Medical Tourism Blog
Rejuvenate Upper Periorbital Hollowing with Eyelid Fat Grafting in Korea
Table of contents
- Eyelid Fat Grafting: A Detailed Medical Procedure
- Best Clinics in Korea for Upper Periorbital Hollowing
- Navigating Eyelid Fat Grafting in South Korea: A Patient's Guide
- Advantages of Choosing South Korea for Eyelid Fat Grafting
- Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Upper Periorbital Hollowing with Fat Grafting
- Conclusion
- References
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Upper periorbital hollowing is the loss of volume in the area above the eyes, specifically in the upper half of the eye socket, or orbit. This condition shows up as thinning skin on the upper eyelid and a reduction in the fat around the orbit. As a result, the upper edge of the bony socket becomes more noticeable, sometimes giving a "skeletal" look. This hollowing often makes the eyes appear aged or tired. The volume loss area is also called the superior sulcus, which refers to unwanted hollows or recesses of the upper eyelid just below the bony orbital rim. When this area looks sunken, it is known as a "sulcus deformity." The terms "upper periorbital hollowing" and "superior sulcus" are often used interchangeably to describe this cosmetic concern, both indicating volume loss in the upper eyelid area that can cause a drawn or aged appearance.
Other common terms for this condition include "sunken eyes," "hollow eyes," and sometimes "tear trough hollows" or "under-eye hollows," though these latter terms usually refer to the area beneath the eyes. Volume loss extending from the upper eyelid into the area just below the eyebrow is also called "hollowness in the lower brow." People with this condition may describe their eyes as having a "drawn" or "sunken look." While "tear trough hollows" and "under-eye hollows" typically relate to the infraorbital region, the overall periorbital appearance is connected, and patients may use these terms broadly when discussing volume loss around the eyes.
Several factors cause volume loss above the eyes. Aging is a primary cause, involving a decrease in bone mass, fat, and soft tissue throughout the face. As we age, the upper eyelid skin thins and the fat around the orbit diminishes. Genetics also play a significant role in who experiences this condition. Sometimes, previous cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may have removed too much fat, leading to hollowing. Significant weight loss can reduce facial fat globally, making hollowing more noticeable. Although dehydration is more often linked to under-eye bags and dark circles, it can contribute to a tired look around the eyes. Other factors like lack of sleep, stress, sun exposure, allergies, and sinus infections can worsen hollowing. The combination of these internal and external factors, along with medical history, influences the development and progression of upper periorbital hollowing.
Table: Common Terms for Volume Loss Above the Eyes
| Term | Synonyms/Lay Terms |
|---|---|
| Upper Periorbital Hollowing | Sunken Eyes, Superior Sulcus, Hollow Eyes, Hollowness in the Lower Brow, Under-Eye Hollows |
Eyelid Fat Grafting: A Detailed Medical Procedure
Eyelid fat grafting, also called fat transfer or autologous fat injection, is a cosmetic surgery that restores volume and reduces hollowing around the eyelids. This procedure transfers fat from one part of the patient's body to the upper eyelids to replace lost volume. It acts as a natural dermal filler since it uses the patient’s own fat. The goal is to restore youthful contours with living tissue, often producing long-lasting results. Using the patient’s own fat reduces the risk of allergic reactions and gives a soft, natural feel to the treated area.
The eyelid fat grafting process includes several key steps:
- Fat Harvesting (Liposuction): Fat is taken from donor sites like the abdomen, waist, hips, or thighs, which usually have enough fat. The donor area is numbed with tumescent fluid—a saline solution with dilute lidocaine (local anesthetic) and epinephrine (to reduce bleeding). Fat is gently suctioned out using a small cannula with tiny holes. Many surgeons prefer manual liposuction because it’s gentler on fat cells and improves their survival after transfer.
- Fat Purification and Processing: After harvesting, the fat is purified to remove unwanted components and concentrate healthy fat cells. Techniques include centrifugation to separate layers, filtration to remove debris, and washing with saline. These steps eliminate oil, water, blood, and impurities, leaving only viable fat cells. The fat is kept sterile throughout to avoid contamination.
- Fat Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into the upper eyelid area using fine cannulas or needles. Small amounts are placed strategically to create smooth, natural contours and avoid lumps. Fat is often injected in thin layers into deeper tissues along the bony orbital rim, where hollowing is most visible. Surgeons may also blend fat into surrounding areas like temples, cheeks, and brows for a balanced look. Sometimes multiple layers are injected to achieve the desired fullness. To compensate for natural post-op volume loss from swelling and fat reabsorption, surgeons often slightly overfill.
Different techniques exist for fat grafting in upper periorbital hollowing. Fat can be injected as fine threads, surgically placed free fat pearls, or as a dermis-fat graft (skin layer plus fat). Fat injections are most common. Placement varies from just beneath the skin below the eyebrow to deeper under the orbital septum, a tissue layer separating the eyelid front from the bony socket. A common method grafts fat deeply along the bony orbital rim where hollowing is most obvious. Advanced techniques like superficial enhanced fluid fat (SEFFI) or "nanofat," rich in adipose-derived stem cells, can also be used to restore volume and improve skin regeneration. Sometimes, especially combined with upper blepharoplasty, surgeons reposition existing fat pads, anchoring them to fill hollows. The choice depends on the patient’s anatomy and volume loss extent.
The expected result is a rejuvenated, smoother, and fuller upper eyelid area. Fat grafting results can be long-lasting or permanent because transferred fat cells can develop a new blood supply and survive in their new location. However, not all fat cells survive; some reabsorption is normal. Studies show 50% to 90% of transferred fat may survive, depending on technique and healing. Final results take several months, often up to four, as swelling subsides and fat establishes blood supply. Factors affecting longevity include transfer precision, patient healing, and fat reabsorption rate. Maintaining stable body weight after surgery is important since weight changes can affect graft volume. Some patients may choose touch-ups after swelling resolves to perfect results.
Table: Potential Benefits and Risks of Eyelid Fat Grafting
| Category | Specific Point |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Natural filler using patient's own fat |
| Benefits | Long-lasting and potentially permanent results |
| Benefits | Soft and natural look and feel |
| Benefits | Can restore youthful contours and fullness |
| Benefits | Minimal risk of allergic reaction |
| Risks | Potential for fat reabsorption requiring touch-ups |
| Risks | Swelling and bruising after the procedure |
| Risks | Risk of contour irregularities or lumps |
| Risks | Possible need for a second procedure |
| Risks | Rare risks include infection, oil cysts, asymmetry, and vascular complications |
Best Clinics in Korea for Upper Periorbital Hollowing
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for upper periorbital hollowing:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website | World-class, research-driven care within a four-floor facility designed for seamless consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. The clinic’s surgeons are active clinician-researchers who publish in scholarly journals, contribute to books, and present at domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to safety, precision, and clear communication. Grounded in the principle of restoring facial harmony, the team provides personalized plans that draw on their strengths in eye surgery and facial contouring, alongside complementary options such as blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, face fat grafting, and fillers to rejuvenate the upper eyelid and brow area with natural-looking balance. | Blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, face fat grafting, fillers |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery Website | Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as Korea’s best clinic for Upper Periorbital Hollowing by uniting elite eye-specialty expertise with a gold-standard safety and aftercare system, led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan, who brings 15 years of experience dedicated exclusively to eye surgery and is known for delivering natural, beautiful results even on the day of surgery. From consultation to procedure, the clinic’s genuine, patient-centered approach ensures meticulous customization of incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image to restore youthful upper eyelid volume while preserving a harmonious, authentically natural look. As a premium facial and anti-aging center in Gangnam, Made Young’s verified medical team averages over 15 years of experience, provides direct consultations and diagnoses, and is supported by a comprehensive safety framework that includes full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency response system, and full CCTV transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center delivers complete and systematic follow-up, underpinning outcomes with consistent support, while national accolades—including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place—and official recognitions from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society affirm the clinic’s leadership. With a refined blend of traditional beauty ideals and cutting-edge techniques, Made Young offers tailored surgical and non-surgical solutions for upper periorbital contouring that look natural from day one and age gracefully over time. | Double Eyelid surgery, Canthoplasty, Endotine Forehead Lifting; Thread Lifting; Petit (fillers/Botox) sculpting; skin tightening and laser treatments |
| Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic, located at Sinnonhyeon Station, is renowned for advanced aesthetic procedures backed by extensive clinical data and diverse surgical experience. With a comprehensive portfolio spanning eye, lifting, facial contouring, and dermatology treatments, the clinic offers data-driven, personalized plans that prioritize facial harmony and natural-looking rejuvenation. | Double Eyelid surgery, Canthoplasty, Endotine Forehead Lifting, Thread Lifting, Petit (fillers/Botox) sculpting. These can be complemented by skin tightening and laser treatments to refine the brow-to-lid complex and restore a refreshed, balanced appearance tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals. |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking thoughtful solutions to upper periorbital hollowing in Korea, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, offers world-class, research-driven care within a four-floor facility designed for seamless consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. The clinic’s surgeons are active clinician-researchers who publish in scholarly journals, contribute to books, and present at domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to safety, precision, and clear communication. Grounded in the principle of restoring facial harmony, the team provides personalized plans that draw on their strengths in eye surgery and facial contouring, alongside complementary options such as blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, face fat grafting, and fillers to rejuvenate the upper eyelid and brow area with natural-looking balance.
Led by director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, the medical team is recognized in Korea and internationally for advancing aesthetic standards and surgeon education. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a rhinoplasty specialist who frequently lectures and sits on global panels, approaching every case with an ethos that unites function and beauty. Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon and global society member whose award-winning research on 3D implants and leadership in rhinoplasty and facial contouring inform his annual training programs for peers; he emphasizes harmonizing features to enhance each patient’s natural beauty. Rounding out the team, Dr. Lee is a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with Seoul National University Hospital experience and active roles in leading Korean societies, known for natural, long-lasting results. Together, their academic rigor, surgical expertise, and patient-centered philosophy make THE PLUS a trusted destination for restoring youthful volume and contour to the upper periorbital region.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as Korea’s best clinic for Upper Periorbital Hollowing by uniting elite eye-specialty expertise with a gold-standard safety and aftercare system, led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan, who brings 15 years of experience dedicated exclusively to eye surgery and is known for delivering natural, beautiful results even on the day of surgery. From consultation to procedure, the clinic’s genuine, patient-centered approach ensures meticulous customization of incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image to restore youthful upper eyelid volume while preserving a harmonious, authentically natural look. As a premium facial and anti-aging center in Gangnam, Made Young’s verified medical team averages over 15 years of experience, provides direct consultations and diagnoses, and is supported by a comprehensive safety framework that includes full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency response system, and full CCTV transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center delivers complete and systematic follow-up, underpinning outcomes with consistent support, while national accolades—including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place—and official recognitions from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society affirm the clinic’s leadership. With a refined blend of traditional beauty ideals and cutting-edge techniques, Made Young offers tailored surgical and non-surgical solutions for upper periorbital contouring that look natural from day one and age gracefully over time.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic
Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic, located at Sinnonhyeon Station, is renowned for advanced aesthetic procedures backed by extensive clinical data and diverse surgical experience. With a comprehensive portfolio spanning eye, lifting, facial contouring, and dermatology treatments, the clinic offers data-driven, personalized plans that prioritize facial harmony and natural-looking rejuvenation.
For patients concerned with upper periorbital hollowing, Nana leverages its specialized eye and lifting procedures—such as Double Eyelid surgery, Canthoplasty, and Endotine Forehead Lifting—alongside minimally invasive options like Thread Lifting and Petit (fillers/Botox) sculpting. These can be complemented by skin tightening and laser treatments to refine the brow-to-lid complex and restore a refreshed, balanced appearance tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals.
Find more about this clinic here: Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
Navigating Eyelid Fat Grafting in South Korea: A Patient's Guide
South Korea is a popular destination for international patients seeking eyelid fat grafting due to its expertise in cosmetic surgery. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Initial Consultation: Start by researching reputable clinics and surgeons specializing in eyelid fat grafting. Medical tourism agencies in South Korea can help find top-rated clinics and arrange consultations. Many clinics offer free online consultations via platforms like WhatsApp, allowing initial assessments before travel. Once in South Korea, schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and examine the periorbital area. This is also the time to explore other procedures like transconjunctival fat repositioning or ptosis correction if needed.
- Pre-operative Preparations: To ensure safety, patients undergo lab tests to assess health and fitness for surgery. Provide a full medical history, including allergies and medications. You may need to stop blood-thinning drugs and supplements like aspirin and certain vitamins before surgery. If sedation or general anesthesia is planned, follow fasting guidelines (no food or drink for several hours before). Avoid alcohol and smoking for weeks before and after surgery to promote healing.
- The Procedure Day: Arrive at the clinic on time. The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on treatment extent. Fat is harvested from donor sites (abdomen, thighs) via minimally invasive liposuction, purified, and injected into the eyelids with fine syringes and cannulas. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used based on patient and surgeon preference.
- Post-operative Care and Recovery: Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at both donor and injection sites. Follow detailed aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing and best results. Stitches at the donor site are usually removed around day 7. Initial recovery lasts 1-2 weeks, with most patients resuming normal activities gradually, avoiding strenuous exercise. Swelling may persist for weeks, and final results appear after a few months as fat settles and blood supply forms. Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring.
- Post-Return Follow-up: After returning home, keep in touch with the South Korean clinic for any questions or concerns. It’s wise to have a local doctor available for unexpected issues, though the clinic will guide you on managing any problems.
When choosing eyelid fat grafting in South Korea, look for reputable clinics and surgeons. Seoul is a major cosmetic surgery hub with many experienced professionals. Seek board-certified plastic surgeons with specialized training in periorbital surgery and fat grafting. Check clinic accreditations, safety standards, before-and-after photos, and patient reviews. Clinics offering multilingual staff and services tailored to international patients, including translation and travel help, are ideal. Medical tourism agencies can assist in verifying clinic reputations.
Regarding visas, as of mid-2024, U.S. citizens traveling for short stays (90 days or less) may not need a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), but always check current rules. For medical treatment, South Korea offers a Medical Tourist visa (C-3-3) valid up to 90 days. Longer treatments may require a long-term treatment visa (G-1-10) valid up to one year. Required documents typically include an invitation letter from the hospital, appointment proof, hospital registration, passport, photos, financial proof, and other embassy requirements. Some countries have visa waiver agreements allowing short stays without a visa. Plan for jet lag and allow a few days to adjust before surgery. Booking accommodation near the clinic helps with follow-ups. Always consult the official South Korean embassy or consulate website for the latest visa info.
Table: General Steps for International Patients Seeking Eyelid Fat Grafting in South Korea
| Step | Key Actions/Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Research clinics and surgeons, use medical tourism agencies, free online consultations, in-person consultation, discuss medical history and goals |
| Pre-operative Preparations | Lab tests, provide medical history, stop certain meds, follow fasting, avoid alcohol and smoking |
| The Procedure Day | Arrive at clinic, 1-2 hour procedure, fat harvested and purified, injected under local anesthesia with sedation |
| Post-operative Care and Recovery | Expect swelling/bruising, follow aftercare, stitches removed day 7, recovery 1-2 weeks, final results in months, attend follow-ups |
| Post-Return Follow-up | Stay in contact with clinic, arrange local doctor if needed |
| Finding Reputable Clinics | Research Seoul clinics, board-certified surgeons, check accreditations and reviews, multilingual services, medical tourism agency help |
| Visa Requirements | Check K-ETA, Medical Tourist visa (C-3-3), long-term visa (G-1-10), required documents, visa waivers, plan for jet lag, book nearby accommodation |
Advantages of Choosing South Korea for Eyelid Fat Grafting
South Korea is a global leader in cosmetic surgery, attracting many international patients yearly. Several advantages make it a top choice for eyelid fat grafting:
One major benefit is the high expertise and specialization of South Korean plastic surgeons. The large volume of cosmetic surgeries performed annually allows many surgeons to focus on specific areas like eyelid surgery, leading to micro-specialization and deep knowledge of anatomy and techniques.
South Korean clinics often use advanced surgical methods and state-of-the-art equipment. This means patients can access cutting-edge procedures like nanofat grafting and stem cell-enriched fat transfer, which may improve results and speed recovery. Surgeons are known for achieving natural-looking outcomes, appealing to patients who want subtle enhancements rather than dramatic changes.
Many clinics offer comprehensive care packages for international patients, including multilingual staff, airport pick-up, help with accommodation, and dedicated post-op care to ensure smooth healing. Another advantage is competitive pricing compared to Western countries. Patients can save money without sacrificing quality or safety.
Patient safety is a priority in South Korea’s medical system, with strict regulations ensuring high standards and safety protocols. Many clinics have full-time anesthesiologists and advanced monitoring systems during surgery. The country also has a well-developed medical tourism infrastructure, streamlining the process from consultation to follow-up.
The combination of expert surgeons, advanced technology, natural results, comprehensive international patient support, affordable pricing, and strong safety standards makes South Korea an excellent choice for eyelid fat grafting to treat upper periorbital hollowing.
Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Upper Periorbital Hollowing with Fat Grafting
Patients undergoing eyelid fat grafting for upper periorbital hollowing often see significant improvements. The procedure targets the root cause—volume loss above the eyes—restoring fullness and rejuvenating the area. Besides adding volume, fat grafting can hide visible veins in the upper eyelids and improve skin texture and quality around the eyes.
Studies and patient reviews show high satisfaction rates, often above 90%. Many patients report looking and feeling younger and more energetic after the procedure. Both patients and surgeons rate the aesthetic results highly, noting a marked improvement in the treated area’s appearance.
Most patients seek fat grafting to combat aging signs like hollows that make eyes look tired, unhealthy, or older. The procedure can create a more rested, happier, and youthful look, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
However, like any surgery, eyelid fat grafting carries risks. Possible complications include contour irregularities (lumps or unevenness), over- or under-correction of volume, prolonged swelling and bruising, fat necrosis (death of some fat cells), granuloma formation (small inflammation areas), infection, oil cysts, asymmetry, and rare but serious vascular embolization (blood vessel blockage) that can cause vision loss or stroke. Ptosis (drooping eyelid) is another less common risk. Many complications can be treated, and sometimes revision surgery is needed to fix issues like contour problems or asymmetry. Choosing an experienced surgeon and proper technique reduces risks. Because some fat reabsorption is normal, some patients opt for secondary procedures to maintain results.
Table: Potential Complications of Eyelid Fat Grafting
| Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Contour Irregularities | Lumps or unevenness in the treated area |
| Over/Under-volumization | Too much or too little fat transferred |
| Prolonged Swelling & Bruising | Swelling and bruising lasting several weeks |
| Fat Necrosis | Death of some transferred fat cells |
| Granuloma Formation | Small areas of inflammation |
| Infection | Bacterial infection at the surgical site |
| Oil Cysts | Formation of small, fluid-filled sacs |
| Asymmetry | Uneven appearance between the two eyes |
| Vascular Embolization | Rare but serious blockage of blood vessel by fat |
| Ptosis | Drooping of the upper eyelid |
Conclusion
Upper periorbital hollowing, or volume loss above the eyes, can make a person look tired or aged. Eyelid fat grafting offers a natural, effective way to restore volume using the patient’s own fat, rejuvenating the upper eyelid area. The procedure involves careful fat harvesting, purification, and injection, with techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. South Korea stands out as a leading destination for this surgery, combining expert surgeons, advanced technology, comprehensive care, and competitive pricing. While satisfaction rates are high, understanding the benefits, risks, and the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon helps patients make informed decisions and achieve their desired results.
References
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