The best ways to tighten the skin around the eyes non-surgically
31 March 2025
By Dr Sophie Shotter

The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing. With time, fine lines, crepiness, and sagging can develop, making the eyes appear tired, droopy, or hollow. This happens because the skin in this area is thinner than anywhere else on the face, meaning it loses collagen and elasticity faster. While surgical procedures like blepharoplasty can deliver dramatic results, not everyone wants to go under the knife. Thankfully, advancements in non-surgical treatments mean you can achieve firmer, smoother skin around the eyes without downtime or surgery in the right candidates.
If you’re noticing looseness, wrinkles, or loss of definition around your eyes, here are the best non-invasive treatments that can restore youthful firmness and brighten the delicate eye area.
Why does the skin around the eyes lose firmness?
The eye area ages more quickly than other parts of the face due to natural collagen depletion, repetitive movement, and external factors like sun exposure. As collagen and elastin levels decline, skin becomes thinner and less resilient, leading to fine lines and sagging. The constant motion of blinking, squinting, and smiling contributes to the breakdown of collagen even faster.
As the skin loses structure, the upper eyelids may start to droop while the lower lids become crepey or puffy. For many, dark circles and hollowness also become more prominent, making the eyes appear tired even when well-rested. Non-surgical treatments work to rebuild collagen, restore elasticity, and smooth the skin, helping to reverse these changes and refresh the eye area naturally.
Sofwave: The ultimate skin-tightening ultrasound treatment
Sofwave is one of the most advanced non-invasive skin-tightening treatments for the eye area, offering powerful collagen stimulation with minimal discomfort or downtime. Using synchronous ultrasound parallel beam (SUPERB™) technology, Sofwave penetrates the mid-dermal layer of the skin, heating it to trigger collagen and elastin production.
Unlike some ultrasound treatments that target deeper layers, Sofwave works at the optimal depth for skin tightening without affecting fat or underlying structures. This makes it ideal for firming crepey eyelid skin, lifting the brows, and reducing fine lines around the eyes.
Most patients see noticeable lifting and tightening within three months, with results continuing to improve for up to a year as collagen builds. It’s a great choice for those looking for visible firming without the downtime of more aggressive procedures.
RF microneedling: Firming and strengthening delicate under-eye skin
Radiofrequency microneedling combines the collagen-boosting effects of microneedling with the skin-tightening benefits of radiofrequency (RF) energy. This dual-technology treatment works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin while delivering RF heat deep into the dermis. The result is stronger, tighter, and more elastic skin over time.
For the under-eye area, RF microneedling is excellent at reducing fine lines, improving crepey texture, and subtly tightening loose skin. It also encourages long-term collagen renewal, making the skin more resistant to future laxity. Results build gradually over a few months, with best outcomes seen after a series of treatments.
Microneedling: Stimulating collagen for smoother, firmer skin
Microneedling is a less intense but highly effective collagen induction therapy that works by creating tiny micro-channels in the skin, stimulating natural healing and collagen production. While traditional microneedling doesn’t deliver energy like RF microneedling, it still significantly improves skin texture, fine lines, and mild laxity.
This treatment is particularly effective for fine crepey lines under the eyes and early-stage collagen loss. It can be used alone or combined with polynucleotides or skin boosters like Sunekos to enhance hydration and elasticity in the under-eye area.
Polynucleotides: Deep regeneration for tired, ageing eyes
Polynucleotides are a revolutionary regenerative treatment that works at a cellular level to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from purified DNA fragments, polynucleotides stimulate collagen, improve hydration, and strengthen delicate skin, making them perfect for treating thin, ageing skin around the eyes.
Unlike fillers, which add volume, polynucleotides improve skin quality from within, restoring a fresher, smoother, and more youthful appearance. They are particularly beneficial for those who struggle with under-eye hollowness, crepey skin, or fine lines that don’t respond well to traditional treatments.
Results develop gradually over a few months, with a course of treatments recommended for optimal results. Polynucleotides are often combined with microneedling or RF microneedling for enhanced skin renewal.
Sunekos: A skin booster designed for the delicate eye area
Sunekos is an injectable treatment that combines hyaluronic acid with a unique blend of amino acids, designed to stimulate collagen and elastin while deeply hydrating the skin. This makes it ideal for improving fine lines, thinning skin, and overall texture around the eyes.
Sunekos is particularly effective for patients who have dry, crepey under-eye skin but don’t have volume loss which would warrant traditional dermal fillers. Unlike fillers, which provide volume, Sunekos works to regenerate the skin’s natural structure, improving elasticity and resilience over time.
A course of treatments delivers gradual, long-lasting improvement, with results continuing to build over several months.
Fractional laser: Resurfacing for smoother, firmer skin
Fractional laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that improves fine lines, texture, and elasticity. By creating tiny columns of controlled damage in the skin, fractional laser triggers a powerful repair and regeneration process, replacing old skin cells with new, collagen-rich tissue.
For the eye area, fractional laser is particularly effective at smoothing deep-set lines and improving overall skin tone. It can be combined with other treatments like polynucleotides or Sofwave for a comprehensive approach to skin tightening and rejuvenation.
Some downtime is expected with this treatment, as the skin flakes and heals over several days, but the results are well worth it, revealing brighter, firmer, and younger-looking skin around the eyes.
Finding the best treatment for your eye concerns
Tightening the skin around the eyes non-surgically requires a multi-faceted approach that targets both collagen loss and skin texture. The best treatment for you will depend on your level of skin laxity, depth of lines, and overall skin quality. For mild crepiness, microneedling or Sunekos may be enough to restore firmness. If you need a more noticeable lift, Sofwave or RF microneedling can deliver long-term improvements.
During a consultation, we’ll assess your unique concerns and recommend a tailored treatment plan that delivers the most natural, effective, and long-lasting results.
Ready to refresh and tighten your eye area?
If you’re noticing loose skin, fine lines, or a loss of definition around your eyes, non-surgical treatments can help restore a youthful, refreshed appearance without downtime. Book a consultation today to explore your best treatment options and discover how we can help you achieve smoother, firmer, and brighter eyes naturally.
