Lower Eyelid Anti-Aging Care: Be Cautious with Collagen Booster Injections!

Hello.

This is Dr. J from Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Today, I'd like to discuss lower eyelid care,

a concern for many people.

Recently, ‘collagen booster’ injections

have gained popularity,

but such procedures require caution

in the anatomically sensitive eye area.

What's the problem with collagen boosters?

Sculptra, Ellanse, Juvelook Volume,

Ultracol, and Radiesse are

some representative examples.

These products are injected deep into the skin

to induce an immune response in our bodies,

thereby stimulating new collagen production.

However, this method can be

somewhat risky for the lower eyelids.

Let me explain why in three points.

1. High risk of nodule formation.

The skin around the eyes is very thin.

If hard nodules form due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response,

they can become immediately visible or palpable on the surface,

and in severe cases,

surgical excision may be necessary.

2. Once injected, it cannot be ‘dissolved’ and removed.

If problems arise with regular hyaluronic acid fillers,

they can be dissolved and removed with hyaluronidase (an enzyme),

providing a safety net.

However, once the reaction begins with the aforementioned immune-inducing

collagen boosters,

removal is almost impossible without surgical intervention.

This means that the response to unexpected adverse reactions is limited.

3. The unique environment of the eye area exacerbates the problem.

The skin around the eyes is not only the thinnest on the entire body,

but it also undergoes constant movement,

blinking tens of thousands of times a day.

If substances that induce a long-term inflammatory response are introduced into such a dynamic area,

the likelihood of the substance migrating or clumping is higher than in other areas.

✨ So, what are the alternatives?

My advice is to

consider ‘reversible treatments’ first.

1. Reversible Fillers:

Dual Hyaluronic Acid Complex

(High-molecular-weight – Low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex)

For sensitive areas like the lower eyelids,

injecting a highly fluid and soft

dual hyaluronic acid complex

into the deep layers can be considered first.

The biggest advantage is that if a problem occurs,

it can be broken down by enzymes.

This enhances the safety of the procedure.

Furthermore, this complex directly stimulates fibroblasts,

inducing new collagen production different from an immune response.

Unlike traditional fillers, its physical properties result in less clumping

and it has a diffusive quality,

creating natural results.

2. Substances that do not induce an immune response:

Atelocollagen

Atelocollagen, which has recently garnered attention,

is a purified collagen with low immunogenicity,

achieved by removing the functional groups that cause immune reactions.

Instead of inducing an inflammatory response,

it directly replenishes collagen or aids physiological

collagen production.

It is developed as a biodegradable substance

after a certain period (usually around 3 months),

making it a material with the potential for relatively safe use.

3. Non-invasive skin elasticity management:

Eye Thermage

This is a pain-free, incision-free treatment

that does not use needles.

It delivers high-frequency (RF) energy

to the deep skin layers,

contracting existing collagen

and inducing new collagen production,

thereby tightening the skin around the eyes.

With a low risk of swelling or adverse reactions,

it is one of the relatively safe non-surgical

options.

Advantages: Pain-free, incision-free treatment

that does not use needles.

4. Fundamental Solutions:

Lower Eyelid Fat Repositioning or Lower Blepharoplasty

In many cases, the hollowness of the lower eyelids

and the sagging of under-eye fat are not due to skin thickness or

lack of volume, but rather stem from structural issues

with the under-eye fat and orbital septum.

In such cases, lower eyelid fat repositioning or lower blepharoplasty

can be a more fundamental and effective solution

than injections.

By accessing through the conjunctiva or skin,

protruding fat is repositioned to hollow areas,

providing long-term results,

unlike the aforementioned injection procedures

that require regular, repeated boosting.

✔️ Which treatment is right for me?

✅ If you want to improve minor depressions and wrinkles

and prefer the safety of reversibility?

→ Dual Hyaluronic Acid Complex Injection

or Atelocollagen Injection

✅ If reduced skin elasticity around the eyes is

your main concern?

→ Eye Thermage

✅ If you want to resolve prominent fat protrusion

and severe hollowness?

→ Lower Eyelid Fat Repositioning Surgery

When considering lower eyelid procedures,

✅ Prioritize ‘reversibility’.

✅ Rather than being swayed by trendy new products

or marketing,

get an accurate diagnosis of your anatomical structure.

✅ Through sufficient consultation with a plastic surgeon,

please choose the treatment method that is suitable for you.

The eye area is a precious part of the body where a single mistake

can lead to great regret.

I will always strive to be a doctor who prioritizes the safety

of patients and clients.

Instagram

Website

📌 KakaoTalk Channel (Click image below to go)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is collagen booster injection dangerous for the lower eyelids?

Yes, it can be dangerous. The skin around the eyes is very thin and moves a lot, increasing the risk of nodule formation. Once injected, it is almost impossible to remove, making it difficult to respond to unexpected adverse reactions.

What should I do if nodules form after a collagen booster injection?

Surgical excision may be necessary. Collagen boosters induce an immune response to produce collagen, but if hard nodules form due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response, they become visible on the surface and are difficult to remove without surgical intervention.

What procedures can be considered instead of lower eyelid collagen booster injections?

There are several alternatives. You can consider reversible hyaluronic acid fillers, atelocollagen injections with less immune response, non-invasive Eye Thermage, and more fundamental solutions like lower eyelid fat repositioning or lower blepharoplasty.

What are the advantages of a dual hyaluronic acid complex filler?

The biggest advantage is that it can be broken down by enzymes if problems occur. This increases the safety of the procedure, directly stimulates fibroblasts to induce new collagen production, and creates natural results with less clumping.

Is atelocollagen safe for lower eyelid procedures?

Yes, it is a substance with the potential to be used relatively safely. Atelocollagen has low immunogenicity because it removes the functional groups that cause immune reactions, directly fills or aids in physiological collagen production, and biodegrades after a certain period.

What treatment is effective for severe lower eyelid fat protrusion?

Lower eyelid fat repositioning surgery is effective. In many cases, lower eyelid problems stem from structural issues with lower eyelid fat and the orbital septum, so surgery to reposition protruding fat can be a more fundamental and long-term solution than injection procedures.