Under-Eye Filler

How it works

A small amount of soft hyaluronic acid gel is placed in the hollow below the eye, often called the tear trough, to soften a shadowed look caused by volume loss. It does not remove dark circles caused by pigment or thin, vein-colored skin, and may even make some of them look different. A cannula or fine needle is used, and results last from several months to a year or longer, varying by person.

Who it may suit

• Hollows under the eyes that cast a tired-looking shadow
• A visible groove between the lower lid and cheek
• Mild volume loss where the cheek and lid meet
• Visitors who can allow about a week or more before key events

The treatment day

1. Careful assessment. The doctor checks whether your shadows come from hollowing, pigment, puffiness or skin thinness, since only some respond to filler.
2. Numbing. Numbing cream is applied for a period, and the gel may contain local anesthetic.
3. Placement. Very small amounts are placed slowly, usually in deeper layers, to avoid visible lumps.
4. Check and ice. The area is reviewed, cooled and sometimes lightly molded. Mild puffiness is common.

Aftercare

• Use cold packs wrapped in a cloth for short periods in the first day.
• Sleep with your head raised for a few nights to limit morning puffiness.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes, strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for about two days.
• Limit salty food in the first days, as it can add to puffiness.
• Cover bruises with makeup only after the skin is intact and the doctor agrees.

Things to know first

• Swelling, bruising, lumps and a bluish tint (the Tyndall effect) can occur.
• Vascular occlusion is rare but serious; severe pain, skin color change or any vision change calls for emergency help immediately.
• Puffy eyelid bags, fluid retention or very thin skin can make results worse; the doctor may advise against treatment.
• Persistent swelling can occur and may need dissolving of the product.
• Not suited to pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection near the eyes or product allergy.

Planning under-eye filler around a Seoul trip

Of all filler areas, this one deserves the longest buffer. Bruising can take one to two weeks to fade, and swelling may change from morning to evening. Treat in the first part of your stay, then plan quieter days for the first few, with sunglasses for outdoor walks.

Because a problem here may involve the eyes, confirm before treatment how you would reach the doctor and where you would seek urgent care. Keep a note of the product used so a clinician at home knows what was injected if anything needs attention after you return.