Under-Eye Hollowing vs. Dark Circles, Which Filler Is Right for You?

What really makes the under-eye area look dark?

Do you often feel that your under-eye area looks sunken or dull when you look in the mirror?Many people assume this is simply "dark circles," but in fact, the causes are far more diverse. Sometimes it's due to thin skin revealing underlying blood vessels, pigmentation from melanin accumulation, or even structural hollowing caused by facial bone structure.

In short, “under-eye hollowing” and “dark circles” differ in both cause and treatment approach.

That’s why the first thing to do is accurately identify the cause of your under-eye discoloration, and then find the right filler or regenerative solution tailored to your specific concern.

Structural Reasons for Under-Eye Hollowing

Anatomically, the under-eye area is extremely delicate and thin. With an average skin thickness of only 0.5 mm, it’s one of the thinnest areas on the face. It has minimal subcutaneous fat and is densely populated with blood vessels and lymphatics, making it highly reactive to bruising and swelling after procedures.

The orbital septum — the thin membrane that holds orbital fat in place — weakens with age, allowing fat to descend, leading to a contrast between hollowed and puffy regions.

From the late 20s onward, dermal collagen starts to decrease, which makes volume loss more visible and pronounced.

Comparison of Key Products

1. JUVE Eyes – Natural Volume Restoration

   
   

   • Low-viscosity HA filler with minimal cross-linking

   
   

   • Fine particles allow even distribution in thin dermal layers

   
   

   • Low risk of blue tinting (Tyndall effect), making it ideal for the under-eye area

   
   

   • Minimal clumping post-injection, offering a natural brightness and volume recovery

2. Rejuran I – Focused on Dermal Regeneration

   
   

   • Contains PN (polynucleotides) to restore damaged dermal tissue

   
   

   • Strengthens the thin skin around the eyes, reducing vascular-type dark circles

   
   

   • Unlike fillers, it doesn’t add volume but improves skin condition

   
   

   • Best results are achieved with 3 or more sessions at 2–3 week intervals

3. Bellast Ultra Soft L vs. Eyebella

   
   

   • Bellast Ultra Soft L: Gentle, natural spread — ideal for small-volume correction

   
   

   • Eyebella: Denser structure for cases needing more volume support

   
   

   • Both are optimized for high-movement areas like the under-eye

What Type of Under-Eye Issue Do You Have? — Recommendations by Dark Circle Type

Dark Circle Type	Main Cause	Recommended Solution
Shadow Type	Skeletal hollowing, fat loss	JUVE Eyes, Eyebella
Pigmented Type	Melanin buildup, sun exposure	Rejuran I
Vascular Type	Thin skin, visible blood vessels	Rejuran I + Regenerative Ampoule
Mixed Type	Combination of all above factors	HA filler + PN combined protocol

Under-eye concerns rarely stem from a single factor.

A combined approach—starting with PN to regenerate the dermis, followed by superficial volume correction with filler—is generally safer and more effective.

Treatment Strategy by Age Group

• Early to late 20s: Genetic traits and thin skin → Focus on dermal strengthening with Rejuran I

• 30s to 40s+: Bone structure-related hollowing and fat loss → Center on fillers, supplemented by PN

• Patients prone to bruising with thin skin: Choose low-viscosity fillers with high diffusibility (e.g., JUVE Eyes)

Treatment Protocol & Injection Techniques

1. Pre-Procedure Preparation

   
   

   • Apply topical anesthetic cream or use cold compress

   
   

   • Evaluate dermal thickness and extent of hollowing before the procedure

2. Injection Tools

   
   

   • Needle: 30G

   
   

   • Cannula: 25G (inserted from lateral cheek or lateral upper zygomatic entry point)

3. Injection Technique

   
   

   • Micro-droplet injections

   
   

   • Use fanning technique along the supraperiosteal plane

   
   

   • Total amount: 0.3–0.5cc for both eyes combined

4. Dilution Methods

   
   

   • JUVE Eyes: Dilute with normal saline at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio

   
   

   • Rejuran I: Use undiluted; inject in 0.1cc increments

Post-Procedure Care & Guidelines

1. Immediately After Treatment

   
   

   • Apply cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising

   
   

   • Avoid alcohol, saunas, and intense exercise for 24 hours

2. At-Home Care

   
   

   • Use calming ampoules or eye-specific creams

   
   

   • Avoid facial massages or roller devices in the treated area

3. Touch-Up & Maintenance

   
   

   • HA Fillers: Maintain every 6–9 months

   
   

   • Rejuran I: Repeat every 2–3 weeks, with 3 or more sessions for best effect

   
   

Pro Tips for Avoiding Complications: Blue Tinting & Overfilling

One of the most common complications is the Tyndall effect (blue tinting). This occurs when a filler is injected too superficially, or when transparent HA reflects light through the skin.

To avoid this, the filler must be placed precisely on the supraperiosteal layer at the correct depth.Also, instead of injecting a large volume at once, it is much safer and more natural-looking to administer micro-droplets over multiple sessions with a conservative approach that allows for timely touch-ups.

Final Thoughts: The Key Is to Find the Right Solution for You

Under-eye treatment isn’t just about filling hollow areas.

What truly matters is analyzing your skin condition, pigmentation, vascular visibility, and fat distribution to craft a personalized strategy.

If you're new to this kind of treatment, it's often best to start with a regenerative solution like Rejuran I to restore skin condition, followed by a gentle HA filler such as JUVE Eyes or Eyebella to achieve natural volume correction.

Before beginning, make sure to consult a qualified professional to determine the cause of your dark circles and select the method that suits you best.

It’s not just about becoming prettier — it’s about achieving a more natural, healthy, and vibrant impression.