Dark Circle Treatment in Seoul, Korea

Dark Circle Treatment in Seoul, Korea

  What Are Under-Eye Dark Circles?

Under-eye dark circles appear as shadows, discoloration, or hollowness beneath the eyes. They make you look tired or aged, even if you’re well-rested. In Seoul, aesthetic clinics treat dark circles with a wide range of options tailored to the specific cause of the issue.

Common Causes of Dark Circles

  • Pigmentation: Excess melanin in the under-eye skin makes the area look brown or grey.
  • Vascular visibility: Thin skin or enlarged blood vessels show a bluish or purplish hue.
  • Volume loss / tear trough hollowing: Loss of fat or skin support creates shadows beneath the eyes.
  • Fat bulges / eye bags: Protruding fat under the eyes casts a shadow.
  • Skin texture / laxity: Thinned, crepey under-eye skin reveals more shadows and vessels.
  • Lifestyle and health factors: Lack of sleep, allergies, fluid retention, sun exposure, or genetics.

Key Treatment Options in Seoul

        In Seoul, treatments for dark circles are highly customised depending on the root cause.

1. Laser & Light Therapy

  • Gentle laser (Q-Switched, Pico, or toning) to target pigmentation or vascular issues.
  • Non-ablative skin-tightening around the under-eye area.

2. Dermal Fillers (Tear Troughs)

  • Hyaluronic acid or other fillers are injected to fill hollows beneath the eye and correct shadowing caused by volume loss.
  • Immediate visible effect.

3. PRP / Growth-Factor / Exosome Injections

  • Injections of your own platelets (PRP) or laboratory-derived growth factors (exosomes) into the under-eye skin.
  • Improves skin thickness, texture, tone, and circulation.

4. Skin Boosters & Mesotherapy

  • Superficial micro-injections of hydrating and brightening materials under the eye.
  • Ideal for mild discoloration or early skin thinning.

5. Surgical Solutions (Eye-Bag / Fat Repositioning)

  • For prominent under-eye fat bulges or excess skin that create deep shadows.
  • Lower eyelid fat repositioning or fat removal may be recommended.

What to Expect During a Treatment

  1. Consultation & Diagnosis – A detailed examination to identify which type(s) of dark circle you have: pigmentation, vascular, hollow, fat bulge, or mixed.
  2. Customized Treatment Plan – Based on diagnosis, a plan is proposed combining one or more methods.
  3. Procedure – Depending on the method: laser session, filler injection, PRP injection, or minor surgery.
  4. Aftercare & Monitoring – Post-treatment guidelines provided, follow-up sessions scheduled if needed.

        Sessions may take 15-60 minutes based on the selected treatment method.

Downtime & Recovery

  • Laser / light treatments: Slight redness or swelling for a few hours; minimal downtime.
  • Fillers and injections: Mild swelling or bruising around the eye for 1-3 days.
  • Surgical procedures: 3-10 days recovery (varies), bruising and swelling more evident.
  • Makeup and daily activities often resume quickly unless major surgery is performed.

How Many Sessions Are Typically Needed?

  • Pigmentation/vascular treatments: 2–5 sessions, each spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
  • Fillers: Usually 1 session with maintenance every 9–12 months (or sooner depending on product).
  • PRP/exosome: Series of 2–4 sessions, each spaced 4-6 weeks apart, then maintenance.
  • Surgical solutions: Usually 1 procedure, with follow-ups as needed.

        Consistent follow-up and home care help maintain results.

Typical Cost in Seoul

        Costs vary widely depending on the method and clinic:

  • Laser/toning: approx ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 per session.
  • Tear trough filler: approx ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 per session.
  • PRP/Growth-factor injections: approx ₩250,000 – ₩500,000 per session.
  • Surgical eye-bag/fat repositioning: significantly higher (varies by extent).

        Always clarify what’s included: consultation, downtime support, follow-up.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

        You are likely a good candidate if you:

  • Have visible dark circles under the eyes that do not improve with sleep or skincare alone.
  • Have identified shadows due to volume loss, pigmentation, or thin skin under the eyes.
  • Are in good general health without active infection or major eye-health issues.
  • Are realistic about results and committed to follow-up and aftercare.

Safety & Considerations

  • Accurate diagnosis is key: treating pigmentation when the real issue is volume loss won’t give ideal results.
  • For injection treatments, choose experienced physicians to avoid complications (e.g., filler migration, vascular issues).
  • Sun protection, gentle skincare, and allergy control help prevent recurrence or worsening.
  • Surgery should be considered only after non-invasive methods or in cases of prominent fat bulge or skin laxity.

Aftercare Tips for Best Results

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply outdoors.
  • Avoid rubbing or massaging the under-eye area for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
  • Use gentle eye-area skincare (hydration, barrier support); avoid strong retinoids or acids in the immediate period.
  • Sleep with a slight head elevation (if swelling).
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle: good sleep, allergy control, hydration, minimal alcohol/smoking.
  • Return for follow-up treatments as advised and maintain a home-care routine.