Many people desire under-eye fillers (also known as aegyo-sal fillers), as the absence of a defined under-eye area can make the face appear flat or expressionless.

 

Unlike typical fillers that simply fill hollow areas, under-eye fillers are more about creating a shape—similar to how lip fillers enhance contour and volume.

Therefore, it requires precise technique to inject the right amount in the right location.

 

Both needles and cannulas can be used for this procedure, and in this post, we'll explain the advantages, disadvantages, and important precautions of each method.

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What is an under-eye (aegyo-sal) filler?

The under-eye area, commonly referred to as the "tear trough" or "aegyo-sal," refers to the layer of subcutaneous fat just beneath the eyes.

 

In Korea, this area is affectionately called “aegyo-sal”, as the plump, rounded shape that naturally appears when smiling is considered cute and charming.

The injection depth and placement are typically based on the orbicularis oculi muscle, located just beneath the eye.

The filler is injected either above or just inside this muscle layer.

 

The amount of filler used may vary depending on the individual's anatomy and the product used, but in most cases, the total volume for both sides is within 1cc.

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Under-Eye Filler with a Needle: Advantages & Disadvantages

Both needles and cannulas can be used for under-eye filler procedures, and the choice depends on the practitioner’s technique and the patient’s natural under-eye shape.

 

▼ When using a needle:

 

Advantages:

• It is easier to sculpt and create the desired shape, especially when the natural tear trough (aegyo-sal) is not well-defined.

 

Disadvantages:

• Requires multiple injection points, which increases the risk of pain and bruising.
• If a blood vessel is hit, it can cause uneven swelling on each side, often requiring a follow-up or touch-up treatment.

This patient's photo is an example of a needle-based under-eye filler procedure.

 

Because the natural shape of the under-eye area (aegyo-sal) was not clearly visible, it was necessary to create the shape from the beginning using a needle.

 

However, as seen in the photo, bruising and swelling tend to be more pronounced, which is why cannulas are generally recommended, except in special cases.

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Under-Eye Filler with a Cannula: Advantages & Disadvantages

 

In contrast to needles, cannulas have the following characteristics:

 

Advantages:

• Minimizes bruising and swelling, as it causes less trauma to blood vessels.

 

Disadvantages:

• If the patient’s natural tear trough shape is not well-defined, it can be more challenging to sculpt a smooth and aesthetically pleasing contour.

Cannulas have a rounded, blunt tip, which reduces the risk of vascular injury—making them less likely to cause swelling or bruising and offering a higher level of safety.

 

In this case, the patient had previously received under-eye filler, and since the shape was already well-defined, a cannula was used.

 

One of the advantages is that even immediately after the procedure, there is minimal swelling or bruising, and the shape remains well-maintained.

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Cases Where Under-Eye Filler May Not Be Suitable

 

1. Long and sharp eye shape
If the eyes are long or have a sharp appearance, adding under-eye filler can lift the outer corners of the eyes, which may exaggerate the sharpness, making the eyes appear even more intense.

 

2. Excessively prominent tear troughs relative to age
Tear troughs are a type of under-eye fat, which naturally decreases with age.
If the filler is too prominent for one’s age, the result can look unnatural or awkward, so careful consideration is required.

 

3. Existing under-eye fat bulging
If there is already noticeable fat protrusion under the eyes, adding filler may create unevenness or an unnatural contour, making the area appear more irregular.

If there is already a bulge of under-eye fat, injecting filler into the area can accentuate irregularities and result in an unnatural appearance.

 

Under-eye fillers are not something that should be injected blindly or uniformly.

 

It’s essential to consult with a qualified specialist beforehand and choose a method that best suits your facial structure :)

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✅ 3-Line Summary

• Using a needle makes it easier to sculpt a natural shape, but comes with a higher risk of bruising and swelling.
• Using a cannula minimizes swelling and bruising, but requires greater technique to achieve a well-defined shape.
• Not everyone is a suitable candidate for under-eye filler, so always consult with a professional before the procedure.

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I hope this information has been helpful to many of you.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a like or comment 😊

 

Thank you!

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Primi Clinic)