"I've heard aegyo-sal filler stands out unnaturally — will it be okay?"
"Do dark circles and aegyo-sal have to be looked at together?"
These are the questions people who want a defined aegyo-sal (under-eye roll) often ask.
Hello, I'm Director Kwon Si-jin & Yoon Ju-hyun at DA Clinic Myeongdong ^^
We're getting ready to open our doors in Myeongdong soon, and since so many people have been worried about their aegyo-sal ahead of our opening, we wanted to put together this overview for your information first.
The aegyo-sal that plumps up when you smile, which makes your features look softer and which you'd like to have — we completely understand that feeling.
That said, aegyo-sal filler is a treatment where naturalness is decided by 'controlling the amount,' so let's start by unpacking that part.
Aegyo-sal Is a 'Thin Volume Over the Muscle'
Let me first sort out what aegyo-sal is.
Aegyo-sal is the part that plumps up when you smile, right below the eye — a thin volume sitting over the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Here, hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is placed in a very shallow layer in a micro-amount to supplement it so that it looks slightly full when you smile.
Since it's a thin, delicate area, a deep or large amount doesn't suit it.
So rather than 'how much you place,' the key is 'how shallow, and how little, you place.'
Looking Unnatural Comes From 'Overfilling'
A good share of results where "aegyo-sal filler shows" come from too much going in.
Aegyo-sal is a fine volume, so even a slightly excessive amount makes the under-eye bulge and stand out, or creates a puffed-out feeling.
Especially since the skin under the eye is thin, the filler can show through (the Tyndall effect) or look lumpy over time.
So placing the right amount shallowly, and adjusting after watching once it settles in, is the path to keeping it natural.
Rather than being greedy at first, adding bit by bit ends up reducing awkwardness. (The degree you feel has individual variation)
Aegyo-sal and Dark Circles Should Be Looked at Separately
Many people, while worried about their aegyo-sal, mention dark circles together.
But aegyo-sal (the volume that plumps up when you smile) and under-eye hollowing/shadow (dark circles) differ in area and cause.
If you place filler in the aegyo-sal and expect it to fill in the under-eye hollowing too, the amount can end up excessive and look puffy.
Conversely, if dark circles are your main concern but you only build up the aegyo-sal, the shadow stays as it is and satisfaction can be hard to reach.
So distinguishing first whether your concern is 'aegyo-sal volume' or 'under-eye shadow' comes first.
It Can Be Reversed, but You Should Know the Risks Too
An advantage of hyaluronic acid filler is that it can be dissolved and adjusted or reversed with a dissolving enzyme.
If it stands out or asymmetry arises, you can respond by breaking it down with the enzyme, so an approach of placing it bit by bit while watching is possible.
That said, since the area around the eyes is delicate, bruising and swelling are relatively common and can last a few days.
Also, though rare, a problem related to blood vessels (severe pain, vision abnormality, paleness) can arise, so if you see these signs you must come in immediately.
So around the eyes, especially careful design and a small amount matter.
People Who Should Take an Extra Moment to Consider
Aegyo-sal filler isn't a treatment lightly recommended for just anyone.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, if there's inflammation or a herpes flare around the eyes, or if you have an allergy to filler ingredients, it's safer to consult first.
Also, if you have under-eye swelling or prominent fat, aegyo-sal filler can actually make you look puffier, so it's best to decide after looking at your condition.
Even if you want a defined aegyo-sal, the order is to first look at whether it suits the structure under your own eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does aegyo-sal filler show a lot?
A. If you place the right amount in a shallow layer, it can be designed to look naturally full when you smile, but if the amount is excessive, the under-eye can bulge and stand out or look puffed out. Aegyo-sal is originally a fine volume, so even a slight excess easily shows. Also, since the skin under the eye is thin, the Tyndall effect where the filler shows through can occur. So 'little and shallow' rather than 'a lot' is the key to naturalness. Rather than being greedy at first, placing the right amount and adjusting after it settles in reduces awkwardness. The degree you feel has individual variation.
Q. How long does aegyo-sal filler last?
A. Because aegyo-sal filler uses hyaluronic acid, it's gradually absorbed over time and isn't fixed permanently. The duration varies with the formulation, the individual's metabolism, and expression movement, and since the area around the eyes moves often with expressions, there can be a difference by area. Many people have it again in step with the flow of the effect wearing off. Rather than placing a lot at once to make it last long, going with the right amount to prioritize naturalness often results in higher satisfaction. It's good to keep in mind that the degree of duration has individual variation.
Q. I've heard bruising happens easily — what do I do after the treatment?
A. Around the eyes there are many fine blood vessels, so bruising or swelling can show relatively often. It usually goes down over a few days to as long as about a week. For a few days after the treatment, don't rub or press the treatment area hard, and refrain from heat-raising activities like saunas and intense exercise. Alcohol can worsen bruising too, so it's good to cut back for a few days. And if you have an important occasion, we recommend getting it done with leeway. If by chance you see signs like severe pain, vision abnormality, or paleness, you must come in immediately.
In Closing
If we sum up today's content in one line, it's this.
The naturalness of aegyo-sal filler is decided by the amount, and it should be approached by distinguishing area and cause from dark circles.
If you've wanted a defined aegyo-sal, it's good to first look at the structure under your own eyes and whether your concern is aegyo-sal or shadow. Please also keep in mind that the result and duration have individual variation.
This piece isn't one that recommends a treatment; it's an informational article we put together for your information as we prepare to open.
DA Clinic Myeongdong is set to open soon. We'll share news of our opening and treatment information first on our blog and Instagram ^^
Thank you for reading this long piece. This was Director Kwon Si-jin & Yoon Ju-hyun at DA Clinic Myeongdong.
This column is an informational article meant to provide general medical information, and the effects and side effects of treatments may vary by individual. DA Clinic Myeongdong is set to open soon. (Medical Service Act Art. 56)