Under-Eye Filler for Dark Circles in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to Prices, Types & Results
Dark circles and under-eye hollows can make you look tired, older, and less vibrant—even when you're well-rested. Under-eye filler (눈밑필러) has become one of Korea's most popular non-surgical solutions, offering instant improvement with minimal downtime. With Korean expertise and competitive pricing, Seoul has become the go-to destination for this delicate procedure.
Understanding Dark Circles: Why They Happen
Before treating dark circles, it's important to understand what causes them. Not all dark circles are the same, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Types of Dark Circles
1. Hollow/Structural Dark Circles (가장 흔함)
- Caused by volume loss under the eye
- Creates shadow that looks like darkness
- Best treatment: Under-eye filler ✓
2. Vascular Dark Circles (혈관 비침)
- Blue/purple tint from visible blood vessels
- Thin under-eye skin reveals vessels beneath
- Best treatment: Filler + laser combination
3. Pigmented Dark Circles (색소 침착)
- Brown discoloration from excess melanin
- Often genetic or sun-related
- Best treatment: Laser/peels, not filler
4. Mixed Type (복합형)
- Combination of above factors
- Most common in practice
- Best treatment: Customized approach
Am I a Good Candidate for Under-Eye Filler?
✅ Ideal candidates have:
- Hollow tear troughs or under-eye depressions
- Dark circles caused by shadows (not pigmentation)
- Good skin quality (not too thin or crepey)
- Realistic expectations
❌ May not be suitable if you have:
- Primarily pigmentation-based dark circles
- Significant under-eye bags (fat pads)
- Very thin, fragile under-eye skin
- History of severe swelling or lymphatic issues
How Under-Eye Filler Works
Under-eye filler involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the tear trough area—the hollow groove between your lower eyelid and cheek. This:
- Fills the depression: Reduces shadow-casting hollows
- Camouflages vessels: Adds a layer between skin and vessels
- Reflects light: Smooth surface reflects light better
- Stimulates collagen: Some fillers promote mild collagen growth
The Tear Trough Area
The tear trough is the delicate groove running from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek. It's one of the first areas to show aging because:
- Skin is extremely thin (0.5mm vs 2mm elsewhere)
- Very little fat padding
- Prone to volume loss with age
- Shows fatigue and aging early
Under-Eye Filler Prices in Korea 2025
Korea offers excellent value for this precise, technique-dependent procedure.
Price by Filler Type
| Filler Type | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean HA Filler | ₩190,000-300,000 | $146-231 |
| Restylane (Sweden) | ₩300,000-400,000 | $231-308 |
| Juvederm Volbella (USA) | ₩350,000-450,000 | $269-346 |
| Belotero (Switzerland) | ₩300,000-400,000 | $231-308 |
Typical Treatment Costs
| Treatment | Amount | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild hollowing | 0.5-1cc | ₩200,000-300,000 | $154-231 |
| Moderate hollowing | 1-1.5cc | ₩300,000-450,000 | $231-346 |
| Full correction | 1.5-2cc | ₩400,000-550,000 | $308-423 |
Korea vs International Prices
| Location | Under-Eye Filler (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul, Korea | $150-350 | — |
| USA | $800-1,500 | 70-80% |
| UK | $600-1,200 | 65-75% |
| Australia | $700-1,400 | 70-80% |
| Singapore | $500-900 | 50-65% |
Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD.
Best Fillers for Under-Eye Treatment
Not all fillers are suitable for the delicate under-eye area. Here's what works best:
Top Choices for Tear Trough
1. Restylane Eyelight / Refyne
- Specifically designed for under-eye
- Smooth, natural integration
- Low risk of Tyndall effect (blue tint)
- Duration: 9-12 months
2. Juvederm Volbella
- Soft, spreadable formula
- Excellent for fine lines too
- Minimal swelling
- Duration: 12+ months
3. Belotero Balance
- Integrates seamlessly with tissue
- Very low Tyndall risk
- Natural, undetectable results
- Duration: 6-9 months
4. Korean Premium Fillers
- Cost-effective option
- Good results with experienced injector
- May require more frequent touch-ups
- Duration: 6-9 months
What to Avoid
❌ Thick, high-viscosity fillers (meant for cheeks/jawline) ❌ Non-HA fillers in this area ❌ Excessive amounts (less is more under eyes)
The Under-Eye Filler Procedure
Before Your Treatment
Consultation includes:
- Assessment of dark circle type
- Evaluation of skin quality
- Discussion of realistic expectations
- Treatment plan creation
Preparation:
- Avoid blood thinners 1 week before
- No alcohol 48 hours before
- Come with clean, makeup-free skin
- Get adequate sleep (reduces baseline swelling)
During the Procedure
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Anesthesia: Topical numbing cream (20-30 min before)
- Technique: Cannula or needle (cannula preferred for safety)
- Amount: Usually 0.5-1cc per side
- Sensation: Pressure and mild discomfort
Cannula vs Needle
| Aspect | Cannula | Needle |
|---|---|---|
| Bruising risk | Lower | Higher |
| Precision | Good | Excellent |
| Safety | Higher | Requires more skill |
| Recovery | Faster | May have more bruising |
Most Korean clinics prefer cannula technique for under-eye filler due to the reduced risk of bruising and vascular complications.
Results Timeline
What to Expect
| Timeframe | What You'll See |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Volume visible, some swelling |
| Day 1-3 | Peak swelling, possible bruising |
| Day 4-7 | Swelling reduces significantly |
| Week 2 | Final results visible |
| Month 1-6 | Optimal maintained results |
| Month 6-12+ | Gradual natural absorption |
Realistic Expectations
Under-eye filler CAN:
- Fill hollows and reduce shadows
- Minimize appearance of dark circles
- Create smoother under-eye contour
- Provide instant improvement
Under-eye filler CANNOT:
- Remove actual pigmentation
- Eliminate under-eye bags (fat pads)
- Replace surgical options for severe cases
- Last forever (maintenance required)
Duration: How Long Does It Last?
| Filler Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Korean fillers | 6-9 months | May need earlier touch-up |
| Belotero | 6-9 months | Soft, natural absorption |
| Restylane | 9-12 months | Good longevity |
| Juvederm Volbella | 12-18 months | Longest lasting |
Factors affecting duration:
- Metabolism (faster = shorter duration)
- Filler type and amount
- Injection technique
- Individual factors
Side Effects and Risks
Under-eye filler requires precision due to the delicate anatomy. Choose an experienced injector.
Common (Temporary)
- Swelling: 3-7 days (most significant first 48 hours)
- Bruising: 30-50% of patients, 5-10 days
- Tenderness: Few days
- Asymmetry: Often resolves as swelling settles
Specific Under-Eye Concerns
Tyndall Effect (틴들 현상)
- Blue/gray tint visible under skin
- Caused by filler placed too superficially
- Can be dissolved with hyaluronidase
- Avoided with proper technique and filler choice
Puffiness/Swelling
- Some patients prone to persistent swelling
- May indicate too much filler or wrong placement
- Usually settles; may need dissolving if persistent
Migration
- Filler shifting from original position
- Rare with proper technique
- Can be corrected
Rare but Serious
- Vascular occlusion: Very rare, requires immediate treatment
- Infection: Rare with sterile technique
- Nodules/lumps: Can usually be massaged or dissolved
Post-Treatment Care
First 24-48 Hours
DO:
- Apply cold compresses (gently, not directly on skin)
- Sleep elevated on your back
- Stay hydrated
- Take arnica for bruising (if recommended)
DON'T:
- Rub or massage the area
- Wear glasses that press on treatment area
- Exercise vigorously
- Consume alcohol
- Apply makeup for 12-24 hours
First Week
DO:
- Continue gentle care
- Use sunscreen (eyes are sun-sensitive)
- Attend follow-up if scheduled
DON'T:
- Get facials or eye treatments
- Use retinol or active ingredients near eyes
- Wear heavy eye makeup
- Expose to extreme heat (sauna, steam)
Long-term Care
- Sun protection: UV accelerates filler breakdown
- Gentle skincare: Avoid harsh products near eyes
- Hydration: Well-hydrated skin looks better
- Maintenance: Plan for touch-ups every 9-12 months
Alternative & Combination Treatments
For Pigmentation-Based Dark Circles
If your dark circles are caused by pigmentation (brown color), consider:
- Laser treatments: Excel V, Pico laser
- Chemical peels: Gentle peels for under-eye
- Topical treatments: Vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide
- Rejuran I: Salmon DNA for under-eye rejuvenation
Combination Approaches
Korean clinics often combine treatments for best results:
| Concern | Combination Treatment |
|---|---|
| Hollow + vessels | Filler + vascular laser |
| Hollow + pigment | Filler + Pico laser |
| Hollow + fine lines | Filler + Rejuran I |
| Hollow + laxity | Filler + HIFU/RF |
When Surgery Might Be Better
Consider surgical options if you have:
- Significant fat bags (lower blepharoplasty)
- Severe skin laxity
- Dramatic hollowing (fat transfer)
- Failed multiple filler attempts
Choosing a Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
✅ Specialized experience: Under-eye is not for beginners ✅ Before/after portfolio: Specifically for tear trough work ✅ Conservative approach: Beware of over-filling ✅ Quality fillers: Premium brands for this delicate area ✅ Cannula technique: Safer for under-eye area
Red Flags
⚠️ Offering to inject large amounts (more than 1cc per side is rarely needed) ⚠️ Using thick, inappropriate fillers ⚠️ No discussion of potential risks ⚠️ Very low prices (may indicate inexperience or poor products) ⚠️ Needle-only technique without offering cannula option
Popular Areas
Gangnam (강남)
- Highest concentration of skilled injectors
- Competitive pricing
- Most English-friendly
Apgujeong (압구정)
- Premium clinics
- Luxury experience
- Higher expertise in delicate procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does under-eye filler hurt? A: With numbing cream, most patients feel only pressure and mild discomfort. The procedure is quick (15-30 minutes), and any discomfort is brief.
Q: Can under-eye filler go wrong? A: Yes, which is why choosing an experienced injector is crucial. Risks include Tyndall effect (blue tint), puffiness, and asymmetry. Most issues are correctable.
Q: How much filler do I need? A: Typically 0.5-1cc per side (1-2cc total). Less is often more under the eyes—overfilling can look puffy and unnatural.
Q: Will it look natural? A: When done correctly, under-eye filler should be undetectable. The goal is to look refreshed, not "done." Korean clinics excel at natural results.
Q: Can filler make dark circles worse? A: If placed incorrectly or if the wrong filler is used, yes. Tyndall effect can create a bluish tint. This is why filler choice and technique matter greatly.
Q: How soon can I wear makeup? A: Wait at least 12-24 hours. When you resume, be gentle around the treated area for the first week.
Q: Can I fly after under-eye filler? A: Yes, you can fly the same day. Slight increase in swelling is possible but not dangerous.
Conclusion
Under-eye filler in Korea offers an effective, non-surgical solution for dark circles caused by hollowing and shadows. With prices starting at just $150-250 (compared to $800-1,500 internationally), Korean clinics deliver expert results at exceptional value.
The key to success lies in choosing an experienced injector who understands the delicate under-eye anatomy and uses appropriate fillers with conservative amounts. When done right, under-eye filler can take years off your appearance and leave you looking refreshed and rested.
Ready to say goodbye to tired-looking eyes? Book a consultation at a reputable Seoul clinic and discover why under-eye filler has become one of Korea's most sought-after treatments.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about under-eye filler treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individual results vary based on anatomy, skin type, and dark circle cause.
Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 11 minutes