Table of contents

• What Is Under Eye Fat Grafting?
• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Under Eye Fat Grafting?
• Getting Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea
• Cost of Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea
• Alternatives to Under Eye Fat Grafting
• Conclusion

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

---

Did you know that Korea is at the forefront of cosmetic procedures, including the innovative Under Eye Fat Grafting technique? This popular treatment, which involves transferring fat from other parts of the body to the under-eye area, promises not just a rejuvenated, youthful appearance but also reflects Korea's reputation for pioneering advanced cosmetic surgery techniques.

What Is Under Eye Fat Grafting?

Under Eye Fat Grafting, also known as Fat Transfer or Fat Injection, is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the under-eye area by filling in hollows, reducing the appearance of dark circles, and providing a more youthful and refreshed look. This procedure involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient's body and injecting it into the under-eye area.

The Procedure

1. Consultation: During the initial consultation, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, skin condition, and specific aesthetic goals to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

2. Anesthesia: The procedure generally begins with the administration of anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used, but general anesthesia may be necessary for patients undergoing multiple procedures simultaneously.

3. Harvesting Fat: The first step involves liposuction, which is the process of extracting fat from a donor site on the patient’s body. Common areas include the thighs, abdomen, and flanks. A small incision is made, and a cannula is inserted to gently remove the fat cells.

4. Purification of Fat: Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process. The extracted fat is placed in a centrifuge to separate healthy fat cells from other materials such as blood, oil, and excess fluids. This step ensures that only the healthiest fat cells are used for transplantation.

5. Injection: The purified fat is then carefully injected into the under-eye area using fine cannulas or needles. The surgeon typically injects the fat in multiple layers and directions to ensure even distribution and natural-looking results. They meticulously sculpt the area to address any hollows or deficits.

Advantages of Under Eye Fat Grafting

• Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, it provides a natural look and feel, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• Dual Benefit: It not only rejuvenates the under-eye area but also contours the donor site from where the fat was harvested.
• Longevity: The results of fat grafting can be long-lasting. While some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, a significant portion remains, offering long-term improvements.
• Minimal Scarring: The incisions are small and typically heal with minimal to no visible scarring.

Risks and Considerations

• Swelling and Bruising: Post-operative swelling and bruising are common and may take several weeks to resolve.
• Fat Absorption: Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, which could necessitate follow-up treatments for optimal results.
• Infection and Irregularities: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection and irregularities in contour, which must be managed by an experienced surgeon.
• Downtime: Patients should be prepared for a recovery period, which involves following specific post-operative care instructions to ensure the best outcomes.

Understanding the intricacies of Under Eye Fat Grafting can help potential patients make informed decisions about undergoing this cosmetic treatment.

Who is Under Eye Fat Grafting for?

• Those seeking a youthful appearance: Individuals who want to achieve a more youthful and energetic (less tired) look can benefit from under-eye fat grafting.

• People with under-eye bags: This procedure helps get rid of bags below the eyes, providing a refreshed appearance.

• Individuals with dark circles: It is ideal for those looking to minimize dark circles under the eyes.

• Persons with sunken hollows under the eyes and cheeks: The fat grafting procedure plumps sunken hollows, adding volume where it has been lost.

• Those experiencing aging effects: It is beneficial for reducing the effects of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

• People with fine lines and wrinkles: The procedure can smooth creases or fine lines around the eyes, making them less noticeable.

• Candidates with sufficient body fat: To undergo the procedure, individuals need to have enough body fat for the liposuction required to harvest the fat cells.

• Non-smokers: People who smoke may not be good candidates as smoking can affect the healing process and the body's response to the fat transfer.

• People who are not extremely thin, intensely exercising, or pregnant: Those who are extremely thin, exercise intensely, or are pregnant may need to consider other dermal fillers instead, as they may not have sufficient body fat for liposuction.

Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Under Eye Fat Grafting?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for under eye fat grafting.

1. THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

You may consider THE PLUS Plastic Surgery for an under-eye fat-grafting consultation if you want facial volume restoration planned in the context of overall facial balance: the clinic offers face fat grafting using your own fat to restore fullness and soften hollow or flattened contours, alongside eyelid and broader facial-contouring surgery.

• URL: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Relevant procedures:
  • Face fat grafting is offered to restore volume in hollow or flattened facial areas using your own fat.
  • Blepharoplasty is available to adjust excess skin and tissue around the eyelids, which may be relevant if lower-eyelid skin or tissue concerns are also present.
  • Ptosis correction and double-eyelid surgery are also listed among the clinic’s eye procedures.
• Surgical expertise:
  • Dr. Kim is described as a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in facial contouring and a research background involving 3D implants.
  • Dr. Jeong is described as President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and as an educator and conference speaker for plastic-surgery professionals.
• Planning approach:
  • The clinic describes personalized aesthetic care with an emphasis on safety, research, and specialized surgical expertise.
  • Its stated facial approach focuses on harmonious balance and preserving or enhancing your existing features.

2. Made Young Plastic Surgery

You may consider Made Young Plastic Surgery when your under-eye concern may require assessment of lower-eyelid fat and dark-circle treatment rather than volume treatment alone: it lists lower blepharoplasty with fat removal or repositioning, as well as dark-circle options that can include fat repositioning, and provides direct medical-team consultation before procedures.

• URL: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Under-eye options:
  • Lower blepharoplasty is offered for under-eye bags and may involve removal or repositioning of lower-eyelid fat, with possible skin tightening.
  • Dark-circle treatment is listed with options that may include fillers, fat repositioning, or laser treatment.
  • Your assessment can distinguish concerns such as under-eye bags, eyelid skin laxity, and dark-circle appearance before selecting an approach.
• Eye-surgery experience:
  • Dr. Park Byung-Chan is described as having 15 years of experience exclusively in eye surgery.
  • The clinic states that eye-procedure planning can be customized around incision lines, eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and your overall desired image.
• Safety and aftercare:
  • The clinic states that board-certified anesthesiologists are on site full time, with one-to-one anesthetic monitoring and a cross-check system for emergencies.
  • It reports full CCTV coverage of procedures and a separate dedicated aftercare center with systematic post-procedure care.

3. LABOM Plastic Surgery

You may consider LABOM Plastic Surgery for under-eye fat grafting if you are seeking autologous facial-volume treatment designed around your individual facial anatomy and degree of aging: it harvests and centrifuge-purifies your own fat before injecting it into volume-deficient facial areas, and its specialists emphasize natural-looking correction without excessive intervention.

• URL: LABOM Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Fat-grafting approach:
  • Facial fat grafting uses your own fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks and purified by centrifugation before injection into volume-deficient facial areas.
  • The clinic describes autologous fat grafting as an option for overall facial volume loss and areas including deep nasolabial folds and sunken foreheads.
  • An autologous fat-purification system is listed among its available technology.
• Individualized planning:
  • Specialists are described as performing every procedure directly, with more than 30 years of clinical experience across facial and hand anti-aging procedures.
  • Planning is based on facial anatomy, your individual structure, and the degree of aging rather than a one-size-fits-all design.
  • The clinic states that it aims to address underlying tissue position and structure while avoiding overcorrection and preserving natural expression.
• Perioperative care:
  • The clinic lists one-to-one consultation, pre-operative diagnosis, anesthesia and continuous-monitoring systems, and individualized surgical planning.
  • Aftercare includes regular progress checks and structured management for recovery, swelling, bruising, and scars.
  • A dedicated systematic aftercare program is described for international visitors.

Getting Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea

Under eye fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or microfat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the under-eye area by filling hollows, reducing dark circles, and smoothing the skin. This procedure is highly sought after in Korea, which is renowned for its advanced medical technology and experienced cosmetic surgeons. Here’s a detailed look at how under eye fat grafting is performed in Korea:

Consultation and Assessment

The process begins with an in-depth consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon assesses the patient’s under-eye area, skin type, and overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This assessment includes discussing the patient's medical history, any allergies, and aesthetic goals to customize the treatment plan effectively.

Harvesting the Fat

The procedure involves extracting fat from another part of the patient's body, typically areas with excess fat such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This step is crucial as it ensures that the fat used for grafting is biocompatible, reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

The fat harvesting is done through liposuction, a minimally invasive technique that uses a small cannula to gently extract fat cells. This process is usually performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the fat harvesting and the patient's preference.

Processing the Fat

Once harvested, the fat is carefully processed to ensure its purity and viability. This involves washing and purifying the fat cells to remove any blood, oil, or other impurities. The fat is then centrifuged to separate the viable adipocytes from other components. This step is essential to ensure that only healthy fat cells are used, maximizing the chances of a successful graft.

Injecting the Fat

The purified fat is then meticulously injected into the under-eye area. This step requires precision and skill, as the surgeon must evenly distribute the fat to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing result. It is usually done using a fine cannula to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and to allow for smooth integration of the fat cells.

The surgeon may employ various techniques, such as the microfat or nanofat grafting methods, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Microfat grafting involves injecting small parcels of fat, while nanofat grafting uses even smaller particles to address finer details and enhance skin texture.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and optimize results. This may include guidelines on managing swelling and bruising, which are common but typically subside within a few days to weeks.

Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect the treated areas from excessive sunlight. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon ensure that the healing process progresses smoothly and allows for any necessary adjustments.

Advantages in Korea

Korea's medical tourism industry is known for its high standards, advanced techniques, and competitive pricing. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and a culture that emphasizes meticulous beauty standards. Furthermore, clinics often offer comprehensive packages that include consultation, accommodation, and post-operative care, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for international patients seeking under eye fat grafting.

Procedure Price	Korean Won (₩)	USD ($)
Low Price	₩1,000,000	$700
High Price	₩2,000,000	$1500

Exchange rate as of 2025-05-22: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD

Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.

Cost of Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea

Under eye fat grafting, a procedure to rejuvenate the under-eye area by injecting fat, is increasingly popular worldwide. The cost of this procedure can vary significantly depending on the country, the surgeon's expertise, and the clinic's reputation.

South Korea

In South Korea, renowned for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques and high standards, the cost of under eye fat grafting typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. South Korea is often preferred by international patients for its combination of quality and affordability, with many clinics offering comprehensive packages that include accommodation and transportation.

United States

In the United States, under eye fat grafting is notably more expensive. Patients can expect to pay between $3,500 and $7,500 for the procedure. This higher cost is attributed to factors such as the country's medical standards, the level of expertise available, and the higher cost of living and operational expenses.

Alternatives to Under Eye Fat Grafting

While under-eye fat grafting offers a natural and lasting solution for enhancing the under-eye area, it’s not suitable for everyone. Various alternatives provide similar benefits with fewer procedural steps or quicker recovery. Here are three suitable alternatives to consider:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for under-eye rejuvenation. These fillers are lab-made substances specifically formulated to mimic the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. When injected into the under-eye area, they plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike fat grafting, which requires liposuction, hyaluronic acid fillers involve a straightforward injection process. The results are immediate, with minimal downtime. However, these fillers are temporary and generally last between six to twelve months, requiring periodic touch-ups.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative alternative that uses components of your blood to rejuvenate the under-eye area. During the procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the under-eye area, stimulating collagen production and rejuvenating the skin. PRP therapy is less invasive than fat grafting and doesn't require liposuction. Results develop over several weeks and can last up to a year. The natural growth factors in PRP make it a compelling choice for those wary of synthetic fillers.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments offer a non-invasive alternative to both fat grafting and injectable fillers. Fractional lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) are commonly used to target the delicate under-eye area. These lasers stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. The procedure requires no injections and has minimal recovery time. However, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results, and though the improvements in the skin's appearance are durable, they are not permanent and may require maintenance treatments over time.

In summary, these alternatives to under-eye fat grafting offer effective solutions with varying degrees of invasiveness, recovery time, and longevity. Consulting a qualified cosmetic surgeon will help determine the most suitable option for your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, under eye fat grafting in Korea has emerged as a highly effective and increasingly popular solution for addressing under eye hollows and dark circles, thanks to the country's advanced medical techniques and innovative approaches. This procedure not only offers natural, long-lasting results but also utilizes the patient's own fat, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. With world-class medical facilities, skilled practitioners, and a strong emphasis on patient safety and satisfaction, Korea continues to be a leading destination for individuals seeking under eye rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance. Whether you are a local resident or considering medical tourism, undergoing under eye fat grafting in Korea could be the ideal choice for achieving your aesthetic goals.