Eye Area
Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes come from pigmentation, visible blood vessels, thin skin or hollowing that casts a shadow. A dermatologist first identifies which cause dominates, then may use pigment laser, skin boosters, filler for tear-trough hollows or topical treatment.
Overview
Most people have more than one cause. Pigmented circles look brown, vascular ones look blue or purple, and structural ones are shadows from volume loss.
Korean clinics offer many under-eye treatments; the right one depends on the cause, not the trend.
At a glance
Causes
Genetics, allergies and rubbing, ageing, thin skin, tear-trough hollowing.
Treatment options
Pigment laser or topical lighteners, skin boosters to thicken skin, hyaluronic acid filler for hollows, treating allergies.
Risks
Under-eye filler needs an experienced injector to avoid lumps or a bluish tint.
Frequently asked questions
Can dark circles be permanently removed?
They can be improved substantially, but genetic and ageing factors mean maintenance is common.
Is under-eye filler safe?
In experienced hands it is generally safe, but the area is delicate and unsuitable for some people.
Do eye creams work?
Some help mild pigmentation; they do not fix hollowing.
Related
Choose a specialist
See a board-certified dermatologist, not just a “skin clinic”
In Korea, only about 1 in 10 clinics that treat skin is run by a dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의). Specialists complete a four-year dermatology residency and a national exam. Our directory lists only clinics in the Association of Korean Dermatologists’ specialist search. This page is general information, not medical advice.