➤ What it is

Tear trough correction refers to the treatment of hollow depressions beneath the eyes, extending from the inner corner of the eye toward the mid-cheek. These hollows can make a person look tired, aged, or unhealthy, even when well-rested.

Causes include:

• Volume loss in the under-eye fat pads with aging.
• Genetic predisposition (common in younger patients).
• Thinning skin revealing underlying vessels.
• Structural shadowing caused by deep-set eyes or bone structure.

Tear trough correction in Korea involves non-surgical and surgical techniques designed to restore volume, smooth transition from lower eyelid to cheek, and brighten the under-eye region. It is one of the most sought-after anti-aging procedures in Korean dermatology and cosmetic clinics.

➤ Why it’s done

Tear trough correction is performed for multiple reasons:

• Rejuvenation → smooths under-eye hollows, creating a rested look.
• Anti-Aging → restores lost volume and reduces shadows.
• Cosmetic Balance → harmonizes mid-face features.
• Psychological Confidence → eliminates “tired” appearance.
• Korean Aesthetic Culture → bright, youthful eyes are central to beauty standards, making tear trough correction a highly requested treatment.

➤ Alternatives

Tear trough correction has several approaches, depending on the cause and severity:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid) → most common method in Korea, providing instant volume.
• Skin boosters (PN, PDRN, exosomes) → improve hydration and tissue quality.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) → stimulates collagen and skin rejuvenation.
• Laser or RF microneedling → for skin tightening if hollows are accompanied by crepiness.

Surgical Options

• Fat repositioning (lower blepharoplasty) → fat pads are redistributed to fill hollows.
• Fat grafting → patient’s own fat is injected into tear troughs.
• Implants (rarely used, less popular in Korea).

Other Cosmetic Alternatives

• Camouflage makeup → temporary coverage of shadows.
• Laser toning → reduces pigmentation overlaying hollows.

Korean Dermatology Alternatives

• Combination treatments → filler + laser + brightening facials.
• LED light therapy post-procedure for healing.
• Customized K-beauty eye creams for maintenance.

➤ Preparation

Preparation is essential for safe and natural results:

• Medical Consultation
  • Clinical evaluation of hollows: are they due to fat loss, pigmentation, or structural shadowing?
  • Photography and 3D facial imaging (common in Korean clinics).
• Pre-Treatment Skincare
  • Stop retinoids, exfoliants, or irritating products around the eyes 1–2 weeks before treatment.
  • Keep skin hydrated and well-moisturized.
• Lifestyle Adjustments
  • Avoid alcohol and blood thinners 48 hours before injections to reduce bruising risk.
  • Ensure adequate sleep and hydration.
• Korean Clinic Preparation
  • Numbing cream or cooling masks applied before filler injections.
  • Gentle cleansing facials often included to prep skin.

➤ How it’s Done

Tear trough correction in Korea is highly tailored, using advanced techniques for natural outcomes:

1. Dermal Filler Injections

• Hyaluronic acid fillers (light, smooth gels) injected precisely into the tear trough.
• Cannula technique often used in Korea → reduces bruising and swelling.
• Instant results with minimal downtime.

2. Skin Boosters & PRP

• Injected into under-eye skin to improve elasticity and hydration.
• PRP stimulates natural collagen production.

3. Laser & Device-Based Treatments

• Fractional CO₂ or RF microneedling → tightens crepey under-eye skin.
• IPL or Nd:YAG → improves pigmentation that worsens shadows.

4. Surgical Correction (For Severe Cases)

• Fat repositioning → moves bulging orbital fat into hollow areas.
• Fat grafting → harvested fat from thighs/abdomen is injected.
• Performed with minimally invasive Korean blepharoplasty techniques.

5. Korean Dermatology Enhancements

• LED therapy after fillers or surgery to reduce swelling.
• Barrier-repair creams and hydrating facials to enhance recovery.
• Customized cosmeceutical regimens (centella, peptides, hyaluronic acid) for long-term maintenance.

➤ Recovery

Recovery depends on treatment type:

• Fillers → mild swelling/bruising for 1–3 days, results last 9–12 months.
• Skin boosters/PRP → mild redness for 1–2 days, gradual results.
• Laser therapies → 2–5 days of redness or peeling.
• Surgical correction → swelling for 1–2 weeks, full results in 1–3 months.

Aftercare Instructions:

• Avoid rubbing or pressing the under-eye area.
• Sleep with head elevated for 1–2 nights after injections or surgery.
• Apply sunscreen daily to prevent pigmentation.
• Follow dermatologist’s skincare recommendations.

Korean Recovery Practices:

• Hydrogel cooling eye patches applied after treatment.
• LED light therapy sessions included in follow-up packages.
• Pigmentation correction facials if dark circles persist post-correction.

➤ Complications

Tear trough correction is generally safe in experienced hands, but possible complications include:

• Bruising and swelling after injections.
• Tyndall effect → bluish tint if filler is placed too superficially.
• Overfilling or asymmetry (rare in Korea due to conservative techniques).
• Infection or vascular occlusion (extremely rare, minimized by cannula use).
• Scarring or prolonged swelling in surgical procedures.

Korean clinics minimize risks by:

• Using micro-cannula injection techniques.
• Employing advanced imaging for precision placement.
• Combining medical and cosmetic follow-up care for optimal outcomes.

➤ Treatment Options in Korea

Korea is globally recognized for tear trough correction expertise due to its fusion of medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Why Korea excels:

• Expert injectors → precise, conservative use of fillers for natural results.
• Cutting-edge surgical methods → minimally invasive blepharoplasty with scar-minimizing techniques.
• Combination therapy programs → fillers + lasers + skincare.
• Cultural emphasis on natural beauty → avoiding overfilled or artificial looks.

Unique Korean Practices:

• 3D facial imaging before treatment for exact planning.
• Combination correction programs → filler plus pigmentation therapy.
• LED healing sessions after injectables or surgery.
• Cosmeceutical maintenance plans customized for eye rejuvenation.
• Medical tourism packages → under-eye rejuvenation tailored for international patients.

✨ Final Thoughts

Tear Trough Correction in Korea is one of the most refined and effective rejuvenation treatments, combining precision filler techniques, advanced surgical options, laser therapies, and cosmetic aftercare.

Korean dermatologists and plastic surgeons focus on natural-looking outcomes that restore youthfulness without overcorrection. Patients benefit from not only reduced hollows and shadows but also long-term improvements in skin texture and tone through integrated skincare programs.

This dual emphasis on safety, aesthetics, and holistic care makes Korea a global leader in tear trough correction, helping patients achieve a brighter, refreshed, and confident appearance.