A hollow dark circle is a groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek. It gives a tired look and a shadow under the eye. Microlipostructure fills this hollow with your own fat, injected in very small quantities. It is intended for people who are bothered by a hollow dark circle, with or without a bag, and who want a lasting result without any foreign product.
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
- In consultation, I analyse your request and I examine your eyes.
- I check whether there is a hollow, a bag, or both.
- I look for an area where fat can be harvested, most often the stomach, the knees or the thighs.
- I collect information concerning your state of health.
- We take photographs for your medical record.
- I give you all the information about the surgery and I give you an estimate.
A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. You must stop smoking at least one month before the surgery.
Surgery
Microlipostructure of dark circles is most often performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. It takes place at the Clinique Pasteur, in Toulouse, on an outpatient basis. You go home the same day.
The prepared fat is injected under the skin of the dark circle, with very fine cannulas. The procedure requires great precision, because the skin of this area is thin.
The entry points of the cannulas are placed in a natural fold or near the temple. They leave very small scars, in general barely visible.
The procedure most often lasts less than one hour. No dressing is needed on the face.
Postoperative effects
Pain is in general mild.
Swelling of the eyelids is constant in the first days. Bruising can appear under the eyes and on the harvest area. In general they decrease in one to three weeks.
One to two weeks away from social life is in general enough. Care is simple. I explain it to you before you leave.
Part of the injected fat is reabsorbed in the first months. The part that remains is in general stable over time. Small irregularities can appear and fade with time.
The final result can be judged after several months. A touch-up can be proposed in some cases. I see you again in a follow-up consultation to check the evolution.
Fat harvesting
A small quantity of fat is harvested with a fine cannula, through an entry point of a few millimetres. The fat is then purified and prepared to be injected in very fine droplets.
What to do to optimize the result?
- Hydrate yourself and moisturize the skin.
- Do not smoke before and after the surgery: tobacco reduces the survival of the fat.
- Protect the eyes from the sun during the bruising period and wear sunglasses.
- Sleep with the head slightly raised for the first nights.
- Do not massage the area without my advice.
Social security coverage
The treatment of dark circles by microlipostructure is a cosmetic procedure. In general it is not covered by social security. It remains at your expense.
Pricing
Dark circles lipofilling: from 2800 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.
The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.