Frequently Asked Questions: Endoscopic Sunken Eyes Correction

Infratemporal fat transposition is an advanced technique developed by Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu that repositions living, vascularized fat tissue from beneath the temple (the infratemporal region) into the hollow upper eyelid. Unlike fat injections, the tissue is transferred as a single unit with its blood supply fully preserved. This means the fat remains alive and integrated into your anatomy rather than being gradually resorbed by your body.

Traditional fat grafting involves injecting processed fat cells that have no blood supply. Studies show these injections experience 30-50% resorption within the first year as your body breaks down the transplanted cells. You end up needing repeat treatments to maintain results.

Injectable fillers (like hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite) provide temporary volume that gradually breaks down over 6-18 months, requiring repeated treatments indefinitely.

Infratemporal fat transposition is fundamentally different. The fat is transplanted as living tissue with preserved blood supply, making it permanent. You’ll never need touch-ups or repeat treatments.

The infratemporal fat transposition requires access to the upper eyelid through incisions in the hairline. Bella Eyes® and Trinity Lift already utilize these incisions, so the fat transposition is performed through the same access point. Additionally, combining procedures allows Dr. Askeroglu to comprehensively address not just volume loss but also brow position, eye opening, and overall facial rejuvenation.

Bella Eyes® focuses specifically on the eye area—it lifts the lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye) and lateral brow. The infratemporal fat transposition fills the sunken eyelid. The combined result is dramatic eye opening and a more youthful eye appearance.

Trinity Lift addresses the entire mid-face—cheeks, under-eye area, and overall mid-face projection. The infratemporal fat transposition fills the eyelid, while Trinity Lift lifts the cheeks and surrounding tissues. The combined result is comprehensive mid-face rejuvenation.

Both are excellent choices depending on whether your main concern is the eye area (Bella Eyes®) or the overall mid-face (Trinity Lift). Dr. Askeroglu will recommend the best option based on your anatomy and goals.

Infratemporal fat transposition costs $3,000 USD or €2,500 EUR when added to Bella Eyes® or Trinity Lift. This is in addition to the cost of the primary procedure. However, because the results are permanent, the cost is amortized across a lifetime of results, making it more cost-effective than repeated injectable treatments.

The infratemporal fat transposition adds 20 minutes to your primary procedure. So if Bella Eyes® takes 90 minutes, the total surgery with fat transposition would be 110 minutes.

• Single procedure:60-90 minutes
• Both eyes:Included in time above
• Time includes prep, surgery, and recovery setup
• Actual surgical time varies (30-45 minutes typical)

Initial results are visible within 1-2 weeks as initial swelling resolves. You’ll notice the hollow is filling in and your eyes appear fresher. However, the complete transformation unfolds over 2-3 months as all swelling resolves and the transposed tissue fully integrates. The absolute best results appear by month 3, with subtle refinement continuing through month 6.

Results are permanent. Because the transposed fat is living tissue with preserved blood supply, it becomes a permanent part of your anatomy. You will not experience the gradual volume loss that occurs with injectable fillers or traditional fat grafting. Your results will remain consistent for years and decades.

When performed correctly by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Askeroglu, the results look natural and proportional. The goal is to restore the volume that was lost through aging, not to overcorrect or create an artificial appearance. Dr. Askeroglu customizes the amount of transposition based on your baseline anatomy and aesthetic goals, ensuring the result looks authentically like a younger version of yourself.

While revision is rarely needed with Dr. Askeroglu’s technique, it is available if desired. During your consultation, discuss revision policies and what would be involved. Most patients are thrilled with their results, but it’s important to have clear expectations about this during your initial consultation.

Yes, fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area will soften significantly due to the volume restoration alone. As the hollow eyelid is filled, the skin regains support and the creases that were created by the lack of volume soften naturally. If combined with Bella Eyes®, the lift component further softens lines by creating skin tension.

If combined with Bella Eyes®, the lateral brow will be lifted as part of the primary procedure. The infratemporal fat transposition focuses on volume restoration in the eyelid. The combination of brow lift (from Bella Eyes®) and volume restoration (from fat transposition) creates comprehensive upper face rejuvenation.

If combined with Trinity Lift, the entire mid-face including the brow area will be lifted as part of the primary procedure.

Ideal candidates have sunken or hollow upper eyelids, are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are interested in combining the procedure with Bella Eyes® or Trinity Lift. Age is less important than baseline anatomy—candidates range from their 40s to their 70s.

The best way to determine candidacy is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Askeroglu, who will evaluate your specific anatomy and goals.

In many cases, yes. Dr. Askeroglu will evaluate your previous surgery and determine whether infratemporal fat transposition is feasible. Previous eyelid surgery may affect the approach, but it doesn’t always preclude the procedure. Discuss your surgical history during your consultation.

Smoking significantly compromises circulation and healing. If you smoke, you should ideally quit before surgery. If you can’t quit completely, avoid smoking for at least 2-4 weeks before surgery and for several weeks after. Discuss your specific situation with Dr. Askeroglu.

Elective cosmetic surgery should be delayed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your timeline with Dr. Askeroglu’s office.

Some medications, particularly blood thinners and NSAIDs, can increase bleeding and bruising. Your pre-operative instructions will specify which medications to stop or adjust. Always provide a complete medication list during your consultation.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, typically described as a dull ache or tightness rather than sharp pain. Pain is well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. After the first few days, discomfort decreases significantly and most patients discontinue pain medication by day 5-7.

Bruising varies significantly by individual. Some patients have minimal bruising; others have more extensive discoloration. Bruising typically peaks on days 2-3 and then gradually lightens over 2-4 weeks. Makeup can conceal residual bruising after the first week.

Most patients return to desk-based work by week 2-3. If your work involves manual labor or significant physical activity, wait until at least week 4-6. The first 1-2 weeks off work is ideal for maximum rest and recovery.

Light face washing around the incisions can begin by day 4-5. Full immersion (like showering with full spray over incisions) should wait until day 7-10. Swimming can resume once incisions are fully sealed, typically by week 2-3.

Once incisions are fully sealed and there’s no risk of water entering the wound, water activities are fine. This is typically by week 2-3. Discuss your specific situation with Dr. Askeroglu’s team.

Incisions are placed in the hairline where they’re hidden by hair. Once healed, they’re virtually invisible. Any residual redness fades over several months.

Wait until at least day 4-5 to apply makeup. Avoid makeup directly on incisions for the first 7-10 days. After that, makeup is fine as long as you’re gentle around healing areas.

All surgery carries some risk. Potential complications, though rare, include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, inadequate correction, or the transposed fat not integrating fully. During your consultation, Dr. Askeroglu will discuss all risks and how he minimizes them.

Infection is rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. You’ll receive antibiotics and clear post-operative instructions to minimize infection risk. Contact Dr. Askeroglu’s office immediately if you notice signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever).

Temporary numbness in the upper eyelid and temple is normal following surgery. This is due to minor nerve irritation from the procedure and is not permanent nerve damage. Sensation typically returns completely within 2-4 months, though some patients experience mild, occasional numbness that resolves by 6 months.

Infratemporal fat transposition does not affect vision. The tissue is repositioned beneath the skin in the eyelid area and doesn’t contact or affect the eye itself or optic structures.

Dr. Askeroglu carefully customizes the transposition for each side to achieve symmetry. However, some asymmetry in baseline anatomy is normal, and occasionally patients may wish to adjust one side more than the other. If you’re concerned about asymmetry, discuss this during your consultation.

No. Because the results are permanent, you won’t need touch-ups or repeat treatments. This is one of the major advantages over injectable fillers.

No. As you age naturally, your entire face ages proportionally—including the area that’s been treated. You’ll continue to look refreshed and youthful compared to peers who haven’t had the procedure, but the results will age naturally with you.

Yes, especially during the first 3-6 months. Sun exposure can cause incision hyperpigmentation (darkening), which delays the fading process. Use sunscreen and minimize sun exposure during healing.

After the initial healing phase (first 7-10 days), return to your regular gentle skincare routine. Use sunscreen daily. Avoid harsh products or aggressive cleansing that could irritate the healing area. Dr. Askeroglu’s team will provide specific post-operative skincare recommendations.

Wait at least 2-3 weeks before resuming strong actives like Retinol near the incision sites. Return to your full skincare routine gradually as healing progresses. Dr. Askeroglu’s team will provide specific guidance.

Contact Dr. Askeroglu’s office for current payment options. We typically accept credit cards, bank transfers, and may offer payment plans. For international patients, discuss currency and payment logistics during your consultation.

Yes, several financing options are available. We can provide information about third-party medical financing companies and may offer direct payment plans. Discuss financing during your consultation.

International patients typically plan to stay 3-5 days post-operatively in Istanbul before returning home. Dr. Askeroglu’s office can provide recommendations for accommodation and logistical support. Most international patients return for a follow-up visit at 1 month, which can be done locally with another surgeon if preferred. Full follow-up can also be done via telemedicine.

Revision is rarely necessary but is available if needed. Discuss revision policies and logistics during your consultation.

Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu is a renowned Turkish plastic surgeon who pioneered the infratemporal fat transposition technique. He also developed Bella Eyes® and Trinity Lift, both patented techniques published in leading medical journals. He’s recognized internationally for his innovations in endoscopic facial surgery and has trained other surgeons in his techniques.

Dr. Askeroglu developed the infratemporal fat transposition technique and continues to refine it with each patient. His expertise is unmatched. His innovations have been published in leading international medical journals and recognized by the surgical community worldwide. When you choose Dr. Askeroglu, you’re choosing the surgeon who pioneered the procedure.

Technically, the general principles of vascularized tissue transposition can be performed by other surgeons, but Dr. Askeroglu’s refined technique, based on years of development and refinement, produces superior results. His publications and international recognition attest to the superior outcomes of his approach.

Yes, Dr. Askeroglu is a fully trained and certified plastic surgeon. Discuss his specific credentials and certifications during your consultation.

Bring a photo ID and insurance card (if applicable). Many patients also bring photos of eyes they find attractive—this helps Dr. Askeroglu understand your aesthetic preferences. Bring a list of questions or concerns. Consider bringing someone to take notes or act as an extra set of ears during the consultation.

Consultations typically last 30-45 minutes. This includes assessment of your anatomy, discussion of your goals, explanation of the procedure, review of before and after photos, and discussion of costs and logistics.

No special preparation is needed. Come with clean skin (no makeup is helpful but not required) so Dr. Askeroglu can assess your baseline anatomy. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a list of any questions or concerns.

Contact Dr. Askeroglu’s office by phone, email, or through the website contact form. You’ll be asked for your contact information and availability. The office will schedule your consultation at a convenient time.

Some initial consultations can be conducted virtually via video call, though an in-person consultation is ideal for complete evaluation of your anatomy. Discuss consultation options when you call to schedule.

If you decide to proceed, your surgery will be scheduled. You’ll receive pre-operative instructions including what to eat, what medications to adjust, and what to bring on surgery day. The office will answer any remaining questions and ensure you feel fully prepared.

Yes, the complete before and after gallery is available on our website. During your consultation, you’ll also have the opportunity to review the full gallery with Dr. Askeroglu and discuss cases similar to yours.

The before and after gallery includes a wide range of cases organized by age, degree of sunken eyes, primary procedure, and ethnicity. You should be able to find cases with baseline anatomy similar to yours. During your consultation, Dr. Askeroglu can identify specific cases most relevant to you.

If you have a question not answered here, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Askeroglu’s office. We’re happy to discuss any aspect of the procedure and help you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.

Contact Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu’s office today to begin your journey toward refreshed, youthful eyes.