Some people hear that they still look tired because the area under their eyes is puffy even after enough rest, with a shadow forming below it. Even when covered with makeup, the difference between the protruding area and the hollow area remains, leading them to look into under-eye fat repositioning, a procedure commonly called "under-eye fat repositioning."
This surgery is not about removing a lot of fat from under the eyes. The key is to examine how the bulging area connects with the hollow area below it and plan accordingly.
The area just below the puffiness may appear hollow
When the under-eye fat protrudes forward, the boundary below it can look relatively deep. If there is also a tear trough extending from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek, the puffiness and hollowness can appear even more distinct.
Removing a lot of fat may seem like it would make the area smooth, but if there is already hollowness, it can instead make the sunken look more noticeable. It is important to decide which fat should be left in place and which can be moved and used elsewhere. Also, not all darkness under the eyes is caused by fat, so if the dark circles are due to skin pigmentation or visible blood vessels, fat repositioning alone will not make them disappear. Please explain whether your concern is the bulging shape, the skin tone, or both.
We also check whether there is enough skin left and the elasticity of the eyelids
Repositioning fat and managing sagging skin are different matters. The surgical method and incision location may differ depending on whether skin laxity is minimal or whether there is a lot of excess skin and folding.
During examination, we also look at whether the lower eyelid is well attached to the eye and how much the skin has loosened. An approach through the inner side of the eye does not solve all skin laxity, and whether a procedure to address the skin is also needed is assessed separately. Not all wrinkles that appear when making facial expressions will be smoothed out, so please understand both the areas that may change and those that may remain.
Please also tell us how the under-eye area looks when you smile and what it looks like normally
The under-eye area can look different when you are expressionless and when you smile. Areas that become prominent near the eyes when smiling should not all be viewed as fat to remove; the movement of the muscles around the eyes and your original eye shape should also be considered.
Please let us know if you have dry eyes, frequent tearing, or discomfort when wearing contact lenses. If you have had previous eye surgery or procedures such as fillers, please also mention the area and timing. The amount of fat or degree of hollowness under each eye may differ naturally, so rather than trying to make both sides exactly the same, it is better to find out how much adjustment is possible.
During recovery, we monitor swelling and eye discomfort together
After surgery, swelling, bruising, and a tight sensation may occur, so the initial appearance should not be judged as the final result. You should be guided on when to wash your face, resume contact lens use, and restart exercise according to the procedure and your recovery status.
Although rare, bleeding that threatens vision can occur, so if you suddenly develop severe eye pain or notice a change in your vision, contact the clinic immediately and seek emergency care.
After under-eye fat repositioning, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, unevenness, dryness, ectropion or entropion of the lower eyelid, scarring, and changes in vision may occur, and results and recovery vary from person to person. Please decide after sufficient consultation with the medical staff.
