Why did my surgeon remove so much fat during lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Last year, I had developed herniated fat under my eyes + some volume loss. 6 months ago I had a lower blepharoplasty + fat transfer. My surgeon never explained to me risks of dark circles/hollowing. However, 6 months after the surgery with all the swelling gone, I now have permanent dark circles from hollowness. Why did my surgeon remove so much fat? If it was necessary, why didn't they transfer in more fat to compensate? Surgeon said it was in my head and couldn't see what I meant.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It appears that you have mid  malar deficiency, very frequent in patients of Asian descent. This can be even more pronounced after lower blepharoplasty. Fat grafting or even a small cheek implants, should be considered. Hope this helps.

C. Blake Perry, MD · Answer

Additional fat can always be added to the midface and tear trough to increase volume through fat grafting. Procedures to help improve skin quality and texture (ie chemical peels, laser resurfacing) will also help improve the shadowing.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You need to work address your concerns to your surgeon since that’s the person who did the procedure. The outcome of plastic surgery procedures are based on each individual person’s candidacy for the procedure combined with the skill and experience of the provider.
A lot of issues related to lower eyelids and mid face volume and have extra fundamental bases issues related to bone structure. Bone structure is the fundamental primary reason. Each person has their own unique facial appearance, and soft tissue issues often develop because of skeletal structure.
Fat that is successfully grafted during anyone single procedure is inherently limited. The risk of having an issue with too much grafted fat is a far worse of a problem than needing a touchup fat grafting procedure.
Your results look fairly typical and there’s no evidence if something was done wrong. Surgeons do the best they can at reviewing risks associated with the procedure, but it does pose a challenge to conceivably go over every single potential side effect, which eventually become more subjective in regards to Aesthetic outcomes. 
Restoring midface volume can be done with another round of fat transfer the use of fillers, implants, or a mid-facelift.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Why did my surgeon remove so much fat during lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

Why did my surgeon remove so much fat during lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.