Under-eye concerns such as fine wrinkles, dark circles, hollowness, and tired-looking eyes are common. In Korea, two popular non-surgical treatments are Botox and dermal fillers, but they work in completely different ways.

Choosing the wrong one can lead to poor results—so understanding the difference is critical.

What Under-Eye Botox Does

Under-eye Botox works by relaxing specific muscles around the eye.

Best For

• Fine dynamic wrinkles when smiling
• Crepey lines caused by muscle movement
• Mild eye-area tension

What It Does NOT Do

• Does not add volume
• Does not correct hollowness or deep tear troughs
• Does not significantly improve dark circles

In Korea, under-eye Botox is used very conservatively due to the delicate anatomy of the area.

What Under-Eye Fillers Do

Under-eye fillers (commonly tear trough fillers) work by adding volume beneath the skin.

Best For

• Hollow under-eyes
• Tear trough deformity
• Shadow-related dark circles
• Sunken or tired appearance

What They Do NOT Do

• Do not treat dynamic wrinkles
• Do not relax muscles
• Can worsen puffiness if overdone

Korean filler techniques prioritize small amounts and precise placement to avoid swelling or heaviness.

Under-Eye Botox vs Fillers: Side-by-Side Comparison

Primary Function

• Botox: Muscle relaxation
• Fillers: Volume replacement

Best For

• Botox: Fine expression lines
• Fillers: Hollows and shadows

Effect on Dark Circles

• Botox: Minimal
• Fillers: Effective for shadow-related darkness

Risk Profile

• Botox: Temporary muscle weakness if misused
• Fillers: Swelling or Tyndall effect if poorly placed

Longevity

• Botox: 3–4 months
• Fillers: 9–18 months (depending on product and metabolism)

Which One Looks More Natural?

When done correctly:

• Botox creates smoother movement without stiffness
• Fillers restore a rested, refreshed look

Problems arise when:

• Botox is injected too deeply or in high doses
• Fillers are over-injected or placed too superficially

Korean clinics focus on natural correction rather than dramatic change.

Can Botox and Fillers Be Combined?

Yes—but carefully.

A combined approach may include:

• Botox for fine wrinkles
• Minimal filler for hollowness
• Skin treatments (RF, lasers, boosters) for texture

This layered strategy is common in Korea for balanced under-eye rejuvenation.

Who Should Avoid Each Treatment?

Avoid Under-Eye Botox If You:

• Have weak lower eyelid support
• Experience eye dryness or irritation
• Have no dynamic wrinkles

Avoid Under-Eye Fillers If You:

• Have chronic under-eye puffiness
• Have poor lymphatic drainage
• Are prone to swelling

A proper facial assessment is essential.

Botox or Fillers by Concern

• Fine lines when smiling: Botox
• Sunken under-eyes: Fillers
• Shadow-related dark circles: Fillers
• Crepey skin without hollowness: Botox or RF
• Mixed concerns: Combination treatment

Key Takeaway

Under-eye Botox and fillers are not interchangeable. Botox relaxes muscles to soften wrinkles, while fillers restore volume to correct hollows and shadows. The best results come from choosing the right treatment—or combination—based on anatomy, not trends.

In Korea, conservative dosing and precise technique are key to achieving refreshed, natural-looking under-eye results.