What are hollow under-eyes? Causes, signs, and ways to address them.
Consulting doctor:
Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly Na, Senior Specialist
Hollow under-eyes is a common condition among middle-aged women. If not addressed promptly, the hollow under-eyes can worsen, significantly affecting the aesthetics of the eyes and the face. Let’s explore the causes and solutions with Dr. Eye in the following article.
1. What are hollow under-eyes and how to recognize them
Hollow under-eyes refer to the area between the eyebrows and the upper or lower eyelids being more sunken than usual. Those with this condition are quite easy to identify. Here are some common signs:
- The area between the eyebrows and eyelids appears sunken.
- The lower eyelid shows a noticeable indentation, appearing hollow.
- The skin under the eyes looks thinner and may show dark circles.

2. Understanding the causes of hollow under-eyes
The skin around the eyes is very delicate, and any impact can affect and cause hollow under-eyes deeper. Below are the risk factors and causes that contribute to hollow under-eyes:
2.1. Genetic Factors
Genetic factors can also influence the bone structure and connective tissues around the eyes. Therefore, if your grandparents, parents, or anyone in your family has hollow under-eyes, it is likely that you will experience this condition as well.
2.2. Natural Aging Leading to Hollow Under-Eyes
Age is one of the common causes of deep hollow under-eyes. In middle age, fat tissue begins to atrophy, skin loses collagen, becoming thin and less elastic, which leads to sagging and changes in bone structure. As a result, the area around the eyes may start to appear hollow and may be accompanied by dark circles.

2.3. Complications from Previous Surgery
For some individuals, the condition of hollow under-eyes may also result from complications of previous cosmetic surgery. When undergoing minor procedures like upper eyelid surgery, ptosis correction or brow lift,… at an untrustworthy facility, performing the technique incorrectly by removing too much fat tissue from the tear trough, leading to a deep hollow under-eye condition.
2.4. Eye Area Damage
Common eye area damage such as the effects of UV rays from sunlight, eye burns, scratches from foreign objects like metal or branches,… can also cause hollow under-eyes. Additionally, excessive eye strain from looking at phones or computers can affect the eyes as you often have a habit of raising your brows and straining your eyes to widen them, which exacerbates the hollow under-eye condition.
2.5. Other Causes
In addition to the common causes mentioned above, the phenomenon of deep hollow under-eyes can also be due to weak eye muscles, rapid weight loss, lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, a diet lacking in vitamin C and vitamin K, or due to sinusitis,…
3. How Do Hollow Under-Eyes Affect You?
The condition of hollow under-eyes due to aging or genetics, while not posing a health risk, significantly impacts the aesthetics of the eyes and face. It makes the face look haggard, tired, and lacking vitality. This can lead to a lack of confidence, reluctance to engage socially, anxiety,… affecting mental health.
Moreover, in some cases, if the hollow under-eyes continue to worsen along with otherIf you experience other symptoms such as vision loss, bulging eyes, fever, frequent headaches, or swollen eyes, you should seek a consultation immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
4. Effective Ways to Address Hollow Under-Eyes
Depending on the condition of your under-eyes, you can apply the following methods to improve the appearance:
4.1. Filler Injections to Plump Hollow Under-Eyes
Filler injections are a cosmetic procedure that uses a very fine needle to inject a substance primarily composed of HA (Hyaluronic Acid) into the skin under the eyes. This method will help plump the under-eye area, improve hollow under-eyes, reduce tear troughs, and tighten the skin, making the eyes appear more youthful.
The effects of filler injections for hollow under-eyes last from 6 to 12 months. The injection process should be performed by an experienced doctor with high skill and proficiency in eyelid microsurgery to avoid the risk of injecting into blood vessels.

4.2. Autologous Fat Grafting for Upper and Lower Under-Eyes
Autologous fat grafting is a method that uses the body’s own fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs to graft into the upper or lower under-eye areas. The amount of fat taken will undergo a processStrict purification and preservation ensure safety and high compatibility. The autologous fat grafting method will address the issue of deep hollow under-eyes long-term, potentially even permanently, while also helping to create fuller eye contours and clearer, more beautiful eyelid creases.
However, this autologous fat grafting method is not suitable for those who are too thin, as there may not be enough fat to harvest. Additionally, fat grafting may need to be performed 1 to 2 times, and good health is required for the procedure. It is important to choose a reputable aesthetic clinic with highly skilled doctors and modern equipment to ensure high effectiveness and safety.Eyelid fat repositioning surgery is suitable for those who experience a hollow appearance in the upper eyelid when looking straight ahead, and puffiness when closing the eyes; the eye area may also have many wrinkles and eyelid folds.
Additionally, for more severe cases of hollow under-eyes, the doctor may combine fat repositioning surgery with autologous fat injection to achieve optimal results. However, this method requires the performing doctor to have high skill and technique to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Note: Each treatment method will be suitable for different levels of hollow under-eyes. Therefore, you should contact the doctor for a consultation on the most appropriate treatment method for you.When treating deep hollow under-eyes at Dr. Eye, clients can feel completely at ease because:
- Our team of licensed and experienced doctors: 100% of the doctors at Dr. Eye hold valid licenses issued by the Department of Health, ensuring solid expertise and many years of experience in the field of eye-area aesthetics. The doctors have a deep understanding of the eye structure and possess skilled techniques to perform procedures accurately, resulting in natural and safe outcomes for clients.
- Personalized treatment plans: We ensure the correct method is applied based on the client’s hollow under-eye condition, tailored to each individual’s facial features. Clients will be able to see and visualize their results before treatment. If clients are satisfied, Dr. Eye will proceed with the treatment.
- Honest and detailed consultations: The highly skilled and experienced team at Dr. Eye will provide treatment recommendations based on scientific evidence, proactively choosing minimally invasive methods to ensure safety, without pushing additional services unless necessary.
- Standardized hollow under-eye filling procedures: All tools and equipment are guaranteed to be authentic, and the procedures are conducted in sterile conditions to ensure a safe, low-pain treatment process while minimizing complications. Additionally, the doctors provide thorough guidance on how toPost-treatment care for hollow under-eyes helps clients recover quickly and maintain long-lasting results.
- Clear pricing provided during consultation: The cost for treating hollow under-eyes is communicated during the consultation, and the price list is transparently published on the website for clients to reference, with a commitment to no additional fees.
The satisfaction of many clients is evidence of Dr. Eye’s ability to provide effective, safe, and specialized treatment. As shared by Ms. Dao Phuong Nhi (44 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), who placed her trust in Dr. Eye for a combination treatment: Upper eyelid fat grafting – Upper eyelid skin excision – Subbrow lift: “Because Dr. Eye specializes in eye-area rejuvenation treatments, the doctors have extensive experience in aesthetic eye procedures and follow medical standards, which makes me feel very secure. During the consultation, the doctor provided detailed advice, patiently answered all my questions, and performed the surgery with meticulous skill.
As a result, after the combination surgery for the upper eyelid, my previously sagging eyelid skin with hollow under-eyes and low brow has been completely addressed. Looking in the mirror, I see my eyes looking youthful and radiant, and I am very happy.”

Not only Ms. Nhi but many other beautiful clients also feel satisfied and provide positive feedback after receiving eye-area treatment at Dr. Eye:
Contact Dr. Eye for detailed consultation on suitable methods to address hollow under-eyes so you can soon achieve youthful eyes and a vibrant appearance!
Request a callback for consultation
6. What is the price for hollow under-eye treatment services?
The cost of treatmentThe treatment for hollow under-eyes depends on the condition of the hollow under-eyes, the corrective method, and the clinic performing the procedure. Below is a reference pricing table for hollow under-eye treatment services at Dr. Eye for clients to consider.
| Upper Eyelid Fat Grafting | Method | Applicable Cases | Reference Price |
| Fat grafting from the upper eyelid (fat transfer from the eye area) | Mild hollow upper eyelids | Contact us for consultation. | |
| Fat grafting from the upper eyelid (fat taken from the abdomen, thighs, etc.) | Moderate hollow upper eyelids | Contact us for consultation. | |
| Fat grafting from the upper eyelid (fat taken from the abdomen, thighs, etc. combined with multi-layer PRP fat grafting). | Severe hollow upper eyelids | Contact us for consultation. | |
| Lower Eyelid Filling | Fat grafting from the lower eyelid combined with autologous PRP | 7.3. Is deep under-eye fat grafting safe? How long does it last?Deep under-eye fat grafting, when performed at a reputable aesthetic clinic with experienced doctors and standardized procedures, will ensure safety, minimal discomfort, and quicker recovery. The results for treating hollow under-eyes can last up to 10 years, depending on individual physiology and care practices. Overall, there are many solutions available today to address the issue of hollow under-eyes, such as filler injections and natural fat grafting. However, it is crucial to choose a reputable facility to achieve the desired results, maintain longevity, and minimize potential complications. |
References
- Medical News Today, “What to know about sunken eyes” – 04/23/2024, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320134 (accessed 04/27/2024)
- Time Clinic, “Sunken eyes: causes and treatment”, https://time-clinic.com/sunken-eyes-causes-treatment (accessed 04/27/2024)
- Healthline, “What Causes Sunken Eyes?”, https://www.healthline.com/health/sunken-eyes (accessed 04/27/2024)
Introduction Dr. Eye
Understanding the desire to preserve the youthful beauty of the eyes for middle-aged women, Dr. Eye offers modern solutions to address all aging issues around the eyes such as sagging eyelids, eye bags, crow’s feet,…













