Aging
As facial aging progresses:
- Fat volume decreases
- Skin becomes thinner
- Soft tissue support weakens
- Bone structure changes
These factors contribute to deeper tear troughs and more visible under-eye hollowness.
1mm Plastic Surgery · Gangnam, Seoul
Tear Trough Correction in Gangnam Seoul Korea
Tear trough correction is a specialized under-eye rejuvenation procedure designed to improve the hollow groove that extends from the inner corner of the eye toward the upper cheek.
1mm
Seoul
0%
Ghost surgery. Your surgeon is disclosed before every operation.
1 : 1
A dedicated anesthesia team for each patient, through recovery.
ASPS
Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In short
Tear trough correction is a specialized under-eye rejuvenation procedure designed to improve the hollow groove that extends from the inner corner of the eye toward the upper cheek. At 1mm Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea, tear trough correction is customized according to each patient's anatomy, skin quality, volume loss, eye bags, and facial proportions. Treatment may involve under-eye fat repositioning, fat grafting, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of procedures to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek while restoring a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eon Rok Do, board-certified plastic surgeon · Updated October 2026
Overview
What Is a Tear Trough?
The tear trough is the natural depression located between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek.
When the tear trough becomes deeper, it may create:
- Hollow under-eyes
- Dark shadows
- Tired appearance
- Sunken eyes
- Premature aging
- Facial fatigue
Although tear troughs are a normal anatomical structure, they often become more noticeable with age.
02
What Causes Tear Troughs?
Genetics
Some patients naturally have prominent tear troughs even in their 20s or 30s.
These patients may appear tired despite being healthy and well-rested.
Eye Bags
Protruding under-eye fat can worsen the appearance of tear troughs by increasing the contrast between the bulging area and the hollow beneath it.
Volume Loss
Loss of facial volume can create:
- Sunken under-eyes
- Deep shadows
- Hollow appearance
- Skeletal contours
Volume restoration is often an important component of treatment.
03
Common Problems Associated With Tear Troughs
Dark Circles
Deep tear troughs can create shadows beneath the eyes.
These shadows are often mistaken for pigmentation but are actually caused by contour irregularities.
Tired Appearance
Patients frequently report looking:
- Exhausted
- Sleep deprived
- Older than their age
- Less energetic
Hollow Under-Eyes
Significant volume loss can create a sunken appearance that affects overall facial harmony.
Eye Bag Contrast
When eye bags and tear troughs occur together, the under-eye area may appear even more aged and fatigued.
Procedure
How Is Tear Trough Correction Performed?
Under-Eye Fat Repositioning
Fat repositioning is one of the most effective surgical methods for tear trough correction.
The procedure involves:
- Releasing tethering structures
- Redistributing existing fat
- Filling the hollow area
- Creating a smoother contour
Benefits include:
- Natural results
- Improved under-eye transition
- Long-lasting correction
Fat Grafting
Patients with significant volume loss may benefit from:
- Micro-fat grafting
- Structural fat grafting
- Volume restoration
Fat grafting helps restore youthful fullness beneath the eyes.
Lower Blepharoplasty
When eye bags are present, lower blepharoplasty may be combined with tear trough correction.
The procedure can address:
- Protruding fat
- Excess skin
- Under-eye puffiness
- Contour irregularities
Combined Rejuvenation Procedures
Many patients achieve the best results through a combination approach that addresses:
- Eye bags
- Tear troughs
- Hollow eyes
- Skin laxity
- Lower eyelid aging
Candidates
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Deep tear troughs
- Hollow under-eyes
- Dark shadows
- Eye bags
- Tired-looking eyes
- Facial volume loss
- Under-eye contour irregularities
A detailed consultation helps determine the most effective treatment strategy.
06
Tear Trough Correction vs Eye Bag Removal
Many patients confuse tear troughs with eye bags.
Tear Troughs
- Hollow depression
- Volume deficiency
- Shadow formation
Eye Bags
- Fat protrusion
- Puffiness
- Lower eyelid bulging
Many patients have both conditions simultaneously, requiring combined treatment for optimal results.
Real result
Before & after.
A under-eye surgery result at 1mm Plastic Surgery, Gangnam. Every case is planned around the patient's own anatomy.
Published with patient consent. Individual results vary with anatomy, healing and the technique used.
All before & after photos Before
After
Results
Benefits of Tear Trough Correction
Brighter Appearance
Patients often appear:
- More awake
- More refreshed
- Less tired
- More youthful
Improved Under-Eye Contours
Treatment can create:
- Smoother transitions
- Better volume distribution
- Reduced shadows
Natural Rejuvenation
Modern techniques focus on restoring natural anatomy rather than excessive tissue removal.
Long-Lasting Results
Surgical correction typically provides longer-lasting improvement than temporary solutions.
Recovery
Recovery After Tear Trough Correction
Days 1–3
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
- Tightness
Week 1
- Initial contour improvement
- Reduced swelling
Weeks 2–6
- Better under-eye definition
- Improved facial balance
Months 1–6
- Tissue stabilization
- Scar maturation
- Final contour refinement
Recovery varies depending on whether fat repositioning, fat grafting, or lower blepharoplasty is performed.
Why 1mm
Why Choose 1mm Plastic Surgery?
Patients choose 1mm Plastic Surgery because of:
- Specialized lower eyelid surgery expertise
- Advanced tear trough correction techniques
- Fat repositioning experience
- Natural rejuvenation philosophy
- Customized treatment planning
- Revision surgery expertise
- International patient support
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and a coordinator will reply in English.
What is a tear trough?
A tear trough is the hollow groove between the lower eyelid and upper cheek that can become more noticeable with age or volume loss.
What causes tear troughs?
Common causes include aging, genetics, facial volume loss, thinning skin, and under-eye structural changes.
Can tear troughs make me look tired?
Yes. Deep tear troughs often create shadows that make patients appear tired or older than they feel.
What is the best surgical treatment for tear troughs?
Under-eye fat repositioning is often considered one of the most effective surgical solutions because it smooths the transition between the eyelid and cheek.
Can fat grafting improve tear troughs?
Yes. Fat grafting can restore lost volume and improve hollow under-eye areas.
Are tear troughs the same as eye bags?
No. Tear troughs are hollow depressions, while eye bags are caused by protruding fat beneath the eyes.
Can dark circles improve after tear trough correction?
Dark shadows caused by hollowness and contour irregularities often improve significantly after correction.
How long do tear trough correction results last?
Surgical tear trough correction generally provides long-lasting improvement, although natural aging continues over time.
Will I look natural after tear trough surgery?
Modern techniques focus on restoring smooth and youthful contours while maintaining a natural appearance.
Can international patients undergo tear trough correction in Korea?
Yes. Many international patients travel to Gangnam, Seoul, Korea for advanced tear trough correction and under-eye rejuvenation surgery.
Reviewed by
Dr. Eon Rok Do
Representative Director of 1mm Plastic Surgery and board-certified plastic surgeon. Every operation at 1mm is performed by the surgeon named in your consultation and surgery record — no ghost or proxy surgery. Full surgeon profiles · English-speaking eyelid surgeon in Seoul
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