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Fat repositioning
Existing eye-bag fat is moved down into the groove and secured. No external filler is needed.
Best for Mild to moderate hollows with eye bags
About fat repositioning → Tear Trough Surgery · Gangnam, Seoul
Tear Trough Correction Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul — Soften Under-Eye Hollows & Shadows
Tear trough correction surgery smooths the groove between the lower eyelid and cheek using your own fat — either repositioned from the eye bags or grafted from elsewhere. Surgery is planned by a board-certified plastic surgeon at our Gangnam clinic.
Board-certified plastic surgeons
Internal incision, no visible scar
English, Chinese & Japanese support
The Short Answer
What is tear trough correction surgery?
The tear trough is the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye down towards the cheek. When it deepens, it casts a shadow that makes you look tired or older, even after a good night’s sleep. Tear trough correction surgery fills and smooths this groove using your own tissue.
Depending on your anatomy, the surgeon either repositions existing under-eye fat into the groove, grafts small amounts of purified fat from the thigh or abdomen, or combines both. The work is done through an incision inside the lower eyelid, so there is usually no visible scar.
Unlike filler, which is temporary, surgical correction aims for a longer-lasting result. Compare all options on our eye treatment guide.
Who It’s For
Is tear trough correction right for me?
Tear trough surgery is often considered by adults who want a lasting solution for under-eye hollows. It may suit you if you have:
- A deep groove near the inner corner of the eye
- Dark shadows that remain after sleep
- Volume loss from ageing or previous fat removal
- An uneven contour after filler or eye bag surgery
- A tired or sunken under-eye appearance
Analyse
The surgeon maps the depth of the groove and the eyelid–cheek transition.
Fill
Your own fat is moved or grafted into the hollow.
Blend
The contour is smoothed so the eyelid flows naturally into the cheek.
Techniques
Tear trough correction techniques
Your surgeon chooses the method based on whether you also have eye bags and how deep the hollow is.
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Micro-fat grafting
Fat is harvested from the thigh or abdomen, purified and injected in tiny amounts to rebuild lost volume.
Best for Severe hollowness without much eye-bag fat
About under-eye fat grafting →03
Hybrid correction
Repositioning and grafting are combined for a complete correction of both bulge and hollow.
Best for Complex cases and revision surgery
Compare
Tear trough surgery vs tear trough filler
Two common ways to treat the same groove.
| Tear trough surgery | Tear trough filler | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Your own fat (repositioned or grafted) | Hyaluronic acid gel |
| Treats eye bags too | Yes, with fat repositioning | No |
| Anaesthesia | Local with sedation | Topical numbing |
| Downtime | About 1 week | 1–3 days |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Temporary |
| Learn more | This page | Under-eye filler |
General guidance only. Your surgeon recommends an option after examining you.
Your Surgery Journey
How tear trough correction surgery works
A typical plan for patients travelling to Seoul.
- Before you fly
Online consultation
Send front and side photos of your under-eyes via WhatsApp for an initial opinion and estimate.
- Day 1
Under-eye analysis
A board-certified plastic surgeon assesses the groove, eye bags and cheek, explains the risks and confirms the technique.
- Surgery day
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia with sedation is used so you remain comfortable.
- 1–2 hours
Surgery
Fat is repositioned and/or grafted through an internal incision. You rest at the clinic before returning to your hotel.
- Days 2–7
Check-ups
We review swelling and healing at follow-up visits during your stay.
- Before flying
Final check
Your surgeon confirms you are ready to fly and explains aftercare at home.
Recovery Timeline
Tear trough surgery recovery timeline
Typical milestones — your own recovery may differ.
| Stage | What to expect | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Swelling and tightness peak; bruising is possible, more so with fat grafting. | Rest, cold compresses for 48 hours, head elevated |
| Day 3–7 | Swelling eases noticeably. | Light walking; most daily activities after about 1 week |
| Week 2 | Bruising usually fades; many patients return to work. | Light makeup when your surgeon approves |
| Month 1 | The smoother contour is clearly visible. | Normal exercise as advised |
| Month 1–2 | Final result settles; grafted fat that survives is stable. | Online review with your surgeon |
General guidance only. Follow your surgeon’s personal instructions.
Visiting From Abroad
Planning tear trough surgery in Korea
Practical tips for international patients at our Gangnam clinic.
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How long to stay
Plan about 7–10 days in Seoul so we can check healing before you fly home.
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Flying home
Most patients fly after their final check, about one week after surgery. Sunglasses help while bruising fades.
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Online follow-up
Share recovery photos on WhatsApp after you return home; we review progress at around 1 and 2 months.
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Language & access
Support in English, Chinese and Japanese. We are about 2 minutes from Nonhyeon Station (Line 7 Exit 5 / Shinbundang Exit 4).
Aftercare
Tear trough surgery aftercare: what to do and avoid
Do
- Use cold compresses for the first 48 hours
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Take prescribed medication and use eye drops as directed
- Attend all follow-up visits
- Protect your eyes from sun and wind with sunglasses
Avoid for about 1 week
- Rubbing or pressing the under-eye area
- Heavy exercise and lifting
- Alcohol and smoking
- Saunas, jjimjilbang and hot baths
- Eye makeup until your surgeon approves
Real Results
Tear trough correction before & after
Under-eye fat repositioning and lower eyelid results from our Gangnam clinic.
Individual results vary. Photos are shared with patient consent.
Pricing
How much does tear trough correction cost in Gangnam, Seoul?
Cost depends on the technique, your anatomy and the complexity of the case.
| Fat repositioning only Uses your eye-bag fat | ₩2.5 – ₩3.5 million |
| Micro-fat grafting only Fat from thigh or abdomen | ₩2 – ₩3 million |
| Combined correction Repositioning + grafting | ₩3.5 – ₩4.5 million |
Good to know
- Prices are in Korean won (KRW).
- Your final quote is confirmed after an in-person consultation.
- Send photos via WhatsApp for a free estimate before you travel.
FAQ
Tear trough correction in Seoul: frequently asked questions
What causes a deep tear trough?
A deep tear trough is often a mix of genetics, thin skin and loss of volume with age. Bulging eye-bag fat above the groove can make it look even deeper. Previous fat removal can also leave a hollow.
Is tear trough surgery better than filler?
Surgery uses your own tissue and aims for a longer-lasting result, and it can treat eye bags at the same time. Filler has less downtime but is temporary. Your surgeon can explain which suits your anatomy and schedule.
Will there be a scar?
The correction is done through an incision inside the lower eyelid, so there is usually no visible scar. Fat grafting needs only a tiny entry point at the donor site.
How long is recovery?
Mild swelling usually lasts 3–7 days and most patients return to normal activities after about a week. The final result is typically seen within 1–2 months.
Does grafted fat last?
Part of the grafted fat is naturally absorbed in the first weeks. The fat that survives is usually stable long term. A small top-up is occasionally needed.
When can I fly after surgery?
Most patients fly after their final check, around one week after surgery. We recommend staying 7–10 days in Seoul.
What are the risks?
Risks include swelling, bruising, asymmetry, small lumps or irregularity, and uneven fat survival after grafting. These are discussed at consultation and managed by your plastic surgeon. Results vary between individuals.
Can you correct a poor result from filler or previous surgery?
Often, yes. A hybrid approach can smooth an uneven contour. See fat graft revision
and sunken eye correction.
Visit our eye surgery clinic in Gangnam
Address
The Beauty Plastic Surgery
6F Dochung Building, 519 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 서초구 강남대로 519 도충빌딩 6층
Getting here
Nonhyeon Station (Line 7 Exit 5 / Shinbundang Exit 4) — approx. 2 min walk
Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9 Exit 2) — approx. 8 min walk
Hours (KST)
Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 19:00
Sat: 10:00 – 16:00
Sun & public holidays: Closed
Free Online Consultation
Get your personalised tear trough plan
Send us photos of your under-eyes and your travel dates. Our team will reply with suitable options and an estimated cost.
Results vary between individuals. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.
