Before and After
This case shows a 3-month result after lower eyelid surgery with fat repositioning and SMAS fixation in a male patient in his 50s. The goal was not to eliminate all wrinkles, but to restore structural balance while maintaining a natural appearance.
A Structural Problem
At first glance, the concern may appear to be wrinkles and under-eye bulging. However, the underlying issue was not simply excess fat or loose skin. The lower eyelid showed a combination of fat protrusion, volume imbalance, and age-related structural changes.
Why We Did Not Remove All Wrinkles
It is not appropriate to attempt to remove all wrinkles in lower eyelid surgery. Overcorrection can lead to an unnatural appearance and may increase the risk of complications such as lower eyelid retraction or ectropion.
Instead of aggressive tightening, the goal was to maintain a balanced and natural contour. Preserving certain natural folds, including the under-eye fullness (often referred to as the “aegyo-sal”), is important for facial harmony.
For a deeper understanding of the risks of overcorrection, see
why aggressive fat removal can lead to hollowing
.
Structural Correction
Rather than removing fat, the protruding fat was repositioned to restore volume continuity between the lower eyelid and the cheek. SMAS fixation was used to reinforce structural support and maintain long-term stability.
This approach focuses on improving contour without excessive tension. For a broader perspective, see
how lower eyelid surgery is based on structure and support
.
Results
At 3 months, the lower eyelid shows a smoother contour and improved volume balance. Wrinkles have softened, but not completely removed, preserving a natural and age-appropriate appearance.
This result reflects a balanced correction rather than an over-tightened outcome. For long-term considerations, see
this guide on hollow under-eye after surgery
.
Surgical Approach
Lower eyelid surgery was performed with a focus on structural correction, volume preservation, and long-term stability, while avoiding overcorrection and maintaining natural facial harmony.
Because lower eyelid surgery results continue to evolve after the early recovery period, it may help to review our
lower eyelid surgery recovery timeline.
