Treatment Overview
Subperiosteal fat repositioning is an advanced lower eyelid surgery technique used to correct under-eye hollows, tear trough deformities, and prominent fat bulges. Unlike traditional fat removal, this method repositions orbital fat beneath the periosteum (the membrane covering the bone) along the infraorbital rim. By moving fat into hollow areas instead of removing it, surgeons restore smooth contours under the eyes while preserving volume and preventing a hollowed-out look.
In Korea, this technique is highly refined thanks to innovations in minimally invasive approaches and scarless procedures. Korean surgeons are known for creating natural, youthful outcomes with careful fat preservation and precise repositioning, making the country one of the top global destinations for this surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
- Corrects tear trough deformities and under-eye hollows
- Reduces puffiness or bulging under the eyes
- Smooths transition between lower eyelid and cheek
- Prevents hollow or sunken appearance after surgery
- Provides long-lasting, natural rejuvenation
- Maintains youthful volume rather than removing it
Ideal Candidates
This procedure is ideal for patients who:
- Have under-eye hollows, dark circles, or tear trough deformities
- Suffer from under-eye fat protrusion or puffiness
- Want a more natural and youthful look without over-removal of fat
- Seek longer-lasting results compared to fillers or simple fat removal
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
Possible Risks & Complications
While safe in experienced hands, potential risks include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Asymmetry or uneven contouring
- Rare risk of lower eyelid retraction or ectropion
- Infection or prolonged healing (rare in Korea due to advanced care)
Korean clinics minimize these risks using meticulous surgical planning and advanced scarless approaches.
Surgical Techniques Used in Korea
Korean surgeons often perform this procedure using transconjunctival (scarless) approaches to ensure natural results:
- Transconjunctival Incision: Hidden inside the eyelid, avoiding visible scars.
- Fat Repositioning Under Periosteum: Orbital fat is carefully mobilized and repositioned beneath the periosteum along the infraorbital rim.
- Fat Preservation Philosophy: Instead of removing excess fat, volume is redistributed to correct hollows.
- Combination with Other Procedures: Often performed with lower blepharoplasty, skin tightening, or laser resurfacing for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising typically last 1–2 weeks.
- Cold compresses and prescribed medications help reduce discomfort.
- Most patients resume normal activities after 7–10 days.
- Korean clinics provide regenerative treatments such as LED therapy and post-op skincare to accelerate healing.
- Final results are visible after 1–3 months once swelling resolves.
Results & Longevity
- Natural, smoother under-eye contour
- Long-lasting results (often 10+ years) due to structural fat repositioning
- Prevents prematurely aged or hollowed look
- Results blend the eyelid-cheek junction for a youthful, refreshed appearance
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea has become a leader in subperiosteal fat repositioning due to its innovative and precise techniques:
- Scarless Surgery: Transconjunctival approaches are widely used to avoid external scars.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Advanced microsurgical tools and magnification systems minimize tissue trauma.
- Customized Planning: Korean surgeons tailor procedures based on facial structure, skin elasticity, and degree of fat bulging.
- Holistic Eye Rejuvenation: Often combined with skin tightening lasers, fillers, or midface lifting for natural harmony.
- Cutting-Edge Post-Operative Care: Clinics provide specialized recovery programs such as anti-swelling therapy, regenerative injections, and guided aftercare.
- Global Reputation: International patients trust Korean clinics for their advanced surgical outcomes, affordable pricing, and English-speaking support.
Cost Range in Korea
Pricing depends on the clinic’s reputation, surgeon’s expertise, and whether it is combined with other procedures. On average:
- Subperiosteal Fat Repositioning (alone): ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW ($2,600 – $4,500 USD)
- With Lower Blepharoplasty: ₩4,500,000 – ₩8,000,000 KRW ($3,400 – $6,000 USD)
- Premium Clinics with Advanced Techniques: ₩6,000,000 – ₩10,000,000 KRW ($4,500 – $7,500 USD)
Many clinics offer consultation packages and medical concierge services for international patients, making the process seamless and transparent.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic – Famous for advanced under-eye fat repositioning and holistic rejuvenation.
- ID Hospital – Specializes in natural eye contouring with subperiosteal techniques.
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Offers combination procedures for under-eye hollows and midface rejuvenation.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic – Popular with international patients seeking scarless fat repositioning.
- Oracle Clinic – Known for post-op regenerative therapies and scarless eye surgeries.
Summary
The Subperiosteal Fat Repositioning Technique in Korea provides one of the most advanced and natural solutions for under-eye rejuvenation. By repositioning fat beneath the periosteum rather than removing it, Korean surgeons restore youthful contours while preserving long-term volume. With scarless approaches, cutting-edge technologies, and affordable pricing, Korea stands out as one of the best destinations in the world for this delicate and transformative procedure.
