Treatment Overview
Fat grafting to the lower eyelids, also known as under-eye fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a patient’s own purified fat to restore volume and smooth out hollowness beneath the eyes. This treatment helps to correct sunken tear troughs, dark circles, and tired-looking eyes while creating a natural, youthful appearance.
In Korea, this procedure has become highly advanced and widely sought after due to its natural results, minimally invasive methods, and integration with fat purification technology. Korean surgeons specialize in achieving subtle yet effective rejuvenation, making the eyes look brighter, fuller, and more refreshed.
Purpose & Benefits
- Restores lost volume under the eyes
- Smooths hollow tear troughs and reduces dark circles
- Provides a natural, long-lasting solution compared to fillers
- Uses the patient’s own fat, reducing risk of allergic reactions
- Improves overall facial harmony and youthfulness
- Can be combined with blepharoplasty or skin resurfacing for enhanced results
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with sunken or hollow under-eyes
- Those with dark circles caused by volume loss rather than pigmentation
- People who previously had fillers and want a more permanent solution
- Healthy individuals with sufficient donor fat (from thighs, abdomen, or hips)
- Patients seeking natural, non-synthetic rejuvenation methods
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Uneven fat absorption leading to asymmetry
- Minor lumpiness in rare cases (can be corrected with touch-ups)
- Infection (extremely rare with proper aftercare)
- Need for repeat grafting sessions to maintain long-term results
Surgical Techniques Used
- Micro-Fat Harvesting: Fat is gently extracted using fine cannulas, usually from the thighs or abdomen.
- Purification Process: Fat is processed and purified using advanced techniques such as centrifugation or filtration, ensuring high-quality grafts.
- Micro-Injection Technique: Purified fat is carefully injected in small amounts under the eyes for smooth, even distribution.
- Nano-Fat Grafting (Optional): Ultra-refined fat for skin quality improvement and collagen stimulation.
- Combination Surgery: Often paired with lower blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing, or stem cell-enriched fat transfer for optimal results.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising typically last 5–10 days.
- Patients can resume normal activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2–3 weeks.
- Cold compresses and prescribed medications help reduce discomfort.
- Final results become visible within 1–3 months as fat settles.
- Proper aftercare and follow-up visits are essential to monitor fat survival rate.
Results & Longevity
- Smoother, fuller, and rejuvenated under-eye area
- Natural and permanent improvement, with 60–80% fat survival after grafting
- Long-lasting results compared to fillers (years instead of months)
- Improved skin quality with stem cell-enriched or nano-fat methods
- Touch-up sessions may be needed depending on fat absorption
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is regarded as one of the top destinations for fat grafting to the lower eyelids, thanks to its advanced technology and experienced surgeons.
- Advanced Fat Purification: Korean clinics use cutting-edge systems such as Coleman technique or Lipokit centrifugation to ensure high survival rates.
- Micro-Droplet Technique: Small, precise injections reduce the risk of lumpiness and improve fat retention.
- Scarless & Natural Results: Surgeons prioritize smooth blending between the lower eyelid and cheeks, creating youthful harmony.
- Combination Procedures: Often combined with tear trough correction, lower blepharoplasty, or laser resurfacing for enhanced outcomes.
- Medical Tourism Excellence: Clinics in Seoul provide English-speaking staff, airport pickup, recovery programs, and luxury aftercare packages for international patients.
Cost Range in Korea
The price of fat grafting to lower eyelids in Korea depends on whether it is performed as a stand-alone procedure or combined with other surgeries.
- Stand-Alone Lower Eyelid Fat Grafting: ₩1,800,000 – ₩3,500,000 KRW ($1,400 – $2,700 USD)
- With Blepharoplasty (Fat Repositioning + Grafting): ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW ($2,700 – $4,600 USD)
- Stem Cell-Enriched or Nano-Fat Grafting: ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 KRW ($3,500 – $5,400 USD)
- Revision Surgery or Combined Facial Fat Grafting: ₩5,500,000 – ₩9,000,000 KRW ($4,300 – $7,000 USD)
Korea remains significantly more affordable compared to the U.S., Japan, or Europe, while maintaining the highest surgical standards.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Known for fat grafting with advanced purification systems.
- ID Hospital – Specializes in under-eye rejuvenation and natural fat redistribution.
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Offers combined fat grafting with lower blepharoplasty.
- Dream Medical Group – Famous for scarless fat grafting and tear trough correction.
- View Plastic Surgery – Popular for international patients seeking minimally invasive fat transfer.
Summary
Fat grafting to the lower eyelids in Korea is a highly effective and natural approach to rejuvenating tired, hollow under-eyes. With advanced purification systems, micro-injection techniques, and world-class surgeons, Korean clinics provide long-lasting, scarless, and natural results. Combined with affordable costs and excellent medical tourism services, Korea continues to lead globally as the top destination for under-eye fat transfer and rejuvenation procedures.
