Can you just release where under-eye fat was repositioned and let it go back to where it originally came from?

Question

I can't seem to get a straight answer on this. Can someone please explain it To me? I have read that when the fat is repositioned in lower bleph that it can sometimes not stay and go back to where it came from if the sutures don't hold. If this is the case can it just be released and allowed to go back since it has blood supply?

Rajan Uppal, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

The anatomy of the lower eyelid is highly complex with 4 layers with blood vessels and nerves. There is a complex arrangement of muscles and sheets of tissue also. Any surgery to this area can cause swelling and bleeding. The answer to your question therefore is not entirely possible as it is too technical to answer even for many surgeons without having a qualification in the field.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

This depends on how far out from surgery you are. There appears to be some bruising in your photos. For the first few weeks, this procedure may be reversed. Although, I suspect reversing a lower eyelid fat transposition is not a commonly performed operation. After a few weeks I suspect fibrosis/scarring would make reversing such a procedure difficult or impossible. This fat could (potentially) be removed. Although, it would be advisable to wait six months to make an assessment before deciding on any further treatment. It is likely that over time, as healing occurs and swelling resolves, you may indeed be happy with your results. I hope this is helpful. Best wishes, Dr. Harmych

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Goal of transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty is to release attachment of the muscle which creates the grove and transfer some of the fat above the grove to fill that space. Fat flap that is transposed underneath the current grove (tear tough deformity) is temporary fixed with sutures to stay in that position for ever. In same case, addition of fat grafts may be needed to complete reconstruction and ad some volume to cheeks. Hope this helps.

Terry Hand, MD · Answer

Hello, if the fat does not hold, yes it will still survive if it goes back to the original location. The issue with that, is the cosmetic result may not be as desired if the results change position.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

With time scar tissue acts like glue that’s that’s and eventually the fat won’t be held in place by surrounding scar tissue. To reverse the procedure it needs to be done within a few weeks or preferably a few days after the operation.
Once healed you should wait at least six months for scar tissue to mature in a bad point all tissues will need to be dissected free and this is more extensive work. At that point the fat pads may not naturally slide back where they came from it and it may be better to excise them if you don’t like where they sit now.
These are all questions you shouldn’t be having with your provider if you’ve had the procedure done.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can you just release where under-eye fat was repositioned and let it go back to where it originally came from?

Answers (5)

Answer: Under-eye fat

Answer: Under-eye fat

Answer: Reversed periocular fat pad transposition

Answer: Reversed periocular fat pad transposition

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Can you just release where under-eye fat was repositioned and let it go back to where it originally came from?

Answers (5)

Answer: Under-eye fat

Answer: Under-eye fat

Answer: Reversed periocular fat pad transposition

Answer: Reversed periocular fat pad transposition

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.