Are you concerned about puffiness or dark circles under your eyes? I've tried various things like massages, but they don't go away... Do you have these concerns? Even if you try to cover them up with concealer or makeup, you might not be satisfied with this temporary solution and feel the need to do something about it. The sagging and puffiness under the eyes that become more noticeable with age significantly affect your appearance, making you look tired. However, you are not alone in having these concerns. This time, I will introduce lower eyelid fat removal surgery as one option to eliminate under-eye puffiness.

Why do bags form under the eyes?

Increase and displacement of orbital fat

One of the main causes of puffiness under the eyes is an increase in orbital fat and changes in its position. Orbital fat acts as a cushion to protect the eye, but as we age, the amount of fat can increase and the supporting ligaments may loosen, making the fat more likely to protrude forward. This is what appears as puffiness under the eyes.

muscle decline

The muscles around the eyes, especially the orbicularis oculi, weaken with age, making it harder to support the fat under the eyes. When the muscles weaken, the skin loses its firmness, sagging becomes more likely, and swelling can become more pronounced.

Skin aging

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. This leads to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, and the thinner skin becomes more susceptible to the effects of gravity, causing sagging. Especially under the eyes, the skin is thin, making it a susceptible area.

lifestyle habits

Irregular lifestyles, lack of sleep, stress, and excessive salt intake can also worsen swelling under the eyes. These factors can cause poor circulation, leading to fluid retention and reduced metabolism, which may result in swelling and puffiness under the eyes.

genetic factors

The puffiness under the eyes is often said to have a strong genetic component. If similar characteristics are observed in family members, there is a possibility that it is influenced by genetics. This is mainly related to the distribution of fat and the characteristics of the skin, and there is a large variation among individuals.

What is eyelid fat removal?

Lower eyelid fat removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can rejuvenate the appearance of the face and improve the look of tired eyes. In this surgery, by removing excess fat, it eliminates unevenness under the eyes, giving a cleaner impression. Many people have regained confidence, not just in their appearance, but also in themselves, through this surgery.

Surgical Indications

This surgery is intended for people who have noticeable fat bulges under their eyes. It is recommended for those who objectively feel a bit odd due to natural aging changes or genetic factors that cause the fat under the eyes to protrude. Conversely, removing too much fat can make the skin appear stretched and give an aged impression, so be sure to consult with a doctor thoroughly.

Surgical methods

Normally, it is performed under local anesthesia, and the incision is hidden inside the eyelid or just below the eyelashes. After removing the fat, any sagging skin is also corrected as necessary.

Postoperative recovery period and precautions

After surgery, you may experience mild swelling and bruising for several days to weeks, but you can usually return to daily life within a few days. While you can resume daily activities in a few days, the swelling tends to persist for about 1 to 2 weeks, so it's best to schedule the procedure when you have fewer social engagements. Full recovery takes several weeks, during which you should avoid strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects.

Expected effects and durability

Recovery of youthful appearance

The "bags" under the eyes caused by fat can make you look older than your actual age. This surgery can remove the unnecessary fat, making the eye area look refreshed and giving an overall youthful impression. As a result, not only will your appearance improve, but you will also seem more active and energetic.

Improvement of self-confidence and sociability

Changes in appearance have a significant psychological impact and can lead to increased self-confidence. It has been reported that brightening the area around the eyes makes communication with others smoother than before. Increased confidence in social situations can have positive effects not only in private life but also in professional life. Your life may change 180 degrees.

Simplification of maintenance and care

Because a single surgery can provide long-term effects, it reduces the effort required for daily makeup and skincare. In particular, it eliminates the need for heavy under-eye concealer, saving both money and time spent on cosmetics.

Surgical Risks and Complications

Cosmetic surgery has many benefits, but it is important to understand the risks involved as well. Surgery to remove fat under the eyes is no exception.

Postoperative swelling and internal bleeding

For several days to weeks after surgery, swelling and bruising around the eyes may occur. This usually resolves naturally, but recovery can be slow for some people. Therefore, post-surgery, there may be disruptions to social life, and it is necessary to ensure adequate rest and recovery time.

Complications of infection or surgery

It is very rare, but there is a risk of infection and other complications due to surgery. Infections can be prevented with proper hygiene management and aftercare, but complications may require the intervention of more specialized medical care.

Unexpected results

The results of the surgery may not be satisfactory for everyone. There is also a risk of ending up with a different appearance than expected. Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough consultation with a doctor before the surgery.

Long-term effects and the possibility of reoperation

Surgery to remove fat under the eyes can be expected to have permanent effects, but reoperation may be necessary due to natural changes from aging. Additionally, it is important to consider that the changes from the surgery may vary over time and to plan with a long-term perspective.

In this way, lower eyelid fat removal surgery has many benefits, but it is also necessary to fully understand the associated risks. It is important to develop an optimal treatment plan for individual circumstances through consultation with a doctor.

Surgical Options and Choosing a Doctor

To ensure the success of lower eyelid fat removal surgery, it is crucial to choose the right doctor. First, check the doctor's track record and technical skills. Doctors with extensive experience have a higher probability of successfully performing delicate eye surgeries, and those with more surgical experience are more likely to achieve the natural results patients desire. Additionally, during the consultation, it is important to confirm whether the doctor carefully listens to the patient's concerns and suggests an appropriate surgical method. Next, review the doctor's case photos to understand their technical style and the outcomes of their surgeries. The more case photos available, the broader the range of the doctor's skills and their successful cases can be assessed. Also, reviews are important in choosing a doctor. Testimonials from people who have undergone surgery provide valuable information about the doctor's interaction and patient satisfaction post-surgery. When choosing a doctor, it is not only their skills that matter but also whether the doctor's personality and communication style suit you. To achieve the ideal results, it is most crucial to entrust your surgery to a trustworthy doctor.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

This surgery falls under the category of cosmetic surgery, so it is usually not covered by insurance. The cost of the surgery varies depending on the clinic, but it is important to obtain a clear estimate in advance.

Summary

Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes significantly affect one's appearance. The main causes include an increase in orbital fat, changes in its position, muscle weakening, skin aging, irregular lifestyle habits, and genetic factors. For those who look older due to puffiness under the eyes, why not try lower eyelid fat removal surgery? This surgery can remove excess fat, smooth out the unevenness under the eyes, and provide a cleaner and more youthful appearance. After the surgery, mild swelling and bruising may last from a few days to several weeks, but generally, you can return to daily life within a few days. The long-lasting effects can reduce the time and cost spent on daily makeup and skincare. However, this surgery also carries risks, including the possibility of infection or complications, unexpected results, or the need for additional surgery. Therefore, it is crucial to consult thoroughly with a doctor and choose a reliable clinic before undergoing the procedure. Also, since the surgery is not covered by insurance and costs vary by clinic, it is important to get a detailed estimate in advance.