What causes under-eye hollows?

Under-eye hollows, also called tear troughs, are grooves that run from the inner corner of the eye down and out toward the cheek. They cast a shadow that makes you look tired even after a full night's sleep. Some people are born with deeper troughs because of their bone structure. For others, hollows appear with age as the fat beneath the eye thins, the cheek fat pad descends, the bone around the eye socket slowly recedes and the skin loses collagen. Weight loss, intense endurance exercise and genetics all play a role, so hollows can appear in your 20s.

How under-eye hollows are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor examines the area in different lighting, at rest and when you look up. The aim is to separate three problems that often look alike:

True hollows: a groove from lost volume, which responds to filler or PDLLA
Thin skin: skin so delicate that vessels and muscle show through, which needs skin-strengthening treatment
Bags above the hollow: fat that bulges forward, where filling the hollow alone may not be enough

Hollows are usually graded as mild, moderate or deep. If the shadow is mainly color rather than shape, see dark circles; if puffiness is the issue, see under-eye bags.

Treatment options for under-eye hollows

Under-Eye (Tear Trough) Filler

Under-eye filler uses a soft hyaluronic acid placed carefully along the groove, often with a blunt cannula. Your doctor chooses it for moderate hollows with reasonably firm skin and no significant puffiness. Small amounts are used, results are immediate and typically last 9–12 months, and HA can be dissolved if needed.

Dermal Filler

Dermal filler in the upper cheek can restore support beneath the eye rather than filling the trough directly. Your doctor chooses it when midface flattening is making the hollow look deeper. This often gives a more natural result with less product under the eye itself.

Rejuran Eye

Rejuran Eye is a fine polynucleotide (PN) formula for the delicate lower lid. It does not add volume, but it helps thin skin look thicker and smoother. It is chosen for mild hollows with thin or crepey skin, or before and after filler to improve skin quality. Most people need 2–3 sessions.

Lenisna

Lenisna is a PDLLA collagen stimulator that builds soft volume gradually over two to three months. Your doctor may choose it for selected patients with mild hollows who prefer a gradual change, using conservative amounts because it cannot be dissolved like HA.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Under-Eye (Tear Trough) Filler	Moderate hollows with firm skin	Possible swelling or bruising for 2–5 days	₩290,000 (1cc)
Dermal Filler	Cheek flattening deepens the hollow	Mild swelling for 1–3 days	₩150,000 (1cc, Korean HA)
Rejuran Eye (Rejuran I)	Mild hollows with thin skin	Mild swelling for 1–2 days	₩189,000 (1cc)
Lenisna (Juvelook Volume)	You want gradual, subtle volume	Mild swelling for 1–3 days	₩490,000 (1 vial)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Combination plans

A common plan is Rejuran Eye to strengthen the skin, followed by a small amount of filler a few weeks later. Supporting the cheek first can reduce how much filler is needed under the eye. Read under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye to compare the two. Our Eye Rejuvenation package pairs Rejuran Eye with Botox and Oligio X for the whole eye area.

At-home care and prevention

Use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect thin eye skin, manage allergies so you are not rubbing your eyes, and keep a steady sleep routine. A caffeine or peptide eye cream can make the area look fresher, though it cannot fill a true hollow.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Under-eye filler can cause swelling or bruising for 2–5 days, so book it early in your stay and avoid alcohol and intense exercise for a day or two. Your doctor may ask to see you again before you fly. Rejuran Eye usually causes only mild swelling for a day or two. Book a consultation to plan the order.

Safety and when to see a doctor

The under-eye area has many small blood vessels and sits close to the eye, so filler here should only be placed by an experienced licensed doctor. Vascular complications are rare, but any change in vision, severe pain or skin blanching after filler is an emergency; contact the clinic at once. Overfilling or placing filler too shallow can cause puffiness or a bluish tint, which is why conservative amounts are used. Injectables are avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is under-eye filler safe?

It is generally safe when a licensed doctor uses a suitable soft filler, small amounts and careful technique. Like any filler, it carries rare risks such as vascular complications, which your doctor explains before treatment.

How long does tear trough filler last?

Usually about 9–12 months, and sometimes longer because the area moves less than the mouth. HA filler can be dissolved if you are unhappy with the result.

Will filler make my eyes look puffy?

It can if too much is used or if you are prone to fluid puffiness. That is why your doctor checks for puffiness first and uses conservative amounts.

Should I choose Rejuran Eye or filler?

Rejuran Eye improves thin, crepey skin but does not fill a groove. Filler restores volume. Mild hollows with thin skin often start with Rejuran Eye; deeper grooves usually need filler.

Can I fly after under-eye filler?

Yes, flying is usually fine, though swelling may feel more noticeable at first. Read flying after Botox and fillers for tips.

Related treatments

Under-eye filler — fills the tear trough
Rejuran Eye — strengthens thin skin
Lenisna — gradual PDLLA volume

Prices, results and reviews

Under-eye filler price — cost per cc
Under-eye filler results — what to expect
Under-eye filler review — our medical team’s assessment

Related concerns and areas

Dark circles — color rather than shape
Under-eye bags — puffiness above the hollow
Under-eye treatments — all options for this area

Compare and packages

Under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye — volume or skin quality
Eye Rejuvenation package — a plan for the whole eye area

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Under-Eye Hollow Treatment in Seoul