Under Eye Fat Repositioning in Korea: A Complete Guide to Banishing Tired Eyes

"You look tired." Is that a comment you hear far too often, even after a full night's sleep?

The cause might not be fatigue, but the area under your eyes.

Prominent eye bags and the dark, hollow shadows of tear troughs can create a perpetually tired, aged appearance.

Thankfully, a highly effective surgical solution can restore a bright, youthful, and refreshed look: Under Eye Fat Repositioning.

This guide from Noonopi Plastic Surgery answers all your questions about this popular Korean plastic surgery procedure, often called

"scarless" or “transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty.”

What Exactly is Under Eye Fat Repositioning?

This surgery is more sophisticated than simply removing fat. It's a re-sculpting procedure. We use the bulging fat from under your eyes to fill the hollowed-out tear trough area directly below it.

Think of it as moving tissue from a "hill" (the eye bag) to fill in a "valley" (the tear trough). This creates a smooth, seamless transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.

• Benefit 1: Eliminates puffy, bulging eye bags.
• Benefit 2: Fills in hollow tear troughs.
• Benefit 3: Reduces dark circles caused by shadows.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for This Surgery?

You are likely a great candidate for under eye fat repositioning if you have:

• Noticeable fat bags under your eyes.
• A distinct, sunken groove or "tear trough" below the bag.
• Good skin elasticity with minimal sagging (typically patients in their 20s to early 40s).

In some cases, patients in their 50s with good skin quality can also see excellent results. A consultation with a specialist is the best way to determine your candidacy.

When This Might Not Be Enough

If you have significant loose, sagging, or excess skin under the eyes, repositioning the fat alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, a traditional lower blepharoplasty, which involves a small incision under the lash line to remove excess skin, may be recommended for the best result.

The Secret to Success: It's All About the Ligament

Because of its name, “fat repositioning,” many people assume that the procedure only involves moving fat. However, the true key to a successful, long-lasting result is releasing the orbital retaining ligament.

This ligament is a tough band of tissue that tethers the skin to the bone orbital rim, creating the deep groove of the tear trough. If this ligament is not properly released, the hollow appearance will persist or quickly return, even after the fat has been moved.

So, a successful surgery involves three critical steps:

1. Release: The surgeon must meticulously release this retaining ligament.
2. Reposition: The orbital fat is then draped over the released area.
3. Reinforce: The fat is secured in its new position, acting as a barrier to prevent the ligament from reattaching and the groove from re-forming.

This delicate work requires a profound understanding of facial anatomy, which is why choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is so crucial.

Key Facts: Cost, Recovery, and Risks

1. How much does under eye fat repositioning cost in Korea?

The cost can vary, but generally ranges from $700 to $1,800 USD. The final price depends on the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's experience, the type of anesthesia used, and the specific clinic. Always confirm the final cost during your in-person consultation with surgeon.

2. What is the recovery period like?

Recovery is relatively quick and straightforward compared to many other plastic surgery procedures.

• Stitches: None. The incision is made inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), so there are no external scars.
• Swelling & Bruising: Major swelling and bruising typically subside within 1-2 weeks.
• Return to Daily Life: Most patients can apply makeup and return to their normal routine after 2-3 days.
• Follow-up: Although follow-up is not mandatory, Noonopi Clinic recommend 1 follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

3. Are there any risks or side effects?

While serious complications are rare, unsatisfactory results can occur, especially if the surgeon is inexperienced. These can include:

• Minimal Improvement: The retaining ligament was not adequately released, or the fat was not secured properly.
• Remaining Hollowness: Insufficient fat was available to fill the tear trough, or the ligament was the primary issue.
• Persistent Sagging Skin: The patient was a better candidate for a traditional lower blepharoplasty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: I don’t have much fat under my eyes — would this surgery still be effective or meaningful for me?

Yes. The most important step is releasing the tear trough ligament. Even if you have minimal fat to reposition the eyebags, releasing this ligament is key. In cases of severe hollowness, the procedure can be combined with a fat grafting to achieve a perfectly smooth contour.

Q2: I had a previous surgery that removed too much fat. Can I fix it with just fat grafting? 

It depends. If the retaining ligament was not properly addressed in the first surgery and has re-fused, simply injecting fat may lead to lumps or an uneven result. A revision surgery to properly release the ligament is often necessary for a successful outcome.

Q3: Do I need to wear tape on my face after surgery? 

At some clinics, yes. Some surgeons use external sutures that need to be taped to the skin for several days. 

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery, we use advanced techniques that secure the fat under the skin. This means no external stitches and no inconvenient tape on your face during recovery.

Conclusion: Your Checklist for a Great Result

Under eye fat repositioning is a delicate anatomical surgery, not a simple cosmetic treatment. To ensure a beautiful, natural, and lasting result, make sure you can get clear answers to these questions during your consultation:

✅ The Plan: Does the surgeon clearly explain why you are a candidate for repositioning vs. another procedure?

✅ The "Why": Do they explain the critical role of the orbital retaining ligament? 

✅ The Technique: How will the fat be secured? What does the recovery involve? 

✅ The Surgeon: Is your surgeon a board-certified plastic surgery specialist with extensive experience in facial anatomy?

If you are ready to finally get rid of tired-looking eyes, contact Noonopi Plastic Surgery today. We are here to help you achieve your most refreshed and confident self.

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