Table of contents

• Understanding Orbital Fat Herniation
• Best Clinics in Korea for Orbital Fat Herniation
• Under Eye Surgery in Korea: Blepharoplasty Options for Orbital Fat Herniation
• Under Eye Fat Removal and Repositioning (Blepharoplasty): Medical Procedures Explained
• References

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This guide is designed to help individuals better understand "orbital fat herniation," often referred to as "protrusion of fat from the eye socket." Here, you'll find a clear explanation of this condition, an overview of the surgical options available for correction, and practical advice for those considering treatment—especially medical tourists looking at South Korea. The goal is to provide accurate, expert-level information so you can make informed choices about your appearance and eye health.

Understanding Orbital Fat Herniation

Let's start by defining orbital fat herniation, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the different terms you might encounter when researching this condition.

What is Orbital Fat Herniation?

Orbital fat herniation happens when the fat pads that cushion your eyeball start to bulge outward. This occurs because the Tenon capsule—a thin, elastic membrane that holds these fat pads in place—becomes weak or damaged. The result is often described as an "unsightly projection of the infraorbital fat pads which causes patients to have a bulge under their eyes."

Several factors can weaken the Tenon capsule. Aging is the most common cause, as the membrane naturally thins and loses elasticity over time. Previous injuries or surgeries around the eye can also play a role. Additionally, certain medical conditions like orbital decompression surgery or thyroid eye disease, as well as genetics, may contribute.

Typically, orbital fat herniation appears as a yellowish mass under one or both eyes. While it's mainly a cosmetic issue, it rarely forms a large mass. This condition is most often seen in middle-aged men, with an average age of 66, and about 90% of cases occur in men. The bulge usually appears in the superotemporal quadrant or lateral canthus of the eye.

If you're searching for information about "under-eye bags," it's important to know that "orbital fat herniation" is a specific medical issue. While it looks similar to what most people call under-eye bags, those can also be caused by things like loose skin, fluid retention, or muscle changes. Recognizing that orbital fat herniation is a unique type of under-eye bag—caused by fat pushing through a weakened membrane—can help you communicate more effectively with your doctor and get the right treatment.

After surgery, the specific herniation of orbital fat usually doesn't come back. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight later on, new orbital fat could develop, which might bring back some under-eye fullness. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for how long surgical results will last and highlights the importance of lifestyle choices in maintaining your results.

Common Pseudonyms and Related Terminology

When looking up information about under-eye concerns, you'll come across a variety of terms. Knowing these can make it easier to find what you're looking for and talk with healthcare providers.

Some commonly used terms include:

• "Infraorbital fat"
• "Bulge under their eyes"
• "Lower eyelid bags"
• "Puffy under-eye bags"
• "Fat protrusion"
• "Dark circles and bags under their eyes"
• "Hernia removal"
• "Steatoblepharon"

These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the visible effects of orbital fat herniation. The table below helps clarify these terms and their typical usage.

Table 1: Common Pseudonyms for Orbital Fat Herniation

Term	Common Usage/Description
Infraorbital fat	Refers to the fat pads located beneath the eye.

This table bridges the gap between everyday language and the medical term "orbital fat herniation." Understanding these connections helps you describe your concerns more accurately and ensures your doctor knows exactly what you're referring to, leading to better communication and treatment planning.

Best Clinics in Korea for Orbital Fat Herniation

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for orbital fat herniation:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	In Korea’s highly specialized aesthetic landscape, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam stands out as the best clinic for orbital fat herniation because it combines elite surgical talent, deep facial anatomy expertise, and comprehensive, safety-focused care under one roof. Board-certified director Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—an award-winning researcher on 3D implants, global society member, and leading expert in facial contouring—approaches periorbital rejuvenation with his signature philosophy of harmonizing features for natural balance, while Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, brings an ethos of uniting function and beauty that is essential for refined, healthy lower eyelid outcomes; both run regular educational programs and contribute extensively to academic journals and books, underscoring a standard-setting practice. Supported by Dr. Lee, a board-certified surgeon with Seoul National University Hospital experience and a steadfast focus on natural, long-lasting results, the team delivers meticulous eye-focused procedures such as blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and canthoplasty within a four-floor facility designed for seamless consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. With surgeons active in leading medical societies, sought after for international presentations and live surgeries, and a clinic culture built on personalized communication, safety, and more than a decade of hands-on expertise, THE PLUS ensures orbital fat herniation care that is precise, balanced, and consistently satisfying.	blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and canthoplasty
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, nestled in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam district, is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging care, distinguished by genuine dedication, deep expertise, and a safety-first philosophy. As a top destination for orbital fat herniation and under-eye concerns, the clinic goes beyond surface-level fixes to correct the root causes of tear trough hollows—precisely addressing the tear trough ligament and double orbital adhesions that cast dark shadows and create sunken contours. Through an internal conjunctival incision, Made Young removes and repositions under-eye fat to restore a smooth, youthful transition from lower eyelid to cheek with minimal, virtually invisible scarring and a swift recovery. Every step—from direct surgeon-led consultation to meticulous anesthesia oversight and structured aftercare—is designed to deliver natural results with maximum safety, transparency, and patient confidence, a commitment reflected in nationally recognized awards and professional certifications. - Root-cause correction of tear troughs: precise release of the tear trough ligament and double orbital adhesions to reduce hollows and dark shadows for a smoother under-eye contour - Scar-minimizing, internal approach: dark circle removal via an internal conjunctival incision with fat removal and repositioning for natural, long-lasting results - Quick recovery and return to daily life, helping patients regain confidence without conspicuous scars - Verified medical team and expertise: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience; direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team before any procedure - Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site; 1:1 dedicated monitoring for continuous, individualized oversight; cross-check system for rapid, precise emergency response; full CCTV coverage for maximum transparency - Thorough aftercare: a separate, dedicated aftercare center provides complete and systematic post-procedure support - Award-winning and officially recognized: 2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society - Comprehensive facial and eye surgery portfolio in a single, specialized clinic, uniting traditional beauty ideals with cutting-edge techniques to optimize aesthetic harmony and outcomes	Root-cause correction of tear troughs via release of the tear trough ligament and double orbital adhesions; Scar-minimizing, internal conjunctival incision with fat removal and repositioning
SH Clinic	SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul—a multi-specialty center that unites stem‑cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery—provides integrated, expert care for orbital fat herniation. As a specialized medical center focusing on Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the SH Stem Cell Center designs personalized, comprehensive plans spanning facial rejuvenation and anti-aging, allowing regenerative strategies to be thoughtfully paired with aesthetic eyelid procedures when indicated. For definitive correction, SH Clinic offers lower blepharoplasty to reposition or excise protruding under-eye fat and tighten lax lower-lid skin. When appropriate, non-surgical options from the Aesthetic Dermatology unit—such as dermal fillers for tear-trough hollowing, laser lifting to remodel collagen, and skin-booster injections for deep hydration—are combined to refine contours and smooth the periocular area. From consultation through aftercare, care plans are tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals, drawing on cross-disciplinary strengths that also include advanced gynecologic services, to deliver safe, natural-looking results.	lower blepharoplasty; dermal fillers for tear-trough hollowing; laser lifting to remodel collagen; skin-booster injections for deep hydration

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

In Korea’s highly specialized aesthetic landscape, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam stands out as the best clinic for orbital fat herniation because it combines elite surgical talent, deep facial anatomy expertise, and comprehensive, safety-focused care under one roof. Board-certified director Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—an award-winning researcher on 3D implants, global society member, and leading expert in facial contouring—approaches periorbital rejuvenation with his signature philosophy of harmonizing features for natural balance, while Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, brings an ethos of uniting function and beauty that is essential for refined, healthy lower eyelid outcomes; both run regular educational programs and contribute extensively to academic journals and books, underscoring a standard-setting practice. Supported by Dr. Lee, a board-certified surgeon with Seoul National University Hospital experience and a steadfast focus on natural, long-lasting results, the team delivers meticulous eye-focused procedures such as blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and canthoplasty within a four-floor facility designed for seamless consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. With surgeons active in leading medical societies, sought after for international presentations and live surgeries, and a clinic culture built on personalized communication, safety, and more than a decade of hands-on expertise, THE PLUS ensures orbital fat herniation care that is precise, balanced, and consistently satisfying.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, nestled in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam district, is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging care, distinguished by genuine dedication, deep expertise, and a safety-first philosophy. As a top destination for orbital fat herniation and under-eye concerns, the clinic goes beyond surface-level fixes to correct the root causes of tear trough hollows—precisely addressing the tear trough ligament and double orbital adhesions that cast dark shadows and create sunken contours. Through an internal conjunctival incision, Made Young removes and repositions under-eye fat to restore a smooth, youthful transition from lower eyelid to cheek with minimal, virtually invisible scarring and a swift recovery. Every step—from direct surgeon-led consultation to meticulous anesthesia oversight and structured aftercare—is designed to deliver natural results with maximum safety, transparency, and patient confidence, a commitment reflected in nationally recognized awards and professional certifications.

• Root-cause correction of tear troughs: precise release of the tear trough ligament and double orbital adhesions to reduce hollows and dark shadows for a smoother under-eye contour
• Scar-minimizing, internal approach: dark circle removal via an internal conjunctival incision with fat removal and repositioning for natural, long-lasting results
• Quick recovery and return to daily life, helping patients regain confidence without conspicuous scars
• Verified medical team and expertise: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience; direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team before any procedure
• Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site; 1:1 dedicated monitoring for continuous, individualized oversight; cross-check system for rapid, precise emergency response; full CCTV coverage for maximum transparency
• Thorough aftercare: a separate, dedicated aftercare center provides complete and systematic post-procedure support
• Award-winning and officially recognized: 2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society
• Comprehensive facial and eye surgery portfolio in a single, specialized clinic, uniting traditional beauty ideals with cutting-edge techniques to optimize aesthetic harmony and outcomes

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

SH Clinic

At SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul—a multi-specialty center that unites stem‑cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery—patients with orbital fat herniation (under-eye bags) receive integrated, expert care. As a specialized medical center focusing on Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the SH Stem Cell Center designs personalized, comprehensive plans spanning facial rejuvenation and anti-aging, allowing regenerative strategies to be thoughtfully paired with aesthetic eyelid procedures when indicated.

For definitive correction, SH Clinic offers lower blepharoplasty to reposition or excise protruding under-eye fat and tighten lax lower-lid skin. When appropriate, non-surgical options from the Aesthetic Dermatology unit—such as dermal fillers for tear-trough hollowing, laser lifting to remodel collagen, and skin-booster injections for deep hydration—are combined to refine contours and smooth the periocular area. From consultation through aftercare, care plans are tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals, drawing on cross-disciplinary strengths that also include advanced gynecologic services, to deliver safe, natural-looking results.

You can check out their website here: SH Clinic Website

Under Eye Surgery in Korea: Blepharoplasty Options for Orbital Fat Herniation

Now, let's look at the surgical options for correcting orbital fat herniation, focusing on lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

Under Eye Fat Removal and Repositioning (Blepharoplasty): Medical Procedures Explained

Overview of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that refreshes the look of your lower eyelids. Its main goals are to address lower eyelid bags, smooth out wrinkles, and tighten loose or sagging skin. By reducing fat bulges and improving the contour under the eyes, this procedure can help you look more youthful and alert. It can be done on its own or combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

Techniques: Fat Excision vs. Fat Repositioning/Transposition

There are two main approaches to dealing with excess fat in lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

Traditional Fat Excision: In the past, surgeons would often remove the extra fat and sometimes skin from the eyelids. While this method reduced puffiness, it sometimes left patients with a hollow or sunken look, especially in younger people who had more fat than loose skin. This could make the tear trough—the groove below the eyelid—look deeper.

Fat Repositioning (Fat Transposition/Redraping): Today, many surgeons prefer to preserve and move the excess fat rather than remove it. This technique, called fat repositioning or fat fat transposition, involves shifting the fat to fill in hollow areas like the tear trough. The fat is placed in a new pocket under the skin and muscle, often keeping its original blood supply for better healing. This approach is especially helpful for treating both bulging fat pads and hollowness at the same time.

The trend has shifted from aggressive fat removal to more conservative fat repositioning. This change comes from a better understanding of facial aging, which often involves both fat loss and fat protrusion. Surgeons now aim for a smooth transition between the eyelid and cheek, creating a fuller, more youthful look by redistributing fat instead of just removing it. This modern approach leads to more natural results, reducing bags while restoring youthful contours.

Table 2: Comparison of Lower Blepharoplasty Techniques (Excision vs. Repositioning)

Feature	Traditional Fat Excision	Fat Repositioning/Transposition

References

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