2026-05-24
Dark Circle Improvement: Transforming a Tired Look with ‘Under-Eye Fat Repositioning + PRP’ - Dr. Young-moon Yoo, VIBE Plastic Surgery (Sinnonhyeon Station)
Learn how a 20-year-old male patient achieved a refreshed, youthful look through under-eye fat repositioning and PRP injections at VIBE Plastic Surgery.
Hello.
I am Dr. Young-moon Yoo, Director of VIBE Plastic Surgery.
The case I am introducing today is an under-eye dark circle improvement surgery for a male patient in his 20s.
Despite his young age, he frequently heard that he looked tired because his under-eye area appeared exceptionally dark and sunken.
✔ Pre-operative Status Analysis
- Very deep dark circles despite being in his 20s
- Uneven under-eye fat protrusion combined with hollow areas
- Dark skin tone further emphasizing shadows
- An impression of sleep deprivation and a prematurely aged image
In such cases, there are limits to fundamental improvement through simple laser or whitening treatments alone.
✔ Causes of Dark Circles: Why was surgery necessary?
Dark circles are often caused by structural issues under the eyes rather than simple pigmentation problems.
Specifically for this patient:
- Under-eye fat protruding forward
- The sunken tear trough below it
- Visible blood vessels due to thin skin
These three factors acted in combination to make the dark circles appear even more severe.
✔ Surgical Method: Under-Eye Fat Repositioning + PRP Injection
① Under-Eye Fat Repositioning
Under-eye fat repositioning is not a surgery to remove protruding fat, but rather a ‘surgery that levels the area by repositioning uneven fat.’
Advantages of Under-Eye Fat Repositioning:
- Simultaneously improves protrusion and hollowness
- Reduces the ‘shadow effect’ of dark circles
- Creates a smoother under-eye area for a more youthful look
- No external scarring due to transconjunctival incision
This surgery is highly suitable for young male patients as it maintains a natural and masculine image, which is particularly important.
② Combined PRP Injection
Following the under-eye fat repositioning, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections were performed to further enhance the quality of the results.
Advantages of PRP Injection:
- Skin regeneration and improvement of visible blood vessels
- Brightening of the under-eye skin tone
- Accelerated recovery speed
- Safe autologous blood procedure with no foreign body reaction
A synergistic effect can be expected by correcting the structure through surgery and improving the skin condition with PRP.
✔ Post-operative Change Points
- Under-eye area appears brighter with significantly alleviated dark circles
- Improvement of the constant tired impression
- Aged image → Clear and clean impression
- Natural change while maintaining a masculine atmosphere
The feedback from those around him was more about ‘looking like he is in good condition’ rather than ‘looking like he had surgery.’
✔ Why Under-Eye Fat Repositioning is Important for Men in Their 20s
For those in their 20s, the key is structural preservation and repositioning rather than excessive removal.
Since excessive fat removal can actually lead to deeper hollowness over time, a very careful approach to under-eye fat repositioning is required for younger patients.
✔ Recommended for these individuals!
- Those in their 20s or 30s with exceptionally deep dark circles
- Those who frequently hear they look tired even after sleeping
- Those who have not seen results from laser or whitening treatments
- Men who want to naturally improve their impression
Under-eye dark circles are often a structural issue rather than a ‘skin problem.’
Accurate cause analysis and appropriate surgical selection determine the outcome.
This has been Dr. Young-moon Yoo of VIBE Plastic Surgery.
Consultations and surgeries should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon!
VIBE that comes from rich experience.
Young-moon Yoo, Representative Director of VIBE Plastic Surgery
VIBE Plastic Surgery complies with medical laws. These before-and-after photos were taken under the same conditions with the patient’s consent. Complications and side effects such as bleeding, inflammation, infection, and asymmetry may occur after surgery and can vary by individual, so caution is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles are often not just a pigmentation issue, but rather stem from structural problems such as protruding under-eye fat, sunken tear troughs, and visible blood vessels due to thin skin. These complex factors make dark circles appear more severe.
How is under-eye fat repositioning surgery performed?
Under-eye fat repositioning is a surgery that does not remove protruding fat, but rather redistributes unevenly distributed fat to flatten the under-eye area. It is performed through a conjunctival incision, which has the advantage of leaving no external scars.
Why is PRP injection performed along with under-eye fat repositioning?
PRP injection is performed in conjunction with under-eye fat repositioning to enhance the completeness of the results. PRP helps maximize the surgical effect by aiding in skin regeneration, improving the appearance of blood vessels, brightening under-eye skin tone, and accelerating recovery.
What changes can I expect after under-eye fat repositioning surgery?
After the surgery, the under-eye area will appear brighter, and dark circles will be significantly alleviated. The tired impression will be improved to a clear and neat appearance, and those around you may comment that you look well-rested rather than having had surgery.
Why is under-eye fat repositioning particularly important for men in their 20s?
For those in their 20s, the key is to preserve and reposition the under-eye structure rather than performing excessive fat removal. Excessive fat removal can lead to hollowness over time, requiring a cautious approach, especially for younger individuals.
In what cases can under-eye fat repositioning surgery be considered?
This surgery is recommended for men in their 20s or 30s who have particularly dark circles, are often told they look tired even after sleeping, have not seen results from laser or whitening treatments, and desire a natural improvement in their appearance.