Lower Eyelid Fat Repositioning — Scarless Eyebag Correction
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Cellon performs transconjunctival lower eyelid fat repositioning, a scarless approach that corrects eyebags and the under-eye hollow shadow ("tear trough") by repositioning the patient's own orbital fat rather than removing it. Director: Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist.
Why repositioning, not removal?
Traditional eyebag surgery often removes lower eyelid fat. While this can flatten a bulging eyebag, it frequently leaves a hollow groove below — the very shadow patients try to avoid. Cellon's protocol uses the transconjunctival approach (incision inside the lower eyelid, no skin scar) to release the orbital fat and reposition it downward into the tear trough, smoothing the lid-cheek transition. Fat preservation reduces the risk of long-term hollow appearance and gives a more natural result, particularly for younger patients.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia, optional IV sedation |
| Approach | Transconjunctival (inside the lower eyelid, no external skin incision) |
| External scar | None — incision is hidden inside the eyelid |
| Recovery / downtime | 1 to 2 weeks visible swelling; 4 weeks for stabilization |
| Sutures | Self-absorbing, no external removal needed |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon |
How the procedure works
- Consultation and assessment — Dr. Kang evaluates orbital fat volume, tear trough depth, and skin quality.
- Photography for surgical planning.
- Local anesthesia (with optional IV sedation).
- Transconjunctival incision inside the lower eyelid.
- Orbital fat release and repositioning into the tear trough; selective conservative reduction only if indicated.
- Self-absorbing closure.
- Cold compress, post-operative care instructions, follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults with bulging lower eyelid fat (eyebags) and a hollow tear trough below, who want correction without external scarring and prefer fat preservation.
- Limited benefit
- Patients with very loose lower eyelid skin may need adjunct skin tightening (laser, RF, or skin pinch). Severe lower eyelid laxity may require lateral canthal support.
- Contraindications
- Active eye infection, severe dry eye syndrome, untreated bleeding disorder, recent eye surgery without surgeon clearance, certain autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing.
- Side effects
- Bruising, swelling, temporary blurred vision, transient lower lid retraction, rare asymmetry. Severe complications such as orbital hematoma are very rare but require immediate medical attention.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a visible scar?
No external scar. The incision is made inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival) and self-absorbing sutures dissolve on their own.
Will my eyes look hollow afterward?
The procedure is designed specifically to avoid the hollow look. By repositioning fat rather than removing it, the lid-cheek transition is smoothed instead of deepened.
How long is the downtime?
1 to 2 weeks of visible swelling and bruising. Most patients return to social settings around 2 weeks. Final stabilization at 4 weeks.
Is the procedure painful?
Discomfort is manageable with local anesthesia. IV sedation is available for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed.
How long do results last?
Long-lasting in most patients. The repositioned fat remains; aging continues normally elsewhere on the face.
Will it remove my dark circles entirely?
Shadow-type dark circles caused by tear trough hollowness improve significantly. Pigmented dark circles caused by skin pigmentation may need separate laser or topical treatment.
Can I combine this with under-eye fat graft?
Yes, when needed. If the patient's orbital fat volume is insufficient to fill the tear trough, micro fat graft can be added in the same session or staged.
Is this safe for foreign patients with limited follow-up time?
Yes, with planning. Cellon recommends staying in Seoul at least 7 days post-procedure for the 1-week follow-up. Remote follow-up via messenger thereafter.
Can I wear contact lenses afterward?
Avoid contact lens use for 1 to 2 weeks. Use prescription glasses temporarily; resume contact lenses after surgeon clearance at follow-up.
How do I book a consultation?
Contact Cellon via the messenger channels listed on cellonclinic.com. Multilingual support is available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Korean original: grafting01.php
About Dr. Kang Seunghoon
Dr. Kang Seunghoon is a board-certified dermatologist with peer-reviewed research publications in international dermatology journals including Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Acta Dermato-Venereologica, and Korean Journal of Dermatology. Full publication list on Google Scholar.