Lipofilling, also known as fat grafting, can be performed on both the lower and upper eyelids with the goal of restoring volume and youthfulness to the eyes.
In the lower eyelid area, lipofilling can help eliminate dark circles and the “bluish” appearance under the eyes. It can also fill in hollows and make fine expression lines less noticeable.
In the upper eyelid area, lipofilling is typically combined with upper blepharoplasty to correct deep-set eyes and excessive upper eyelid skin. The donor area for the fat graft is usually the upper thigh, but other areas of the body can be used when combined with liposuction.
Short Surgery Information:
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Duration of the surgery: 20 minutes
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Type of anesthesia: Sedation
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Hospitalization: 1-2 hours
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Return to regular activities: Next day
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Clinic visits: 2-3 times
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Stitches removal: Day 7
Why consider lower blepharoplasty with lipofilling?
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Age-related fat loss: As we age, the fat volume in our face diminishes. Excess fat is what gives children and teenagers a youthful appearance and helps prevent the formation of wrinkles.
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Genetic factors: Some individuals have deep-set eyes, wide eyelids, or prominent brow bones due to their family genetics. These features can be adjusted with lipofilling.
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Fat deficiency after fat redistribution surgery: In some cases, surgeons recommend combining transconjunctival blepharoplasty with lipofilling under the eyes. If you choose not to combine the surgeries and notice slight hollows under your eyes after recovery, they can be filled with donor fat.
Candidates for the surgery:
This procedure is suitable for individuals experiencing volume loss in the under-eye area, often associated with aging. It is an ideal choice for those looking to correct hollow or sunken eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles caused by thinning skin and reduced fat tissue. Candidates typically have healthy skin with no major elasticity issues. This method offers more natural and long-lasting results compared to fillers.
Why choose South Korea?
South Korea is renowned for its extensive annual cosmetic procedures and surgeries. Local doctors are considered some of the most educated and competitive globally, as only a tiny fraction of medical graduates can become plastic surgeons here. The medical equipment and facilities in Korea are of top-notch quality, on par with the USA and Germany, making it one of the top three countries with the best technical infrastructure in clinics.
All blepharoplasty procedures are conducted in accredited clinics, authorized to treat foreign patients, with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons performing procedures on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in blepharoplasty, and they perform no more than two surgeries per day.
To inquire about the cost of treatment, schedule a preliminary consultation, and plan your trip to South Korea for the surgery, please fill out our QUESTIONNAIRE.
How to prepare for fat grafting around the eyes surgery in South Korea
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Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower before coming to the clinic.
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Medication avoidance: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the operation.
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Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, your doctor may recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors may refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smokers, including relatives and friends, or in public places designated for smoking.
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Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of the desired result. When selecting photos, try to use those where the eyes have no makeup, and their natural size and ethnicity resemble yours.
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Medical Tests: If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
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Transportation: Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.
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Prepare for recovery: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
The lipofilling around the eyes surgery process
After discussing the details of the operation with the surgeon, the patient is prepared for surgery. The patient’s hands and legs are secured on the operating table, the area where fat will be injected, and the donor area are disinfected, and an anesthesiologist administers a sedative solution into the bloodstream.
Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon evenly removes a small amount of fat using a cannula from the chosen area. The fat is then placed in a device that separates the fat from the medical fluid, and the separated fat is injected under the eyes or in the upper eyelid area using a syringe. The injection sites are sealed with tiny plasters, and the patient is awakened and taken to the recovery room.
What to expect after surgery
After the surgery is completed, a translator and medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and it may seem like they woke up in a warm bed due to the anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel a slight chill, but this will pass quickly. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be minimal pain, but you may experience mild swelling.
You will stay in the clinic for another 1-2 hours after the surgery. A catheter will be in your hand, and medications will be administered intravenously. After the intravenous drip is finished, and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If there are no symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge, change clothes, pick up your medications, and receive post-operative instructions.
In the following days, there may be slight swelling and mild bruises, but they will quickly subside. On the 7th day after the surgery, you will need to visit the clinic to remove the sutures from the donor area. The surgeon will check the tissue healing process, and you will be able to go home.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can reserve a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Lipofilling recovery process
Immediately after the Procedure: There is no pain after the surgery, and you can leave the clinic 1-3 hours after the operation if you don’t experience symptoms like nausea, weakness, or dizziness.
Days 1-2: Small swelling and bruises may appear, and the donor area may feel slightly sore.
Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside. Avoid activities where you need to lower your head. On the 7th day, the surgeon removes stitches from the donor area, and nurses provide further instructions.
Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, bruises fade, and you can return to normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery.
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities comfortably. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises.
Days 21-30: Eyes may still be swollen, especially in the mornings. Eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical, depending on your sleeping position. This is normal and will improve.
Days 31-60: Remaining swelling gradually subsides, symmetry is restored, and eyelids assume a constant position and shape.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to prevent injury to healing tissues. Use sunscreen.
1 Year After the Surgery: Complete recovery.