Under-Eye Fat Grafting
The tear trough and lower-eyelid-to-cheek transition are checked for a true volume deficit. Thin skin, protruding fat, swelling and pigmentation are distinguished before grafting is considered.
Who it’s for
- People seeking assessment of a local hollow that may reflect soft-tissue volume loss
- People able to plan recovery and follow-up for both the face and donor area
- People who understand partial absorption, asymmetry and the possibility of further correction
Fat grafting differs from repositioning existing lower-eyelid fat. It cannot correct every cause of dark circles, and thin skin may reveal small irregularities.
How it works
The tear trough and lower-eyelid-to-cheek transition are checked for a true volume deficit. Thin skin, protruding fat, swelling and pigmentation are distinguished before grafting is considered. Autologous fat grafting transfers prepared fat from a donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, to supplement soft-tissue volume. The graft needs to establish a blood supply, and some fat may be absorbed. Retention and contour vary; a fixed survival rate or permanently unchanged shape cannot be promised. Fat grafting differs from repositioning existing lower-eyelid fat. It cannot correct every cause of dark circles, and thin skin may reveal small irregularities.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Area and cause
Skin thickness, fat protrusion, tear-trough depth and previous filler are examined. Eye conditions, lower-eyelid surgery and recurrent swelling can affect suitability.
02Harvest and preparation
The surgeon assesses donor fat and skin, then plans anaesthesia and harvesting. The harvested fat is prepared, and wound care and recovery at the donor site are explained alongside facial recovery.
03Placement and review
Placement is distributed according to tissue thickness and local vascular and nerve anatomy. Excessive filling in one session is avoided, and any further correction is considered after swelling and absorption have been reviewed.
Treatment areas
- Under-eyes
- Skin thickness, fat protrusion, tear-trough depth and previous filler are examined. Eye conditions, lower-eyelid surgery and recurrent swelling can affect suitability.
What the procedure is like
- 1Skin thickness, fat protrusion, tear-trough depth and previous filler are examined. Eye conditions, lower-eyelid surgery and recurrent swelling can affect suitability.
- 2The surgeon assesses donor fat and skin, then plans anaesthesia and harvesting. The harvested fat is prepared, and wound care and recovery at the donor site are explained alongside facial recovery.
- 3Placement is distributed according to tissue thickness and local vascular and nerve anatomy. Excessive filling in one session is avoided, and any further correction is considered after swelling and absorption have been reviewed.
Anaesthesia and duration are planned after assessment of the recipient areas, donor site and health. Arrange transport home and early follow-up before surgery.
Recovery & aftercare
- Small amounts of swelling or surface change can be noticeable under the eyes. Do not rub or press the area; sudden visual changes or severe eye pain require emergency assessment.
- Avoid firm pressure or rubbing over the graft. Follow individual advice on washing, sleep position and exercise, and check whether donor-site dressings or compression are needed.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
Early care
Avoid firm pressure or rubbing over the graft. Follow individual advice on washing, sleep position and exercise, and check whether donor-site dressings or compression are needed.
Follow-up
Facial swelling, colour and texture are reviewed together with donor-site wounds. Early asymmetry is not automatically the final outcome, but sudden pain or colour change must not wait.
Contour assessment
Volume is reassessed with photographs and examination over the months in which swelling and absorption settle. Remaining hollows and tissue condition guide whether and when another graft is appropriate.
Sessions & results
Small amounts of swelling or surface change can be noticeable under the eyes. Do not rub or press the area; sudden visual changes or severe eye pain require emergency assessment. Volume is reassessed with photographs and examination over the months in which swelling and absorption settle. Remaining hollows and tissue condition guide whether and when another graft is appropriate.
How it compares
Fat grafting differs from repositioning existing lower-eyelid fat. It cannot correct every cause of dark circles, and thin skin may reveal small irregularities.
| Comparison | Under-Eye Fat Grafting | Hyaluronic acid filler |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and limitations | Autologous fat grafting transfers prepared fat from a donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, to supplement soft-tissue volume. The graft needs to establish a blood supply, and some fat may be absorbed. Retention and contour vary; a fixed survival rate or permanently unchanged shape cannot be promised. | A manufactured gel adds local volume without fat harvesting. Suitability and duration depend on the product and area, and vascular complications remain possible. Equivalent amounts or recovery cannot be assumed. |
Safety & considerations
Possible complications
- Swelling, bruising, pain, bleeding, infection, scarring or altered sensation can affect the face and donor area.
- Absorption, asymmetry, overcorrection, undercorrection, irregularity, nodules, fat necrosis or oil cysts may occur.
- Rare vascular complications can cause skin injury, visual loss or neurological injury; anatomical assessment is essential.
Before surgery
- Describe previous fillers, fat transfer, implants and facial operations, including dates, locations and materials.
- Report medicines, supplements, allergies, bleeding conditions, smoking and recent weight changes; do not stop prescribed medicine yourself.
Sudden visual changes, severe pain, pale or dark skin, difficulty speaking or limb weakness require emergency assessment. Rapidly increasing swelling, fever or discharge also need prompt medical review.
Your care at QD Clinic
Area and cause
Skin thickness, fat protrusion, tear-trough depth and previous filler are examined. Eye conditions, lower-eyelid surgery and recurrent swelling can affect suitability.
Harvest and preparation
The surgeon assesses donor fat and skin, then plans anaesthesia and harvesting. The harvested fat is prepared, and wound care and recovery at the donor site are explained alongside facial recovery.
Placement and review
Placement is distributed according to tissue thickness and local vascular and nerve anatomy. Excessive filling in one session is avoided, and any further correction is considered after swelling and absorption have been reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Grafting brings fat from another donor area to supplement deficient volume. Repositioning works with existing lower-eyelid fat and surrounding structures. The distribution of hollowing and protrusion helps determine which approach is appropriate. The procedures are not interchangeable or automatically required together.
A shadow from a hollow differs from pigment or visible blood vessels. Improving volume may change a shadow without changing the skin’s colour. Thin skin, recurrent swelling and protruding fat also need assessment. Volume correction and colour or skin management are discussed separately.
Small bumps or unevenness can be more visible through thin lower-eyelid skin. Skin thickness, old injectable material and the depth of the trough must be examined. Planning considers precise need and overcorrection risk, rather than maximum volume. Another approach or no procedure may be advised if grafting is unsuitable.
Residual filler and associated swelling can obscure the underlying volume deficit. Provide the product, date, location and any history of dissolving or recurrent puffiness. Additional assessment may be needed before deciding the order and timing of treatment. Unexplained lumps or swelling should not simply be covered by adding fat.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST).
How many days should I stay?
Surgery and course-based treatments need a check-up. We tell you before you book whether that means staying longer or coming back another time.
For International Patients