If your under-eye area looks hollow even after a full night’s sleep,
it may not simply be from fatigue.
In your 40s, collagen in the skin decreases and elasticity declines,
and it’s common for under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and reduced cheek volume to appear together.
That’s why one option that’s been mentioned recently to help address these changes
is facial collagen injection.
This article explains why under-eye hollows and nasolabial folds become more noticeable in 40s skin,
what a facial collagen injection is and how atelocollagen works,
and what to check before a procedure.
Based on verified sources,
it focuses on practical, reference-worthy information rather than promotional claims.
Why do under-eye hollows and nasolabial folds get more noticeable in your 40s?
In short, it’s because collagen loss and reduced skin elasticity progress together.
Skin aging refers to the process in which collagen and elastin in the dermis decrease,
causing structural support and elasticity to decline together.
The dermis contains components such as collagen and elastin
that support the skin’s structure and elasticity.
As we age, the activity of fibroblasts, which produce collagen, naturally declines,
leading to gradual changes in the skin’s structural support and elasticity.
When factors like UV exposure, dry environments, and lifestyle habits are added,
signs of skin aging can become more noticeable.
In your 40s especially, it’s common to see the changes below
appear together, rather than just a single fine line.
✅ Shadowing caused by hollowing under the eyes
✅ Nasolabial folds running from beside the nose to the corners of the mouth
✅ Reduced volume in the cheek area
✅ Overall decline in skin elasticity
✅ Skin that looks thin and dull
✔ In your 40s, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and reduced cheek volume often appear together.
✔ Rather than focusing on visible wrinkles alone, it helps to consider elasticity and volume together.
What exactly is a facial collagen injection?
Facial collagen injection is a general term for procedures that replenish collagen within the skin
to help address hollowed areas and reduced elasticity.
Collagen is one of the main proteins that support the skin’s structure.
As collagen levels decrease with age, skin can become thinner,
and wrinkles and hollowing may become more noticeable.
These changes are part of why collagen-based skincare
has drawn growing interest.
That said, not every product marketed as a “collagen injection”
shares the same ingredients or mechanism of action.
That’s why it matters to check what raw material was used, whether the product is a medical device approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS),
and what its approved intended use actually is.
How is atelocollagen different from regular collagen?
Atelocollagen is purified collagen with the telopeptides removed from the ends of the collagen molecule,
lowering its potential to trigger an immune response.
Type I collagen has a region called the telopeptide at each end,
which is known to be a major factor behind immune responses in the body.
When these telopeptides are removed using enzymes,
the collagen keeps its original structure while its immunogenicity is lowered —
this is what’s known as atelocollagen.
So when looking at a collagen product applied to the skin,
it’s worth checking what form of collagen it uses and how it was purified.
What are the features of AteloFill?
AteloFill is a collagen-based tissue filler
formulated with Type I atelocollagen.
It was developed using Dalim Tissen’s patented multi-stage filtration and purification process,
with a focus on minimizing impurities and telopeptides.
It is a medical device approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS),
and it is manufactured under the quality control standards of a GMP-certified facility.
In other words, rather than looking at the name “collagen” alone,
it’s important to check what type of collagen was used and how it was purified and managed.
More details on AteloFill are available at the
AteloFill Collagen Skin Research Institute website.
✔ AteloFill is a medical device approved by Korea’s MFDS, formulated with Type I atelocollagen.
✔ It’s important to check the purification method and approval status, not just the ingredient name.
What changes might a facial collagen injection help with?
Depending on an individual’s skin condition and the area treated,
it may be used to help add volume to hollowed tissue.
However, results and degree of change can vary from person to person,
so no single outcome can be assumed for everyone.
Under-eye hollows and nasolabial folds may look similar on the surface,
but the underlying tissue changes behind them differ somewhat.
The table below summarizes these differences.
| Area | Main Cause | Visible Change |
|---|---|---|
| Under-Eye Hollows | Reduced skin elasticity, changes in surrounding tissue | Shadowing, an appearance similar to dark circles |
| Nasolabial Folds | Reduced elasticity, changes in midface volume and fat position | Deeper folds, a sagging appearance |
So when considering a facial collagen injection,
it helps to look at the balance of volume across the whole face
rather than focusing on just the under-eye area or the nasolabial folds alone.
What should you check before the procedure?
Even among people in their 40s, the degree of skin aging and facial structure vary from person to person.
That’s why a thorough consultation should come first.
✅ Have you discussed the cause of your concern (reduced elasticity, volume loss, etc.) with a medical professional?
✅ Have you confirmed the product’s ingredients and whether it’s an MFDS-approved medical device?
✅ Does the treatment area and intended use match your specific concern?
✅ Have you told your provider about past procedures and any allergy history?
✅ Have you been given a full explanation of possible post-procedure reactions such as swelling, bruising, or pain?
Reactions such as swelling, bruising, or pain after the procedure, as well as recovery time, can vary from person to person.
Be sure to consult thoroughly with a medical professional before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need collagen care once I’m in my 40s?
Age alone can’t determine whether a specific procedure is needed. That said, collagen levels and elasticity can change as skin ages, so if under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, or reduced elasticity are a concern, it can help to discuss a management approach suited to your current condition.
2. Is AteloFill the same as a typical skin booster?
AteloFill is a collagen-based tissue filler formulated with Type I atelocollagen. Since products differ in main ingredients, approved purpose, and application method, it’s best to check each product’s individual characteristics rather than assuming they all fall into the same category.
3. Can it be applied the same way to both the under-eye area and nasolabial folds?
Because skin thickness and tissue structure differ across areas of the face, the same approach can’t be applied uniformly. Thinner-skinned areas like under the eyes in particular require a medical professional to fully assess the individual’s skin and anatomy before deciding whether to proceed.
4. How long do the effects of a facial collagen injection last?
How long results last can vary depending on the product used, individual skin condition, and treatment area. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to check directly with a medical professional during a consultation.
References
· Rapportian, “Dalim Tissen Enters the Aesthetics Market with ‘AteloFill,’ Built on Its Collagen Research,” Rapportian. View source
· HiDoc, “‘Atelocollagen,’ Which Restores Muscle and Cartilage… Drawing Attention as a Key Material in Regenerative Medicine,” HiDoc. View source
· Vogue Korea, “Collagen Declines With Age — Is There a Way to Restore Elasticity?” Vogue Korea, 2025. View source
This article is intended for general health information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, please consult a medical professional.
