Read this case study and see before and after images on the benefits of combining aesthetic treatments
Everyone’s skin tells a different story. For one of my patients, the story began with tired-looking eyes and a wish to feel fresher and brighter without losing her natural expression. Like so many of my other patients, she wasn’t seeking a dramatic change – she simply wanted to look healthier and more like herself when she looked in the mirror.
In the before-and-after images below, you’ll see her journey through three stages: first after Polynucleotides, then after Dermal Fillers, and finally once both treatments had fully settled. The transformation is subtle, natural, and achieved what her and I had discussed in consultation.
The first part of her treatment plan was Polynucleotides – a next-generation regeneration treatment that works with the skin on a cellular level. Rather than simply masking a concern, Polynucleotides help repair and restore the skin’s natural vitality. They boost hydration, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and improve overall skin resilience.
For this patient, Polynucleotides gave her under-eye area a healthy and firm foundation. Fine lines softened, and her skin began to look more luminous.
At this stage, many patients feel satisfied enough to stop here. As you can see, Polynucleotides alone can provide a noticeable improvement in texture and hydration. However, her main concern was the tired look under her eyes – and while the Polynucleotides revitalised the skin, she was ready to take things a step further to restore balance and volume.
Once her skin was stronger and healthier, we introduced Dermal Fillers. But instead of trying to “fill lines” as most patients would expect, we used a very small amount of premium hyaluronic acid filler strategically placed under the eyes and in the mid-face.
The support her skin received from the fillers helped reduce shadowing in the under-eye hollows, and thanks to a gentle lift in the cheeks, her overall expression naturally brightened. From the images below, you’ll see that the result wasn’t a brand new look or dramatically altered face – it was simply everything coming together to achieve a more rested, balanced appearance.
This is why treating skin health first is at the top of my priority list. If we had started with Dermal Fillers before addressing skin quality, this patient’s results would not have been as harmonious. By giving the skin the right environment first, the filler could do its job more effectively.
The truth is, great results rarely come from just one type of treatment. Skin ageing is a mix of changes – reduced hydration, slower cell turnover, collagen loss, and structural volume shifts. Addressing only one of these usually means you’re only solving part of the problem.
That’s why I often recommend a combination approach. It delivers the most natural results. In this case, Polynucleotides support the skin itself, while Dermal Fillers restore the structure underneath. Together, they complement each other – one enhancing the other’s outcome.
There’s a lot of misinformation online about fillers – claims that they’re “dangerous” or that they’ll drastically change how you look. The reality is quite different. The Dermal Fillers I use are made of premium hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. When used correctly, they integrate beautifully with your own tissues and gradually break down over time.
Filler doesn’t just pack up and travel across your face. What can happen is that filler takes on water or spreads slightly beyond where it was placed, especially if too much is used or the wrong gel is chosen. This is why careful product choice and precise placement matter so much.
Here, filler itself isn’t the problem – the way it’s used is. Overfilling is often driven by commercial pressure (companies pushing for higher sales, or practitioners using more than what’s needed). In the right hands, less is often more, and filler can simply restore balance in a very natural way.
Longevity varies from patient to patient. In some, filler seems to fade within months – in others, it may remain detectable years later. That doesn’t make it harmful, it just means every face responds differently. The important part is to reassess before adding more, rather than assuming it has “disappeared.”
Risks are very low when the treatment is carried out by a medical professional (like me) who understands anatomy, uses the right product, and applies it in the right places. The key lies in placement, precision, and restraint. As this patient’s journey shows, less is often more.
It’s important to remember that every face is different. Some patients may find that Polynucleotides alone are enough to achieve their goals. Others may benefit from adding Dermal Fillers, or even combining additional treatments like Profhilo, Sculptra, or skin resurfacing.
What matters is that your treatment plan is personalised to you. There’s no universal recipe for looking refreshed – only a tailored approach can ensure results that suit your features, your goals, and your lifestyle.
This patient’s outcome is just one example of how layering the right treatments in the right order can deliver maximum impact with minimal intervention.
If you’ve been wondering how to refresh your look without losing your natural expression, my Face-to-face hour is the best place to start. During this 60-minute initial consultation, I’ll take the time to assess your skin, listen to your concerns, and design a plan that feels right for you – whether that’s one treatment, a combination approach, or no treatment at all.
Book your face-to-face hour today and enjoy £100 OFF your initial consultation.
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5 Step Journey