Tear Trough Filler in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to Under-Eye Treatment
Dark circles and hollow under-eyes can make you look tired, aged, and stressed—even when you feel perfectly fine. Tear trough filler has become one of the most popular non-surgical solutions for this common concern, and Korean clinics offer this delicate procedure with exceptional precision and at competitive prices.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting tear trough filler in Korea—from understanding the treatment to finding the right clinic in Seoul.
What is Tear Trough Filler?
The tear trough is the groove that runs from the inner corner of your eye down toward your cheek. When this area becomes hollow or sunken—due to aging, genetics, or volume loss—it creates shadows that appear as dark circles and makes you look fatigued.
Tear trough filler involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) filler into this hollow area to:
- Restore lost volume
- Reduce the appearance of dark circles
- Smooth the transition between lower eyelid and cheek
- Create a more rested, youthful appearance
Why Dark Circles Form
Understanding the cause helps determine if filler is the right solution:
| Cause | Description | Filler Effective? |
|---|---|---|
| Volume loss | Hollow tear trough | ✅ Excellent |
| Shadowing | Groove creates shadow | ✅ Excellent |
| Thin skin/Veins visible | Blood vessels show through | ⚠️ Partial help |
| Pigmentation | Actual dark skin color | ❌ Needs other treatment |
| Fat bulging | Eye bags pushing out | ❌ May need surgery |
How Tear Trough Filler Works
The Procedure
- Consultation: Assessment of under-eye area and cause of dark circles
- Numbing: Topical anesthetic applied (15-20 minutes)
- Injection: Filler carefully placed using needle or cannula
- Molding: Gentle massage to shape the filler
- Review: Immediate assessment of results
- Duration: Total 30-45 minutes
Injection Techniques
Korean practitioners use two main techniques:
Needle Technique
- More precise placement
- Multiple small injection points
- Higher risk of bruising
- Best for experienced injectors
Cannula Technique (Preferred)
- Blunt-tipped, flexible instrument
- Single entry point
- Less bruising and swelling
- Lower risk of vascular complications
- Smoother results
Most Korean clinics prefer the cannula technique for tear trough treatment due to its safety profile.
Types of Fillers Used
Not all fillers are suitable for the delicate under-eye area:
| Filler Type | Suitability | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, thin HA fillers | ✅ Best | Less visible, natural feel |
| Restylane Eyelight | ✅ Excellent | Designed for tear trough |
| Juvederm Volbella | ✅ Good | Soft, smooth |
| Teosyal Redensity II | ✅ Good | Contains vitamins |
| Thick/volumizing fillers | ❌ Avoid | Can cause lumps, Tyndall effect |
Expected Results
Immediate Effects
- Instant improvement: Volume restored immediately
- Some swelling: Normal for 2-7 days
- Final result: Visible after swelling subsides (1-2 weeks)
Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Immediate volume improvement, possible swelling |
| Day 1-3 | Peak swelling, possible minor bruising |
| Day 7 | Most swelling resolved |
| Day 14 | Final results visible |
| Month 6-12 | Gradual fading, touch-up may be needed |
| Month 12-18 | Most patients need repeat treatment |
Realistic Expectations
Tear trough filler can:
- ✅ Fill hollow areas
- ✅ Reduce shadow-based dark circles
- ✅ Smooth the under-eye contour
- ✅ Create a more rested appearance
Tear trough filler cannot:
- ❌ Remove eye bags (fat bulging)
- ❌ Treat pigmentation-based dark circles
- ❌ Tighten loose skin
- ❌ Address fine wrinkles effectively
Tear Trough Filler Prices in Korea (2025)
Standard Pricing
| Filler Type | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean HA filler (1cc) | ₩190,000-₩300,000 | $145-$230 |
| Imported HA filler (1cc) | ₩330,000-₩500,000 | $255-$385 |
| Restylane Eyelight | ₩400,000-₩600,000 | $310-$460 |
| Premium filler + technique | ₩500,000-₩800,000 | $385-$615 |
Typical Volume Needed
- Both eyes: 0.5-1cc total (0.25-0.5cc per side)
- Severe hollowing: Up to 1.5cc may be needed
- Touch-ups: Usually 0.3-0.5cc
Korea vs. Other Countries
| Region | Price (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | $145-$385 | 60-70% |
| Los Angeles | $600-$1,200 | - |
| New York | $800-$1,500 | - |
| London | £400-£800 | - |
Prices as of November 2025. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
- Age 25-55: Most common age range for this treatment
- Hollow tear troughs: Volume loss is the primary concern
- Shadow-type dark circles: Caused by groove, not pigment
- Good skin quality: No significant loose skin
- Realistic expectations: Understanding limitations
Who Should Consider Other Options
Eye bags (fat bulging)
- Better option: Lower blepharoplasty (눈밑지방재배치)
- Why: Filler can't address protruding fat
Pigmentation
- Better option: Laser treatment, vitamin C, skin lighteners
- Why: Filler doesn't change skin color
Very thin skin with visible veins
- Caution: Higher risk of Tyndall effect
- Option: Very conservative filler amount or PRP instead
Significant loose skin
- Better option: Surgical skin tightening
- Why: Filler adds volume, doesn't tighten
Potential Complications
Common Side Effects (Normal)
- Swelling: 3-7 days, peaks at day 2-3
- Bruising: Possible, resolves in 7-14 days
- Tenderness: Mild sensitivity for a few days
- Asymmetry: Minor, usually self-correcting with swelling resolution
Specific Risks for Tear Trough
Tyndall Effect
- Blue-gray discoloration when filler is placed too superficially
- More common with certain fillers
- Can be corrected with hyaluronidase
Lumps/Irregularities
- Visible bumps under thin skin
- Usually from too much filler or wrong product
- Massage or dissolving can correct
Migration
- Filler moves from original position
- More common with overfilling
Vascular Complications (Rare)
- Extremely rare but serious
- Why experienced injectors are essential
Minimizing Risks
- Choose experienced practitioner
- Use appropriate filler type
- Conservative amount initially
- Cannula technique preferred
- Avoid blood thinners before treatment
Pre and Post Care
Before Treatment
1 Week Before:
- Stop blood thinners if medically safe (consult doctor)
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E
- No alcohol 24-48 hours before
Day of Treatment:
- Come with clean face, no makeup
- Eat a light meal
- Bring sunglasses for after
After Treatment
First 24-48 Hours:
- Apply cold compresses (not directly on skin)
- Sleep elevated
- Avoid touching/rubbing the area
- No makeup on treated area
- Skip strenuous exercise
First Week:
- No intense exercise
- Avoid hot environments (sauna, hot yoga)
- Sleep on your back
- Don't wear glasses that rest on injection sites
- Gentle cleansing only
Ongoing:
- Protect from sun
- Report any concerning symptoms
- Schedule follow-up if needed
Tear Trough Filler vs. Other Treatments
Comparison Table
| Treatment | Best For | Duration | Downtime | Price (Korea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tear trough filler | Hollow/volume loss | 6-18 months | 1-7 days | $145-$385 |
| Lower blepharoplasty | Fat bags, excess skin | Permanent | 1-2 weeks | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Fat repositioning | Bags + hollows | Permanent | 1-2 weeks | $2,000-$5,000 |
| PRP treatment | Mild hollowing, skin quality | 3-6 months | None | $200-$400 |
| Laser (for pigment) | Pigmentation | Multiple sessions | 1-3 days | $150-$300/session |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does tear trough filler last? A: Typically 6-18 months, depending on the filler type, your metabolism, and the amount injected. The under-eye area often retains filler longer than other facial areas.
Q: Is tear trough filler painful? A: With proper numbing, most patients feel only mild pressure. The cannula technique is generally more comfortable than needle injections.
Q: Can tear trough filler be dissolved? A: Yes. HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you're unhappy with results or experience complications.
Q: How much filler do I need? A: Most patients need 0.5-1cc total for both eyes. It's better to start conservatively and add more later if needed.
Q: Will I look overfilled or unnatural? A: With an experienced injector using appropriate technique and conservative amounts, results should look natural. The "pillow face" look comes from overfilling.
Q: Can I get this done and fly home the same day? A: It's recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before flying due to swelling. Ideally, stay 3-5 days for initial follow-up.
Q: What if I have both bags and hollows? A: This combination often requires surgical intervention (fat repositioning) rather than filler alone. Consult with a surgeon.
Finding the Right Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
- Specialized experience: Practitioners who frequently perform under-eye treatments
- Before/after photos: Specifically of tear trough work
- Conservative approach: Willing to start with less
- Cannula technique: Preferred for safety
- Quality fillers: Using appropriate products for eye area
- English support: Clear communication
Questions to Ask
- How many tear trough fillers do you perform monthly?
- What filler brand do you use for under-eyes?
- Do you use needle or cannula technique?
- What happens if I need correction?
- Do you have before/after photos I can see?
Popular Areas in Seoul
- Gangnam: Highest concentration of aesthetic clinics
- Apgujeong: Premium clinics, many specialists
- Sinsa-dong: Modern facilities
- Cheongdam: High-end options
Conclusion
Tear trough filler offers an effective, non-surgical solution for hollow under-eyes and shadow-type dark circles. Korean clinics provide this delicate treatment with high precision and at prices significantly lower than Western countries.
The key to successful tear trough filler is choosing an experienced practitioner who uses appropriate technique and starts conservatively. When done well, the results can be transformative—making you look refreshed and rested without anyone knowing you had "work done."
Ready to address your under-eye concerns? Consult with a reputable Seoul clinic to determine if tear trough filler is the right solution for your dark circles.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about tear trough filler treatment. It is not intended as medical advice. The under-eye area is delicate and requires skilled practitioners. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 10 minutes