Hello, I am Dr. POPO, an expert in anti-aging cosmetic surgery and a plastic surgeon in Korea. The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul because they are the most frequently observed part during communication or interaction. The eyes greatly influence a person’s impression, but the skin around the eyes is very thin and frequently used, making it difficult to protect from aging. Particularly, the skin around the eyes is highly susceptible to external factors such as UV rays, dryness, and stress, leading to the easy formation of wrinkles. For these reasons, procedures like eye fat grafting have become increasingly popular to combat these signs of aging effectively.
1. The Impact of Aging on Eye Fat and Skin
The fat around the eyes is fixed by a thin membrane called the septum. As aging progresses, this membrane can easily loosen, causing the skin to sag or be pushed inward, revealing uneven contours. This can result in phenomena such as sunken eyelids and droopy upper eyelids, making one look older or giving a dark and tired appearance. Functionally, this can also cause the eyes to feel dry and tired. If left untreated, these issues can develop into further problems such as decreased vision or dry eye syndrome.
2. Temporary Solutions and Their Limitations
Recently, various methods such as collagen injections, fillers, and laser treatments have been used to improve these conditions to some extent, but these are only temporary solutions and do not provide a fundamental cure. Fillers or collagen injections are relatively simple procedures, but they need to be repeated periodically as they are absorbed over time. Additionally, side effects such as inflammation or asymmetry may occur. In such cases, eye fat grafting is worth considering.
3. The Process and Benefits of Eye Fat Grafting
Eye fat grafting involves harvesting the patient’s own fat and transplanting it to the necessary areas. In this process, fat is taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, refined, and then injected around the eyes. The advantage of autologous fat grafting is that it uses the patient’s own tissue, so allergic reactions are rare, and the effects tend to last longer. However, the survival rate of the transplanted fat can vary from person to person, and multiple procedures may be necessary. Therefore, patients seeking eye fat grafting should consult with a qualified surgeon to understand the procedure and its potential outcomes fully.
4. Aesthetic and Functional Considerations in Eye Correction
When correcting sunken eyes, both aesthetic and functional aspects need to be considered. The results can differ when the eyes are open versus closed, so the medical staff must take this into account when performing the correction. Particularly, it is crucial to accurately understand the anatomical structure and skin condition around the eyes to achieve natural results. This understanding is especially important in procedures like eye fat grafting.
5. Early Intervention for Better Results
If the degree of eyelid depression is not severe and there are few discomfort symptoms, correction can be considered purely from an aesthetic perspective. However, if left untreated for a long time, the eyelid skin can become thin, leading to severe creasing and discomfort when opening the eyes, making correction more challenging. In such cases, eyelid lifting or double eyelid surgery may also need to be considered. If you are concerned about sunken eyes, correcting them as soon as possible can enhance the effectiveness, improve the duration of the results, and reduce the recurrence rate. This proactive approach can also make the results of eye fat grafting more successful and long-lasting.
6. Improving Quality of Life Through Eye Fat Grafting
Such plastic surgery approaches, including eye fat grafting, play a significant role in improving patient satisfaction and quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to find the optimal treatment method that suits you through thorough consultation with experts. With the growing popularity and success of eye fat grafting, more patients are experiencing rejuvenated and youthful appearances, leading to greater confidence and well-being.