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Look 10 Years Younger with Under Eye Surgery: The Secret Behind Eye Bag Surgery in Korea

Close-up image highlighting the under eye bag and tear trough area, commonly assessed before under eye surgery to address puffiness and hollowing.

Table of Contents

The Power of a Refreshed Gaze: Why It’s the #1 Anti-Aging Secret

Under Eye Surgery in Korea is often considered because the eyes are the first area of the face to betray our age. While many focus on wrinkles or skin texture, the structural changes in the periorbital (eye) region have the most profound impact on your overall appearance. The “First Impression” area is critical; a smooth, bright under-eye area signals vitality and youth, whereas bags and shadows signal exhaustion.

Many patients attempt to mitigate these issues with high-end skincare. However, eye creams and serums operate only on the epidermal surface. They cannot address the structural herniation of orbital fat or the deepening of the tear trough ligaments. Under Eye Surgery is not merely a cosmetic preference; it is the only method to fundamentally correct the anatomical structures causing the “tired look.”

At View Plastic Surgery, we understand that achieving a youthful look requires more than just skin tightening—it requires structural restoration.

Anatomical diagram of the lower eyelid showing the orbital septum, orbital fat, and tear trough area that contributes to under-eye hollows and dark circles

Red Flags: Signs You Need Under Eye Surgery

Under-eye bag and tear trough area highlighted for lower eyelid correction

How do you distinguish between temporary fatigue and a condition requiring surgical intervention? If you find yourself constantly relying on concealers or filters to hide shadows, you may be a candidate. Here are the clinical red flags:

Persistent Puffiness (Pseudo-herniation)

This is characterized by orbital fat pads that protrude forward. Unlike fluid retention which fluctuates with salt intake or sleep, this structural puffiness is permanent. It occurs because the orbital septum—the membrane holding the fat back—weakens over time.

Deep Tear Troughs

The tear trough is the groove that sits between the lower eyelid and the cheek. As we age, tissue volume loss and the descent of the malar (cheek) fat pad can make this groove pronounced, creating a dark shadow that no amount of sleep can erase.

The "Tired" Look

This is the most common subjective complaint. Even after a full week of rest, friends or colleagues might ask, “Are you tired?” or “Did you not sleep well?” This is a classic indication of structural dark circles caused by shadows rather than pigmentation.

Why Korea Leads the World in Under Eye Aesthetics

international media coverage korean plastic surgery hospital

Korea is often termed the “Plastic Surgery Capital of the World,” but regarding Eye Bag Surgery, the distinction lies in the detail.

The "Natural-Born" Finish

Korean aesthetic standards prioritize a result that looks indistinguishable from natural beauty. The goal is not to look “operated on,” but to look “well-rested.” Surgeons at View Plastic Surgery are trained to avoid over-correction, which can lead to an unnatural, stiff expression.

Advanced Medical Tech: Dual-Septum Reinforcement

One of the reasons for Korea’s high success rate is the technique of reinforcing the orbital septum. After repositioning the fat, the weakened wall (septum) is tightened. This acts as a dam, preventing remaining fat from bulging forward again in the future.

Global Trust and Safety

With thousands of international cases, clinics like View Plastic Surgery have protocols specifically designed for overseas patients, ensuring rapid recovery so you can enjoy your trip. For immediate inquiries, you can connect via WhatsApp.

The Solution: Precision Under Eye Fat Repositioning

The gold standard for addressing these issues in Korea is Under Eye Fat Repositioning. It is crucial to understand that this is distinct from old-fashioned “fat removal.” Simply removing the fat can lead to a hollowed-out, gaunt appearance later in life. Instead, we preserve the volume but move it to where it is needed.

FeatureTraditional Fat RemovalFat Repositioning (View Method)
TechniqueExcising protruding fat only.Relocating fat to fill hollow tear troughs.
VolumeLoss of volume (risk of hollowness).Preservation of volume for youthfulness.
Tear TroughRemains visible or deepens.Smoothed out and filled.
RecurrencePossible if remaining fat shifts.Low (secured by orbital septum reinforcement).

The Procedure Breakdown

Through a Transconjunctival Approach, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid. This means there are absolutely no visible scars on the face. Through this micro-incision, the surgeon releases the ligaments creating the tear trough and spreads the bulging fat into that hollow space. The fat is then sutured in place to prevent it from sliding back, creating a smooth, flat canvas under the eye.

If you are unsure if this specific technique applies to you, we recommend you book a consultation for a personalized assessment.

Safety First: Risks, Precautions, and Contraindications

eye surgery recovery bruising swelling ai model

While Under Eye Surgery is considered safe, it is a medical procedure requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.

Risk Management

Common temporary side effects include bruising and swelling (chemosis). Rare complications can include ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), usually caused by excessive skin removal in traditional Lower Blepharoplasty. However, with the transconjunctival fat repositioning method (which does not remove skin), this risk is virtually eliminated.

Who Should Avoid It?

  • Severe Dry Eye Syndrome: Surgery can temporarily exacerbate dry eyes.
  • Coagulation Disorders: Patients must have normal blood clotting capabilities.
  • Extreme Skin Laxity: If the skin is extremely loose (common in patients over 60), fat repositioning alone may not be enough. In these cases, a Lower Blepharoplasty involving skin excision is more appropriate.

Maximum Impact: Complementary Synergistic Procedures

Before and after comparison showing improved under-eye skin texture and tone three months after eye rejuvenation treatment

To truly turn back the clock 10 years, treating the eye bags alone might not be enough if the surrounding areas are aging. Synergistic procedures can enhance the result.

Fat Grafting: The Mid-Face Volume

Often, eye bags are accompanied by flattened cheeks. Performing micro-fat grafting to the anterior cheek (apple zone) supports the under-eye area and creates a smooth, youthful O-curve to the face profile.

Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty

If you have drooping upper eyelids obstructing your vision, combining the under-eye surgery with Upper Blepharoplasty ensures a balanced rejuvenation of the entire periorbital region.

Brightening Lasers

Surgery corrects the shape, but not the color of the skin. If your dark circles are caused by pigmentation (brownish tone), a post-operative laser treatment can polish the final look for a truly bright-eyed result.

FAQ

How long is the recovery time for Under Eye Fat Repositioning?
Most patients return to daily activities within 3 to 5 days. Major swelling subsides within a week, though residual minor swelling can last up to a month. Because the incision is inside the eyelid, there are no stitches to remove for the transconjunctival method.
Are the results of eye bag surgery permanent?
The results are semi-permanent and typically last over 10 years. While the removed or repositioned fat does not grow back, the natural aging process continues. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps prolong the results.
Is the surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation (twilight sleep), so you will feel no pain during the surgery. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs.
Can I wear contact lenses after surgery?
It is recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 2 weeks after surgery to prevent irritation to the incision site inside the eyelid and to allow the tissues to heal properly.
What is the difference between Fat Repositioning and Lower Blepharoplasty?
Fat Repositioning generally refers to the transconjunctival approach (no external scar) focused on moving fat. Lower Blepharoplasty typically implies an external incision just below the lashes to remove excess sagging skin in addition to addressing the fat.

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