Tired of looking in the mirror and seeing hollow, dark under-eyes—no matter how much sleep you get? You’re not alone. At Savalia Plastic Surgery, we specialize in natural-looking under-eye rejuvenation, and one of our most effective solutions is combining fat transfer with lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Why choose both? Because dark circles and hollows usually come from two separate issues:
✔ Volume loss (fat transfer plumps)
✔ Excess skin/puffiness (blepharoplasty tightens)
Let’s break down how this powerful combo works—and how to know if it’s right for you.
The Problem: Why Under-Eyes Age Faster
The under-eye area is delicate and shows aging first because:
- Fat pads shrink (creating hollows)
- Skin thins (making veins/muscles more visible)
- Muscles weaken (leading to bags)
Fillers help, but…
While injectables can add volume, they don’t address sagging skin or muscle laxity—which is where surgery comes in.
The Solution: Fat Transfer + Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower Blepharoplasty: The "Tightening" Step
✔ Removes excess skin/fat (for smoother contours)
✔ Repositions fat pads (to reduce bulging)
✔ Improves dark shadows caused by puffiness
Fat Transfer: The "Plumping" Step
✔ Uses your own fat (no foreign material)
✔ Restores lost volume (for a youthful curve)
✔ Blends tear troughs (no sharp hollows)
Together, they create:
- A refreshed, well-rested look
- Natural contours (no "overfilled" appearance)
- Long-lasting results (unlike temporary fillers)
Who’s the Ideal Candidate?
This combo works best if you have:
✅ Hollow under-eyes (sunken appearance)
✅ Bags or puffiness (especially if hereditary)
✅ Thin, crepey skin (with visible veins)
✅ Realistic expectations (it won’t erase all dark pigmentation)
Not a good fit if:
✖ You only need slight volume (fillers may suffice)
✖ You have severe lower lid laxity (may need a canthoplasty)
The Procedure: What to Expect
Step 1: Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)
- We gently remove fat from your abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
- The fat is purified for transfer.
Step 2: Lower Blepharoplasty
- Incisions are made inside the eyelid (no visible scars) or just below lash line.
- Excess skin/fat is removed or repositioned.
Step 3: Fat Transfer
- Tiny amounts of fat are layered under the eye for smooth blending.
- We slightly overfill to account for natural absorption.
Procedure Time: ~2–3 hours (under anesthesia)
Recovery Timeline
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| First 3 days | Swelling/bruising (peak days 2–3); cold compresses help |
| 1 week | Bruising fades; can wear makeup |
| 2–3 weeks | Most swelling resolves; final contours emerge |
| 6 months | Final results (as fat stabilizes) |
Pro Tip: Sleep slightly elevated for the first week to minimize swelling.
Fat Transfer vs. Fillers for Under-Eyes
| Factor | Fat Transfer | Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Years (often permanent) | 6–18 months |
| Cost Over Time | Higher upfront, but cost-effective long-term | Lower upfront, but recurring costs |
| Look/Feel | Your natural tissue | Smooth but can be visible if overdone |
| Downtime | 1–2 weeks | None |
Best for Fat Transfer: Deeper hollows, patients tired of repeat filler appointments.
Best for Fillers: Mild volume loss, no downtime needed.
Why Choose Savalia Plastic Surgery?
✔ Specialized Expertise: Not all surgeons master both fat grafting and delicate eyelid surgery.
✔ Artistic Approach: We prioritize natural contours (no "puffy" or overfilled looks).
✔ Personalized Plans: Some patients need more fat, some need more tightening—we tailor it.
Real Patient Results
"I had filler for years but still looked tired. Combining fat transfer with blepharoplasty gave me results that last—no more maintenance!"
"The hollows under my eyes made me look older than I felt. Now my eyes match my energy!"
Next Steps
- Book a consult– We’ll assess your under-eyes and recommend the right balance of procedures.
- See Before/Afters – View real patient results.
- Ask About Financing – Options are available.
Ready to refresh your gaze? Contact Savalia Plastic Surgery today.
Questions? Drop them below—we’re happy to help! 💬
About Savalia Plastic Surgery: We specialize in facial rejuvenation that looks effortless, not overdone. Dr. Savalia is a board-certified surgeon with advanced training in fat grafting and eyelid surgery.
