脂肪注入はクマ取りに本当に必要？デメリット・ダウンタイム・定着率を徹底解説

Are you worried that "I was recommended fat injections during my consultation for dark circles, but I wonder if it is really necessary..."? Many people are confused when they consult a clinic to improve dark circles under their eyes and are told that they need fat injections as well as blepharoplasty.

There are many things to be concerned about, such as the need to suction fat from the thighs, the risk of lumps forming, and the long downtime. In the first place, it is natural to be at a loss to decide whether the results are truly beautiful without fat injections or whether the effects are worth the cost. Here, we provide a thorough explanation of fat injections for dark circles from a physician's point of view, including not only the advantages but also the disadvantages and risks.

 

What is fat injections in dark circles removal? Let's understand the basics!

Have you ever visited a clinic with dark circles under your eyes and been surprised when they suggested that you also have fat injections? In fact, fat injections are an important option in the treatment of dark circles.

However, since the need for and effects of fat injections vary from person to person, it is important to acquire basic knowledge first. Here, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of fat injections, from how they work to the cases in which they are indicated.

Mechanism and Purpose of Fat Injection

Fat injection dark circles removal is a treatment in which fat from your own body is transplanted under the eyes. A small amount of fat is suctioned, mainly from the thighs or abdomen, specially processed, and then injected into the depressed areas under the eyes.

The main goal of this treatment is to improve the indentations and hollows that tend to occur after lipoectomy (surgery to remove excess fat from under the eyes). The under-eye area, which was plump in youth, loses fat as we age and the skeletal structure becomes more prominent. Fat injections are a way to replace this lost volume and restore a smooth, youthful look to the eyes.

There are two main types of fat that are injected. Condensed fat is a highly pure fat that has had impurities removed in a centrifuge and has a high retention rate.

Nanofat (fine-grained fat), on the other hand, is fat that has been finely crushed with a special instrument and can be injected into the shallow layers of skin, making it effective for pigmented dark circles such as blue and red dark circles. Doctors use or combine these techniques depending on the patient's symptoms to optimize the treatment.

Types of dark circles and indications for fat injections

There are three major types of dark circles, each with different causes and appropriate treatments.

Dark circles are a type of dark circles that appear dark because the fat under the eyes protrudes forward, creating shadows. This is mainly caused by sagging, and degreasing surgery is the first choice. Blue dark circles are caused by thin skin and visible blood vessels, and poor circulation is also involved. Brown dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation and can be caused by excessive rubbing or exposure to ultraviolet light.

Fat injections are particularly effective for depressions and hollows after blepharoplasty, the golgolines (furrows from the inner corner of the eyes to the cheeks), and pigmented dark circles such as blue and red dark circles. The growth factors contained in fat also improve the quality of the skin and reduce the transparency of blood vessels.

 

What are the disadvantages and risks of fat injections? I will try to explain honestly!

We hope that you now understand the basic mechanics and indications for fat injections. However, with any treatment, there are advantages as well as disadvantages. Fat injections, in particular, are a rather complicated procedure in which fat is harvested from your own body and transplanted.

Is it really safe? "What happens if it fails?" What happens if it fails? Here, we will provide an unbiased explanation of the disadvantages and risks of fat injections, taking into account the actual situation in the medical field. By having the correct knowledge, you should be able to make a more satisfactory treatment choice.

Possible Risk 1｜Risk of Lumps and Mechanism of Occurrence

One of the most worrisome risks associated with fat injections is the development of "lumps. If a lump develops under the eye after undergoing a treatment to improve dark circles, it would be a real disaster.

The main causes of lumps are large injections into a single area and inadequate physician skill. In order for fat cells to grow, they need to receive nutrients from the surrounding tissue. However, if a large amount of fat is injected at once, the fat cells in the center do not receive nutrients and become necrotic. This necrosis leads to fibrosis of the fat cells, which results in hard lumps. The same problem is also likely to occur if the injection depth and distribution are inappropriate.

However, it is important to judge postoperative stiffness according to time. Stiffness in the first month or so after surgery is usually normal due to an inflammatory reaction. It is not unusual for injected fat to become temporarily firm as it blends with the surrounding tissue. However, if the hardness remains after 3 months, it is important to be careful. Firmness that does not improve after this period is more likely to remain as a lump.

There are several ways to prevent lumps. The first is the use of nanofat (fine-grained fat). Finely ground nanofat is more evenly distributed and reduces the risk of lumps. Also important is the technique of injecting small amounts in multiple layers. Experienced physicians inject very small amounts, such as 0.1 cc at a time, spreading them out in a fan-like fashion. This careful technique distributes the fat evenly and improves the retention rate.

Possible Risk 2｜Reality of retention rate

Another major concern for those considering fat injections is the retention rate. Unfortunately, the reality is that about half of the injected fat is absorbed by the body. This is not a failure, but rather an unavoidable phenomenon due to the nature of fat injections.

The fixation rate varies from clinic to clinic, but is generally considered to be around 50-701 TP3T, but this varies from person to person. The first factor that affects the fixation rate is the injection site. Since the area under the eyes is relatively rich in blood flow, the fixation rate tends to be better than other areas.

Next, body constitution is also an important factor. Smokers and diabetics tend to have poor blood flow and lower retention rates. Postoperative care also influences the retention rate. Patients should rest for one week after surgery and avoid extreme dieting and strenuous exercise.

So what happens to the settled fat afterwards? In fact, once settled, fat remains semi-permanently; even after 10 or 20 years, the settled fat cells will continue to live and maintain volume. This is a major difference from hyaluronic acid injections.

However, natural changes due to aging are inevitable. As the surrounding tissue ages, the injected fat will droop with it. Even so, the eyes will remain noticeably younger than if nothing were done.

Other Possible Risks

There are other disadvantages to fat injections that you should know about besides lumps and retention.

The first concern is the risk of a slightly plump face. We often hear people say, "I want to improve my dark circles, but I feel like my face is kind of bigger." Indeed, excessive fat injections can change the impression of the face. Particular attention should be paid to those who originally have a lot of fat in the face or who have tense cheekbones. The appropriate amount to inject varies greatly from person to person, generally 0.1cc~0.5cc per side, but this is an area where the physician's aesthetic eye and technical skill are required.

Also, we must not forget the need for liposuction from the thighs and other parts of the body. Even though the amount injected under the eyes may be small, it is necessary to suction from a certain area in order to safely collect it. This will cause a bit of downtime not only under the eyes but also in the thighs. Many are surprised by the unanticipated burden of internal bleeding, pain, and the need for pressure immobilization.

(data) item	Advantages	demerit
Durability of effects	Semi-permanent (for established)	Only about 50-70% is established.
safety	No allergies due to self-tissue	Risk of lumps.
naturalness	Very natural finish	Possibility of face enlargement due to over-injection.
Burden of surgery	Completed in one surgery	Liposuction is also required
down time	–	Prolonged under eye + suction site

After understanding these disadvantages, it is important to choose this treatment when you can judge that the advantages of fat injections still outweigh them. Consult with your doctor to find the best treatment option for you.

 

Explanation of downtime and postoperative course of fat injections

Now that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of fat injections, you may be wondering, "How much time off will I actually need?" When can I go back to my normal life? and "When will I be able to return to my normal life?

In particular, dark circles removal involving fat injections may take longer to recover than expected because of the downtime that occurs not only under the eyes but also at the site where the fat is harvested. For those who have work or important appointments, this downtime can be an important factor in making a treatment decision.

Days after surgery	Condition under the eyes	Thigh condition
Same day to 3 days	Strong swelling and internal bleeding	Pain strongest, pressure immobilization started
4 days to 1 week	Improvement trend after peak swelling	Pain reduction and internal hemorrhage enlargement
1 to 2 weeks	Swelling improved by 70-80%.	End of pressure fixation, internal hemorrhage yellowing
2-4 weeks	Minor swelling/stiffness remaining	Internal hemorrhage disappeared, light exercise possible
1-3 months	Stiffness improvement and form stabilization	complete recovery

This section will detail the actual process, from downtime by site to the estimated return to work.

Liposuction site downtime

As mentioned briefly above, one thing that is often overlooked in fat injections under the eyes is the downtime of the area where the fat is harvested. Many people are surprised to hear, "Why does my thigh hurt when I am treating the area under my eyes?" Many people are surprised.

Fat harvesting is performed mainly from the inner and outer thighs. Because a thin tube (cannula) is used during the extraction, the scar is small (3-5 mm), but under the skin, the procedure is more extensive than one might imagine. Because of this, the postoperative period is followed by a dull ache like muscle pain that lasts about a week. The peak of the pain is 2-3 days after the surgery and is well controlled with prescribed painkillers.

There is a great deal of individual variation in terms of internal bleeding, with some patients experiencing little or no bleeding and others experiencing purple coloring of the entire thigh. Internal bleeding usually turns yellow in 1-2 weeks and then disappears completely. In addition, pressure immobilization is required after the surgery, and a special girdle or stockings will be worn for about a week. This is an important procedure to minimize swelling and prevent uneven skin.

Walking is possible on the day of surgery, but it is recommended to refrain from going up and down stairs and standing for long periods of time for about 3-4 days.

Downtime under the eyes (injection site)

Downtime under the eyes with fat injections tends to be more prolonged than with liposuction alone. This is due to the overlap of the two procedures, which causes more tissue damage.

Swelling peaks 2-3 days after surgery, and it is not uncommon for the patient to look like an "oiwa-san" during this period. However, after 1 week, 70-80% of the swelling subsides, and after 2 weeks, the patient is almost back to normal. However, it is important to understand that it takes about 3-6 months for the swelling to completely go down and for the final result to be seen.

Internal bleeding tends to be more intense than with liposuction alone, with a purple or yellow discoloration under the eyes and on the cheeks. It may take 2-3 weeks to disappear completely, depending on the individual. In addition, the injected fat may cause a hardness and unevenness that lasts for about one month, but this is normal and will blend in naturally over time.

What is the estimated time to return to work?

When can I go back to work?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients. The answer varies greatly depending on the type of job and work environment.

Those who work mainly at a desk can return to work 4-5 days after the surgery, as it is less stressful on the body. However, swelling and internal bleeding under the eyes remain, so covering with a mask and glasses is recommended. With the recent proliferation of telework, an increasing number of patients work from home for about a week before returning to work.

For those who work in customer service or sales, it is recommended to take a vacation of at least one week, preferably 10 days, because of the many opportunities to be in public. Makeup will be able to cover some of the area after one week, but it may look uncomfortable when seen at close range.

For those who work physically, recovery of the thighs should also be considered, and a rest period of about 2 weeks is ideal. Heavy lifting and squatting activities can put stress on the liposuction site and delay recovery.

As a method of coverage, masks are a must. The fact that wearing masks has become natural since the Corona disaster has been a tailwind for those undergoing cosmetic procedures. As for makeup, concealer or foundation can be used to cover the area from one week after the surgery. However, care should be taken not to rub too hard.

Proper icing for 48 hours after surgery is important for care to reduce downtime. However, be careful not to overcool the skin so as not to interfere with fat engraftment. In addition, sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce swelling. In terms of diet, reducing salt and consuming vitamin C and protein can promote recovery. Smoking and alcohol cessation are also important factors to speed recovery.

Fat injections for dark circles are indeed a treatment with a longer downtime. However, with proper planning and preparation, the impact on daily life can be minimized. The important thing is to take it easy, listen to your body, and wait for recovery.

 

Is fat injections really necessary for dark circles removal treatment in the first place?

Now that we have discussed the detailed downtime of fat injections, many of you may be wondering, "Do I really need fat injections to get through the downtime of both my under eyes and my thighs?" Many of you may have wondered, "Do I really need fat injections to overcome the downtime of both under the eyes and thighs?

In fact, when a clinic recommends "let's do fat injections together," it is sometimes difficult to decide whether this is sales talk or a truly necessary suggestion. In conclusion, whether fat injections are necessary or not depends on the individual. The best treatment will depend on your age, the condition of your dark circles, and your facial structure.

In this section, we will clarify the cases in which fat injections are truly necessary and those in which they are not, and explain how they compare with other treatment methods so that you can make the best choice for you.

Cases in which fat injections are necessary for dark circles removal

There are several cases in which fat injections for dark circles are particularly effective and should be actively considered. In these cases, the benefits of fat injections are significant, even after taking downtime and cost into consideration.

The first is when indentation is anticipated after the blepharoplasty. This applies mainly to people in their late 30s or later, or those who originally have little fat under the eyes. If the elasticity of the skin has decreased due to aging, the skin will not shrink after the fat is removed, and may instead look older. This is why the doctor checks the elasticity of the skin by pinching and pulling the skin during the preoperative examination. If the doctor says, "If you remove the fat only, it will be concave," we recommend that you honestly consider fat injections.

Second, deep grooves near the golgoline are also good indications for fat injections. The gorgoline is a diagonal groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye to the cheek and is a major factor in giving a tired or aged appearance. This groove is largely a skeletal problem and cannot be improved by liposuction alone. By filling the sulcus with fat injections, the transition from under the eyes to the cheeks can be smoothed out and a youthful appearance can be restored.

Fat injections are also effective when there are colored dark circles such as blue and red dark circles. These colored dark circles are caused by thin skin and visible blood vessels. By injecting nanofat into the shallow layers of the skin, the skin can be thickened and the transparency of blood vessels can be made less noticeable. In addition, the growth factors contained in the fat can be expected to improve the quality of the skin itself. For those who suffer from colored dark circles, fat injections can be a fundamental solution.

Cases in which fat injections are not always necessary

On the other hand, there are many cases in which sufficient results can be obtained without fat injections. It is important to understand these cases in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.

Those in their 20s with only mild bulging can often achieve satisfactory results with only lipectomy. Because the skin retains its elasticity in the younger generation, the skin naturally contracts and is less prone to indentation after fat removal. In addition, fat protrusion is often mild in this age group, so a small amount of fat removal is sufficient to improve the results. Even if you are advised to have fat injections just to be sure, it is recommended that you start with liposuction only.

Fat injections are often unnecessary even when skin sagging is minimal. Sagging skin can be determined to some extent by pinching it to check its thickness and elasticity. If the skin is firm and taut, beautiful lines can be maintained even after fat is removed. Conversely, if sagging skin is the main cause, another treatment to tighten the skin may be considered rather than fat injections.

 

Five key points for successful fat injections

If you have read this far, you have probably made some decisions about whether fat injections are necessary for you. If you have decided that you still want to undergo fat injections, the next important question is how to increase the success rate.

Since you have made the decision to undergo this treatment, it is only natural that you want the best results. In fact, the success of fat injections for dark circles depends largely on your own choices and actions, starting with your choice of doctor and continuing through post-operative care.

Here, based on the successes and failures I have seen in the medical field, I would like to share with you five important points for successful fat injections. By following these points, you will greatly increase your chances of obtaining a highly satisfactory treatment result.

How to Choose a Reliable Doctor

Without a doubt, the most important factor that determines the success or failure of fat injections is the skill and experience of the physician. No matter how state-of-the-art the equipment or how high-quality the materials used, good results cannot be obtained without the skill of the physician. So how do you find a doctor you can trust?

The first thing to check is the number of cases and years of experience. A doctor who publishes a large number of case photos on his/her website or social networking service, or who has an abundance of cases, can be considered a sign of confidence. However, there is a possibility that the photos are doctored or that only good cases are shown, so it is important to ask to see the actual case albums during the consultation.

The next most important thing is to choose a physician who is familiar with all treatment modalities. Doctors who only perform fat injections tend to recommend fat injections. On the other hand, a doctor who has a variety of options, such as lipoinjection, fat injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and the back hamula procedure, will be able to objectively recommend the best treatment option for you.

Rather than a doctor who says, "We specialize in fat injections," a doctor who explains, "Fat injections are best for you for ____ reasons," is more trustworthy. The following points should be confirmed during the consultation.

• Can you explain the risks and disadvantages without hiding them?
• Are there clear and understandable answers to the questions?
• No unreasonable solicitation or pressure to make an immediate decision?
• Is there a post-operative follow-up system in place?
• Is there a clear response policy in case of trouble?

In particular, it is wise to avoid doctors who give overly optimistic explanations such as "it will be absolutely fine" or "there is no risk. A good doctor will be more honest about the risks and will talk specifically about how to minimize them.

Selection of appropriate fat (CRF and nanofat)

The technology of fat injections is constantly evolving, and the types of fat used and processing methods are becoming more diverse. Selecting the appropriate fat is critical to reducing the risk of lumps and increasing retention.

CRF (Condensed Rich Fat) is made by using a centrifuge to remove impurities and water and concentrating only the purest fat cells. Compared to regular fat, CRF has a higher retention rate and requires a smaller injection volume, thus reducing the risk of facial enlargement. However, due to its large particles, it is not suitable for injection into the shallow layers of the skin and is mainly used to improve deep depressions.

Nanofat, on the other hand, is fat that has been finely pulverized with a special instrument and is as smooth as cream. Because the particles are so fine, they can be safely injected into the shallow layers of the skin, greatly reducing the risk of lumps. It is particularly effective when skin texture improvement is needed, such as blue or red dark circles. The growth factors contained in fat can also be expected to improve skin elasticity and luster.

The basic idea is to use CRF for deep depressions, nanofat for improvement of the shallow layers, or both in separate layers if both problems are present. A good doctor should be able to recommend the best type of fat and injection method after a detailed examination of your symptoms.

How to Increase Fixation Rate with Postoperative Care for Fat Injection

Even if you inject high quality fat, you will not achieve good results if postoperative care is inadequate. To maximize fat retention, it is especially important to spend the first week after surgery.

This is an important period during which the injected fat cells begin to connect with new blood vessels and receive nutritional supply. Rest and avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged bathing. Face-down postures should also be moderated as gravity may cause fat to migrate. When sleeping, keep pillows elevated and the head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling and stabilize fat.

The most important behavior to avoid is smoking cessation. Smoking constricts blood vessels and inhibits blood flow to fat cells. This greatly reduces the retention rate and, in the worst case, can lead to necrosis of a large portion of the injected fat. Please observe a complete non-smoking policy for two weeks prior to surgery and one month after surgery.

Extreme weight loss should also be avoided. Rapid weight loss will cause the injected fat to decrease together. Maintain weight for about 3 months after surgery, and consider dieting only after the fat has stabilized. Excessive cooling should also be avoided. Moderate cooling to reduce swelling is effective, but prolonged cooling may damage fat cells.

Recommended lifestyle habits that increase retention include a well-balanced diet and adequate fluid intake. Protein and vitamin C, in particular, are essential for tissue repair and the formation of new blood vessels. Good sleep is also important, and the secretion of growth hormones promotes tissue regeneration. Light massage can be started after one month, but should be limited to gentle stroking, avoiding strong pressure.

 

summary

We have discussed fat injections in dark circles in detail. Most importantly, fat injections are not a required treatment for everyone; if you are in your 20s and have mild dark circles, liposuction alone is often sufficient; on the other hand, if you are in your 30s or older and have strong depressions, fat injections may be more natural in combination.

There are some disadvantages to fat injections that you should be aware of, including the risk of lumps, retention, and additional downtime from thigh liposuction. It is important to weigh these risks against the benefits of long-term effects and make a calm decision.

We recommend that you seek a second opinion from several physicians rather than settle for the opinion of one clinic alone. From the various options available, such as fat injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and the back hamula procedure, find the treatment that best fits your symptoms, desires, and lifestyle. The first step is to find a doctor you trust and have a thorough consultation.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.