Why do the under-eyes look hollow?
The tear trough is the groove where the thin lower-eyelid skin meets the thicker cheek. When this junction becomes a visible step, it catches shadow and reads as tiredness. Common causes include:
- Genetics and bone structure — some people have a deep tear trough from their twenties
- Fat loss — the cheek fat that once blended into the lower lid shrinks and descends
- Thin skin — very thin lower-lid skin lets underlying muscle and vessels show through as a darker tone
- Puffiness above the hollow — protruding under-eye fat pads make the groove below look deeper
This last point matters: if the main issue is bulging fat or loose, crepey skin, filler can make things look puffier. The doctor checks for puffiness, skin quality and how the hollow changes in different light before recommending anything. Fine creases rather than hollows are covered on our under-eye wrinkles page, and general mid-face hollowness on face volume loss.
Under-eye filler or booster: how we choose
The doctor matches the treatment to what creates the shadow. Small amounts and soft products are the rule in this area:
| Treatment | Suits | Typical plan | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran Eye 1cc | Thin, dark-looking skin | 2–3 sessions | ₩180,000 |
| Juvelook Eye | Mild hollowness, gradual support | 3 sessions (₩800,000) | ₩300,000 |
| Ultracol Under-Eye | Thin skin with fine texture | 1–3 sessions (3 for ₩900,000) | ₩350,000 |
| Juvederm Under-Eye (~1cc) | Clear tear-trough step | 1 session | ₩450,000 |
| Under-Eye + Front Cheek (~1.5cc) | Hollow that continues into the cheek | 1 session | ₩550,000 |
| Eye Laetigen | Thin skin with early laxity | 1–2 sessions | ₩550,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. Filler prices shown without retouch; with a retouch within 4 weeks, Juvederm Under-Eye is ₩500,000. See the under-eye price list.
For many people, a combination works best: a little filler for the step, followed by a booster course to thicken the skin so the area looks brighter as well as smoother. If the darkness is mainly pigment rather than shadow, gentle toning may help more than volume, and the doctor will tell you honestly if injections are unlikely to make a visible difference.
What changes under the eyes
Filler softens the tear-trough step as soon as swelling settles, typically within a week. Boosters thicken the skin gradually, so shadows look lighter after 3–4 weeks and keep improving across the course. Learn more about our under-eye fillers.
How a hollow under-eye visit works
- Doctor assessment We look at the hollow in overhead and front light, check puffiness and skin thickness, and agree on filler, booster or both.
- Numbing Numbing cream for about 20–30 minutes; under-eye fillers also contain lidocaine.
- Injection 20–40 minutes. Filler is usually placed deep with a blunt cannula through one small entry point per side.
- Cooling & check Cold compress, a symmetry check sitting upright, and English aftercare notes.
Under-eye swelling can take up to a week to settle completely, so book early in a Seoul trip and avoid scheduling photos for the first few days. A doctor consultation before treatment lets you ask questions in English first.
Downtime, side effects and safety
The under-eye area is delicate, and conservative technique is what keeps it looking natural.
- Common: swelling for 3–7 days (often worse in the morning), tenderness, and bruising that can last up to 1–2 weeks.
- Less common: a slight bluish tint if filler sits too superficially (Tyndall effect), lumps, or prolonged puffiness from fluid retention — HA filler can be dissolved if needed.
- Rare: infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion affecting skin or, very rarely, vision — seek help immediately for sudden pain, blanching or visual change.
Not suitable, or tell the doctor first, if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have prominent under-eye bags, chronic puffiness or allergies that cause eyelid swelling
- Take blood thinners or supplements that increase bruising
- Have allergies to lidocaine, filler components or fish (relevant to PN boosters)
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every under-eye hollow plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Under-eye hollow FAQ
How much does hollow under-eye treatment cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, Rejuran Eye 1cc starts at ₩180,000, Juvelook Eye ₩300,000, Ultracol Under-Eye ₩350,000 and Juvederm Under-Eye filler (~1cc) ₩450,000, VAT excluded. See the under-eye price list.
Is under-eye filler safe?
It is a well-established treatment when done conservatively by a doctor who knows the anatomy. We use soft filler, small amounts and usually a blunt cannula to reduce risk.
How long does tear-trough filler last?
Under-eye HA filler often lasts around 12 months, sometimes longer, because there is little movement in the area.
Why not just use filler for everyone?
If dark circles come mainly from thin skin or puffiness, filler can make the area look heavier. Boosters that thicken the skin may suit those cases better.
How long is the swelling?
Most swelling settles in 3–7 days. Bruising, if it happens, can take 1–2 weeks to fade completely.
Can the filler be removed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme if you are unhappy with the result or develop puffiness.
