What Can I Do For Lumpy Fat Injections Under The Eyes?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had fat injections done under my eyes to correct some hollowing that I naturally had a month ago. I understand that there is still some swelling, but the areas around my eyes that were injected with fat have become really lumpy and uneven. Is there anything that can be done about this? I have tried massaging the area but there doesn’t seem to be much difference.

A: Fat injections are notorious for irregularities in the lower eyelid area. While they can look and feel smooth in the first weeks after surgery, any irregularities become apparent as all swelling subsides. And irregularities are the norm not the exception. This is because fat injections, unlike synthetic injectable fillers, are not linear and smooth as they are injected. Fat is more ‘clumpy’ and as a result does not come out of the injection port in a completely smooth fashion. The goods news is that your fat injections are in a state of healing and this is not the final result. This would be a different story if it was 6 months from now. You have to massage and knead them fairly firmly. You need to work the lumpy areas against the underlying infraorbital bone, pressing on them to try and flatten them out. This is a process in evolution whose final result in terms of smoothness will not fully evident until 3 months out from surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana