Tear Trough Filler for Dark Circles in Korea: Complete Guide 2025
Dark circles and under-eye hollows can make you look tired and aged. Tear trough filler is one of the most popular treatments in Korea for addressing these concerns, offering instant improvement with minimal downtime.
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 loses volume or is naturally hollow, it creates:
- Dark shadows under eyes
- Tired, aged appearance
- Visible transition between eyelid and cheek
Tear trough filler involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) filler into this groove to restore volume and reduce the shadowy appearance.
Why Korea for Tear Trough Filler?
Korean practitioners are renowned for:
- Precision: Delicate Asian facial features require expert technique
- Experience: High volume of procedures
- Natural results: Focus on subtle enhancement
- Competitive pricing: 50-70% less than Western countries
Tear Trough Filler Prices in Korea (2025)
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tear Trough (1 syringe) | ₩200,000-350,000 | $155-270 |
| Premium Filler (Belotero/Teosyal) | ₩300,000-450,000 | $230-350 |
| Tear Trough + Mid-face | ₩400,000-600,000 | $310-460 |
| Touch-up (within 2 weeks) | Often included | - |
Prices as of January 2025.
Korea vs. International Pricing
| Location | Per Syringe |
|---|---|
| Seoul | $155-350 |
| Los Angeles | $600-1,200 |
| London | $500-1,000 |
| Savings | 60-75% |
Types of Filler Used
Best Fillers for Tear Trough
Belotero Balance
- Very soft, spreadable
- Low risk of Tyndall effect
- Natural results
- Duration: 9-12 months
Teosyal Redensity II
- Specifically designed for under-eyes
- Contains amino acids and vitamins
- Minimal swelling
- Duration: 9-12 months
Restylane Eyelight
- Newer formula for periorbital area
- Smooth consistency
- Duration: 12+ months
Juvederm Volbella
- Soft, smooth texture
- Good for fine lines too
- Duration: 12+ months
Fillers to Avoid
❌ Thick, volumizing fillers (Juvederm Voluma) ❌ Long-lasting permanent fillers ❌ Non-HA fillers in this area
Understanding Dark Circles
Types & Treatments
| Type | Cause | Filler Helps? |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow/Shadow | Volume loss | ✅ Yes, excellent |
| Pigmented | Melanin deposits | ❌ No, need laser/peels |
| Vascular | Visible blood vessels | ⚠️ Partially |
| Structural | Eye socket shape | ✅ Yes, moderate |
Am I a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates: ✅ Hollow under-eye area ✅ Shadowy appearance ✅ Good skin quality ✅ Realistic expectations
May Not Be Ideal: ❌ Very thin, crepey skin ❌ Significant eye bags (fat pads) ❌ Pure pigmentation issues ❌ Severe skin laxity
The Treatment Process
Consultation
- Assessment of dark circle type
- Skin quality evaluation
- Discussion of expectations
- Treatment plan creation
During Treatment (15-30 minutes)
- Cleansing: Area thoroughly cleaned
- Numbing: Topical cream or filler contains lidocaine
- Injection: Careful placement with needle or cannula
- Molding: Filler massaged into position
- Assessment: Immediate evaluation
Injection Techniques
Needle Technique
- More precise placement
- Multiple injection points
- Higher bruising risk
Cannula Technique
- Single entry point
- Less bruising
- Preferred by many Korean doctors
Expected Results
Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Visible improvement, some swelling |
| Day 1-3 | Swelling peaks, may look overfilled |
| Week 1 | Swelling subsides, results emerge |
| Week 2 | Final results visible |
| 9-12 months | Touch-up may be needed |
Realistic Expectations
| Concern | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Hollow tear trough | 70-90% |
| Shadow/darkness | 50-70% |
| Tired appearance | Significant |
| Pigmented circles | Minimal |
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediately After
- Mild swelling (normal)
- Possible bruising
- Tenderness
First Week
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Sleep elevated
- No intense exercise for 24-48 hours
- Avoid blood thinners
- Skip eye makeup for 24 hours
What's Normal
- Asymmetric swelling initially
- Feeling "fullness" under eyes
- Minor lumps (usually settle)
Risks and Complications
Common Side Effects
- Swelling (1-7 days)
- Bruising (1-2 weeks)
- Tenderness
- Temporary asymmetry
Serious Risks (Rare)
- Tyndall Effect: Bluish tint from superficial placement
- Nodules/Lumps: From improper technique
- Vascular occlusion: Extremely rare but serious
- Migration: Filler moving from placement site
Minimizing Risks
✅ Choose experienced injector ✅ Use appropriate filler type ✅ Cannula technique reduces risks ✅ Don't over-inject
How Long Does It Last?
| Factor | Impact on Duration |
|---|---|
| Filler type | 9-18 months |
| Amount used | More = longer |
| Metabolism | Faster = shorter |
| Lifestyle | Exercise may reduce |
| Area movement | Less movement = longer |
Average Duration: 9-12 months
Alternatives to Tear Trough Filler
| Treatment | Best For | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Filler | Volume loss, shadows | 9-12 months |
| Fat grafting | Long-term volume | Years |
| PRP | Skin quality | 6-12 months |
| Laser | Pigmentation | Varies |
| Blepharoplasty | Eye bags, excess skin | Permanent |
Finding a Skilled Injector
Essential Qualifications
✅ Board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon ✅ Extensive tear trough experience ✅ Before/after photos available ✅ Uses appropriate filler types ✅ Discusses risks openly
Red Flags
❌ Uses thick volumizing fillers ❌ Promises permanent results ❌ No before/after portfolio ❌ Rushes consultation ❌ Extremely low prices
FAQ
Q: Is tear trough filler painful? A: Mild discomfort with numbing. Most describe it as pressure rather than pain.
Q: How much filler do I need? A: Usually 0.5-1ml per side, depending on severity.
Q: Can filler make dark circles worse? A: If improperly placed or wrong type used, yes. Choose experienced injectors.
Q: What if I don't like the results? A: HA filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase enzyme.
Q: How soon can I wear makeup? A: After 24 hours, though many wait a few days.
Q: Will I look "done" or unnatural? A: With skilled injection and appropriate amounts, results should be natural.
Conclusion
Tear trough filler is an effective solution for under-eye hollows and shadows, and Korean clinics offer excellent results at competitive prices. The key is choosing an experienced injector who uses appropriate filler types and conservative amounts.
Ready to refresh your under-eye area? Consult with a qualified Seoul practitioner to determine if tear trough filler is right for you.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about tear trough fillers. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: January 2025