Skin & Aesthetics · Fillers
Under Eye Filler in Seoul: Tear Trough Treatment, Honestly Explained
Under eye filler is a small amount of soft hyaluronic acid gel placed along the tear trough to soften the hollow that makes eyes look tired or shadowed, with results that often last 9–18 months. At Hommage Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Kim Hyunbin first checks whether filler suits your under-eye anatomy, because puffiness, pigment and loose skin need different treatments.
Quick answer
Under eye filler(tear trough filler) places a small amount of soft hyaluronic acid gel deep along the bone below the eye to soften a hollow that casts a tired shadow. At Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Kim Hyunbin first checks whether hollowing, puffiness, pigment or thin skin is the real cause. Injecting takes about 15–20 minutes, usually with a cannula; the final look appears after 2–4 weeks and often lasts 9–18 months.
Key takeaways
- Filler helps hollow dark circles, not brown pigment or puffy bags.
- Small amounts placed deep, usually with a blunt cannula, lower the risk of lumps, a bluish tint and bruising.
- The area swells easily; judge the result after 2–4 weeks.
- Rare but serious vessel complications are possible around the eyes, so know the warning signs.
- HA under-eye filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.
Infographic
Under eye filler in numbers
Injecting time
After 20–30 minutes of numbing cream.
Cannula entry point
Usually one small entry on each cheek.
Avoid rubbing & heat
No eye rubbing, saunas, hard exercise or alcohol.
Final look
When swelling has settled; review if needed.
Typical duration
The area moves little, so soft filler lasts longer.
Of dark circles
Hollow, puffiness, pigment, thin skin; filler treats only one.
Under eye filler at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | About 15–20 minutes of injecting, after 20–30 minutes of numbing cream |
| Comfort | Numbing cream; most products contain lidocaine. Usually a blunt cannula to reduce bruising |
| Sessions | One session; a small top-up is sometimes advised after 2–4 weeks |
| Downtime | Mild swelling for a few days; bruising possible and covered with concealer |
| Results visible | Immediately, with the final look after swelling settles in 2–4 weeks |
| How long results last | Often 9–18 months, as the under-eye area moves little |
| Performed by | A clinic physician from the skin & aesthetics team, such as Dr. Kim Hyunbin |
Under eye filler may suit you if you have
- A visible groove or hollow running from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek
- A shadow that looks like a dark circle but lightens when you look up into a light
- Fairly firm, thick under-eye skin with little puffiness
- Hollowing after weight loss or with age
Filler is usually not the right choice if you have
- Puffy under-eye bags or swelling that is worse in the morning
- Very thin, crepey or loose lower-eyelid skin
- Brown pigmentation, not hollowing, as the main cause of dark circles
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or an eye or skin infection in the area
What is under eye filler?
Under eye filler, also called tear trough filler, uses a soft, low-density hyaluronic acid dermal filler to fill the hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheek. The tear trough deepens when fat and bone support thin out with age, after weight loss, or simply because of the face shape you were born with.
When the hollow is filled, light reflects more evenly and the shadow beneath the eye softens. Only small amounts are used, and the gel is placed deep, close to the bone, so it is not visible through the thin skin.
Is under eye filler right for your dark circles?
Under eye filler helps only when a hollow is the main cause of the shadow. Dark circles have several causes, and each needs a different approach:
- Hollowing (tear trough): a groove that casts a shadow. This is where filler can help.
- Puffy bags: fat that has pushed forward or fluid that collects overnight. Filler can make puffiness worse; lower-eyelid surgery by a plastic or oculoplastic surgeon is usually more suitable.
- Pigmentation: brown skin color from genetics, sun or rubbing. This responds better to skin care and lasers such as pico laser treatment .
- Thin, crepey skin: visible blood vessels and fine lines. Skin-quality injections such as skin boosters or Rejuran may suit better than volume.
Many people have a mix. That is why the assessment matters more than the injection itself.
Does under eye filler hurt? What happens during treatment
Most people feel pressure and a little stinging but not sharp pain. Numbing cream is applied first, most products contain lidocaine, and the filler is often placed with a blunt-tipped cannula through one small entry point on the cheek.
- Your doctor examines the under-eye area in different lights and angles and asks about morning puffiness.
- Numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes, then the skin is disinfected.
- A small entry point is made and the cannula is guided along the bone. Filler is placed slowly in tiny amounts.
- The doctor checks symmetry with you sitting up and stops conservatively; it is easier to add a little later than to remove too much.
How long does under eye filler last?
Under eye filler often lasts 9–18 months, sometimes longer, because the area moves little. Results are visible immediately, but the under-eyes swell easily, so the final look appears after about 2–4 weeks.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first two nights.
- Use a cool compress gently for short periods if swelling bothers you; do not press hard.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for 2–3 days.
- Eye makeup and concealer are usually fine from the next day.
- Wait about 2 weeks before having a facial massage or heat-based treatment near the eyes.
Risks and possible side effects of under eye filler
The under-eye area has thin skin and important blood vessels nearby, so it needs particular caution. Side effects include:
- Common: swelling, bruising and tenderness for several days.
- Prolonged swelling (malar edema): fluid can collect in the area, sometimes for weeks, especially if too much filler is used or you already have puffiness.
- Tyndall effect: a bluish tint if filler sits too close to the surface.
- Lumps or irregularity: usually adjustable or dissolvable.
- Vascular occlusion (rare but serious): filler blocking a blood vessel can damage the skin, and in very rare cases cause vision loss.
Because hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, most problems can be corrected. Seek help immediately if you have severe pain, skin color changes (white, dusky or mottled), or any blurred vision or vision loss after treatment.
Under eye filler vs other options
Filler replaces volume; it does not tighten skin or remove fat. If your main concern is fine lines and thin skin, a polynucleotide booster such as Rejuran , which the clinic uses, can improve skin quality under the eyes without adding volume. If you have hollowing and thin skin together, the two can be combined in stages.
For puffy bags or significant loose skin, a surgical consultation is the honest recommendation; Hommage Clinic does not perform eyelid surgery and will tell you if surgery is likely to give you a better result. For hollowing that extends into the temples or cheeks, see temple filler .
Under eye filler at Hommage Clinic
Hommage Clinic is a women's health and skin clinic in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is always time to assess your under-eyes properly before any decision. A doctor performs the injection, usually with a cannula, and hyaluronidase is available in the clinic if filler needs to be dissolved.
Cost depends on the amount of filler, the product and whether skin-quality treatment is combined. Cosmetic fillers are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and you receive a written quote before treatment. Other options are listed in ourskin and aesthetics guide.
Know your dark circles
Types of dark circles: which ones does under eye filler treat?
“Dark circles” is one phrase for four quite different problems. A simple self-check helps: stand facing a window and tilt your face up toward the light. If the shadow fades, a hollow is likely the main cause. If the colour stays brown when you gently stretch the skin, it is pigment. If the area is fuller in the morning and better by evening, fluid or fat bags are involved. If you can see a bluish tinge through very thin skin, skin quality is a factor.
Most people have a mix, which is why Dr. Kim examines you in different lights and angles before suggesting anything. Filler is offered only when hollowing is the main issue.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Dark circles have several causes; filler treats only hollowing. Illustrative photo.
Technique
Tear trough filler technique: cannula, depth and small amounts
The skin under the eye is among the thinnest on the face, so where and how the filler is placed decides whether the result looks smooth or lumpy. Dr. Kim usually uses a blunt-tipped cannula entered through one small point on the upper cheek. A blunt tip tends to push vessels aside rather than pierce them, which can mean less bruising, although no technique removes risk completely.
The gel is a soft, low-density hyaluronic acid placed deep, on or near the bone, in tiny amounts. Superficial placement is the usual cause of a bluish tint (Tyndall effect), and too much filler in this area is the usual cause of puffiness that lingers. Stopping conservatively and reviewing at 2–4 weeks is safer than trying to achieve everything in one session.
Recovery
Under eye filler swelling: day-by-day recovery timeline
The under-eyes swell more easily than other areas, because the tissue is loose and fluid collects there overnight. That is why what you see on the morning after treatment is not your result. Mild swelling usually peaks over the first two days, small bruises fade over about a week, and the filler settles into its final shape over 2–4 weeks.
Swelling that keeps returning in the mornings for weeks, or puffiness that looks worse than before treatment, should be reviewed. It can usually be improved, and if needed the filler can be partly dissolved.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Gentle cooling, without pressing, can ease early swelling. Illustrative photo.
Aftercare
Under eye filler aftercare: do's and don'ts
Aftercare for the under-eyes is mostly about limiting swelling and pressure in the first few days. Salt and alcohol make fluid collect around the eyes, and pressing or rubbing can move soft filler before it settles.
Do
- Sleep with your head slightly raised for 2 nights
- Use a cool compress briefly, without pressing
- Keep salt and alcohol low for a few days
- Use concealer from the next day if needed
- Contact the clinic about severe pain, colour change or vision change
Don't
- Rub your eyes or press on the area
- Use saunas, hot baths or train hard for 2–3 days
- Sleep face-down for the first few nights
- Have eye-area massage or heat treatments for about 2 weeks
- Judge the result before 2–4 weeks
Your situation
Under eye filler in your 20s, 30s and beyond
Tear troughs are not only a sign of ageing. Many people in their 20s have an inherited groove under the eye that has been there since adolescence, and they are often among the better candidates: their skin is thick and firm, and a small amount of filler can soften the shadow.
From the late 30s onward, the picture often changes. Fat pads under the eye can start to bulge, the cheek loses some support and the lower-eyelid skin thins. Filler may still help in selected people, but the risk of puffiness rises, and a combination of skin-quality treatment, mid-cheek support or a surgical opinion may serve better. Dr. Kim will say honestly if filler is unlikely to give you the result you hope for.
Combined plans
Hollowing that extends to the outer eye and temple can make the whole upper face look tired; see temple filler . For crow's feet, Botox is usually the better tool. For thin, crepey skin, Rejuran can be done in stages alongside or instead of filler.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
A rested look, not a filled one, is the aim. Illustrative photo.
Evidence
Is under eye filler safe? What regulators and research say
Tear trough filler is widely performed, but it is worth knowing that regulators treat the eye area with caution. The US Food and Drug Administration lists injection around the eyes (periorbital area) among uses it has not approved, and it lists vision problems including blindness among the rare but reported effects of filler entering a blood vessel. Doctors in Korea and many other countries do treat the tear trough, using soft products, cannulas and small volumes. Published evidence consists mainly of case series and case reports, so precise risk figures for this area are not well established.
Vision-loss cases reviewed
After hyaluronic acid filler, from 26 published articles.
Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2020 [2]Small volumes matter
Reported to be enough to cause permanent vision loss.
Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2020 [2]Approved for the eye area
Periorbital injection is outside US-approved filler uses.
US FDA, Dermal Fillers [1]Of blindness-case injection sites were around the eye
19 of 577 reported injection locations (1906–2023) were periorbital; the nose (37.4%), forehead (23.1%) and glabella (22.0%) were far more common.
Aesthet Surg J, 2024 [3]Tear trough studies compared
A systematic review found no statistically significant difference in results, satisfaction or adverse events between needle and cannula; most studies were low-level (retrospective) evidence.
Plast Reconstr Surg, 2022 [4]Traveling to Seoul
Under eye filler in Seoul for international patients
Under eye filler can be done in a single visit, but this is an area where early follow-up matters, so plan your trip around it. Hommage Women's Clinic is in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9 and Shinbundang Line).
Planning your visit
- Have treatment early in your stay and plan at least 7 days in Seoul afterwards, so swelling can be checked before you fly.
- Send clear photos of your under-eyes in daylight, looking straight ahead and slightly up, by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or the contact form.
- Bring your passport, a list of medicines, and the name and date of any previous under-eye filler or eyelid surgery.
- Avoid planning photos or events in the first two weeks.
After you fly home
Keep the product name and amount in writing. Send photos at 2–4 weeks if you are unsure about swelling or symmetry. Seek urgent local care straight away for severe pain, skin colour change or any change in vision.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
The clinic is a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Illustrative photo.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
A careful assessment of the cause comes before any filler. Illustrative photo.
Choosing well
How to choose a clinic for under eye filler in Seoul
A good tear trough result depends on diagnosis first and restraint second. A clinic that offers filler to everyone who mentions dark circles, without checking the cause, is a warning sign.
Ask before you book
- Will the doctor tell me if my dark circles are pigment, puffiness or thin skin rather than hollowing?
- Is a soft hyaluronic acid filler used, and which MFDS-licensed product?
- Is a cannula used, and how much filler is planned?
- Is hyaluronidase kept in the clinic for emergencies?
- Is a review at 2–4 weeks included?
What affects the cost of under eye filler in Seoul?
The cost depends on the amount and type of filler, whether a cannula is used, whether a top-up is included at review, and whether skin-quality treatment such as Rejuran is combined. Dissolving previous filler adds to the plan. Cosmetic fillers are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and you receive a written quote before treatment.
Your visit
What to expect at your under eye filler appointment
01
Assessment
Dr. Kim checks whether the shadow is hollowing, puffiness, pigment or thin skin, and explains whether filler suits you.
02
Numbing
Numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before the skin is disinfected.
03
Gentle injection
Small amounts of soft filler are placed deep along the bone, usually through a single cannula entry point.
04
Review
You receive aftercare instructions. Swelling is reviewed at 2–4 weeks, when any small adjustment can be planned.
Your doctor
Dr. Kim Hyunbin
Associate Director · Skin & Aesthetic Treatments
Dr. Kim starts an under eye consultation by identifying what is causing the shadow, and recommends filler only when hollowing is the main issue. When filler is used, Dr. Kim favors small, deep placements with a cannula and a conservative first session.
Associate director dedicated to skin and aesthetic procedures, with extensive experience in lifting, botulinum toxin, fillers and laser treatments.
Under eye filler: frequently asked questions
Does under eye filler hurt?
Under eye filler is usually more uncomfortable than painful. Numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes, and most fillers contain lidocaine. With a blunt cannula, many people feel pressure and a little stinging at the entry point. The area may feel tender and slightly swollen for a few days afterward.
How long does under eye filler last?
Under eye filler often lasts 9–18 months, and sometimes longer, because the area moves little and soft fillers break down slowly there. The exact duration depends on the product, the amount and your metabolism. Top-ups are usually smaller than the first treatment.
Will under eye filler get rid of my dark circles?
Only if the dark circles are caused mainly by a hollow casting a shadow. Filler does not lighten brown pigmentation and can worsen puffy bags. Your doctor will check the cause first; pigmentation may respond better to laser treatment, and thin skin to a skin booster.
How long does swelling last after tear trough filler?
Most swelling settles within a few days to a week, and the final result is visible after about 2–4 weeks. Occasionally swelling lasts longer, especially in people prone to morning puffiness. Sleeping with your head raised and avoiding alcohol and salty food in the first days helps.
Can under eye filler be removed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid under eye filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme injected into the area, usually working within hours to a few days. This is used urgently for a vascular complication and electively for lumps, a bluish tint or prolonged swelling.
Can foreigners get under eye filler in Seoul?
Yes. Visitors and foreign residents can be treated at Hommage Clinic; bring your passport or residence card. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, or you can book ahead; contact us before your visit to arrange language support. Plan treatment early in your stay so swelling can be reviewed before you fly home.
Is a cannula or a needle better for tear trough filler?
Both are used by experienced doctors. A blunt cannula can often treat the whole trough from one entry point and may cause less bruising, which is why Dr. Kim usually prefers it here. A needle allows very precise placement in some cases. No technique removes the risk of a vessel complication completely.
What is the Tyndall effect?
It is a bluish tint under the skin that can appear when hyaluronic acid filler sits too close to the surface, because of how light scatters through the gel. It is more likely in thin under-eye skin. It can be corrected by dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase.
Why are my eyes puffier after under eye filler?
Some swelling in the first days is normal. Puffiness that lasts weeks can happen if too much filler was used, if it was placed too superficially, or if you already had a tendency to fluid or fat bags. It should be reviewed; partial dissolving often helps.
Is under eye filler FDA approved?
In the United States, the FDA lists injection around the eyes among uses it has not approved for dermal fillers. Doctors in Korea and elsewhere still treat the tear trough with soft hyaluronic acid products and careful technique. Your doctor should explain the risks and the plan for complications before treatment.
Can I combine under eye filler with Rejuran or Botox?
Yes, in a planned way. Rejuran or another skin booster can improve thin, crepey skin, and Botox can soften crow's feet. These are often done in separate sessions so swelling from one does not hide the effect of the other. Your doctor will suggest the order.
Am I too young or too old for under eye filler?
Age matters less than anatomy. People in their 20s with an inherited groove and firm skin often do well. From the late 30s, bags, loose skin and cheek descent become more common, and filler alone may not be enough. An honest assessment matters more than your age.
References
Sources used for this page, reviewed by Dr. Kim Hyunbin. Read our editorial and medical review policy.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers): approved and unapproved uses, risks. Updated July 2023. FDA
- Vision loss associated with hyaluronic acid fillers: a systematic review of literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020;44(3):929–944. PubMed
- Doyon VC, Liu C, Fitzgerald R, Humphrey S, Jones D, Carruthers JDA, Beleznay K. Update on blindness from filler: review of prognostic factors, management approaches, and a century of published cases. Aesthet Surg J. 2024;44(10):1091–1104. doi:10.1093/asj/sjae091. Aesthetic Surgery Journal
- Rao BK, Berger LE, Reilly C, Alamgir M, Galadari H. Tear trough filler techniques utilizing hyaluronic acid: a systematic review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;149(5):1079–1087. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000008990. PubMed
This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Illustrations are original works of Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul; photos marked illustrative are not of patients.
Related eye-area and filler treatments
Dermal Fillers
How hyaluronic acid fillers work, how long they last and how they are dissolved.
Temple Filler
Restores hollow temples that can make the upper face and eyes look tired.
Rejuran
Polynucleotide skin booster often used for thin, crepey under-eye skin.
Skin Boosters
Injectable hydration and regeneration for fine lines and dull, thin skin.
Pico Laser
Laser for brown pigmentation, including some types of dark circles.
Botox
Softens crow's feet and expression lines around the eyes.
Find out what is causing your under-eye shadows
Book an assessment with Dr. Kim Hyunbin in Gangnam. You will hear honestly whether filler, a skin booster or another option suits your eyes.
Hommage Clinic · 4F, Building A, 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station) · Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–15:00