Is Sunekos Safe? Side Effects and Suitability

Sunekos has become a popular choice for people looking to improve skin quality, particularly around the eyes, face and neck. As with any injectable treatment, one of the first questions my patients ask is whether it is safe. In this article, I explain what Sunekos is, the side effects you should know about, and who should avoid it.

What is Sunekos?

Sunekos is an injectable treatment that combines hyaluronic acid with a blend of amino acids. Unlike dermal fillers, it is not designed to add volume or change the shape of the face. Instead, it aims to support the skin’s own repair processes, improving hydration, texture and the appearance of fine lines over a course of treatments.

It is commonly used for:

• the under-eye area, including crepey skin and fine lines
• the face, to improve overall skin quality
• the neck and décolletage
• the backs of the hands

You can read more about how the treatment works on our Sunekos treatment page.

Is Sunekos safe?

When it is carried out by a qualified medical professional, in a clinical setting and after a proper assessment, Sunekos is generally well tolerated. Hyaluronic acid and amino acids are substances that occur naturally in the body, which is one reason side effects tend to be mild and short-lived.

That said, no injectable treatment is completely free from risk. The safety of your treatment depends on three main things: an honest medical assessment beforehand, an injector with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, and good aftercare.

What are the common side effects?

Most side effects are related to the injections themselves and usually settle within a few days. They can include:

• Redness at the injection points
• Small bumps where the product has been placed, which typically settle within a day or so
• Mild swelling, particularly in the delicate under-eye area
• Bruising, which is more likely if you bruise easily or take certain medications or supplements
• Tenderness or a feeling of tightness in the treated area

I always advise patients to plan treatment so that any temporary redness or bruising does not clash with an important event.

Rarer complications

Less commonly, people may experience infection, an allergic reaction, or longer-lasting swelling or lumps. These are uncommon, but it is important that your practitioner is able to recognise and manage them. You should contact your clinic straight away if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, heat or any change in your vision after treatment.

Who should avoid Sunekos?

Sunekos is not suitable for everyone. I would not recommend treatment if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have an active skin infection, cold sore or inflammation in the area to be treated
• have a known allergy to any of the ingredients
• have certain medical conditions or take medications that affect healing or bleeding, unless this has been discussed and assessed
• have unrealistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve

This is why a full consultation and medical history are essential before any injectable treatment.

How to make your treatment as safe as possible

Choose a medical practitioner

Look for a doctor or appropriately qualified medical professional who can assess your skin, explain the risks and manage any complications. Ask about their training and experience with injectable treatments.

Be open at your consultation

Tell your practitioner about any medications, supplements, allergies and previous treatments, including fillers. This helps them plan a safe approach for you.

Follow your aftercare advice

In the first 24 to 48 hours, it is usually advisable to avoid touching the area, wearing heavy make-up, strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol. Your practitioner will give you specific advice.

What happens during a Sunekos appointment?

Your first appointment begins with a consultation, where I review your medical history, examine your skin and explain what the treatment can realistically achieve. If we agree to proceed, the skin is cleansed and the product is placed using fine needles or a cannula, depending on the area. The treatment itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Sunekos is typically given as a short course of sessions spaced a week or two apart, and I will advise on the plan that suits your skin.

How does Sunekos compare with other treatments?

Sunekos is often chosen by people who want to improve skin quality without changing their features. If your main concern is lost volume, dermal fillers may be more suitable. For deeper texture concerns, scarring or sun damage, treatments such as CO2 laser resurfacing may be discussed. In some cases, treatments can be combined as part of a personalised plan.

My approach

I am Dr Leonardo M Fasano (MD, MSc Aesthetic Medicine (QMUL), MSc Burns, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (UCL), GMC registered). Every treatment I offer begins with a thorough assessment, so that we can decide together whether Sunekos is right for you and agree realistic expectations. Results vary from person to person, and I will always be honest about what a treatment can and cannot do.

Book a consultation with Dr Leonardo Fasano in London or Birmingham.