Three questions come up in almost every aegyo-sal filler consultation: Will it look like under-eye bags? Will it show a bluish tint? Can it be dissolved if I don't like it? This article walks through the anatomy of the aegyo-sal, how long results last, the Tyndall effect, and possible side effects and how they are managed.
Results vary by individual, and whether and how to proceed is decided through consultation with a physician.
CONTENTS
About aegyo-sal
Aegyo-sal is muscle, not fat
Aegyo-sal (also called the pretarsal roll or "charming roll") is the narrow band of fullness just below the lash line that becomes more defined when you smile. Anatomically, it is formed by the pretarsal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which differs in both location and cause from what people usually call under-eye bags (protruding orbital fat).
A recent anatomy-based review notes that aegyo-sal is regarded in East Asia as a feature of a youthful, lively look, with demand for this filler especially high in Korea.1
What is aegyo-sal filler
The basics and who may want to consult
A small amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is injected into the aegyo-sal area to add volume. HA filler is gradually absorbed over time and, if needed, can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase itself can rarely cause allergic reactions, so dissolving is also done under a physician's judgment.
- Your aegyo-sal barely shows even when you smile
- You notice asymmetry between the two sides
- People often say your eyes look sharp or tired
Key points
3 factors that shape a natural result
- Design – based on your smile
We design around how the aegyo-sal looks when you smile, not at rest. It is kept narrow and tapers naturally toward the outer corner. Wide, thick placement tends to resemble under-eye bags.
- Depth – avoiding the vessels
An artery of the lower eyelid runs along the tarsal plate beneath the aegyo-sal. A cadaver dissection study found it lies deep to the orbicularis oculi and recommended injecting between the subcutaneous tissue and the muscle.2 Placement that is too superficial, on the other hand, can cause the Tyndall effect.
- Product – soft and spreadable
Skin around the eyes is very thin, so a firm filler may be palpable or visible. We use a soft, low-viscoelasticity product in small, divided amounts.
Procedure
Treatment process
- Consultation & diagnosis
We compare smiling and resting expressions and check under-eye fat, skin thickness and any existing filler.
- Design
The area is marked while you are seated, based on your smile.
- Anesthesia
Numbing cream is applied and given enough time to work.
- Injection
Small amounts are injected at a time, checking symmetry throughout.
- Review
We check the result together in the mirror.
Side effects
What you should know
- Swelling & bruising The eye area has loose tissue and swells relatively easily. It usually settles over time, though this varies by person.
- Tyndall effect A bluish tint caused by superficially placed filler scattering light.
- Lumps & migration May be related to overfilling or a habit of pressing or rubbing the area.
- Vascular complications Rare, but a serious adverse event reported across filler treatments.3
If filler causes a problem, it can be broken down with hyaluronidase, and a clinical analysis of local hyaluronidase injection for eyelid edema has also been reported.4
After care
Caring for the area after treatment
- Keep cleansing and makeup gentle on the day; don't rub the area
- Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise and alcohol for 1–2 weeks
- Don't rub your eyes hard or sleep face-down
- Check the final shape after about 2 weeks, once swelling has resolved
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How long does aegyo-sal filler last?
- It varies widely depending on the product, the amount injected and individual metabolism. Because HA is gradually absorbed, we review your condition after some time and discuss whether a touch-up is needed.
- Does it hurt?
- We apply numbing cream thoroughly beforehand. You may feel a stinging sensation during injection, and the level of discomfort varies by person.
- Can I go to work the next day?
- Most people return to daily activities right away, but swelling and bruising vary. If you have an important event such as a photo shoot or wedding, we recommend completing treatment at least 1–2 weeks beforehand.
- Can it be dissolved if I don't like it?
- Yes, HA filler can be dissolved with an enzyme. Right after treatment, swelling can exaggerate the shape, so we usually wait until it settles before deciding. Emergencies such as vascular symptoms are the exception and are treated immediately.
- How is it different from Juvelook Eye?
- Aegyo-sal filler creates volume and shape, while Juvelook Eye is a skin booster focused on improving under-eye skin texture and elasticity. If thin under-eye skin is a concern, the two can be planned together in a set order after consultation.
- I still have filler from another clinic.
- Please let us know during your consultation. Adding filler on top of existing product can raise the risk of overcorrection or lumps, so we assess your current condition first.
References
Sources cited
- Hong GW, Choi W, Wan J, et al. Anatomy-Based Filler Injection: Treatment Techniques for Supraorbital Hollowness and Charming Roll. Life (Basel). 2025;15(2):304. doi:10.3390/life15020304
- Topographic Anatomy of the Inferior Medial Palpebral Artery and Its Relevance to the Pretarsal Roll Augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016.
- Hong GW, Hu H, Chang K, et al. Review of the Adverse Effects Associated with Dermal Filler Treatments: Part I Nodules, Granuloma, and Migration. Diagnostics (Basel). 2024;14(15):1640. doi:10.3390/diagnostics14151640
- Hilton S, Schrumpf H, Buhren BA, et al. Hyaluronidase injection for the treatment of eyelid edema: a retrospective analysis of 20 patients. Eur J Med Res. 2014;19:30. doi:10.1186/2047-783X-19-30
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