Under Eye Filler (Aegyo-Sal) in Korea: Complete Guide to Youthful Eyes 2025

Want brighter, more youthful-looking eyes without surgery? Under-eye filler has become one of Korea's most transformative aesthetic treatments, addressing dark circles, hollows, and creating the coveted "aegyo-sal" (애교살) - the charming eye smile that makes you look younger and more approachable. This comprehensive guide covers everything international visitors need to know about getting under-eye filler in Seoul - from types and techniques to pricing and achieving natural results.

What is Under-Eye Filler?

Under-eye filler is an injectable treatment using hyaluronic acid (HA) to address volume loss, hollows, dark circles, and eye bags in the delicate under-eye area. In Korea, this treatment is particularly popular for creating "aegyo-sal" - the subtle fullness directly beneath the lower lash line that creates a youthful, friendly appearance when smiling.

Two Distinct Under-Eye Treatments

1. Aegyo-Sal Filler (애교살 필러)

What it is: Creates a small, natural-looking fullness directly under the lower lash line Purpose: Youthful, cute appearance; enhances smile Result: Soft puffy effect that appears when smiling Cultural context: Highly desired in Korean beauty standards Amount needed: 0.3-0.8cc per eye Price range: ₩100,000-₩300,000 ($77-$231)

2. Tear Trough Filler (눈밑 다크서클 필러)

What it is: Fills hollow under-eye area (tear trough) Purpose: Treats dark circles, sunken appearance, tired look Result: Smoother transition from lower eyelid to cheek Cultural context: Popular worldwide for anti-aging Amount needed: 0.5-1.5cc per eye Price range: ₩200,000-₩600,000 ($154-$462)

Many patients combine both treatments for comprehensive under-eye rejuvenation.

How Under-Eye Filler Works

The Science:

1. Volume Restoration: HA filler replaces lost volume in hollow areas
2. Light Reflection: Proper placement changes how light hits the under-eye, reducing dark shadow appearance
3. Hydration Boost: HA attracts water, plumping and hydrating thin skin
4. Smooth Transition: Creates gradual contour from eye to cheek
5. Collagen Stimulation: Some fillers trigger mild collagen production over time

What Under-Eye Filler Can Treat:

• ✅ Tear trough hollows (under-eye depression)
• ✅ Dark circles from shadowing
• ✅ Sunken, tired appearance
• ✅ Early eye bags (mild cases)
• ✅ Lack of aegyo-sal (flat under-eyes)
• ✅ Fine lines under eyes
• ✅ Volume loss from aging

What It Cannot Fix:

• ❌ Severely sagging skin (surgery needed)
• ❌ Pigmentation-based dark circles (laser/topical needed)
• ❌ Large, protruding fat pads (surgical removal better)
• ❌ Deep wrinkles (other treatments more effective)

Understanding Aegyo-Sal (애교살)

The term "aegyo-sal" (애교 = charm/cute, 살 = flesh) refers to the small band of muscle and fat that appears beneath the eyes when smiling, creating a youthful, innocent look.

Natural vs. Created Aegyo-Sal

Natural Aegyo-Sal:

• Genetic trait in some people
• Appears when smiling
• Located directly below lower lash line
• Soft, subtle fullness
• More common in younger faces

Created with Filler:

• Mimics natural aegyo-sal appearance
• Strategic filler placement in pretarsal area
• Creates same youthful effect
• Customizable size and prominence
• Very popular in Korea

Aegyo-Sal vs. Eye Bags

Important Distinction:

Skilled practitioners create aegyo-sal without enhancing actual eye bags.

Types of Fillers for Under-Eye Area

The under-eye area requires specialized fillers - softer, more cohesive products that integrate smoothly with thin, delicate skin.

Best Filler Brands for Under-Eyes

1. Belotero Balance/Soft (Germany)

Price: ₩200,000-₩350,000 ($154-$269) per 1cc Why it's ideal: Specifically designed for thin skin, minimal Tyndall effect Texture: Very soft, integrates seamlessly Duration: 6-9 months Best for: Tear trough, fine lines, delicate under-eye work

Pros:

• Industry gold standard for under-eyes
• Minimal risk of visible bumps
• Smooth, natural appearance
• Low swelling

Cons:

• Shorter duration than firmer fillers
• Premium pricing

2. Restylane Eyelight (Sweden)

Price: ₩250,000-₩400,000 ($192-$308) per 1cc Why it's ideal: Developed specifically for tear trough area Texture: Soft gel with optimal density Duration: 9-12 months Best for: Moderate tear trough hollows

Pros:

• Designed for under-eye use
• Long-lasting for soft filler
• Natural light reflection
• Proven safety in eye area

Cons:

• More expensive
• May swell more initially

3. Teosyal Redensity II (Switzerland)

Price: ₩220,000-₩380,000 ($169-$292) per 1cc Why it's ideal: First filler specifically for tear trough Texture: Low viscosity, smooth integration Duration: 8-12 months Best for: Dark circles, hollows

Pros:

• Pioneer in under-eye fillers
• Contains amino acids and minerals
• Excellent for dark circles
• Natural-looking

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Requires experienced injector

4. Juvederm Volbella (USA)

Price: ₩280,000-₩450,000 ($215-$346) per 1cc Why it's ideal: Vycross technology for smooth consistency Texture: Very smooth, cohesive Duration: 9-12 months Best for: Fine lines, subtle volume

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Smooth feel and appearance
• Low swelling risk
• Premium quality

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• May be too soft for significant hollows

5. Neuramis Light (Korea)

Price: ₩100,000-₩180,000 ($77-$138) per 1cc Why it's ideal: Budget-friendly Korean option Texture: Light viscosity Duration: 6-8 months Best for: Aegyo-sal, budget-conscious patients

Pros:

• Excellent value
• KFDA approved
• Good results at lower cost
• Popular locally

Cons:

• Shorter duration
• Less refined than premium brands

Filler Selection Guide

For Aegyo-Sal Creation:

• Neuramis Light (budget): $77-$138
• Belotero Soft: $154-$269
• Any soft, low-viscosity filler

For Tear Trough/Dark Circles:

• Belotero Balance: $154-$269
• Restylane Eyelight: $192-$308
• Teosyal Redensity II: $169-$292

For Comprehensive Treatment (Aegyo-sal + Tear Trough):

• Combination: Soft filler for aegyo-sal + medium filler for tear trough
• Total: $250-$500 depending on brands

Under-Eye Filler Prices in Korea (2025)

Korea offers exceptional value for under-eye filler treatments, with prices significantly lower than Western countries.

Korean Price Range

By Treatment Type:

Aegyo-Sal Filler Only:

• Korean Filler: ₩100,000-₩200,000 ($77-$154) for both eyes
• Imported Filler: ₩150,000-₩300,000 ($115-$231) for both eyes
• Average: ₩200,000 ($154) for both eyes

Tear Trough Filler (Dark Circle Treatment):

• Korean Filler: ₩200,000-₩400,000 ($154-$308) for both eyes
• Imported Filler: ₩300,000-₩600,000 ($231-$462) for both eyes
• Average: ₩400,000 ($308) for both eyes

Comprehensive Treatment (Both):

• Total: ₩300,000-₩800,000 ($231-$615) for both eyes
• Package Deals: Often 10-20% discount

Amount Needed

Aegyo-Sal:

• Per Eye: 0.3-0.5cc
• Both Eyes: 0.6-1cc total
• Cost: $77-$231 for both (Korean filler)

Tear Trough:

• Per Eye: 0.5-1cc (depending on depth)
• Both Eyes: 1-2cc total
• Cost: $154-$462 for both (Korean filler)

Full Under-Eye Rejuvenation:

• Total Amount: 1.5-3cc for both eyes (aegyo-sal + tear trough)
• Cost: $231-$615

International Price Comparison

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Prices vary by filler brand, amount used, and clinic.

What Affects Pricing?

Filler Brand:

• Korean brands: Most affordable
• European (Belotero, Teosyal): Mid-range
• American (Juvederm, Restylane): Premium

Treatment Scope:

• Aegyo-sal only: Least expensive
• Tear trough only: Moderate
• Comprehensive (both): Higher cost

Clinic Location:

• Gangnam premium: 30-50% markup
• Myeongdong/other areas: Standard pricing
• Promotional events: Up to 50% off

Doctor Experience:

• Celebrity doctors: Premium fees
• Board-certified specialists: Standard rates
• New clinics: Promotional discounts

The Treatment Process

Consultation (15-20 Minutes)

Assessment:

1. Under-Eye Analysis: Doctor examines hollows, dark circles, skin thickness
2. Goal Discussion: Aegyo-sal creation, dark circle reduction, or both
3. Cause Identification: Volume loss, shadowing, pigmentation, or combination
4. Filler Recommendation: Brand and amount based on anatomy
5. Risk Discussion: Tyndall effect, swelling potential, expectations
6. Before Photos: Documentation

Critical Questions to Ask:

• What filler brand do you recommend for my under-eyes?
• How much filler do I need for my goals?
• What are risks specific to under-eye filler?
• Have you treated patients with similar under-eye concerns?
• Can I see before/after photos of your under-eye work?

Treatment Procedure (20-40 Minutes)

Preparation (10 minutes):

• Topical numbing cream applied to under-eye area
• Eye protection provided
• Thorough cleansing

Injection Technique (10-20 minutes):

For Tear Trough:

• Method: Micro-cannula (blunt needle) or sharp needle
• Depth: Deep injection (supraperiosteal - just above bone)
• Technique: Linear threading or serial puncture
• Entry Points: Usually 1-2 per eye (medial and/or lateral)
• Critical: Avoiding blood vessels, proper depth placement

For Aegyo-Sal:

• Method: Usually sharp needle (more precise for small area)
• Depth: Superficial to mid-dermal layer
• Technique: Multiple small deposits
• Entry Points: 3-5 small injections per eye
• Goal: Natural-looking band of fullness

Post-Injection:

• Gentle molding and massage
• Ice pack application
• Assessment of symmetry

Pain Level: 4-6 out of 10

• Under-eye area is very sensitive
• Numbing cream helps significantly
• Cannula technique less painful than needles
• Brief but uncomfortable
• Most describe as "pressure and pinching"

Total Time: 20-40 minutes including numbing

Immediate Post-Treatment

Normal Immediate Effects:

• Significant swelling (under-eyes very prone to swelling)
• Visible filler bumps/lumps
• Redness at injection sites
• Possible bruising (30-50% of patients)
• Tightness sensation
• Cannot assess results immediately

First 24-48 Hours (Peak Swelling):

• Eyes may look puffy, swollen
• Possible asymmetry (due to swelling)
• Bumps may be visible
• Bruising develops if going to occur
• Sleep with head elevated

Days 3-7:

• Swelling reduces 60-70%
• Bumps smooth out
• Bruising yellows and fades
• Shape becomes more defined
• Can see approximate results

Week 2:

• Swelling 90% resolved
• Filler integrated with tissue
• True results visible
• Final shape assessment possible

Important: Under-eye filler takes LONGER to settle than other areas. Final results at 2-4 weeks.

Results and Duration

Expected Results

Aegyo-Sal Creation:

• Subtle fullness beneath lower lashes
• Enhanced appearance when smiling
• Youthful, friendly look
• Makes eyes appear larger
• Brightens overall eye area

Tear Trough Treatment:

• Reduced hollow appearance
• Smoother eye-to-cheek transition
• Diminished dark circle shadows
• Less tired look
• More rested appearance

Combined Treatment:

• Comprehensive under-eye rejuvenation
• Brighter, more youthful eyes
• Reduced signs of fatigue and aging
• Enhanced facial harmony

Duration by Filler Type

Korean Fillers (Neuramis):

• Duration: 6-8 months
• Best for: Budget-conscious, trying treatment first time

Belotero:

• Duration: 6-9 months
• Best for: Natural integration, minimal risk

Teosyal Redensity II:

• Duration: 8-12 months
• Best for: Dark circles, comprehensive treatment

Restylane Eyelight:

• Duration: 9-12 months
• Best for: Longer-lasting results

Juvederm Volbella:

• Duration: 9-12 months (up to 1 year)
• Best for: Premium, longest-lasting option

Factors Affecting Longevity

Faster Breakdown:

• High metabolism
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Smoking
• Sun exposure without protection
• Poor hydration

Longer-Lasting:

• Gentle eye care
• Good sun protection
• Well-hydrated lifestyle
• Non-smoker
• Quality filler brand

Side Effects and Risks

Under-eye filler requires special attention due to the delicate nature of the area.

Common (Expected)

Significant Swelling (100% of patients):

• Duration: Peak 24-48 hours, resolves 70-80% by day 7-10
• Severity: Moderate to severe (under-eyes swell easily)
• Management: Ice, sleep elevated, patient patience
• Normal: Eyes may look dramatically swollen

Bruising (30-50% of patients):

• Duration: 5-10 days
• Severity: Can be significant in under-eye area
• Management: Arnica, concealer, gentle care
• Prevention: Avoid blood thinners

Lumps/Bumps (50-70% initially):

• Duration: 1-3 weeks (most smooth out)
• Appearance: Visible irregular areas
• Cause: Normal settling process
• Management: Gentle massage if approved; patience

Asymmetry (Initially):

• Duration: Often resolves as swelling subsides
• Cause: Uneven swelling or natural asymmetry
• Management: Wait 2-4 weeks; can adjust at follow-up

Concerning (Less Common but Serious)

Tyndall Effect (5-15%):

• Appearance: Bluish or grayish tint under skin
• Cause: Filler placed too superficially or too much product
• Impact: Visible discoloration, unnatural look
• Treatment: Can be dissolved with hyaluronidase
• Prevention: Experienced injector, proper depth, appropriate filler

Persistent Lumps (5-10%):

• Duration: Beyond 3-4 weeks
• Cause: Filler concentration or improper placement
• Treatment: Massage, hyaluronidase if needed
• Prevention: Skilled practitioner, quality filler

Migration (Rare, <5%):

• Appearance: Filler moving to unintended areas
• Cause: Improper placement or excessive amount
• Treatment: Hyaluronidase to dissolve and re-treat
• Prevention: Conservative amounts, proper technique

Rare but Serious

Vascular Occlusion (Very Rare, <0.1% but serious):

• Symptoms: Severe pain, skin blanching (white), vision changes
• Cause: Filler blocking blood vessel
• Emergency: Requires immediate hyaluronidase and medical care
• Risk: Higher in under-eye due to vascular anatomy
• Prevention: Experienced injector, micro-cannula use, aspiration technique

Vision Complications (Extremely Rare but Serious):

• Risk: Filler entering ophthalmic vessels
• Symptoms: Vision changes, pain, eye redness
• Action: Immediate emergency medical care
• Prevention: Board-certified doctor, proper technique, cannula use

Infection (<1%):

• Symptoms: Increasing redness, warmth, pain, pus
• Treatment: Antibiotics, possibly filler removal
• Prevention: Sterile technique, proper aftercare

Who Should Avoid Under-Eye Filler?

❌ Absolute Contraindications:

• Active infection in eye area
• Very thin, translucent skin (high Tyndall risk)
• Severe eye bags (filler can worsen)
• Eyelid inflammation or infection
• Recent eye surgery

⚠️ Relative Contraindications (Consult Doctor):

• Tendency to swell easily
• Previous bad reaction to filler
• Blood clotting disorders
• Taking blood thinners
• Unrealistic expectations
• Very dark skin circles from pigmentation (filler won't help)

Post-Treatment Care

Proper aftercare for under-eye filler is CRITICAL due to sensitivity and swelling tendency.

First 24-48 Hours (Most Critical)

✅ DO:

• Ice Religiously: 10 min on, 10 min off for first 6-12 hours
• Sleep Elevated: 2-3 pillows, sleep on back
• Avoid Lying Flat: Gravity worsens swelling
• Arnica Tablets: Take as directed to reduce bruising
• Gentle Care: No touching or rubbing
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water

❌ DON'T:

• No Eye Rubbing: Absolutely critical - can displace filler
• No Makeup on Eyes: For 24 hours minimum
• No Alcohol: Increases swelling and bruising significantly
• No Exercise: Raises blood pressure, worsens swelling
• No Heat: Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms
• No Sleeping Face-Down: Can cause asymmetry
• No Crying: If possible (increases swelling)
• No Contact Lenses: For 24-48 hours if possible
• No Blood Thinners: Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil
• No Straining: Heavy lifting, bending over

Days 3-14

✅ DO:

• Continue sleeping elevated for first week
• Use cold compress if swelling persists
• Take progress photos daily
• Gentle cleansing only
• Sunglasses when outdoors (sun protection + hide swelling)
• Attend follow-up appointment

✅ CAN RESUME:

• Light makeup after day 3
• Gentle eye skincare
• Contact lenses after 48 hours
• Light walking after day 2-3

❌ CONTINUE AVOIDING:

• Eye rubbing (critical)
• Vigorous exercise for 1 week
• Facials or massage near eyes for 2 weeks
• Sleeping face-down for 2 weeks
• Alcohol for 3-5 days

Long-Term Care

Daily Habits:

• SPF eye cream daily (UV breaks down filler)
• Gentle eye care products
• Avoid aggressive rubbing ever
• Stay hydrated
• Quality sleep (reduces natural under-eye puffiness)

Periodic:

• Monitor for delayed lumps or irregularities
• Schedule touch-up when filler begins diminishing
• Photos every month to track longevity

FAQ

Q: Is under-eye filler more risky than other areas? A: Yes, slightly. The under-eye area has complex vascular anatomy and very thin skin, making it more technically challenging. However, when performed by experienced practitioners using proper techniques (especially cannulas), it's generally safe. Choose your provider carefully.

Q: What's the difference between aegyo-sal and eye bags? A: Aegyo-sal is a small, cute puffiness directly under the lash line that appears especially when smiling - it's desirable and youthful. Eye bags are larger, sagging pouches lower on the face that look tired and aged. Skilled injectors create aegyo-sal without worsening eye bags.

Q: Will under-eye filler make me look overdone? A: Not when done properly! The key is conservative amounts and skilled placement. Korean clinics excel at natural-looking results. Start with minimal filler - you can always add more, but removing it requires dissolving.

Q: How painful is under-eye filler? A: Most rate it 4-6/10 with numbing cream. The under-eye area is sensitive, but numbing helps significantly. Cannula technique is less painful than needles. The procedure is quick (15-30 minutes), so discomfort is brief.

Q: When will I see final results? A: Under-eye filler takes 2-4 weeks to fully settle. Swelling is significant initially, so you cannot judge results right away. Be patient - most people love their results once swelling resolves.

Q: What is Tyndall effect and how do I avoid it? A: Tyndall effect is a bluish tint that occurs when filler is placed too superficially under thin skin. It's the most common aesthetic complication of under-eye filler. Prevention: choose experienced injectors who use appropriate fillers (like Belotero) and proper depth. Treatable by dissolving and re-injecting correctly.

Q: Can filler help with my dark circles? A: It depends on the cause. If dark circles are from hollowing/shadowing (structural), filler works excellently. If they're from pigmentation (melanin), filler won't help - you need laser or topical treatments. Often it's a combination - consult a doctor for assessment.

Q: Should I get aegyo-sal if I don't have it naturally? A: It's a personal preference! Aegyo-sal is very popular in Korean beauty standards for creating a youthful, approachable look. If you admire the aesthetic and want brighter eyes, it's worth trying. Results are temporary and reversible.

Q: Can under-eye filler be removed if I don't like it? A: Yes! Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase enzyme within 24-72 hours. This is a major safety advantage of HA fillers - complete reversibility.

Q: How do I choose between cannula and needle technique? A: Cannulas (blunt-tip) are generally safer for tear trough due to lower vessel damage risk, but require more skill. Needles offer more precision for aegyo-sal. Trust your doctor's expertise - experienced practitioners know which is best for your anatomy.

Q: What if I have eye bags - will filler make them worse? A: It can. If you have significant protruding fat pads (eye bags), adding filler might create more fullness and worsen the appearance. In moderate cases, strategic placement can actually improve the contour. Severe eye bags may need surgical removal instead.

Q: Can I wear makeup after treatment? A: Wait 24 hours for eye makeup. You can use face makeup (foundation, etc.) immediately if you avoid the direct treatment area.

Booking Your Under-Eye Filler in Seoul

For International Visitors

Timing:

• Schedule early in trip (allows swelling to subside)
• Avoid important photos/events for 2 weeks
• Plan 1-2 weeks before heading home for best results visibility

Finding Clinics:

• Gangnam: Premium clinics, experienced with under-eyes
• Apgujeong: High-end aesthetic focus
• Research: Look for doctors specializing in under-eye filler specifically

Critical Selection Criteria: ✅ Board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon ✅ Extensive experience with under-eye filler specifically ✅ Before/after portfolio of under-eye work ✅ Uses micro-cannula technique ✅ Offers premium soft fillers (Belotero, Restylane Eyelight, etc.) ✅ English-speaking staff ✅ Clear explanation of risks

🚩 Red Flags:

• Very cheap pricing (under-eye requires premium filler)
• No specific under-eye experience shown
• Aggressive sales tactics
• Unclear about filler brands used

What to Bring:

• Passport/ID
• Payment method
• Photos of desired results
• List of medications/allergies
• Realistic expectations

Budget Planning

Budget Option (Aegyo-Sal Only):

• Korean filler (0.6-1cc): $77-$154
• Total: $100-$200

Mid-Range (Tear Trough Treatment):

• Belotero (1-1.5cc): $154-$400
• Total: $200-$450

Comprehensive (Aegyo-Sal + Tear Trough):

• Premium fillers (2-3cc total): $400-$650
• Touch-up if needed: $100-$200
• Total: $500-$850

Premium Experience:

• Gangnam celebrity clinic: $600-$1,000
• Restylane/Juvederm brands: Premium pricing
• Comprehensive consultation and planning

Conclusion

Under-eye filler in Korea offers exceptional results for creating youthful, bright eyes - whether you want the charming aegyo-sal look or treatment for dark circles and hollows. At prices 70-90% cheaper than Western countries ($77-$615 vs $700-$2,000), Seoul provides access to skilled practitioners and premium filler brands.

Key Takeaways

✅ Transformative: Dramatically improves under-eye appearance ✅ Affordable: 70-90% cheaper than US/UK/Australia ✅ Specialized: Korean doctors excel at natural aegyo-sal creation ✅ Reversible: HA fillers can be dissolved if needed ✅ Safe: When performed by experienced practitioners ✅ Variety: Multiple filler options for different goals and budgets

Realistic Expectations

Choose under-eye filler if you:

• Have hollow tear troughs or want aegyo-sal
• Dark circles from shadowing (structural, not pigmentation)
• Want non-surgical under-eye rejuvenation
• Can tolerate 1-2 weeks significant swelling
• Choose experienced practitioners (critical for under-eyes)
• Have realistic expectations for improvement

Consider alternatives if you:

• Have severe, protruding eye bags (surgery better)
• Dark circles from pigmentation only (laser/topical needed)
• Very thin, translucent skin (high Tyndall risk)
• Cannot accept swelling period
• Unrealistic expectations

Final Verdict

For international visitors seeking brighter, more youthful eyes without surgery, Korea offers world-class under-eye filler treatments at exceptional value. The combination of skilled practitioners experienced in creating natural aegyo-sal, premium filler brands, and competitive pricing makes Seoul an ideal destination.

Success requires careful provider selection (under-eyes are high-skill area), realistic expectations about swelling, and patience for results to develop. But for those ready to transform their under-eye area, Korean under-eye filler delivers stunning, rejuvenating results.

Ready for youthful, bright eyes? Research experienced clinics, verify their under-eye filler expertise, and prepare to experience why Korean under-eye treatments are globally renowned.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about under-eye filler treatments. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Under-eye filler carries specific risks including vascular occlusion and vision complications, though rare when performed by experienced practitioners. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive under-eye filler experience before undergoing this procedure. Results vary by individual based on anatomy, filler type, practitioner skill, and lifestyle factors. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Choose your practitioner carefully - under-eye filler requires advanced technical skill.

Last Updated: November 7, 2025 Reading Time: 13 minutes