Concern

Why do I have dark circles or hollow under-eyes?

Dark circles are not one condition. The skin under the eyes is among the thinnest on the body, so small changes in pigment, blood flow or volume become visible quickly. Several causes often overlap in the same person.

Genetics: some people inherit deeper tear troughs or more pigment.
Aging: fat and bone volume decrease, and skin thins.
Lifestyle: poor sleep, screen time, dehydration and rubbing the eyes.
Allergies: congestion and frequent rubbing can darken the area.
Sun exposure: UV can increase pigment under the eyes.

What type of dark circles do I have?

Doctors usually classify dark circles into four types. Knowing the type helps avoid treatments that will not help.

Pigmented (brown) circles

A brown or gray-brown tone caused by melanin. Common in people with medium to deeper skin tones and those with allergies or frequent rubbing. Gently stretching the skin does not make the color disappear.

Vascular (blue or purple) circles

Thin, translucent skin lets underlying vessels and muscle show through. The color often looks worse when tired and may change when the skin is stretched.

Structural circles (tear trough hollows)

A groove between the lower eyelid and cheek casts a shadow. This is a volume issue, not a color issue, and looks darker under overhead lighting.

Mixed type

Most adults have a combination, such as a hollow plus some pigment. Combination plans are therefore common.

How is the cause diagnosed at Re:berry Hongdae?

A doctor examines your under-eye area from the front and side, under different lighting, and may gently stretch the skin or ask you to look upward. These simple tests help separate pigment from shadow. The doctor will also check for eye bags caused by protruding fat, which behave differently from hollows.

This reflects Re:berry's principle of diagnosis before packages. You will receive an explanation of which part of your concern each treatment targets.

Which treatments may help under-eye concerns?

For hollows: hyaluronic acid filler

A soft hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane can be placed carefully along the tear trough to reduce shadowing. This area requires precise technique because of delicate vessels and the risk of puffiness. Swelling and bruising typically settle in 1–2 weeks. See the Restylane under-eye guide.

For thin skin: skin boosters

Rejuran Healer and PDRN boosters are polynucleotide-based injectables used to support skin quality. In the under-eye area they may help thin, crepey skin look more resilient over a series of sessions. Small bumps can appear for a few days.

For pigment: laser toning

Gentle laser or pico toning may gradually lighten brown pigment. Several sessions are usually needed, and consistent sun protection is essential.

For crepey skin and mild laxity: energy devices

Thermage FLX has an eye-specific tip used on the eyelid area to improve crepiness. It is not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will explain whether it fits your case.

What does a combination plan look like?

Hollow plus thin skin: filler for the groove, then boosters to improve skin quality.
Pigment plus hollow: filler first, then toning sessions for color.
Thin, vascular skin: boosters over several sessions, sometimes with energy-based tightening.

The order matters. Doctors often treat structure first, then refine skin quality and color. Results vary by individual.

What are the risks of under-eye treatments?

Filler: bruising, swelling, lumps, a bluish tint if placed too superficially, and rare vascular complications.
Boosters: temporary bumps, redness and bruising.
Laser: temporary redness and, rarely, pigment changes.

Avoid blood-thinning supplements before injections if your doctor advises. Read how to reduce bruising after injections.

Which treatment should I try first?

There is no single starting point for everyone. A useful rule many doctors follow is to treat the most visible cause first. If a deep groove casts a shadow even in good light, volume is usually the priority. If the area looks brown in every light and the skin is not hollow, pigment care makes more sense. If the skin is thin and crepey with blue tones, improving skin quality comes first. Starting with the main driver helps you judge whether further steps are worth it.

How long until I see results?

Filler shows an immediate change once swelling settles, typically within 1–2 weeks. Boosters usually need 2–3 sessions spaced about 2–4 weeks apart, with gradual improvement over 1–3 months. Pigment treatments often take several months. Visitors to Seoul may begin with the fastest-acting step and continue the rest later or at another Re:berry branch.

Home habits that help

Use sunscreen and sunglasses daily.
Avoid rubbing your eyes and manage allergies.
Keep a steady sleep schedule and limit salt late at night.
Use a gentle eye moisturizer rather than heavy fragrance products.

Book a consultation through our Booking page. Pricing depends on the treatment plan and is confirmed in writing at consultation.

Can filler fix dark circles?

Filler can help when dark circles are mainly caused by a hollow tear trough that casts a shadow. It does not remove brown pigment or visible blood vessels. If your circles are mixed, a doctor may combine filler with boosters or toning. A careful assessment comes first.

Is under-eye filler safe?

Under-eye filler is commonly performed but requires experience because the area is delicate. Risks include bruising, swelling, lumps and rare vascular complications. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed. Ask your doctor about technique, product choice and how complications are managed.

How many Rejuran sessions do I need for under-eyes?

Many patients are advised to have around 2–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance. The number depends on skin thickness, age and goals. Improvement is gradual, and results vary by individual. Your doctor will review progress at each visit.

What if I have eye bags rather than hollows?

Eye bags caused by protruding fat often look worse with filler. In that case, the doctor may suggest skin tightening for mild cases or recommend a consultation with a surgeon for lower eyelid surgery. An honest assessment helps avoid treatments that will not help.