What under-eye hollows are
Under-eye hollows — often called tear troughs — are the grooves that run from the inner corner of the eye down and outwards across the upper cheek. When the groove deepens it catches shadow, and the area can look dark or sunken even if the skin colour itself is normal. That is why hollows are frequently mistaken for dark circles, and why creams alone rarely change them much.
Some people are born with a visible groove; for others it develops with age, weight loss or long hours in front of screens that make the eyes look strained. In most cases it is a structural issue, so it helps to understand what lies beneath.
Why it happens: which layers are involved
Our 8-layer Skin Architecture model runs from the epidermis to bone. The under-eye area is one of the thinnest parts of the face, so changes at several depths show quickly:
- Bone and deep fat. Ageing works from the inside out. As the bone around the eye socket remodels and the deep fat pads of the midface shrink, the support beneath the lower lid is reduced.
- Support tissue. The ligaments that anchor the area loosen, so the cheek fat sits lower and the edge of the groove becomes more defined.
- Dermis and epidermis. Collagen falls by about 1% a year from around 20. Thinner skin lets shadow and underlying vessels show through more easily.
Most people have a mix of these, which is why the plan should start with diagnosis rather than a product.
How Obliv approaches under-eye hollows
- Careful assessment. A director examines the eye area at rest and with expression, and Mark-Vu imaging can help separate pigment and redness from true hollowing, so we know whether you also need a plan for dark circles .
- Small, precise volume support. Where volume loss is the main cause, under-eye filler with hyaluronic acid can help soften the groove. In this delicate area we favour a conservative amount; HA filler typically lasts around 6–18 months.
- Supporting the midface. Sometimes the hollow looks deeper because the cheek beneath has flattened. Restoring support in the midface first, as in our approach to a drooping midface , can reduce how much needs to be placed under the eye itself.
- Improving skin quality. Where thin or crepey skin is part of the picture, Rejuran or skin boosters may help support regeneration and hydration of the thin under-eye skin.
If filler is not a good fit for your anatomy, the doctor will explain why and suggest an alternative.
What to expect
Filler shows a change straight away, although mild swelling or bruising can appear for a few days. Skin-quality treatments such as Rejuran usually work gradually over a course. On the day, avoid touching the area for 4–6 hours and skip the sauna, alcohol and strenuous exercise. Results vary from person to person.
Caring for the area between visits
- Use a gentle eye-area moisturiser and daily SPF50+.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first night after filler to help swelling settle.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can irritate thin skin.
Visiting from abroad
Many visitors plan under-eye treatment early in their stay so that any swelling has time to settle before they fly. Send clear photos of your eye area in daylight, and your travel dates, on WhatsApp and we will help you plan.
Hollows, dark circles or puffiness?
Three different issues can make the under-eye area look tired, and they are often confused. Telling them apart is the most important part of the consultation:
- Hollows are a shape problem: a groove casts shadow. A simple test is to look up into a light — if the darkness fades, shadow from a groove is likely a major factor.
- Dark circles from pigment or visible vessels stay even when light falls directly on the area. These relate more to the epidermis and thin dermis than to volume, so filler alone will not change them.
- Puffiness or bags sit above the groove rather than inside it. Adding volume to a puffy area can make it look heavier, which is one reason we plan conservatively.
Most people have a combination, and the doctor will explain which matters most for you. If pigment or vessels are involved, see our page on dark circles ; if the whole face looks tired, our refreshed eyes goal page shows how plans are built.
At a glance
- Layers: Bone, deep fat, support tissue and thin dermis
- Main options: Under-eye HA filler, Rejuran, skin boosters
- Results visible: Filler on the day; skin quality over a course
- Lasts: HA filler ~6–18 months
- Downtime: Possible mild swelling or bruising for a few days
- Cost: Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote
Questions about under-eye hollows
Are hollows the same as dark circles?
Not always. Hollows create shadow because of lost volume, while dark circles can also come from pigment or visible vessels. Many people have a mix, which is why we assess the area before recommending treatment.
Is under-eye filler safe for everyone?
It is not suitable for everyone. Skin thickness, puffiness and the shape of the eye socket all matter. The doctor will tell you honestly whether filler is a good option or whether another approach would suit you better.
How long will swelling last?
Mild swelling or bruising may appear for a few days and usually settles on its own. Avoid alcohol, saunas and hard exercise on the day of treatment to help it settle.
Can I treat the area during a short trip?
Yes, many visitors do. It helps to book early in your stay so the area has time to settle before you fly. Message us your dates and we will suggest a schedule.
Talk to us about under-eye hollows
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
