How can I get rid of under-eye fat and dark circles?

The key to resolving dark circles caused by under-eye fat is to make the height difference (step-off) between the protruding 'fat' and the sunken 'tear trough' below it smooth and even. If sagging and fat protrusion under the eyes are very severe and procedures alone have limitations, 'under-eye fat repositioning' surgery should be considered first.

However, if surgery feels burdensome or the step-off is mild, the following procedural approaches can effectively reduce the step-off.

• Reducing the protruding area (AGNES): This is a 'fat cauterization' procedure in which a fine special needle is inserted into the under-eye fat layer and radiofrequency energy is delivered to gently melt the inside of the fat pocket. It very effectively reduces the protruding volume without surgery.
• Filling the sunken area (HA filler): When the step-off is not severe, filler is injected into the sunken tear trough area to erase the shadow. However, because the skin under the eyes is thin and the tissue is delicate, a delicate technique that injects small amounts precisely into a deep, accurate layer—not a superficial one—is very important.

Yes, recently we recommend Skin Booster treatments much more often than artificial dermal filler volume, as they fundamentally improve the skin's internal environment and allow your skin to become healthy on its own.

Representative examples are JUVELOOK i and Re2O® Fine. Both treatments make the under-eye area healthy, but they differ in their mechanism of action and main improvement effects.

• JUVELOOK i (Induces self-collagen production): This works by introducing fine particles into the skin that gradually dissolve, stimulating your skin to produce new collagen on its own. Over time, the density of the dermal layer increases, making shallow fine lines under the eyes firmer and naturally filling in sunken shadowed areas. It is excellent for improving elasticity and volume.
• Re2O® Fine (Directly replenishes structural materials): This works by directly filling the dermal layer with materials that serve as the skin's framework (such as collagen and elastin) to support healthy collagen growth. Rather than waiting for collagen production, it immediately rebuilds the aged, thinned under-eye 'skin fabric' itself, making the skin thicker and firmer. It is particularly effective in restoring overall eye area condition and improving visible blood vessels or rough texture caused by thin skin.

Unfortunately, there is absolutely no method—including surgery or dermal filler—that can be maintained for a lifetime with a single treatment. This is because our skin continuously ages, losing collagen every year.

Dark circle treatment requires appropriate periodic maintenance, similar to dental scaling, depending on which procedure you receive.

• Skin Booster (JUVELOOK i, Re2O® Fine): Typically, an initial intensive course of about 3 sessions at 1-month intervals is performed to firmly rebuild the collapsed skin foundation. After that, maintenance once a year can help you maintain bright, smooth under-eyes for a very long time.
• AGNES (Fat cauterization): To reduce bulging fat under the eyes, repeated treatments are typically performed at 3-month intervals for about 3 to 5 sessions, gradually reducing the volume.
• Under-eye dermal filler (HA Filler): It immediately fills sunken tear troughs and typically lasts around 1 year, so management involves checking the condition every year and retouching any deficient areas.

Thus, choosing a procedure that suits your under-eye condition and consistently managing it at the correct interval is the most reliable way to prevent dark circles from worsening.

While you cannot completely prevent it, there are 3 home care methods that can significantly slow down the progression.

1. Sun protection: UV rays are a major culprit in destroying collagen around the eyes. Apply sunscreen thoroughly to the eye area, and wear sunglasses as a shield to protect your under-eyes when going out.
2. Moisturizing: Even if it's not an expensive eye cream, simply applying your usual gentle moisturizer thoroughly to the under-eye area to prevent dryness is sufficient.
3. Reducing friction (not rubbing): The skin under the eyes is very delicate. Do not rub vigorously when removing makeup. Especially if your eyes are itchy due to rhinitis or conjunctivitis, do not force yourself to endure it; instead, see an ophthalmologist or dermatologist to treat the itching itself with medication—this is the first step in preventing dark circles.