Tear Trough Correction in Gangnam Seoul Korea | 1mm Plastic Surgery

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.

What Causes Tear Troughs?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.