Sunken Eye Correction

Say Goodbye to Hollow, Sunken Eyes with Fat Grafting Surgery

Eye area concerns should never be overlooked, as the face is the first point of connection in any interaction. Deep or hollow eye sockets are a common issue and can significantly affect facial aesthetics. In this article, we’ll introduce a highly effective solution to this problem—fat grafting to the under-eye area, a procedure known for delivering outstanding results.

Table of Contents:

• Say Goodbye to Hollow, Sunken Eyes with Fat Grafting Surgery
• What Are Deep Eye Sockets?
• How Do Deep Eye Sockets Appear?
• What Causes Deep Eye Sockets?
• Are Deep Eye Sockets Harmful?
• Can Deep Eye Sockets Be Prevented?
• How Can Deep Eye Sockets Be Treated?
• Fat Grafting Procedure: Steps and Techniques
• Pre-Surgery Guidelines
• Post-Surgery Care Tips
• Real Patient Testimonials

​Sunken Eyes: What They Are and How to Address Them​

Sunken eyes refer to a condition where the eye sockets appear hollow or deep-set, often due to a decrease in the volume of fat around the eyes. This can result from genetic factors or the natural aging process, leading to the formation of deep grooves between the eyes and the brow bone. As a result, the eye sockets become more prominent, causing the eyes to appear deep-set, tired, and aged.​

Characteristics of Sunken Eyes

• Deep Grooves Above the Eyelids: Visible indentations above the eyelids, creating a shadowed effect.
• Prominent Bone Structure: Clear visibility of the orbital bone beneath the eyebrows.
• Hollow Appearance: Eyes may look sunken or “hollow,” giving a fatigued or aged appearance.
• Multiple Eyelid Creases: In some cases, the skin folds may resemble multiple eyelid creases, leading to a “three-fold” look.
• Drooping Eyelids: The upper eyelids may appear heavy or droopy, contributing to a tired look.​

Causes of Sunken Eyes

• Genetics: Inherited facial bone structure can predispose individuals to sunken eyes.
• Aging: Loss of fat and skin elasticity around the eyes with age can deepen the eye sockets.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Significant weight loss can reduce fat around the eyes, leading to a hollow appearance.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the eye muscles can cause the eyelids to droop, accentuating the sunken look.
• Previous Eyelid Surgery: Undergoing eyelid surgery without addressing underlying fat loss can result in exaggerated eyelid folds.​

Treatment Options

• Fat Grafting: Transferring fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs to the eye sockets to restore volume.
• Eyelid Surgery: Adjusting the eyelid structure to correct drooping and improve the overall appearance.
• Filler Injections: Using dermal fillers to add volume to the under-eye area for a temporary solution.
• Muscle Tightening: Strengthening or repositioning eye muscles to reduce drooping and improve eyelid function.​

Is Sunken Eye Condition Dangerous?

While sunken eyes are not a life-threatening condition, they can significantly affect both facial aesthetics and eye health. This condition causes the eyes to appear hollow, tired, and sunken, making the overall facial appearance look dull, aged, and less vibrant than peers of the same age. The deep-set look can create a shadowy effect that contributes to a less radiant complexion and can even be perceived as bad facial “feng shui” in certain cultures.

Additionally, sunken eyes can make makeup application more difficult, and the altered appearance may affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. Over time, this can potentially impact mental well-being. Therefore, even though it isn’t physically harmful, it can have a notable influence on a person’s emotional and psychological state.

Can Sunken Eyes Be Prevented?

• Get Enough Rest
  Lack of sleep or staying up late frequently can accelerate the deterioration of the skin around your eyes. This leads to sagging eyelids, fine lines, and deeper eye hollows. Ensuring you get quality rest regularly helps maintain eye health and prevent sunken eyes.
• Use Eye Cream Daily
  A simple and effective way to care for your under-eye area is to regularly apply moisturizing eye cream. It helps reduce dark circles, minimize fine lines, tighten sagging skin, and keep the eyelid area plump—preventing the development of deep eye hollows.
• Avoid Extreme Weight Loss
  Crash dieting or sudden weight loss can rapidly deplete body fat, including the fat around your eyes, resulting in hollow, sunken eyes. Moreover, rapid weight loss can lead to fatigue, dehydration, mood swings, and other health issues—so always opt for gradual and healthy weight loss methods.

How to Treat Sunken Eyes?

• Sunken Eyes Caused by Weak Eyelid Muscles
  For patients with ptosis or weak eyelid muscles, surgery can restore muscle strength and proper eye opening. Once the muscle regains function, it supports better fat distribution around the eyes, reducing the appearance of hollowness.
• Mild Sunken Eyes in Older Adults
  As we age, we naturally lose fat around the eyes. A double eyelid surgery alone can sometimes correct minor cases by reshaping the upper eyelid and improving its definition.
• Fat Transfer Technique
  For more pronounced sunken eyes, especially where fat loss is severe, fat grafting offers the most effective and lasting result. Surgeons can transfer fat from areas like the lower eyelids, under-eye bags, abdomen, or arms to restore volume and create a youthful eye contour.
• Dermal Fillers
  For those seeking non-surgical solutions, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can also help. Fillers are biocompatible and naturally dissolve over time, so touch-ups are needed for long-term results. When performed by a skilled professional, this method is safe and yields highly satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Fat Grafting Procedure for Sunken Eyes

Step-by-Step Process: 

1. The doctor carefully evaluates the patient’s condition and plans the procedure.

2. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a pain-free experience.

3. A small incision is made on the upper eyelid.

4. Fat is harvested and precisely repositioned or grafted into the hollow area.

5. The incision is closed with delicate suturing for minimal scarring.

Pre-Surgery Guidelines

• Inform your surgeon about any allergies, medications, or underlying health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease).
• Discontinue supplements such as vitamin C, E, fish oil, and herbal remedies 1–2 weeks prior.
• Avoid alcohol and get sufficient sleep the night before.
• Fast before the procedure if instructed, and do not wear makeup or jewelry on the day.
• Bring sunglasses and arrange for someone to accompany you, as driving afterward is not recommended.

Post-Surgery Aftercare

• For the first 48 hours, apply cold gel packs around the eyes (not directly on the incision) to reduce swelling.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first couple of nights.
• Clean the incision gently 1–2 times a day using a saline-soaked cotton swab.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound at least twice a day.
• Keep the incision completely dry to avoid infection.
• After day 3, if bruising occurs, warm compresses (not too hot) can be used alternately with cold ones to reduce swelling.
• Resume vitamins or blood-thinning supplements 1–2 weeks post-op.
• Avoid fermented foods, seafood, alcohol, and eggs for 2 weeks.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics and take painkillers as needed.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield the eyes from dust and pollutants.