Exclusive interview with Dr. Liu Zhuangxi, Director of Dermatology at Seoul I diar | The secret to anti-aging around the eyes without surgery – how to eliminate tear troughs and Dark circle treatment in one go
If there is any part of a person’s face that is most likely to “revel in age”, it is definitely the area around the eyes. Deep tear troughs, puffy eye bags, and Dark circle treatment that just won’t fade—when all these appear at the same time, looking at oneself in the mirror without makeup makes one seem ten years older.
I met Director Ryu Jang-sik at the DIar Dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. He has over 10,000 clinical cases in the field of anti-aging treatments around the eyes, and I spent nearly an entire afternoon talking with him. This article is based on our conversation—explaining what the real causes of aging around the eyes are, how people in South Korea address this issue, and the methods used at DIar to help reverse the signs of aging in this area.
Why does the area around the eyes age so easily? Director Liu’s theory of “the loss of the three-layer structure” provides an explanation.
“Many people think that dark circles under the eyes and tear troughs are the same problem, but in fact they are not,” Director Liu Zhuangxi said directly.
He explained that the aging process around the eyes occurs in layers: at the deepest level, the displacement of the fat pad causes the tear troughs to sink and dark circles to appear; at the middle layer, the relaxation of muscles and ligaments causes the fat under the eyes to bulge forward; at the surface level, the loss of Collagen in the dermis makes fine lines and dry wrinkles more noticeable.
These are three interrelated issues. If only one of them is addressed, the results will be very limited – or even make the appearance of the face seem more unusual. This is precisely why many people find that after having their tear troughs filled, the area around their eyes becomes even more swollen and looks less natural.
DIar’s approach is to conduct a detailed 3D skin analysis and then design a “layered combination plan” tailored to each individual’s specific needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all package.
Tear troughs and Dark circle treatment: How does Lijulan’s eye glow treatment achieve such results?
Among the various anti-aging treatments for the eye area offered by DIar, Director Liu Zhuangxi specifically mentioned Rejuran eye glow injection – a regenerative treatment derived from salmon DNA extract, which is known in South Korea as the “anti-aging injection for the eye area”.
“The core ingredient of Lizhulan is PDRN. Its mechanism does not involve filling; instead, it stimulates your own fibroblasts to induce them to produce Collagen again,” said the hospital director. “It offers excellent results in addressing the vascular and pigmented causes of fine lines around the eyes and Dark circle treatment.”
He particularly emphasized that the skin around the eyes is only 0.5 mm thick, making it the thinnest area of the body, and therefore the injection depth must be determined with great precision. “When I perform eye injections at DIar, I always do it myself; I never delegate this task to an assistant.”
The reference price of Lizhu Lan Eye Glow Treatment at DIar is approximately NT$3,800 per 1CC, and it is generally recommended to undergo 3 to 5 treatments, with each treatment spaced 4 weeks apart.
What to do about puffy eye bags? The “tighten the skin without surgery” approach of calcium injection therapy
For mild to moderate eye bags (especially “pseudo-eye bags”, which are caused by loose and protruding fat but are not severe), one of the treatments recommended by Director Liu Zhuangxi is the Sculptra Calcium Stimulator.
“Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) used in calcium augmentation procedures is a collagen stimulant that, after injection, induces the dermis to thicken on its own, thereby lifting sagging skin from within rather than filling it from the outside,” he explained. “For the hollow areas beneath the eyes or mild tear troughs, this approach is much more long-lasting than the use of Filler; the effects usually last anywhere from 18 months to 2 years.”
At DIar, the reference fee for calcium enhancement treatments starts at ₩600,000 (approximately NT$14,500). Typically, 2–3 treatment sessions are required to complete the initial course of treatment, after which annual maintenance sessions are sufficient.
Enhanced version of eye contour lifting: How Thermage FLX “tightens” the eyelids
If one were to ask what the most popular anti-aging device for the eye area in South Korea is in 2026, the American version of the fifth-generation Thermage FLX would certainly be on the list. DIar is also an accredited institution for this device.
“Thermage targets the Collagen layer of the dermis. By using radiofrequency energy to generate heat, it causes the Collagen to contract immediately, while also stimulating the regeneration of new Collagen,” said Director Liu. “The Eye Tip probe specifically designed for thermage treatments on the eyes can be precisely applied to areas where the eyelids are sagging, without causing any damage to the eyeball. Many patients find that after the treatment, their eyelids lift by 1-2 mm, making them look much more refreshed.”
He reminded that the use of Thermage for the eyes must be performed by a qualified physician. Many devices available on the market are not genuine; it is essential to ensure that the facility providing the treatment is officially authorized. At DIar, the reference price for the American version of the fifth-generation Thermage FLX for the eyes is starting from ⩱1,650,000 (approximately NT$40,000).
Consultation process and special services: Why do overseas patients specifically choose DIar?
At this point, I asked Director Liu Zhuangxi what made DIar different enough that so many beauty seekers from Taiwan and Hong Kong were willing to fly all the way to Seoul just to receive treatment there.
He mentioned several points:
Firstly, the system of direct consultation by the director. At DIar, every patient undergoing cosmetic treatment is personally examined and treated by the director himself; there is no such situation where a doctor prescribes the treatment and a technician performs it. “The doctor you schedule will be the one who provides the entire service for you – something that not many Dermatology clinics in Seoul can offer.”
Secondly, 3D skin analysis. During the initial consultation, a high-precision skin scanner is used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire face, generating a personalized skin report that allows you to clearly understand the actual issues in different areas of your skin – rather than relying solely on the doctor’s visual assessment.
Thirdly, services in three languages: Chinese, English, and Korean. DIar boasts an international reception team, enabling clients from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia to communicate entirely in Chinese without any concern regarding language barriers.
Common Q&A about anti-aging treatments around the eyes: Director Liu answers them for you.
Q: Which is more suitable for me – filling the tear troughs with Filler or with Hyaluronic Acid?
A: Filler provides immediate filling effects, but there is a risk of displacement; Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, stimulates the production of natural collagen, resulting in slower but more natural and long-lasting results. Generally speaking, those with deeper tear troughs are better suited for quick correction using Filler, combined with long-term maintenance using Hyaluronic acid; for those with mild tear troughs where the issue is mainly related to skin quality, using Hyaluronic acid alone is sufficient.
Q: How long does one need to rest after undergoing thermage treatment for the eyes?
A: Eye Thermage treatment is a non-invasive procedure. There is no need for rest after the treatment, and you can go out and apply makeup immediately. Some patients may experience mild redness or swelling 1-2 days after the treatment, which is a normal reaction.
Q: If it’s my first time going to South Korea for eye treatment, how would you recommend arranging my itinerary?
A: It is recommended to spend at least 3 days in Seoul. On the first day, have a detailed facial consultation and skin analysis; on the second day, undergo the main treatment; on the third day, observe how your skin reacts before deciding whether any additional treatments are needed. Do not start treatment on the day of your arrival; allow your skin condition to stabilize first.
Q: In terms of costs, can foreigners who receive medical treatment in South Korea get a tax refund?
A: Medical expenses are not within the scope of tax refunds, but some hospitals offer preferential policies for foreign patients. Currently, DIar provides special pricing for overseas patients holding non-South Korea passports for specific treatment items; details can be inquired about during the reservation process.
Haven’t decided what to do yet? Let’s start with this first.
After reading what President Liu Zhuangxi had to say, I realized something that many people tend to overlook: there is no “best solution” for anti-aging around the eyes; there is only “the solution that suits you best”.
Are your tear troughs of the depressed type or the vascular type? Are your eye bags true or pseudo-eye bags? Are the causes of Dark circle treatment pigmentation, blood vessels, or structural issues? Without clarifying these questions first, spending a lot of money may still result in ineffective treatments.
At DIar, the initial consultation and 3D skin analysis are free of charge. If you are considering anti-aging treatments around the eyes, you might want to start there.
Basic Information about DIar Dermatology
- Address: 10th Floor, KI Building, 869 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (near Sinnyeonhyeon Station and Gangnam Station)
- Clinic hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30-20:00; Saturday, 10:30-17:00
- Language services: Chinese, English, Korean
- Contact information: Appointments can be made through the BeautsGO platform, which offers convenient functionality and allows you to compare quotes from multiple clinics.
If you are still hesitating whether to give it a try, you can start by making an online reservation. On BeautsGO, you can view the complete list of DIar’s services and fee information. Don’t worry about language barriers—the platform offers a fully Chinese-language interface, and the clinic will contact you directly after your reservation is confirmed.
