2026-05-22
Under-Eye Fat Removal + Micro Fat Grafting
A woman in her 30s with moderate under-eye fat protrusion underwent transconjunctival fat removal combined with micro fat grafting, achieving a brighter skin tone and a more youthful appearance.
* Basic Information
· Age group: Woman in her 30s
· Under-eye fat: Moderate to severe protrusion
· Skin condition: Minimal sagging, but reddish tone with noticeable blemishes
· Chief complaint: 'I look older than I really am and seem hollow under the eyes'
* Consultation
· What most people call 'dark circles' is more precisely described as a 'tear trough deformity.'
· Since she is in her 30s with minimal skin laxity, skin excision is not necessary.
· By approaching through the conjunctiva (the red inner lining of the eye) — leaving no visible external scarring — fat removal and micro fat grafting can be performed together, which should also noticeably brighten the skin tone. :)
* Treatment Plan
(Transconjunctival) Under-Eye Fat Removal
Micro Fat Grafting
* Post-Surgical Progress
· Not only has the fat protrusion been resolved, but the skin tone looks noticeably brighter as well. The results are truly satisfying! :)
* Key Points
1. The skin under the eye is extremely thin, which allows blood vessels and pigmentation to show through easily, giving the area a dull or uneven appearance.
2. Micro fat grafting under the eye is a considerably delicate procedure — one might call it a 'double-edged sword.' When precisely the right amount is injected, the outcome can be excellent, as seen in this case. However, even a slight excess can cause lumps or nodules beneath the skin. In fact, even board-certified plastic surgeons in my professional circle hold differing views on the merits of under-eye micro fat grafting.
3. Fat repositioning is sometimes performed as an alternative, but in patients with relatively thin skin — such as in this case — the repositioned fat can occasionally feel like a lump under the surface, making careful patient selection essential.
Consultations and procedures should always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon!
Wishing you both health and beauty today. :)
Right Thinking, Right Plastic Surgery — Yu Young-moon
Post-surgical complications and side effects — including bleeding, inflammation, infection, and asymmetry — may vary by individual and require careful attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tear trough deformity?
Yes, "tear trough deformity" is the accurate medical term for what is commonly referred to as dark circles. It includes symptoms such as the under-eye area appearing puffy or hollow, which can make one look older than their actual age.
Is skin excision always necessary for under-eye fat removal?
No, it is not always necessary. For cases like the 30-year-old woman in the main example, where skin sagging is not severe, surgery can be performed without skin excision. In such cases, fat can be removed through the conjunctiva, leaving no visible external scars.
What are the effects of under-eye micro-fat grafting?
Under-eye micro-fat grafting can be expected to resolve the problem of puffy fat while also brightening the skin tone. Satisfactory results can be achieved by grafting an appropriate amount, which reduces the hollow appearance under the eyes.
Is under-eye micro-fat grafting a difficult surgery?
Yes, under-eye micro-fat grafting is a considerably delicate surgery. Satisfactory results can only be achieved by accurately grafting the appropriate amount; even a slight excess can lead to problems such as lumps under the eyes, requiring meticulous skill.
What are the possible side effects after under-eye fat surgery?
Various complications and side effects such as bleeding, inflammation, infection, and asymmetry can occur after surgery. These side effects may vary from person to person, so it is important to be fully aware of the precautions through thorough consultation before surgery.
How do under-eye fat repositioning and fat removal differ?
Under-eye fat repositioning is a method of flattening the area by moving fat to another part without removing it. For individuals with relatively thin skin, like in this case, repositioned fat can feel like a lump, making the selection of the indication important, while fat removal is a method of eliminating the bulging fat itself.