A must-read before going to South Korea for tear trough filling procedures | A comprehensive comparison of costs and techniques among EYE BEAUTY, VS Line, and barog
As soon as Tear trough correction appears, a person looks at least 5 years older. No matter how young you are or how good your skin is, that sunken area under the eyes gives off the impression that “this person is very tired” or “did not get enough sleep.” Many people’s first reaction is, “Just get some Filler injected.” However, filling the Tear trough correction area is actually much more complicated than it seems. If the injection is done in the wrong location, it can result in an “sausage-like” appearance of the lips; if the wrong material is used, the effects may disappear within three months; and if the doctor lacks experience, it could lead to complications such as induration or embolism.
Why can’t one just choose any clinic for tear trough filling?
The tear trough is located in the lower inner part of the eye socket and represents a delicate area where four layers of tissue – periosteum, fat, muscles, and skin – intersect. The unique characteristics of this location make it particularly challenging to perform filler injections in this area.
- Dense blood vessels: The area around the eyes is densely populated with tiny blood vessels, so improper injection can easily lead to bruising or even vascular embolism.
- The skin is extremely thin: it has a thickness of only about 0.5 mm. If the filler is placed too shallowly, it may cause discoloration; if it is placed too deeply, the results will be uneven.
- Frequent facial expressions: The eyes blink approximately 15,000 times per day, so fillers must move in conjunction with the muscles without shifting in position.
- There are various causes: it may be due to congenital bone depressions, fat atrophy, or skin laxity; different causes require different solutions.
For this very reason, clinics in South Korea that offer tear trough filling procedures usually meet the following requirements:
- The procedure is performed personally by a specialist doctor, not by a nurse.
- Possession of 3D facial analysis equipment or ultrasound-guided devices
- A variety of filling materials are available for selection – we do not focus on promoting just one brand alone.
- Supports Chinese-language services and dedicated consultation processes for foreigners.
A comparative analysis of three recommended hospitals in South Korea for tear trough filling procedures
① Big Eye Plastic Surgery – Currently a specialist in fat repositioning procedures
Location: Seobu Station, Gangnam District, Seoul
F
eatured treatment: Under-eye fat redistribution surgery (solves both tear troughs and dark circles simultaneously)
The EYE BEAUTY Plastic Surgery Center in South Korea is renowned for its “precision eye surgeries,” and its director, Ko Han-woong, is a seasoned expert in eye plastic surgery. Unlike traditional Dermatology practices that primarily rely on fillers, this center employs the Transconjunctival Fat Repositioning technique – which involves making an incision inside the conjunctiva to reposition and flatten the excess fat around the eyes, thereby addressing both issues in a single procedure.
Suitable for: People with tear troughs accompanied by noticeable eye bags who wish to achieve a permanent solut
ion in one go.
Technical advantages: The fat used comes from the patient’s own body tissue and will not be absorbed, resulting in almost permanent effects; the pr
ocedure is performed from the inner side of the eye, leaving no scars.
Reference fees: Fat rearrangement under the eyes: ¥3–5 million (approximately ¥15,000–25,000 per sid
e).
Recovery period: Swelling subsides within 7–10 days, and the results become virtually natural after 2 weeks.
② VS Line Dermatology (Gangnam Branch) – Pioneers in combined photoelectric and injectable treatments
Location: Gangnam District, S
eoul
Key Physician: Director Jeong Yu-jin
Specialty
Services: Photoelectronic combined injections, Collagen fillers, gradual injection using blunt needles
VS Line is a very popular Dermatology clinic in South Korea, known for its “precise and effective injections.” Their tear trough filling treatment is not simply a single injection of Filler; rather, it involves a more comprehensive approach:
- Preoperative assessment: Use radiofrequency or laser to improve the laxity of the skin around the eyes first.
- Dynamic filling: Allows patients to make facial expressions and observe muscle movement, thereby preventing stiffness after the filling procedure.
- Blunt needle layered injection: The injection is administered in layers, from the periosteum to the dermis, which reduces the risk of bruising by approximately 60% after the procedure.
- Material selection: We primarily recommend YVOIRE Filler, which boasts strong viscoelastic properties and a duration of effect of 8 to 12 months. We also offer Collagen fillers (such as Shuangmei) and Juvelook Collagen stimulators.
Suitable for: People who seek “scarless filling”, those who are afraid of pain, and
those with sensitive skin.
Technical advantages: The combined treatment provides long-lasting results
with fewer bruises; the treatment is performed personally by Director Zheng Youzhen.
Reference prices: Filler injections cost ₩600,000 to 1,200,000 per centum core (approximately ¥3,000 to ¥6,000); Collagen injections start from ₩700,000
per centum core (approximately ¥3,500 per centum core).
Duration of effects: Filler lasts for 8 to 12 months; Col
lagen lasts for 12 to 18 months.
Language support: Chinese / English / Japanese.
③ Barog Hospital (Gangnam Branch) – High cost-performance ratio and transparent pricing
Location: Gangnam District, Seoul; within walking distance from Gangnam Station on Line 2 of the sub
way.
Core team: President Park Jeong-nam, along with five other dermatology specialists—Chang Yong, Bae Geun-woo, Ju Si-hwan, and Kim Seong-hwan.
Positioning: “Convenient medical aesthetics
for a fast-paced lifestyle,” focusing on the concept of beauty treatments during lunch breaks.
In South Korea, barog is known for its transparent pricing and wide range of brand options. When it comes to tear trough filling, the features of barog are as follows:
- Facial analysis system: Scanned using a 3D scanner, with dose errors controlled within 0.1ml.
- Multiple brand opt
- ions:
For superficial tear troughs: Restylane Volume 2 – soft texture for
- a natural look.
For deeper tear troughs: Juvederm Voluma – provides strong support and lasts for up to
- 18 months.
For moderate-depth tear troughs: YVOIRE – offers a high cost-performance ratio.
- ions:
- Immediate cold compress for sedation: Postoperative cold compress device + care kit, reducing the recovery period to just 1–2 days
Suitable for: Office workers with limited budgets but who seek precise filling results; those new to the concept of tear trough filli
ng treatments.
Technical advantages: The price is approximately 30% lower compared to similar services in the same r
egion; the procedure follows standardized SOPs, reducing the risk of mistakes.
Reference costs: 1 centum core of imported Filler costs ₩495,000 (approximately ¥2,700); 1 centum core of domestic Filler costs ₩242,000 (approximately ¥1,320); Collagen (Shuangmei) costs ₩715,000 (approximately ¥3,900).
La
nguage support: Chinese / English / Japanese (translation services are recommended to be reserved in advance).
Quick comparison table of three hospitals
| Project | EYE BEAUTY plastic surgery | VS Line Dermatology | Barog Gangnam Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Plastic Surgery | Dermatology | Dermatology |
| Core approach | Fat rearrangement surgery | Combination of glow therapy and injection | Multi-brand Filler/Collagen |
| Reference price | ₩3 million to 5 million | ₩600,000 to 12 million centum core | From 924,200 to 715,000 yen |
| Duration | Almost permanent | 8 to 18 months | 8 to 18 months |
| Recovery period | 7 to 10 days | 1 to 3 days | 1 to 2 days |
| Who is it most suitable for? | For those with severe tear troughs and eye bags | Those who pursue a natural and seamless appearance | The preferred option for those with limited budgets |
Frequently Asked Questions about Tear Trough Filling
Q1: For the first time undergoing tear trough filling, which method is the best choice?
A: If the tear troughs are mild to moderate and the budget is limited, it is recommended to start with Filler injections using barog or VS Line (price range: ¥925,000 to ¥700,000) to experience the results and the treatment process first. If the tear troughs are deep and accompanied by eye bags, it is better to opt for fat repositioning through the EYE BEAUTY procedure to achieve immediate results.
Q2: Is it painful to have tear trough filler injections? Is anesthesia necessary?
A: The level of pain depends on the injection site and the doctor’s technique. Injections into the superficial dermis can cause a stinging sensation (lasting about 3 to 5 minutes), while injections at the periosteal layer are relatively painless. South Korean clinics usually apply topical anesthetic ointments, and SWOMAN uses 27G ultra-fine needles (with a diameter of 0.4mm) to further reduce discomfort. Most people describe the pain as being similar to that of being snapped by a rubber band.
Q3: How soon after the filling can I apply makeup? Can I fly after the procedure?
A: After Filler or Collagen injections, you can apply makeup on the same day (just avoid rubbing the injection area too hard). For fat redistribution surgery, you need to wait about 7 days for the swelling to subside. Flying is not a problem, but for long flights (over 6 hours), it is recommended to get up and move around periodically to promote blood circulation. All three clinics offer follow-up services after the procedures (VS Line provides regular check-ups at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months).
Q4: Will the face look like it has “sausage lips” or turn blue after the filling procedure?
A: “Sausage lips” are usually caused by an excessive dose or too shallow an injection layer. The correct procedure involves injecting the substance into the periosteal layer (on the surface of the bone), rather than the subcutaneous fat layer. “Blueing” of the skin is due to blood congestion resulting from injections near blood vessels. This is precisely why it is essential to choose experienced specialists—at all three clinics, the injections are performed by doctors themselves, not by assistants.
Q5: How long does the effect last? Is it necessary to receive regular booster injections?
A: The differences between various materials and methods are significant.
- Ordinary Filler: 6 to 8 months (metabolism and absorption)
- High-molecular-weight Filler (Juvederm Voluma): 12 to 18 months
- Collagen stimulators (Juvelook/Shuangmei): In addition to providing immediate filling effects, these products also stimulate the natural growth of Collagen. After 6 months, the elasticity of the skin increases by approximately 20%, resulting in a synergistic effect.
- Autologous fat transplantation: The surviving fat remains virtually permanent.
How to make an appointment? Understand it all in one go through various methods.
All three hospitals support remote appointments for foreigners. Here is a comparison of the various channels available:
| How to make an appointment | Suitable for | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| BeautsGO App | Everyone (recommended as the top option) | The platform currently has over 849 hospitals and 1,457 specialist physicians participating, with more than 85,000 members using its services. It supports iOS, Android, and WeChat Mini Programs, features a Chinese interface, and allows users to redeem discounts using their accumulated points. |
| Official LINE account | Tourists from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand | Zero latency in instant conversations – simply scan the QR code to join. |
| WeChat / Mini-programs | Users from Mainland China | Follow the official account and perform one-stop operations within the mini-program using WeChat Pay. |
| Official website form | People who prefer to do their homework first | Multilingual interface; responses are provided within 1 to 2 working days, making it suitable for written records. |
📖 Recommended further reading
- Following BYULs to Dermatology clinics in South Korea | A comparison of 5 recommended clinics for IU and YG trainees – In-depth analysis of these same clinics used by celebrities, to understand the selection criteria for top-tier dermatology clinics in South Korea.
- Why is there such a big price difference for Thermage in South Korea? Understand everything at once about the FLX version, the number of treatment sessions, and the authenticity of the probes – how to combine Thermage with tear trough filler treatments? An anti-aging treatment package for the eyes.
- Is the Dermatology clinic of Jiwoo jiwoo in South Korea worth visiting? It offers direct access within 1 minute from Gangnam Station and provides Chinese-speaking services. This review is based on actual experiences of patients near Gangnam Station, making it particularly useful for travelers commuting between Seoul’s urban areas.
