Tear trough filler can soften hollows and shadows under the eyes, but it is one of the most technically demanding filler areas. Here is a balanced look at the risks, who it suits and the alternatives to consider in Seoul.
Under-eye (tear trough) filler uses a small amount of soft hyaluronic acid to soften hollows and the shadow they cast. It suits people with true hollowing and good skin quality, but not those with puffy bags or fluid retention. Risks include swelling, lumps, a bluish tint and, rarely, vascular occlusion that can threaten vision. Results last about 9–12 months. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, tear trough filler starts from ₩290,000 for 1cc of soft Korean HA, usually enough for both eyes (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is under-eye filler?
Under-eye filler, also called tear trough filler, places a very small amount of soft hyaluronic acid (HA) gel into the groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek. As we age, or because of genetics, this area can become hollow, creating a dark shadow that makes people look tired even after a full night's sleep. Filler gently raises the hollow so light reflects more evenly.
The skin under the eye is among the thinnest on the body, and the area sits close to important blood vessels and to the eye itself. That is why the product choice, amount and technique matter more here than almost anywhere else on the face. See our under-eye filler treatment page.
Who is a suitable candidate for tear trough filler?
The most important question is not whether you want brighter eyes, but what is causing the darkness. Hollowing, puffiness, pigment and thin skin each look similar in a mirror but need different treatments.
Usually a good fit
- A visible hollow or groove under the eye, with shadowing
- Reasonably firm, not very thin or crepey lower-lid skin
- Little or no puffiness or fluid retention
- Realistic expectations for subtle improvement
Talk to the doctor first
- Puffy under-eye bags from fat or fluid (filler can make them look worse)
- Morning swelling, allergies or sinus problems
- Dark circles mainly from pigment or visible veins
- Previous filler in the area, or a history of eye surgery
If your concern is bags rather than hollows, see under-eye bag treatments. If it is pigment or thin skin, see dark circle options.
Is under-eye filler safe? Serious risks explained
Tear trough filler can give very natural results, but it is a high-risk area. You should understand these risks clearly before deciding.
Common and temporary
- Swelling and bruising for 2–5 days, sometimes longer.
- Tenderness and slight asymmetry while swelling settles.
Less common
- Persistent puffiness. HA attracts water, and under-eye filler can cause swelling that lasts for months, especially in people prone to fluid retention.
- Tyndall effect. Filler placed too superficially can show as a bluish tint under thin skin.
- Lumps or migration. Product can become visible or shift over time.
These problems can usually be corrected by dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase.
Rare but serious
- Vascular occlusion. If filler enters or compresses a blood vessel, it can block blood flow. Under the eye, vessels connect to the circulation of the eye, so in very rare cases this can cause partial or complete vision loss. It can also cause skin damage.
- Warning signs include sudden severe pain, blanching or mottled skin, blurred or lost vision, or pain in the eye. These need emergency treatment immediately.
A careful doctor uses soft, low-swelling HA, conservative amounts, a technique suited to the anatomy, often a blunt cannula, and keeps hyaluronidase ready. Read side effects and when to contact us.
Alternatives to under-eye filler
For many people, especially those with thin skin or mild hollowing, an alternative is safer or more effective.
| Option | Best for | How it works | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear trough filler | True hollows with good skin | Adds soft volume to the groove | Swelling or bruising 2–5 days |
| Rejuran Eye | Thin, crepey skin and fine lines | Polynucleotide booster supports skin repair and thickness | Mild swelling 1–2 days |
| Lenisna (collagen stimulator) | Gradual hollowing | Builds collagen slowly over months | Mild swelling 1–3 days |
| Agnes RF | Small fat bags under the eye | RF microneedling targets small fat pads | Swelling 2–5 days |
| Pico toning | Pigment-related dark circles | Breaks down excess pigment | None to mild redness |
Compare the two most common choices in under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye. Dernia does not offer surgical lower blepharoplasty; for large, prominent bags, a surgical opinion may be appropriate.
Questions to ask before under-eye filler
Because this is a high-risk area, it is worth asking a few direct questions at any clinic, in Seoul or at home. A good doctor will welcome them.
- Is filler the right treatment for my under-eyes? You should hear a clear explanation of whether your concern is hollowing, bags, pigment or skin thinning.
- Which product and how much? Ask for the brand name and volume, and check the sealed syringe.
- Needle or cannula, and why? Either can be appropriate; the doctor should explain the choice.
- What happens if something goes wrong? Ask whether hyaluronidase is kept on site and who you can contact after hours.
- Can we start with less? A conservative first treatment with a review is often the safest approach.
Our list of questions to ask at your consultation covers more.
What happens on treatment day
- Detailed consultation. The doctor examines your under-eyes in different lighting and positions, checks for puffiness and skin thickness, and tells you honestly if filler is not the right choice.
- Numbing. Topical numbing cream is applied; the filler also contains lidocaine.
- Injection. A small amount of soft HA is placed slowly, often with a blunt cannula, deep beneath the thin skin.
- Review. The doctor checks symmetry and your comfort, and observes for any warning signs before you leave.
- Written aftercare. You receive English instructions and an emergency contact.
Results timeline
Some improvement is visible immediately, but swelling can mask the result for a few days. The true result is visible at about two weeks. Results usually last about 9–12 months, and some people find soft HA under the eye lasts longer because the area moves relatively little. Less is more: a small top-up later is safer than over-filling at once. See under-eye filler results.
How much does under-eye filler cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean soft HA, 1cc | Soft, low-swelling gel, both eyes | ₩290,000 |
| Restylane, 1cc | Imported HA filler (Galderma), both eyes | ₩390,000 |
| Juvéderm Volbella, 1cc | Imported fine-texture HA (Allergan), both eyes | ₩450,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. Full details on the under-eye filler price page. Your doctor first confirms filler is suitable before quoting.
Recovery and planning around your Seoul trip
- First 48 hours: sleep with your head raised, avoid rubbing your eyes and skip eye makeup on the first day.
- First few days: avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, intense exercise, alcohol and salty food, which can worsen swelling.
- Book ahead: send close-up photos and your dates through our consultation form; avoid your arrival day.
- Allow buffer time: plan to stay at least five to seven days afterward so the doctor can check you.
- Getting here: Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Swelling under the eyes can increase on long flights. Avoid treatment in the last few days of your trip, and stay hydrated on board. Read flying after Botox and fillers.
Frequently asked questions
Is under-eye filler dangerous?
It is one of the higher-risk filler areas. Most side effects are temporary, but rare vascular occlusion can affect vision, so an experienced doctor and careful technique are essential.
Can filler fix under-eye bags?
Usually not. Filler treats hollows, and adding volume beside puffy bags can make them look worse. Bags may need other treatments or a surgical opinion.
How long does tear trough filler last?
Usually about 9–12 months, and sometimes longer because the area moves relatively little.
What is a safer alternative to under-eye filler?
For thin or crepey skin, Rejuran Eye is a common alternative. It improves skin quality rather than adding volume and has less risk of puffiness.
How much is under-eye filler in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩290,000 for 1cc of soft Korean HA for both eyes, and ₩390,000–₩450,000 for imported brands, excluding 10% VAT.
How soon can I fly after under-eye filler?
Ideally stay five to seven days so swelling can settle and the doctor can review you before you travel.
Can under-eye filler be dissolved?
Yes. HA filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you have lumps, puffiness or a bluish tint.
Wondering if under-eye filler suits you?
Send us close-up photos and your travel dates. A doctor examines your under-eyes in person and tells you honestly whether filler, Rejuran Eye or another option is safer for you.
Book a consultation View 2026 pricesRelated reading
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.