Under-Eye Fat Repositioning in Korea: Fix Eye Bags Permanently - Prices 2025
Puffy under-eye bags can make you look tired and older. Korea specializes in fat repositioning techniques that address the root cause—not just removing fat, but redistributing it for natural, lasting results. Here's your comprehensive guide.
Understanding Under-Eye Bags
What Causes Eye Bags?
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Fat herniation | Orbital fat pushes forward |
| Aging | Weakening of orbital septum |
| Genetics | Family predisposition |
| Fluid retention | Temporary puffiness |
| Tear trough | Hollowness makes bags more visible |
Anatomy
The under-eye area has:
- Orbital fat pads: Natural cushioning
- Orbital septum: Membrane holding fat
- Tear trough: Depression below bag
- Skin: Can become loose with age
Eye Bags vs. Dark Circles
| Feature | Eye Bags | Dark Circles |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Puffy, raised | Discolored, shadowed |
| Cause | Fat protrusion | Pigment, vessels, hollows |
| Treatment | Surgery/repositioning | Laser, filler, topicals |
Why Korea for Eye Bag Surgery?
Korea leads in eye surgery:
- Highest volume: More eye procedures than anywhere
- Advanced techniques: Repositioning vs. just removal
- Natural results: Avoid "operated" look
- Minimal scarring: Transconjunctival approach
- Competitive pricing: Excellent value
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Options
1. Tear Trough Filler
How it works: Fills hollow under bag to camouflage
Best for: Mild bags with prominent tear trough
Price: $460-$770 (₩600,000-₩1,000,000) Duration: 6-18 months
Limitation: Doesn't remove fat—just disguises
2. RF Skin Tightening
How it works: Tightens skin over mild bags
Best for: Very mild laxity
Price: $310-$540 (₩400,000-₩700,000)
Limitation: Limited effectiveness for true bags
Surgical Options
3. Fat Removal Only (Traditional)
How it works: Removes protruding fat
Issue: Can create hollow, aged appearance
Why not recommended: Repositioning is better
4. Fat Repositioning (Recommended)
How it works: Redistributes fat from bag to tear trough
Approach: Transconjunctival (inside eyelid—no visible scar)
Best for: Most under-eye bags
Price: $1,925-$3,080 (₩2,500,000-₩4,000,000)
5. Fat Repositioning + Skin Removal
How it works: Repositions fat + removes excess skin
Approach: Subciliary (below lash line)
Best for: Bags + significant loose skin
Price: $2,310-$3,850 (₩3,000,000-₩5,000,000)
6. Fat Repositioning + Fat Grafting
How it works: Repositions + adds fat for volume
Best for: Bags + severe hollowing
Price: $2,695-$4,235 (₩3,500,000-₩5,500,000)
Treatment Comparison
| Method | Results | Scarring | Recovery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filler | Temporary | None | None | $460-$770 |
| Fat removal only | Permanent | Hidden | 1-2 weeks | $1,540-$2,310 |
| Fat repositioning | Permanent | Hidden | 1-2 weeks | $1,925-$3,080 |
| Repositioning + skin | Permanent | Below lashes | 2 weeks | $2,310-$3,850 |
Fat Repositioning Deep Dive
Why Repositioning is Superior
Traditional fat removal problems:
- Creates hollow under eyes
- Can look "operated"
- May need filler later
- Doesn't address tear trough
Fat repositioning benefits:
- Uses your own tissue
- Fills tear trough naturally
- Smooth transition
- Long-lasting, natural result
The Procedure
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approach: Transconjunctival (inside lower eyelid)
Steps:
- Local anesthesia (+ optional sedation)
- Incision inside eyelid (invisible)
- Fat pads released
- Fat repositioned to fill tear trough
- Secured in new position
- Incision closed (dissolvable sutures)
What Gets Repositioned
- Medial fat pad (inner corner)
- Central fat pad (middle)
- Sometimes lateral fat pad (outer)
Fat is moved from where it's bulging TO where there's hollowness.
The Surgery Experience
Before Surgery
- Consultation with measurements
- Photos and planning
- Medical evaluation
- Stop blood thinners
Day of Surgery
- Arrive at clinic
- Anesthesia administered
- Procedure performed
- Recovery observation
- Go home same day (usually)
Pain Level
- During: None (anesthesia)
- After: Mild discomfort (3-4/10)
- Management: Pain medication provided
Recovery Timeline
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Swelling, possible bruising |
| Day 3-5 | Peak swelling |
| Day 7 | Sutures dissolve, presentable |
| Week 2 | Most swelling gone |
| Week 4 | Return to all activities |
| Month 3-6 | Final results |
Recovery Tips
First week:
- Ice packs (20 min on/off)
- Sleep elevated
- Avoid bending over
- No strenuous activity
- Gentle eye care
Weeks 2-4:
- Swelling continues resolving
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Sun protection
- Gentle return to exercise
Results
What to Expect
| Timeframe | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Swollen, not representative |
| Week 2-4 | Improving daily |
| Month 2-3 | Near-final results |
| Month 6 | Final results |
Long-term Results
- Permanence: Results are long-lasting
- Aging: Face will continue aging naturally
- Satisfaction: High for properly selected patients
Natural Appearance
Good fat repositioning:
- Smooth under-eye contour
- No visible bulge OR hollow
- Natural transition to cheek
- Refreshed, not "done"
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
✅ Good for:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Tear trough depression
- Bothered by tired appearance
- Realistic expectations
- Good general health
Best Results If
- Moderate fat herniation
- Significant tear trough
- Good skin elasticity
- Non-smoker
May Need Additional Treatment
- Significant loose skin → add skin excision
- Severe hollowing → add fat grafting
- Dark circles → may need additional treatments
Choosing a Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
- Oculoplastic or plastic surgeon: Specialized training
- High volume: Experience with eye procedures
- Fat repositioning expertise: Not just removal
- Before/after photos: Similar cases
- Natural results: Avoid overdone look
Questions to Ask
- Do you do fat repositioning or just removal?
- What approach will you use?
- What results can I expect?
- What are the risks?
- Can I see before/after photos?
Red Flags
- Only offers fat removal (not repositioning)
- Promises dramatic results
- Unusually low prices
- No consultation
Risks and Complications
Potential Risks
| Risk | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Swelling/bruising | Expected |
| Asymmetry | Possible |
| Under/over-correction | Possible |
| Ectropion (rare) | Rare |
| Vision changes | Very rare |
Minimizing Risks
- Choose experienced surgeon
- Follow all pre/post instructions
- Report any concerns immediately
- Attend follow-up appointments
FAQ
Q: Will my eye bags come back? A: Results are long-lasting. Minor changes may occur with aging, but bags typically don't return.
Q: Is there a visible scar? A: Transconjunctival approach leaves no visible scar (incision inside eyelid).
Q: How long is recovery? A: Most people are presentable at 1-2 weeks. Full recovery 4-6 weeks.
Q: Why repositioning instead of just removing fat? A: Removal can create hollows. Repositioning uses your own fat to fill the tear trough for natural results.
Q: Can I have this with other eye surgeries? A: Yes, often combined with upper blepharoplasty or other procedures.
Q: What age is appropriate? A: Adults with bothersome eye bags. Can be 20s-60s+ depending on concern.
Q: Will I look different? A: You'll look like yourself, but refreshed and less tired.
Q: How do I know if I need skin removal too? A: Your surgeon will assess skin laxity and recommend accordingly.
Conclusion
Under-eye fat repositioning in Korea offers a superior approach to eye bag correction—using your own tissue to create natural, long-lasting results. With expert surgeons and advanced techniques, you can achieve refreshed, youthful eyes without the hollow look of traditional fat removal.
Tired of looking tired? Consult with a Korean eye specialist about fat repositioning for your under-eye bags.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about under-eye surgery. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified surgeons before undergoing any procedure.
Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and technique.