What should you know about fat grafting for under eye hollows?

A clinician collects fat from a donor area, prepares it, and places small amounts beneath or beside the hollow to improve the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. The plan must account for eyelid thickness, cheek support, skin quality, bags, asymmetry, and whether the darkness is a shadow or pigment.

Bruising, swelling, puffiness, tenderness, temporary firmness, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, and contour irregularity are possible. The eye area can look fuller during early healing. Some transferred fat may be absorbed, and a clinician may need time to assess the settled contour before discussing refinement.

Ask for an assessment in different lighting and at rest, then explain whether your priority is a hollow, dark colour, puffiness, or tired-looking eyes. [Tear Trough Hollows](/conditions/tear-trough-hollows/) describes the underlying contour concern. Depending on your anatomy, alternatives may include [Under-Eye Filler](/treatments/injectables/tear-trough-filler/), [Eyelid Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/blepharoplasty/), or [Fat Transfer](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/fat-grafting/). [Dark Circles](/symptoms/dark-circles/) and [Facial Volume Loss](/symptoms/facial-volume-loss/) provide related context.

Follow instructions for washing, sleeping, activity, sun protection, and medicines. Avoid rubbing or pressing the eyelids unless directed. Keep every review appointment, especially if one side stays more swollen, firm, or full than the other.

Contact the clinic promptly for increasing pain, redness, warmth, discharge, fever, or swelling that is getting worse. Seek urgent care for vision loss or new blur, double vision, severe eye pain, a suddenly drooping eyelid, facial weakness, or rapidly spreading swelling. Do not wait for swelling to settle if vision is affected.

Ask: Is my hollow the main cause of the shadow? How will you avoid excess fullness? Where will donor fat come from? What recovery changes are expected? How will you manage persistent asymmetry, a lump, or an eye symptom?