What is lower blepharoplasty?
Under-eye bags form when the fat that cushions the eyeball pushes forward through a weakening septum, while the cheek below loses volume. The result is a bulge with a shadowed groove beneath it — the tear trough — that make-up and sleep cannot fix.
Lower blepharoplasty corrects both parts. The fat is released and draped over the bony rim to fill the groove (fat repositioning), and any excess skin is trimmed conservatively. Patients with bags but good skin tone may only need eye bag removal through the inner lid.
Who is a good candidate?
- Visible under-eye bags that look worse in overhead light.
- A dark groove or tear trough under the bulge.
- Crepey or loose lower-lid skin in patients over 40.
- Bags that fillers have made worse or that keep coming back.
- Healthy eyes — no untreated dry eye or recent eye surgery.
If your lower lid has started to pull down or show white below the iris, read about lower eyelid retraction surgery first — it needs a different approach.
Transconjunctival vs external approach
| Transconjunctival | External (subciliary) | Fillers | |
| Incision | Inside the lower lid | Just below the lashes | None |
| Best for | Bags, good skin tone | Bags with excess skin | Mild hollows only |
| Fat repositioning | Yes | Yes | No |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 7–10 days | 1–2 days |
| Longevity | Usually permanent | Usually permanent | 6–18 months |
How the procedure works
Before & after
Before
After
More cases are in our before & after gallery.
Recovery timeline
| Day 1–3 | Swelling and mild bruising; cold compresses, head raised. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed (external approach). Bruising fades. |
| Week 2 | Make-up allowed; most people return to work. |
| Month 1–3 | Contour settles and any firmness softens. |
“The goal is not an empty under-eye. It is a smooth one, with your own volume in the right place.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks, honestly
Possible risks include prolonged swelling, small irregularities, temporary dry eye, and — most importantly — lower-lid pull-down (ectropion) if too much skin is removed. That is why we remove skin conservatively and add lid support when needed. We will not promise what cannot be done.
Frequently asked questions
Is lower blepharoplasty permanent?
Removed or repositioned fat does not come back in the same way, so results usually last 10 years or more, although the skin keeps ageing.
Will there be a visible scar?
With the transconjunctival approach the incision is inside the lid. With the external approach the fine scar sits just below the lashes and fades within a few months.
How long should I stay in Korea?
About 7–10 days so Dr. Lee can remove stitches and check healing before your flight.
Can it be combined with upper eyelid surgery?
Yes. Upper and lower blepharoplasty are often done together in one session.
Is fat repositioning better than fat removal?
For most patients with a tear trough, yes: repositioning fills the groove instead of leaving a hollow.
Who performs the surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung performs your consultation, surgery and follow-up herself.