dark circles under the eyes
・Improvement of fine lines around the eyes
[Other effects]
・Improvement of dryness around the eyes
・Improved skin firmness and elasticity around the eyes
・Reduction of sagging under the eyes
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."
HA-AA application (≈ Sunekos injection) wasconcluded to be effective in improving dark circles and wrinkles in women aged 30 to 55.Feedback from participants also revealed increased eyebrow height and increased upper-eyelid height. Therefore,HA-AA application (≈ Sunekos injection) can be used for periorbital (i.e., around-the-eye) rejuvenation.
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.
1. Blue dark circles
Dark circles caused by the blood vessels and muscle (orbicularis oculi) beneath the skin showing through. They are said to be caused by volume loss beneath the skin and poor circulation.
2. Black dark circles (shadow dark circles)
Dark circles caused by shadows from the "fat" under the eyes. The main cause is sagging skin due to aging.
3. Brown dark circles
Dark circles that have become discolored due to pigmentation. This is melanin pigmentation.
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.
- Age｜The most common cause; they occur naturally as we grow older.
- Ultraviolet rays｜Sun exposure is known to break down collagen and elastin and accelerate skin aging.
- Smoking｜Smoking worsens blood flow and reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients the skin needs.
- Facial expressions｜Frequent changes in facial expression place stress on specific areas of skin, leading to fine lines.
- Dryness｜Dry skin makes wrinkles more noticeable and promotes their formation.
Factors like those above trigger the following reactions in the skin.
- Decrease in collagen and elastin｜These proteins are key to the skin's elasticity and strength. As we age, production of these proteins declines and the skin becomes more prone to sagging.
- Reduced water-retention capacity｜As moisturizing components such as hyaluronic acid in the skin decrease, the skin's ability to retain water declines. This dries out the skin and makes fine lines more likely to form.
- Reduced cell regeneration capacity｜The rate at which skin cells regenerate slows with age. This makes damage more likely to accumulate and wrinkles more likely to form.
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 behind the formation of fine lines is "dryness," and in particularThe area around the eyes is prone to drynesswill apply.
Why is the area around the eyes prone to dryness? There are two main reasons.
- Because the skin under the eyes is thin｜about half the thickness of the cheeks
- Because there are few sebaceous glands to secrete sebum
For two reasons—thin skin and few sebaceous glands—the area around the eyes is"a delicate area with low water-retention capacity that is prone to dryness."This is the case.
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.
The Sunekos preparationnaturally boosts 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 preparations differ in both their ingredients and their purpose.
For this reason, the layer suited to each preparation"layer"and"amount"is very important for drawing out the effect correctly.
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?"
-
A set of 4 sessionsis what we would suggest.
- "What is the ideal interval between sessions?"
-
Intervals of about 2 weekswould be a good idea.
*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.
Need for anesthesia｜Low to moderate
Smart Skin Clinic's SUNEKOS InjectionFeatures of
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.
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with abnormal immune function or a history of it, and those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
- Those prone to keloid formation, hypertrophic scars, or pigmentation disorders
- Those with a bleeding tendency, or those using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics such as aspirin or anticoagulants such as warfarin
- Those with excessive sunburn, eczema, dermatitis, severely inflamed acne, or scabs at the Sunekos injection site
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.
Redness, swelling (puffiness), and pain may occur at the injection site.
The above reactionssubside within 24 hours in most cases.
Another point we always make sure to mention is"bruising."the possibility that it may occur. This is sometimes misunderstood, so let us explain it carefully.
First, please see below.
Due to the nature of the treatment, bruising may—though not always—occur at the needle puncture site. If bruising does occur, it gradually fades over the course of one to two weeks.
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.
[What not to do within 24 hours]
・Strenuous exercise
・Sauna
・Bathing in hot water
・Excessive alcohol consumption
・Use of retinol or hydroquinone cream
[What is best avoided within 24 hours]
・Exercise
・Bathing
・Drinking alcohol
・At the injection siteMakeup *Makeup is fine everywhere except under the eyes. *It is OK from 24 hours later (the next day is also acceptable).
[What you may do within 24 hours]
・Washing your face｜Please do so gently to avoid friction.
・Skincare｜Please use low-irritation cosmetics and focus mainly on moisturizing.
[What is best avoided within 1 week]
・Massaging around the treated area
・Use of retinol or hydroquinone cream
Next, we will briefly explain "why you should not do these things."
The area injected with Sunekos is in a mild"state of inflammation."This is the case.
Inflammation, put simply,"is a state in which the body is working hard to return to its original condition."That's how we can describe it. Since the body is working hard to improve the injection site, it is best to leave it alone.
What the "things not to do within 24 hours" have in common is "excessively increasing blood flow or applying heat." These can promote inflammation, which may result in a condition called "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation" or slow the healing process.
In short,"To avoid promoting inflammation, don't irritate the area and let it heal naturally."That is what we mean.
Pricing
Our clinic has also introduced "Sunekos Performa," the latest, upgraded version of Sunekos.
Compared to Sunekos, the following three improvements make it far more effective at increasing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
- Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid increased from 30mg to 35mg
- Amino acid content increased 28%, from 100mg to 128mg
- 40% reduction in the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the body
Sunekos (manual, physician-administered) pricing
| Sessions (3cc/session) | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
| Once | 33,000 yen | 11,000 yen |
| 2 sessions | 62,000 yen (31,000 yen per session) | 10,300 yen |
| 4 sessions | 110,000 yen (27,500 yen per session) | 9,200 yen |
*We offer self-pay (non-insured) treatments only; insurance does not apply.
Price includes the consultation fee and the ultra-fine needle fee (see image below)
There is no separate upsell on the day of your treatment.
Need for anesthesia | Low
This treatment generally does not require anesthesia.
We would like to keep this pricing, so if you would like numbing cream we charge[5,500 yen (tax included) per session]for it. (*This is because anesthesia adds about 20 minutes to the treatment time.)
Sunekos Water Light Injection (mechanical) pricing
| 3cc | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once | 26,800 yen | ¥8,933 |
| 4 sessions | 99,200 yen (per session24,800 yen) | ¥8,266 |
| 6cc | Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | 39,800 yen | ¥6,633 |
| Once | 44,800 yen | ¥7,466 |
| 4 sessions | 159,200 yen (per session39,800 yen) | ¥6,633 |
Need for Anesthesia | High
Prices shown are all-inclusive, covering anesthesia and other fees.
This is because anesthesia is recommended for this treatment, so the standard practice is to perform it after applying anesthetic cream or administering local anesthesia.
Sunekos Performa (manual, physician-administered) pricing
| 1 session (1 bottle｜3.5cc) | 39,900 yen |
| Set of 2 | 75,800 yen (37,900 yen per session) |
| 4 sets | 139,600 yen (per session34,900 yen) |
| Monitor: 4 sets | 129,600 yen |
Need for anesthesia | Low
This treatment generally does not require anesthesia.
We would like to keep this pricing, so if you would like numbing cream we charge[5,500 yen (tax included) per session]for it. (*This is because anesthesia adds about 20 minutes to the treatment time.)
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During counseling, please feel free to share any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales.
We perform the injections carefully while checking in with you throughout.
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and precautions for daily life.
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
| Treatment Time | About 15 minutes (not including counseling) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | Around the eyes｜about 3 to 4 sessions, once every 2 weeks [For reference] Whole face｜about 4 sessions, once every 7 to 10 days |
| Downtime | About 24 hours |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | From the next day |
| Skincare | From the next day |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
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.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
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
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00
[Legal Notices]
SUNEKOS injections include procedures using drugs or medical devices that are not approved in Japan. The medicines and devices used in the treatment have been imported on a personal import basis under the judgment of our physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medications and similar items that require caution in personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medications and Similar Items That Require Caution in Personal Importation."
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a Smart Skin Clinic supervising physician.
This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025