Under Eye Fat Repositioning in Korea: The Complete Guide for 2025

Eye bags can make you look tired, older, and worn out even when you feel perfectly fine. If you have been searching for a permanent solution to under eye bags that goes beyond creams and concealers, under eye fat repositioning in Korea might be exactly what you need. This innovative procedure has become one of the most sought-after eye surgeries for international patients visiting Seoul, offering natural-looking results with minimal scarring.

What Is Under Eye Fat Repositioning?

Under eye fat repositioning (called 눈밑지방재배치 in Korean) is a surgical procedure that addresses protruding fat pads beneath the eyes. Instead of simply removing the fat, surgeons redistribute it to fill in hollow areas like the tear trough, creating a smooth and youthful under eye contour.

The procedure works by accessing the orbital fat through a small incision (approximately 2cm) made inside the lower eyelid through the conjunctiva. This transconjunctival approach means there are no visible external scars. The surgeon then carefully moves the bulging fat from the eye bag area downward to fill the depression of the tear trough, effectively solving two problems at once.

This technique has been refined extensively in Korean plastic surgery clinics, where eye procedures make up a significant portion of all cosmetic surgeries performed annually.

Fat Repositioning vs. Fat Removal: Key Differences

Many patients wonder whether they should opt for fat repositioning or simple fat removal. Here is why Korean surgeons generally prefer repositioning:

Fat Removal simply extracts the protruding fat. While this reduces eye bags, it can leave the under eye area looking hollow or sunken over time, especially as you age and naturally lose facial volume.

Fat Repositioning uses your own tissue to fill depressions while reducing the bulge. This creates a more balanced, natural result that ages gracefully. The fat acts as a natural filler for the tear trough area, eliminating both the bags and the dark shadows beneath your eyes.

Korean surgeons emphasize that removing too much fat can cause a worse aesthetic problem than the original eye bags, making repositioning the preferred approach for most patients.

Ideal Candidates for Under Eye Fat Repositioning

This procedure works best for patients who have:

• Visible eye bags caused by protruding orbital fat
• Tear trough depressions or hollowness under the eyes
• Dark circles caused by shadows from uneven contours
• Good skin elasticity (minimal loose skin)
• Realistic expectations about outcomes

According to data from Korean medical platforms, approximately 61% of patients seeking this procedure are in their 50s, while 82% are women. However, patients in their 30s and 40s increasingly choose this surgery as a preventive measure before aging becomes more pronounced.

Patients with significant excess skin may need a combination of fat repositioning with lower blepharoplasty (skin removal) for optimal results.

Under Eye Fat Repositioning Prices in Korea

One of the main reasons international patients travel to Korea for this procedure is the competitive pricing combined with world-class expertise. Here is a breakdown of current prices:

Sample clinic prices in Gangnam:

• Narul Clinic (Sinsa Station): ₩429,000 (~$330)
• Youngyoung Plastic Surgery (Gangnam Station): ₩550,000 (~$423)
• Drama Plastic Surgery (Nonhyeon Station): ₩1,056,000 (~$812)
• Seoul Eye Plastic Surgery (Gangnam Station): ₩1,500,000 (~$1,154)
• Hershe Plastic Surgery (Cheongdam Station): ₩1,540,000 (~$1,185)

The wide price variation reflects differences in surgeon experience, clinic facilities, anesthesia type, and included aftercare services. Premium clinics often include English-speaking coordinators, follow-up appointments, and comprehensive aftercare packages in their pricing.

The Surgical Procedure: Step by Step

Understanding what happens during surgery can help ease any anxiety about the procedure:

1. Consultation and Planning Your surgeon will examine your under eye area, assess fat distribution, skin quality, and facial structure. Photos are taken for planning and comparison.

2. Anesthesia Most clinics use sedation anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. You will be comfortable and unaware of the procedure.

3. Incision A small 2cm incision is made inside your lower eyelid through the conjunctiva. This internal approach leaves no visible scarring.

4. Fat Repositioning The surgeon identifies the protruding fat pockets and carefully releases them. Instead of discarding this fat, it is repositioned downward and secured over the orbital rim to fill the tear trough depression.

5. Closure The internal incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on complexity.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Recovery from under eye fat repositioning is generally straightforward:

Days 1-3: Swelling and bruising peak during this period. Apply cold compresses as directed. Sleep with your head elevated. Most patients take 2-3 days off work.

Days 4-7: Swelling begins to subside significantly. Bruising starts fading from purple to yellow-green. Most patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work.

Week 2: Most visible bruising has faded. You can resume wearing eye makeup and contact lenses. Social activities can resume normally.

Weeks 3-4: Any remaining firmness or tightness under the eyes gradually softens. The area may still feel slightly different but looks normal externally.

Months 2-6: Full healing completes as internal tissues settle into their final position. Results continue improving and looking more natural during this period.

Most Korean clinics schedule 2 follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure optimal results.

Results: How Long Do They Last?

Under eye fat repositioning provides semi-permanent to permanent results. The repositioned fat does not grow back or migrate to its original position. Most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or longer.

However, some factors can affect long-term outcomes:

• Significant weight gain may slightly increase fat volume
• Natural aging causes gradual loss of skin elasticity
• The septum (membrane holding the fat) may weaken over decades

Even with these factors, patients rarely return to their pre-surgery appearance. The improvement is lasting and ages naturally with your face.

Top Seoul Clinics for International Patients

Several Seoul clinics have established strong reputations for under eye surgery with international patients:

ID Hospital (Sinsa Station, Gangnam) - Large hospital with dedicated international patient center, English-speaking staff, and comprehensive packages.

Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Nonhyeon Station) - Known for their "Detailist" approach with meticulous surgical techniques and natural results.

JK Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong) - Government-certified hospital with extensive experience treating foreign patients and multilingual support.

DA Plastic Surgery (Gangnam) - Popular choice among international patients with a strong online presence and before/after gallery.

Woori Plastic Surgery - Specializes in septum-strengthening fat repositioning to prevent recurrence.

When selecting a clinic, prioritize these factors:

1. Surgeon's specific experience with under eye procedures
2. Verified patient reviews and before/after photos
3. Clear communication about risks and expectations
4. Comprehensive aftercare support
5. English-speaking coordinators for international patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Is under eye fat repositioning painful? The procedure itself is painless due to anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and easily managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe the sensation as mild tightness rather than pain.

Can I combine this with other procedures? Yes. Many patients combine under eye fat repositioning with upper blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, or facial fat grafting for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Discuss combination options during your consultation.

What are the risks? Potential complications include temporary numbness, asymmetry, under-correction requiring revision, or very rarely, damage to surrounding structures. Choosing an experienced surgeon significantly minimizes these risks.

How soon can I fly home after surgery? Most surgeons recommend waiting 5-7 days before flying. This allows initial healing and ensures any complications can be addressed. Plan to stay in Seoul for at least one week.

Will I have visible scars? No. The incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no external visible scarring.

At what age should I get this procedure? There is no ideal age. Patients in their 30s through 60s commonly undergo this procedure. The best time is when eye bags bother you enough to seek a permanent solution.

What if I am not satisfied with the results? Revision surgery is possible but more complex due to previous tissue manipulation. This is why choosing an experienced surgeon for your initial procedure is crucial. Discuss revision policies during your consultation.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Under eye fat repositioning is a surgical procedure with inherent risks. Individual results vary based on anatomy, healing capacity, and surgeon skill. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if this procedure is appropriate for your specific situation. The prices mentioned are estimates and may vary by clinic and individual case. Seoul Skin Guide is not affiliated with any clinics mentioned in this article.

Under eye fat repositioning in Korea offers an effective, long-lasting solution for eye bags at competitive prices compared to Western countries. With Korea's reputation for excellence in eye surgery and the availability of clinics experienced with international patients, Seoul has become a top destination for this transformative procedure. Take your time researching clinics, reading reviews, and scheduling consultations to find the right surgeon for your needs.