Under-Eye Hollows: Why We Usually Treat the Mid-Cheek Too

Because the under-eye and the mid-cheek are anatomically connected, and mid-cheek volume loss is linked to deeper under-eye hollows. ^[1] In our clinic's experience, most people with under-eye hollowing also have some mid-cheek hollowing, and treating the under-eye alone can leave a visible step where the treated area meets the untreated cheek. So at Glassy Skin Clinic, we rarely treat the under-eye by itself. In most cases, we treat the under-eye and the mid-cheek together.

We treat under-eye hollows often, and this is one of the most common questions we hear from international patients. Here is why we plan it this way.

Under-eye hollows (often called tear troughs) are a groove or shadow between the lower eyelid and the cheek. ^[1] Common causes include:

• Volume loss with age. Fat and bone support in the mid-face gradually decrease. ^[1]
• Thin under-eye skin. Eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body, so any dip casts a shadow. ^[1]
• Genetics and anatomy. Some people have hollows from a young age. ^[1]
• Weight loss. Losing facial fat may make hollows more visible.

The groove under the eye doesn't stop at the eye. It often continues down and outward across the cheek as a diagonal line, sometimes called the mid-cheek groove. ^[1] As the mid-cheek fat shifts and loses volume with age, the under-eye hollow can look deeper, because it loses support from below. ^[1]

This comparison reflects our clinic's experience. Research also suggests that treating the midface may help improve the appearance of the under-eye area. ^[1]

A natural result is a continuous one. When light falls on your face, it should move smoothly from the eye to the cheek without a line where treatment stops.

We use GLT™ Collagen Volume Lifting with Juvelook Volume. Juvelook Volume (also sold as Lenisna) ^[2] is a collagen stimulator made in Korea by VAIM. ^[3] It combines porous, round PDLLA particles with non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid. ^[4][5]

It is not a traditional filler. Rather than filling the hollow with gel, it encourages your skin to build its own collagen in the deeper layers over the following months. ^[4] Read more about Juvelook.

Fine lines, not hollows? Dry, crepey skin and fine lines under the eyes are a different concern, and we treat them differently. For those, we use GLT™ Collagen Healer with Juvelook: at our clinic, 0.5 cc of Juvelook (not Juvelook Volume) placed in the shallowest skin layer with a Hycoox 9-needle injector. It improves skin texture, but it isn't designed to fill hollows or tear troughs. See under-eye treatment options and Juvelook vs Juvelook Volume.

About nodules. Nodules can happen with any collagen stimulator, including after PDLLA treatment of the under-eye area, ^[8][9] and thin under-eye skin makes contour irregularities easier to see and feel. ^[1] That's why at our clinic we use cannulas, place product in thin layers and show you a short massage right after treatment. If a nodule is suspected, our dermatologists treat it in the clinic with sterile saline, RF microneedling to soften the particles, and firm, controlled massage. See Juvelook lumps and nodules.

We deliver Juvelook Volume with GLT™ (Gentle Layered Treatment), the layered treatment method developed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Judy (Hong Jin Joo).

• Layered placement: product is spread in thin layers across the right depths rather than placed in one spot.
• Blunt cannula: at our clinic, a blunt, flexible cannula with fewer entry points, designed to reduce discomfort. Cannulas may be preferred in this area to minimize bruising, bleeding and other vascular complications. ^[1] No injectable treatment is risk-free.
• No sedation: you stay awake, so your dermatologist can adjust as you go (comfort and pain control).
• Back to your day: because of the GLT™ technique, in our clinic's experience most patients can wear makeup right after treatment and go back to work the same day.
• A board-certified dermatologist (Dr. Judy, Dr. Max, Dr. Sunny or Dr. Sophie) plans and performs every treatment, in a private room. At our clinic, appointments usually run 1 to 3 hours.

Learn more about GLT™

Whether Juvelook Volume suits your under-eyes depends on your skin thickness and anatomy, which we assess in person.

It may suit you if you have:

• A hollow or shadow under the eyes
• Flattening or a diagonal groove in the mid-cheek
• A tired look even after a good night's sleep

It may not be the right option if you:

• Mainly have fine lines or crepey under-eye skin rather than hollows (GLT™ Collagen Healer with Juvelook is designed for this)
• Mainly have puffy eye bags from protruding fat (a surgical consultation may help more) ^[1]
• Mainly have dark circles from pigment, which volume doesn't fix ^[1]
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection or inflammation in the area
• Have had an autoimmune disease since childhood, such as Behçet's disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis — at our clinic, GLT™ Collagen Volume Lifting with Juvelook Volume isn't the right treatment in this case

Common and usually temporary:

• Swelling, which can be more noticeable under the eyes ^[1]
• Bruising, less likely with a cannula ^[1]
• Small bumps at entry points

Less common:

• Nodules under the skin. ^[8][9] A short massage right after treatment helps disperse the product. ^[6]
• Uneven results, which at our clinic can be adjusted at a later session

Your dermatologist will go through the risks that apply to you before treatment.

• Book early in your trip so swelling can settle before important plans or photos.
• One session already gives results. If you visit Seoul once or twice a year, a single session is fine. For the best results, or if you live in Korea, plan 3 sessions, 6 to 12 weeks apart. Think of it like exercise: one workout stimulates the muscle, but visible growth needs regular sessions. Collagen stimulation works the same way. If you visit Seoul regularly, we can space sessions around your trips (planning your visit from abroad).
• Learn the massage before you leave. Right after treatment, a nurse trained by our dermatologists shows you how to massage the area firmly for 1–2 minutes, and your dermatologist checks once more that you're doing it correctly. There is no daily home routine.
• Skip salon facials for 2 weeks. After any treatment, avoid facial massage at other salons or spas for at least 2 weeks. Pressure and friction can temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.

We confirm your exact price at consultation, before any treatment. All our prices include 10% VAT.