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Sugar Plastic Surgery

Brighten a tired-looking under-eye areaUnder-Eye Fat Repositioning

SUGAR Plastic Surgery Under-Eye Fat Repositioning

Under-eye Fat Repositioning

Sugar Motto

A brighter under-eye area brightens your whole expression

Under-eye correction that moves rather than removes fat, with no concern about an external scar

A bulging or shadowed under-eye area that creates a tired appearance is often caused by under-eye fat and hollowing. Under-eye fat repositioning moves protruding fat into hollow areas rather than removing it. The procedure is performed through the inner conjunctiva, leaving no scar on the outer skin. SUGAR Plastic Surgery assesses both the under-eye condition and the degree of skin laxity to plan an approach suited to you.

Fat Repositioning

What Is Under-Eye Fat Repositioning?

A bulging or shadowed under-eye area that creates a tired appearance is often caused by under-eye fat and hollowing. Under-eye fat repositioning moves protruding fat into hollow areas to fill them, aiming for a smoother, more rested-looking under-eye contour.

A transconjunctival approach through the inside of the eyelid can reduce concern about visible scarring. The appropriate technique may vary depending on the degree of skin laxity.

Case / Method

Causes of Under-Eye Fat

Under-eye fat repositioning evenly redistributes thick, protruding, or descended under-eye fat. By smoothing an uneven under-eye contour and brightening a dark eye area, it can create a more youthful and positive appearance.

Fat is not the only reason the under-eye area can look tired and dark. If you naturally have substantial under-eye fat or prominent eyes, the under-eye area may bulge. As the membrane surrounding the fat weakens with age, the fat descends and creates shadows. Pronounced tear-trough lines or thin, inelastic skin around the eyes can make the transition between bulging and hollow areas look deeper, intensifying dark circles and an aged appearance.

Under-eye fat repositioning smooths the contour difference by moving protruding fat into the hollow tear trough rather than removing it. The procedure is performed through the conjunctiva inside the eye, so it leaves no scar on the outer skin. Because the technique may vary with the degree of skin laxity, we assess the under-eye area carefully before planning an approach suited to you.

Who Needs It

You may wish to consider this procedure if you have these concerns

01If the under-eye fat protrudes excessivelyRather than removing protruding fat, it is moved into the hollow tear trough to fill the area and smooth the transition between bulging and hollow contours.
02An aged appearance caused by sagging under-eye tissueAs the fat-supporting membrane weakens with age, the fat descends and deepens under-eye shadows. The goal is to smooth the contour difference and create a brighter under-eye appearance.
03If dark circles are severeIf dark circles are caused by shadows from protruding fat and hollowing, repositioning the fat to smooth the contour difference can make the under-eye area look brighter.
04If the under-eye contour is unevenFat is evenly repositioned to create a smooth under-eye contour.
05If there are few skin wrinklesIf there is little skin laxity, improvement may be achieved through the inner conjunctiva alone, without an external skin incision or concern about a visible scar.

A transconjunctival approach through the inside of the eyelid can reduce concern about visible scarring. The appropriate technique may vary depending on the degree of skin laxity.

Surgical Method

Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Procedure

SUGAR Plastic Surgery, where we create natural beauty, explains the under-eye fat repositioning procedure.

Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 1 — Before surgery01 · Before SurgeryBefore surgery: bulging under-eye area and deeply hollow tear trough
Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 2 — Conjunctival incision02 · Conjunctival IncisionA precise incision is made in the inner conjunctiva
Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 3 — Adhesion release03 · Adhesion ReleaseRelease of ligament adhesions in the hollow tear-trough area
Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 4 — Fat repositioning04 · Fat RepositioningFat is repositioned into the hollow tear-trough area
Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 5 — Septum reinforcement and fat fixation05 · Septum Reinforcement and FixationSeptum reinforcement and fat fixation to help prevent recurrence
Under-eye fat repositioning, Step 6 — Correction complete06 · Correction CompleteUnder-Eye Fat and Tear-Trough Correction Complete

Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Procedure Information

Surgery Time40 minutes
AnesthesiaSedation anesthesia
Stitch RemovalNone
Return to Daily ActivitiesWithin 2 weeksVaries by individual

Why Sugar

Why Choose SUGAR Plastic Surgery for Under-Eye Fat Repositioning?

Because the fat is moved rather than removed, identifying the cause comes first.

01

100% of surgeries performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

The board-certified plastic surgeon who conducts your consultation also performs your surgery.
In accordance with Korean law requiring CCTV in operating rooms, our operating-room CCTV system is in operation,
protecting patients' rights.

02

A plan tailored to the cause

We assess factors contributing to under-eye bags, including prominent eyes, tear troughs, reduced skin elasticity, and aging,
then develop an individualized treatment plan.

03

An approach that reduces concern about scarring

Because the procedure is performed through the conjunctiva on the inside of the eyelid,
no visible scar is left on the external skin.

Sugar Know-How

SUGAR Plastic Surgery's Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Expertise

These are the principles SUGAR Plastic Surgery follows for under-eye fat repositioning.

01The fat is moved, not removedBecause the fat is repositioned into hollow areas without being removed, recurrent bulging is relatively unlikely. Long-term changes vary by individual.
02Leaves no scar on the outer skinBecause the procedure is performed through the conjunctiva inside the eyelid, it leaves no scar on the outer skin.
03Performed after preoperative testing under sedation anesthesiaAfter preoperative testing, surgery is performed while you are asleep under sedation anesthesia. Medication is used to manage pain and pressure during recovery.
04Care through recoveryAlong with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care, we provide wound care and follow-up checks according to a set postoperative schedule.

Procedure

The SUGAR Plastic Surgery Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Process

011:1 Consultation with a SpecialistWe assess the treatment area and the condition of your skin and tissues, then discuss your desired outcome in detail.
02Personalized DesignWe consider your overall facial proportions and decide the surgical scope and technique together.
03Surgery Under SedationAfter preoperative testing, the procedure is performed under sedation anesthesia.
04Recovery CareAfter surgery, wound care and follow-up checks are provided according to a set schedule.

Recovery

Recovery Guide

Immediately after surgery to day 3Swelling is usually most noticeable during this period and is managed with cold compresses.
Approximately 5–7 daysRecovery is checked. Whether stitches need to be removed will be explained individually based on the actual surgical technique.
1–2 weeksAs major swelling subsides, daily activities begin to feel more natural.
AfterwardResidual swelling gradually subsides over several months as the final contour settles.

Recovery time varies by individual. All surgery carries the possibility of general side effects such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation, and results may vary. Please consult thoroughly with a specialist before surgery.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Under-Eye Fat Repositioning: Risks, Contraindications, and Emergency Warning Signs

For a safe treatment plan, please review the potential risks, the information we need before treatment, and the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Possible Side Effects

Possible risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, an uneven under-eye contour, lower-eyelid tightness or eversion, dry eyes, and altered sensation. In rare cases, a hematoma or changes in vision may occur.

Contraindications and Precautions

Please tell us if you have dry eye, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease, a history of vision-correction surgery, an active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, a bleeding disorder, a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia, a possibility of pregnancy, or if you smoke or take any medications or dietary supplements. Do not stop anticoagulants or other medications on your own; consult the prescribing clinician first.

Emergency Warning Signs

Contact the clinic immediately if you develop a sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling under one eye, persistent bleeding, a high fever, or pus. If there is a clear decline in vision, go to the emergency room immediately.

This is general safety information and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Actual risks and contraindications may vary depending on the procedure, products used, and your health.

Medical review scheduled: Dr. Jin-Hyung Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Content updated: August 18, 2026

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A.

If dark circles are caused by shadows from protruding under-eye fat and hollowing, moving the protruding fat into the hollow area can smooth the contour difference, reduce shadows, and make the under-eye area look brighter. However, surgery may provide limited improvement for dark circles caused by pigmentation. We identify the cause during consultation and explain what to expect.

A.

Because the procedure is performed through the conjunctiva inside the eyelid, it leaves no scar on the outer skin. With no external incision, there are no stitches to remove and the recovery burden is relatively low.

A.

Major swelling and bruising usually decrease gradually over 1–4 weeks after surgery, while residual swelling subsides slowly over several months. Dedicated care, including swelling-reduction laser treatment, is provided to support recovery. Recovery time varies by individual.

A.

Because the fat is repositioned into hollow areas rather than removed, recurrent bulging is relatively unlikely. However, the under-eye area can gradually change with aging, so long-term changes vary by individual.

A.

Contact the clinic if you develop lower-eyelid tightness or eversion, or difficulty closing the eyes, as corneal exposure and the presence of dry eye need to be assessed.

A.

We determine whether the shadow is caused by protruding fat or a tear trough, and whether skin laxity or pigmentation is also present, to decide the extent of fat repositioning and whether other treatments are needed.

A.

Contact the clinic immediately if the area under one eye swells rapidly with worsening pain or if your vision changes. If your vision declines, go to the emergency room immediately.

Sugar Care System

SUGAR Plastic Surgery stays with you after surgery

01Plastic Surgery with Attention to Detail

Every step is handled with care, from an in-depth 1:1 consultation and precise diagnosis to operating-room CCTV monitoring and the selection of materials suited to you.

02SUGAR Reassurance Care

We closely support your recovery with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care.

03Surgical Care Guarantee

We remain by your side through every stage of postoperative follow-up.