Under-Eye Treatment in Korea: Dark Circles and Tear Troughs

Dark circles and under-eye hollows are among the most common cosmetic concerns worldwide — and one of the most difficult to treat with skincare alone. The under-eye area has the thinnest skin on the entire face, making it uniquely susceptible to volume loss, pigmentation, and visible vascularity. Korean aesthetic clinics have developed some of the most sophisticated approaches to under-eye rejuvenation, and international patients increasingly travel to Seoul specifically for this treatment.

Understanding the Types of Dark Circles

Not all dark circles are the same. Effective treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause:

1. Structural (Tear Trough Hollowing)

The most common cause in patients over 30. The fat pad under the eye shrinks with age, creating a hollow (the “tear trough”) that casts a shadow, producing the appearance of dark circles. This type looks worse in certain lighting and improves when you press gently on the area.

2. Vascular (Bluish/Purple Discoloration)

Thin under-eye skin allows the underlying blood vessels and orbicularis oculi muscle to show through. This type is common in patients with fair skin and is often genetic. It looks worse when you are tired, dehydrated, or after long flights.

3. Pigmented (Brown Discoloration)

True hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area, caused by sun damage, post-inflammatory changes, or genetic predisposition. Common in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian skin types. This type does not improve with rest or pressing.

4. Combined

Many patients have a combination of the above, requiring a multi-modality approach.

Treatment Options at RE:BERRY Myeongdong

Under-Eye Filler (Tear Trough Treatment)

For structural dark circles caused by volume loss, under-eye filler is the most effective single treatment. At RE:BERRY, we use premium soft-density fillers like Belotero Soft, specifically designed for the delicate periorbital area.

The procedure takes 15-20 minutes. Using a cannula technique (not a needle), the doctor carefully deposits small amounts of filler along the tear trough to restore volume and eliminate the shadow. Results are immediate and last 12-18 months. Visit our detailed under-eye filler treatment page for more information.

Eye Rejuran

Rejuran is a polynucleotide (PN) injectable derived from salmon DNA that improves skin quality from within. Eye Rejuran is a specialized formulation for the thin periorbital skin. It:

• Thickens the under-eye skin, reducing vascular show-through
• Improves skin hydration and elasticity
• Supports the longevity of under-eye filler when used in combination

Eye Oligio (HIFU for Eyes)

Eye Oligio uses micro-focused ultrasound to tighten and firm the periorbital skin. It is particularly effective for fine wrinkles around the eyes and mild lower lid laxity. At RE:BERRY, we offer a comprehensive eye package combining Eye Oligio 400 shots + Eye Rejuran 2cc + Xeomin Eye Botox for ₩1,190,000.

PicoSure for Pigmented Dark Circles

For patients whose dark circles are primarily caused by hyperpigmentation, PicoSure laser toning can gradually lighten the discolored area over multiple sessions. The picosecond wavelength is safe for periorbital use in experienced hands.

Combination Approach

The most common protocol at RE:BERRY for comprehensive under-eye rejuvenation combines:

1. Belotero under-eye filler for structural correction
2. Eye Rejuran for skin quality improvement
3. Botox for crow’s feet and under-eye wrinkles

This three-pronged approach addresses volume, skin quality, and dynamic wrinkles simultaneously. Learn more about our Myeongdong under-eye treatments.

Pricing (April 2026)

Treatment	Price
Rejuran Healer 1cc (cheek area)	₩99,000 (first visit trial)
Eye Oligio 400s + Eye Rejuran 2cc + Xeomin Eye Botox	₩1,190,000
Rejuran HB+ 4cc + Eye Rejuran 2cc + Cryotherapy	₩1,125,000

All prices exclude 10% VAT. April 2026 promotions.

Why Under-Eye Filler Requires an Expert

The under-eye area is one of the most technically demanding injection sites. Risks of improper technique include:

• Tyndall effect — a bluish discoloration caused by filler placed too superficially
• Lumps and irregularities — visible bumps under the thin periorbital skin
• Swelling — chronic puffiness if the wrong filler type or excessive volume is used
• Vascular occlusion — the most serious risk, where filler blocks a blood vessel (extremely rare with cannula technique)

At RE:BERRY Myeongdong, under-eye fillers are performed exclusively by Dr. Baek Seung-Jae and Dr. Son Hoon-Sung using the cannula technique, which significantly reduces the risk of bruising and vascular complications compared to needle injection.

What to Expect: Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Immediate improvement visible. Mild swelling and possibly small bruise from the entry point
• Day 1-3: Swelling peaks and begins to subside. Under-eye area may feel slightly firm
• Day 5-7: Swelling fully resolved. Any bruising has faded. You can see the final result
• Week 2-4: Filler fully integrates with tissue. The result looks completely natural
• Month 12-18: Filler gradually absorbed. Touch-up recommended

Can I Get Under-Eye Treatment During a Short Trip?

Absolutely. Under-eye filler is a single-session treatment with minimal downtime. We recommend scheduling it early in your Seoul trip (ideally 3+ days before departure) to allow any swelling or bruising to resolve. Many patients walk into RE:BERRY on their first or second day in Seoul and have the treatment done in under an hour.

Aftercare Tips

• Apply cold compresses (not ice directly) for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated for 2 nights
• Avoid rubbing or pressing the under-eye area for 1 week
• Skip intense exercise for 48 hours
• Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, especially on the treated area
• No alcohol for 24 hours (increases bruising)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does under-eye filler hurt?

Most patients describe mild pressure, not pain. The cannula technique used at RE:BERRY requires only one entry point, which is numbed with a topical anesthetic. The procedure is very tolerable.

Will the filler look natural?

When performed correctly with the right product and volume, under-eye filler is undetectable. The goal is to restore the smooth, youthful contour you once had — not to create an unnatural look.

I have tried eye creams for years and nothing works. Will this be different?

Yes. Eye creams can only affect the skin surface. They cannot restore lost volume (the primary cause of dark shadows), thicken the dermis, or stimulate deep collagen production. Clinical treatments address the actual cause at the tissue level, which is why the results are incomparably more dramatic.