Many people considering under-eye fat repositioning are concerned not only about the problem of the area under the eye appearing puffy, but also worry that after treatment it may appear sunken or the aegyo line becomes flat. Under-eye fat repositioning is known to be not simply a surgery to remove protruding fat, but a delicate surgery where the impression can change depending on how the volume and borders under the eye are managed. 21plastic surgery (plastic surgery specialized in eye plastic surgery and facial contouring) aims for systematic treatment that considers the flow of the entire under-eye area, aegyo, and eye appearance, and places importance on communication with patients from the perspective that change begins the moment you decide to become more beautiful.
What is Under-Eye Fat Repositioning?
Under-eye fat repositioning is a surgery that organizes protruding fat while balancing under-eye volume, and it may be difficult to achieve the desired impression with simple removal alone.
Under-eye fat repositioning is a surgical method that moves the fat that protrudes bulging under the eye inward to create a smooth line. However, if the volume decreases excessively during the process of removing or moving the fat, it may result in an appearance of hollowness instead, so balance between organization and filling must be considered together. After surgery, as swelling subsides and the result stabilizes, it is expected to take approximately 2-4 weeks depending on individual differences.
Why Both Under-Eye Volume Organization and Filling Are Necessary
When only under-eye fat repositioning is performed due to the tear trough ligament, hollowness may remain, and in some cases, filling through fat grafting is considered together.
When the tear trough ligament is pronounced, even if fat is repositioned, the area where the ligament is pressed may still appear sunken. In such cases, a method of additionally filling fat to that area to smoothly connect the border between the under-eye and aegyo line may be applied together. The grafted fat typically stabilizes over approximately 3-6 months, and subtle changes may continue during this period.
Characteristics and Application of Nanofat Grafting
Nanofat grafting is a method of refining and using fat into fine and uniform particles, and is known to be relatively burden-free to apply even to areas with thin skin.
The size of fat particles used in nanofat grafting is typically refined and used in the range of 0.3-0.8mm.
Fat grafting can vary in naturalness of the result depending on how the harvested fat is refined. The nanofat method processes fat into fine and uniform particles, so it is introduced as one of the methods that can be applied to areas with thin skin and much movement such as under the eye or aegyo. 21plastic surgery combines this fat grafting method while considering the flow of the entire under-eye area, aegyo, and eye appearance, aiming for harmonious beauty.
Comparison of Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Methods: Conjunctival Incision vs Skin Incision (Lower Eyelid)
Under-eye fat repositioning may have differences in scar exposure degree, recovery period, and whether lateral canthoplasty can be performed simultaneously depending on the incision method.
Under-eye fat repositioning is divided into conjunctival incision and skin incision (lower eyelid) methods depending on the approach. The two methods differ in incision location and recovery pattern, and the appropriate method may vary depending on the patient's under-eye condition and desired results.
| Classification | Conjunctival Incision Method | Skin Incision (Lower Eyelid) Method |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Location | Inner conjunctiva of eyelid | Outer skin under the eye |
| Scar Exposure | Tends not to be visible on the surface | Skin marks may remain |
| Lateral Canthoplasty Simultaneous Procedure | Can share incision opening | Separate incision required |
| Expected Recovery Period | Approximately 1-2 weeks | Approximately 2-3 weeks |
| Suitable Candidates | Cases where fat protrusion and eye corner sagging occur together | Cases where skin sagging is pronounced |
※ The above recovery period is a reference range that may vary depending on individual differences.
Considerations for Under-Eye Fat Repositioning
Under-eye fat repositioning is not equally applied to all under-eye concerns, and the appropriate method may vary depending on the condition of the under-eye skin and fat.
Under-eye fat repositioning is a surgery particularly considered when fat protrusion is pronounced, and when decreased skin elasticity is the main cause, a different approach may be more suitable. Additionally, the under-eye and aegyo areas can significantly change appearance with small differences, so the method and amount of filling must be carefully selected by area. In the early period after surgery, swelling and bruising may appear, and these tend to gradually improve within approximately 1-2 weeks.
Conjunctival Incision Under-Eye Fat Repositioning and Simultaneous Lateral Canthoplasty Surgery
A simultaneous surgery that shares the incision opening through conjunctival incision to reduce scar burden, allowing consideration of both under-eye improvement and eye corner line adjustment.
21plastic surgery handles conjunctival incision instead of skin incision (lower eyelid) performed together with lateral canthoplasty to promote faster recovery as one of its specialized treatment areas. Since the conjunctival incision method involves incision from the inside of the eyelid, when lateral canthoplasty is performed together, the incision opening can be shared, so under-eye improvement and eye corner line adjustment can be considered together without unnecessary additional incision. This method is reported to have scars that do not appear visible on the surface and tend to have a relatively short recovery period, but the applicability may vary depending on the individual's under-eye and eye corner condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can under-eye fat repositioning and aegyo fat grafting be performed together?
Under-eye fat repositioning and aegyo area fat grafting are often planned together. However, whether to perform both surgeries simultaneously is determined by comprehensively considering under-eye fat volume, aegyo line condition, skin elasticity, etc., so a consultation process to confirm individual suitability is necessary.
Is under-eye fat repositioning possible if the eyelid is thin and aegyo fat is minimal?
Even if the eyelid is thin and aegyo fat is minimal, under-eye fat repositioning itself can be considered, but in this case, a method combining fat grafting and other filling methods to balance volume may be reviewed. The specific applicability may vary depending on the skin and fat condition of the under-eye and aegyo area.
Which method is more suitable between conjunctival incision and skin incision (lower eyelid)?
When fat protrusion is the main concern and lateral canthoplasty is also being considered, the conjunctival incision method can be reviewed, and when skin sagging is pronounced, the skin incision (lower eyelid) method may be more suitable. Since both methods have advantages and disadvantages, it is recommended to select an appropriate method after precise confirmation of the under-eye condition.
What is the recovery period for nanofat grafting?
After nanofat grafting, initial swelling tends to gradually subside within approximately 1-2 weeks, and the grafted fat is expected to stabilize over approximately 3-6 months. However, this may vary depending on the individual's constitution and management method.
What should I do if side effects or abnormal reactions occur after surgery?
All surgeries and procedures may involve swelling, bruising, temporary sensory changes, and other effects that vary by individual. If abnormal symptoms persist or concerning changes appear, it is advisable to consult with the attending medical staff rather than self-diagnosis.
Treatment results may vary depending on individual health status, so please be sure to consult with a specialist. If you have any questions about under-eye fat repositioning or nanofat grafting, please confirm a treatment plan suitable for you through consultation.