Under-Eye Hollowness vs Dark Circles: How to Tell the Difference

Shadows under the eyes are often called dark circles, but sometimes the real issue is hollowness. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment.

1. What is under-eye hollowness?

Hollowness occurs when volume is lost between the lower eyelid and cheek, creating a groove called the tear trough. Light creates a shadow in this groove.

2. What are dark circles?

Dark circles are colour changes in the skin, caused by pigment, visible blood vessels or thin skin.

3. How to tell them apart

Shine a light from above: if the darkness disappears or changes with lighting, it is likely a shadow from hollowness. If the colour remains, it is likely pigmentation or vascular.

4. Treating hollowness

Carefully placed soft filler for suitable candidates, or collagen stimulators and boosters to improve support.

5. Treating dark circles

Laser for pigment, Rejuran or Juvelook for thin skin, and Dual Dark Injection for tired-looking eyes.

6. When both are present

A combined approach often works best, treating volume and colour together.

7. Cost

At MIN Clinic, Dual Dark Injection starts from KRW 340,000, and HA fillers KRW 300,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per syringe. See our event price list.

Conclusion

Hollowness is a shadow from lost volume, while dark circles are colour in the skin. Identifying which you have leads to better results. Send photos to our English-speaking team on WhatsApp, or read more on our dark circles page.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Results vary by individual, and a doctor's consultation is required before any treatment.