Table of contents

• What Is Under Eye Fat Grafting?
• Best Under Eye Fat Grafting Clinics in Korea
• Getting Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea
• Cost of Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea
• Alternatives to Under Eye Fat Grafting
• Conclusion

Under Eye Fat Grafting, a popular procedure in Korea, promises a rejuvenated and youthful appearance by transferring fat from other parts of the body to the under-eye area. This article explores the intricacies of Under Eye Fat Grafting, including a detailed explanation of the procedure itself, an overview of ideal candidates, and insights into undergoing the treatment in Korea, renowned for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. We also spotlight some of the top clinics in the country, providing detailed cost information and discussing alternative treatments for those seeking different options or solutions for under-eye issues.

What Is Under Eye Fat Grafting?

Under Eye Fat Grafting, also known as Fat Transfer or Fat Injection, is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the under-eye area by filling in hollows, reducing the appearance of dark circles, and providing a more youthful and refreshed look. This procedure involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient's body and injecting it into the under-eye area.

The Procedure

1. Consultation: During the initial consultation, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, skin condition, and specific aesthetic goals to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

2. Anesthesia: The procedure generally begins with the administration of anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used, but general anesthesia may be necessary for patients undergoing multiple procedures simultaneously.

3. Harvesting Fat: The first step involves liposuction, which is the process of extracting fat from a donor site on the patient’s body. Common areas include the thighs, abdomen, and flanks. A small incision is made, and a cannula is inserted to gently remove the fat cells.

4. Purification of Fat: Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process. The extracted fat is placed in a centrifuge to separate healthy fat cells from other materials such as blood, oil, and excess fluids. This step ensures that only the healthiest fat cells are used for transplantation.

5. Injection: The purified fat is then carefully injected into the under-eye area using fine cannulas or needles. The surgeon typically injects the fat in multiple layers and directions to ensure even distribution and natural-looking results. They meticulously sculpt the area to address any hollows or deficits.

Advantages of Under Eye Fat Grafting

• Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, it provides a natural look and feel, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• Dual Benefit: It not only rejuvenates the under-eye area but also contours the donor site from where the fat was harvested.
• Longevity: The results of fat grafting can be long-lasting. While some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, a significant portion remains, offering long-term improvements.
• Minimal Scarring: The incisions are small and typically heal with minimal to no visible scarring.

Risks and Considerations

• Swelling and Bruising: Post-operative swelling and bruising are common and may take several weeks to resolve.
• Fat Absorption: Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, which could necessitate follow-up treatments for optimal results.
• Infection and Irregularities: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection and irregularities in contour, which must be managed by an experienced surgeon.
• Downtime: Patients should be prepared for a recovery period, which involves following specific post-operative care instructions to ensure the best outcomes.

Understanding the intricacies of Under Eye Fat Grafting can help potential patients make informed decisions about undergoing this cosmetic treatment.

Who is Under Eye Fat Grafting for?

• Those seeking a youthful appearance: Individuals who want to achieve a more youthful and energetic (less tired) look can benefit from under-eye fat grafting.

• People with under-eye bags: This procedure helps get rid of bags below the eyes, providing a refreshed appearance.

• Individuals with dark circles: It is ideal for those looking to minimize dark circles under the eyes.

• Persons with sunken hollows under the eyes and cheeks: The fat grafting procedure plumps sunken hollows, adding volume where it has been lost.

• Those experiencing aging effects: It is beneficial for reducing the effects of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

• People with fine lines and wrinkles: The procedure can smooth creases or fine lines around the eyes, making them less noticeable.

• Candidates with sufficient body fat: To undergo the procedure, individuals need to have enough body fat for the liposuction required to harvest the fat cells.

• Non-smokers: People who smoke may not be good candidates as smoking can affect the healing process and the body's response to the fat transfer.

• People who are not extremely thin, intensely exercising, or pregnant: Those who are extremely thin, exercise intensely, or are pregnant may need to consider other dermal fillers instead, as they may not have sufficient body fat for liposuction.

Best Under Eye Fat Grafting Clinics in Korea

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Nestled in the bustling Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery epitomizes world-class medical excellence in cosmetic procedures. The clinic spans across four floors purposefully designed to offer a seamless experience from initial consultations through surgery to post-operative skincare. Known for their cutting-edge medical research, the surgeons at THEPLUS are prominent figures in the academic world, regularly publishing in scholarly journals and participating in both domestic and international symposiums. This commitment to continuous learning ensures they stay at the forefront of advancements in cosmetic surgery. With a philosophy anchored in personalized patient care and superior medical service, the clinic's ethos highlights both safety and patient satisfaction as its core tenets.

Among the extensive array of procedures offered by THEPLUS Plastic Surgery, Under Eye Fat Grafting stands out as a specialty. This procedure aims to rejuvenate the delicate under-eye area by transferring autologous fat to restore volume and reduce hollowing or dark circles. The clinic's experienced surgeons, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, employ meticulous techniques to ensure natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Their extensive experience and active participation in global medical conferences elevate their skills to deliver consistently exceptional outcomes. Under Eye Fat Grafting at THEPLUS not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also aligns with the clinic’s overarching dedication to pioneering innovative treatments and maintaining unparalleled standards in patient care.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic

Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic, conveniently located near Sinnonhyeon Station in Korea, is celebrated for its exceptional expertise in advanced aesthetic procedures, underpinned by a rich repository of clinical data and a wide range of surgical experiences. Among the array of services offered, under eye fat grafting stands out as a popular procedure aimed at rejuvenating the under-eye area, addressing issues such as hollowness, dark circles, and overall tired appearance.

Under eye fat grafting at Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic involves harvesting fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, via liposuction. This fat is then purified and meticulously injected into the under-eye region to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The clinic's commitment to patient safety and satisfaction is evident in their personalized approach, ensuring that each procedure is tailored to meet the unique needs and desires of the individual. By utilizing cutting-edge techniques and maintaining stringent standards, Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic ensures natural-looking, long-lasting results, making it a trusted destination for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements in Korea.

Getting Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea

Under eye fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or microfat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the under-eye area by filling hollows, reducing dark circles, and smoothing the skin. This procedure is highly sought after in Korea, which is renowned for its advanced medical technology and experienced cosmetic surgeons. Here’s a detailed look at how under eye fat grafting is performed in Korea:

Consultation and Assessment

The process begins with an in-depth consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon assesses the patient’s under-eye area, skin type, and overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This assessment includes discussing the patient's medical history, any allergies, and aesthetic goals to customize the treatment plan effectively.

Harvesting the Fat

The procedure involves extracting fat from another part of the patient's body, typically areas with excess fat such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This step is crucial as it ensures that the fat used for grafting is biocompatible, reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

The fat harvesting is done through liposuction, a minimally invasive technique that uses a small cannula to gently extract fat cells. This process is usually performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the fat harvesting and the patient's preference.

Processing the Fat

Once harvested, the fat is carefully processed to ensure its purity and viability. This involves washing and purifying the fat cells to remove any blood, oil, or other impurities. The fat is then centrifuged to separate the viable adipocytes from other components. This step is essential to ensure that only healthy fat cells are used, maximizing the chances of a successful graft.

Injecting the Fat

The purified fat is then meticulously injected into the under-eye area. This step requires precision and skill, as the surgeon must evenly distribute the fat to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing result. It is usually done using a fine cannula to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and to allow for smooth integration of the fat cells.

The surgeon may employ various techniques, such as the microfat or nanofat grafting methods, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Microfat grafting involves injecting small parcels of fat, while nanofat grafting uses even smaller particles to address finer details and enhance skin texture.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and optimize results. This may include guidelines on managing swelling and bruising, which are common but typically subside within a few days to weeks.

Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect the treated areas from excessive sunlight. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon ensure that the healing process progresses smoothly and allows for any necessary adjustments.

Advantages in Korea

Korea's medical tourism industry is known for its high standards, advanced techniques, and competitive pricing. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and a culture that emphasizes meticulous beauty standards. Furthermore, clinics often offer comprehensive packages that include consultation, accommodation, and post-operative care, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for international patients seeking under eye fat grafting.

Cost of Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea

Procedure Price	Korean Won (₩)	USD ($)
Low Price	₩1,000,000	$700
High Price	₩2,000,000	$1400

Exchange rate as of 2024-12-04: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD

Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.

Under eye fat grafting, a procedure to rejuvenate the under-eye area by injecting fat, is increasingly popular worldwide. The cost of this procedure can vary significantly depending on the country, the surgeon's expertise, and the clinic's reputation.

South Korea

In South Korea, renowned for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques and high standards, the cost of under eye fat grafting typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. South Korea is often preferred by international patients for its combination of quality and affordability, with many clinics offering comprehensive packages that include accommodation and transportation.

United States

In the United States, under eye fat grafting is notably more expensive. Patients can expect to pay between $3,500 and $7,500 for the procedure. This higher cost is attributed to factors such as the country's medical standards, the level of expertise available, and the higher cost of living and operational expenses.

Alternatives to Under Eye Fat Grafting

While under-eye fat grafting offers a natural and lasting solution for enhancing the under-eye area, it’s not suitable for everyone. Various alternatives provide similar benefits with fewer procedural steps or quicker recovery. Here are three suitable alternatives to consider:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for under-eye rejuvenation. These fillers are lab-made substances specifically formulated to mimic the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. When injected into the under-eye area, they plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike fat grafting, which requires liposuction, hyaluronic acid fillers involve a straightforward injection process. The results are immediate, with minimal downtime. However, these fillers are temporary and generally last between six to twelve months, requiring periodic touch-ups.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative alternative that uses components of your blood to rejuvenate the under-eye area. During the procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the under-eye area, stimulating collagen production and rejuvenating the skin. PRP therapy is less invasive than fat grafting and doesn't require liposuction. Results develop over several weeks and can last up to a year. The natural growth factors in PRP make it a compelling choice for those wary of synthetic fillers.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments offer a non-invasive alternative to both fat grafting and injectable fillers. Fractional lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) are commonly used to target the delicate under-eye area. These lasers stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. The procedure requires no injections and has minimal recovery time. However, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results, and though the improvements in the skin's appearance are durable, they are not permanent and may require maintenance treatments over time.

In summary, these alternatives to under-eye fat grafting offer effective solutions with varying degrees of invasiveness, recovery time, and longevity. Consulting a qualified cosmetic surgeon will help determine the most suitable option for your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, under eye fat grafting in Korea has emerged as a highly effective and increasingly popular solution for addressing under eye hollows and dark circles, thanks to the country's advanced medical techniques and innovative approaches. This procedure not only offers natural, long-lasting results but also utilizes the patient's own fat, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. With world-class medical facilities, skilled practitioners, and a strong emphasis on patient safety and satisfaction, Korea continues to be a leading destination for individuals seeking under eye rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance. Whether you are a local resident or considering medical tourism, undergoing under eye fat grafting in Korea could be the ideal choice for achieving your aesthetic goals.