What are under-eye dark circles?

• The term “dark circles” refers to a variety of visible under-eye changes: pigmentation (brown/blue/grey), hollowing (tear trough or volume loss), visible blood vessels or thin skin, shadowing caused by fat bulge or under-eye bags.
• In Korea, dermatology/aesthetic clinics emphasise identifying the type of dark circle you have before choosing treatment: e.g., pigmentation vs vascular vs volume-loss vs mixed type.
• Why this matters: If you treat only a filler for a pigmented area, the result may be sub-optimal. Conversely, treating pigment when the main issue is volume loss might not solve the shadowing.

Common treatment categories & what they address

Here are what Korean clinics typically offer, and which issues they target:

Treatment What it treats Notes / What to ask Laser toning / Pico/ Q-Switched / vascular lasersPigmentation, under-eye skin colour, visible veins under thin skinAsk: what laser brand, how many sessions needed, downtime. 

Under-eye (tear trough) fillers (Hyaluronic Acid etc.) Hollow under-eyes (volume loss) causing shadowing; smooths transition from lid to cheek Ask: which filler, risk of swelling, longevity, drainage option.  Skin boosters / PRP / Exosome / growth-factor injections Thin under-eye skin, texture, mild discoloration, early signsAsk: how many sessions, what device/product used.  Seouldermatology clinic Surgical methods (fat removal, fat repositioning, blepharoplasty) Fat bulges, major under-eye bags, mixed hollow & bulge combinationsAsk: what incision method, downtime, after-care.  Combination treatments Mixed types (pigment + hollow + thin skin)Important to get an accurate diagnosis and combined plan. 

Typical cost range in Seoul

Here’s what you might expect (very approximate) given current data

• Laser toning for under-eye area: ~ ₩150,000-₩300,000 per session.
• Tear trough / filler treatment: ~ ₩300,000-₩600,000 (or more depending on product/volume).
• Skin-booster / PRP / exosome types: ~ ₩200,000-₩500,000+ depending on product & sessions.
• Surgical correction (for advanced cases): ~ ₩2,500,000-₩4,500,000+ depending on clinic, method.

Note: Prices vary greatly by clinic prestige, foreign-patient service, product brand, combination treatments, and whether tax or translation service included.

Who is a good candidate & who should consider alternatives

Good candidate:

• Someone with visible under-eye shadows/circles that have not improved with skincare alone.
• Someone willing to undergo treatment after accurate diagnosis of cause (pigment vs hollow vs bag vs mixed).
• Someone with realistic expectations: improvement is possible, but rarely perfect “erase all dark circles”.
• Someone willing to adhere to after-care and possibly multiple sessions.

Consider alternatives or surgical option if:

• There is a combination of large under-eye bags + hollow + heavy skin laxity (in which case filler/laser alone may not suffice).
• If your main issue is structural (fat bulge, ligament sag, skin excess) rather than purely pigment or volume loss.
• If you have very dark skin and high risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation — make sure clinic has experience with Asian skin.
• If you expect instant perfection; some treatments take time to show full effect, and multiple sessions may be required.

Key questions to ask your clinic

• What is the main cause of my under-eye circles (pigmentation / volume loss / vascular / bags)?
• Which treatment do you recommend for my case, and why; what are the expected results and risks?
• What device / brand of laser / filler / product will you use? How many sessions? What’s included in the price?
• What is the downtime; what after-care is required?
• Can you show before-/after photos for patients with similar skin type and issue?
• How long will results last? What maintenance is needed?
• Are there any extra costs (topical anesthetic, follow-up visits, revision options)?
• What is your experience treating patients with Asian skin under-eye issues (pigment/vascular risk)?

Practical tips & how to prepare

• Before treatment: Stop heavy sun exposure, ensure skin is well-hydrated, avoid new strong actives (retinoids/peels) for a few days if directed.
• Bring good lighting photos of your under-eye area (straight & side) to help during consultation.
• On treatment day: Have minimal makeup, ask about numbing if needed, confirm expected discomfort, downtime.
• After treatment:
• Strict sun protection (under-eyes are thin and sensitive).
• Avoid rubbing or applying strong pressure under the eyes.
• Follow the clinic’s after-care instructions (cooling, gentle skincare, avoid sauna/steam if advised).
• Be patient — many treatments show improvement over weeks as collagen/micro-circulation improves.
• Maintenance: Keep realistic — for some cases periodic sessions (laser, booster) may be necessary to maintain brightness.

Why Seoul (Korea) is a strong choice for this treatment

• Clinics in Seoul specialise in under-eye aesthetic treatments and have access to advanced lasers, fillers, skin-boosters, and combination protocols.
• Many clinics offer foreign-patient friendly services (English support, international coordinates) and tailored programs for under-eye care.