Can lower eyelids in middle-aged men be naturally improved with SOOF lifting? The reason for examining the under-eye area and mid-face together (Before and after photos)

 

hello, Director Baek In-soo of Garnet Plastic Surgery no see.
In the clinic, I frequently encounter middle-aged men who say, "My under-eyes are bulging and my skin is sagging, making me look tired all the time." However, looking only at the area under the eyes often does not provide a clear solution.

 

After middle age, it is common for the face to look tired and aged as the skin under the eyes bulges, the skin sags, and the tear troughs deepen. Men, in particular, not only... Sagging and loss of elasticity in the mid-face (the area extending from below the cheekbones to the cheeks) They often appear together.

 

In such cases, simply removing the sagging skin may have limitations in achieving natural improvement. Therefore, one of the methods considered when planning lower eyelid surgery is SOOF Lifting Today, I will explain step-by-step what SOOF lifting is, who it is suitable for, and what precautions you should take.

 

🔹 What is Soof Lifting?

This is a method that improves sagging in the under-eye area and mid-face by adjusting the position of the subcutaneous fat layer (SOOF) located beneath the orbicularis oculi muscle.

SOOF is Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat It is an abbreviation for the fat layer located below the orbicularis oculi muscle. It is related to the volume of the under-eye area and mid-face, as well as the supporting structure that holds this area together.

 

So, rather than viewing SOOF lifting as a "skin-pulling surgery," A method to naturally refine the under-eye area by considering both the deepened structure of the under-eyes and the sagging of the mid-face. I tend to explain it as follows.

 

🔹 Under-eye aging has more than one cause.
Changes in which the skin stretches, orbital fat protrudes forward, the tear trough deepens, and mid-facial tissues move downward at the same time It appears. SOOF lifting is in the middle of this. Sagging of the tissues below the orbicularis oculi muscle and the mid-face We focus on improving it.

 

During the lower blepharoplasty process, the fat under the eyes is repositioned to the necessary location, and the structures supporting the mid-face are refined by considering the position and elasticity of the surrounding tissues. This softens the boundary between the bulging and sunken areas under the eyes, and The contour extending from under the eyes to the cheeks The goal is to make it more natural.

 

The important thing is not to pull or remove too much tissue. Preserve necessary tissue, move sagging tissue to the appropriate position, and The function of the eyelids and maintaining a natural expression This is much more important in lower eyelid surgery. Especially for men, the scope of the surgery must be determined more carefully because it is better to naturally maintain existing facial features and expressions rather than having an overly smooth and taut eye shape.

 

🔹 What areas will improve with SOOF Lifting?

When properly applied to lower eyelid surgery, it tidies up not just the area under the eyes, but the entire flow from the under-eyes to the cheeks.

🔸 Improvement of sagging under the eyes and mid-face
Rather than correcting only the under-eye area separately, we also consider the position of the mid-facial tissues that have descended.

 

🔸 Relief of tear troughs and under-eye hollowness
Tidy up the area to reduce the height difference between the protruding and recessed parts, thereby minimizing shadows.

 

🔸 Smoothing the boundary between protruding under-eye fat and sunken areas
The goal is not to unconditionally flatten the bulge, but to smoothly connect the boundaries.

 

🔸 Improvement of mid-face elasticity
Returning sagging tissue to its proper position can change the overall impression of the cheek area.

 

🔸 The effect of softening the connection between the under-eye area and the cheeks
The key is to view the face as a single flow rather than dividing it into separate parts.

 

What is particularly important is not simply tightening the area under the eyes, Improving three-dimensionally by considering the anatomical structure of the face no see.

 

🔹 Who should consider SOOF Lifting?

This method is not necessary for all lower eyelid patients. It is applied selectively when planning the surgery.

If you have the following characteristics, you may consider SOOF lifting when planning lower eyelid surgery.

 

Cases that can be considered together	Why is that?
With protruding under-eye fat Deep tear troughs case	This is because the bulge appears more pronounced due to the difference in height.
under the eyes and The boundary of the mid-face is distinct case	This is because the boundary lines remain as shadows, creating a tired impression.
Not only under the eyes Sagging down to the lower cheekbone When this is observed	If you only correct the under-eye area, the sagging in the lower part may remain.
Decreased elasticity of the mid-face Therefore, when the face looks tired	The impression changes only if the supporting structure is organized together.
With simple skin excision alone Difficult to make three-dimensional improvements case	Cutting away the skin alone will not fill in the sunken area.

 

However, the degree of aging under the eyes, the amount of fat, skin elasticity, the condition of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the degree of mid-face sagging It varies from person to person. Therefore, just because a case falls under the above categories does not mean the same surgery is performed; the scope is determined based on the structure confirmed during the actual examination.

 

📌 Middle-aged male lower eyelid surgery · Before surgery and 1 month post-surgery · This is a case where consent was given for disclosure.

 

🔹 Can there be side effects to SOOF lifting?

Since it is surgery, swelling, bruising, and temporary tightness or changes in sensation may occur.

In the early post-operative period, swelling may appear differently on the left and right sides, but in most cases, it gradually improves during the recovery process. Additionally, depending on the individual's tissue condition and the extent of the surgery... The recovery period may vary.

 

In lower eyelid surgery, not only the SOOF lifting itself Skin excision amount, condition of the orbicularis oculi muscle, elasticity of the lateral canthus, position of the eyelid You must consider this together. In particular, if excessive skin is removed, the eyelids are pulled downward. ectropion Because problems such as back issues may occur, it is important to exercise restraint only as much as necessary.

 

Therefore, for lower eyelid surgery including SOOF lifting, rather than applying a single surgical method as is, The surgical method is determined after accurately examining the individual's under-eye structure. It is good to do so.

 

💡 Make sure to check these things before and after surgery
✔ Take prescribed medication as directed by the medical staff.
✔ Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, or health supplements, etc. It may be associated with a risk of bleeding Do not take or stop taking it on your own; you must consult with a medical professional.
Swelling and bruising improve over time, but, It may take several months for the final results to settle.
✔ If you feel your eyelids are being pulled downward or your eyes do not close properly, Do not wait for the progress; please get a medical checkup.

 

 

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Does SOOF lifting eliminate all under-eye wrinkles?

That is not the case. Under-eye wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors, including not only a decrease in skin elasticity but also the movement of the orbicularis oculi muscle, facial expressions, and skin thickness. Since SOOF lifting is primarily a method to improve sagging and structural aging in the under-eye and mid-face areas, it is not a surgery that eliminates all wrinkles around the eyes caused by facial expressions. Rather, for natural expressions Preserving the function of facial muscles This is important.

 

Q2. Can men also receive SOOF lifting?

Of course, it is possible. Men can also experience under-eye fat protrusion, tear troughs, and mid-face sagging as they age. However, because men's eye shapes and facial bone structure differ from women's, rather than performing surgery in the same way... Planning surgery tailored to the individual's eye shape and facial structure This is important. In particular, if the orbicularis oculi muscle that forms the aegyo-sal is well-preserved, you can consider improving the elasticity under the eyes while preserving it as much as possible.

 

Q3. Are lower eyelid surgery and SOOF lifting different surgeries?

SOOF lifting is performed during the lower eyelid surgery process. Surgical methods that can be applied together It is helpful to understand it as follows. Lower blepharoplasty is a procedure that comprehensively improves the fat, skin, muscles, and surrounding supporting structures under the eyes, and SOOF lifting can be applied during this process to improve sagging tissues in the mid-face and under the eyes. Therefore, it is not applied uniformly to all lower blepharoplasty procedures, and the necessary scope is determined based on the patient's condition.

 

Q4. Will getting a SOOF lift make my face too taut or change my facial impression?

The goal of the surgery is not to make the face unconditionally taut. While naturally improving under-eye aging after middle age Maintaining the existing eye shape and expression as much as possible This is important. Especially in the case of the lower eyelid, it is better to improve the necessary areas while preserving the function of the eyelid and the orbicularis oculi muscle, rather than excessively removing skin or pulling the tissue too tightly.

 

Q5. Should SOOF lifting be performed on all middle-aged lower eyelid patients?

That is not the case. The surgical method may vary depending on whether the patient has significantly protruding under-eye fat, deep tear troughs, or accompanying mid-face sagging, or if the main issue is simple skin sagging. Therefore, the important thing is not to unconditionally apply a specific surgical method, but First, identify the cause of the current under-eye aging. You must select the necessary surgery after comprehensively checking the degree of under-eye fat protrusion, skin elasticity, orbicularis oculi muscle elasticity, lateral canthal support, and mid-face sagging.

 

🔹 Conclusion

🔹 Key Points
Lower blepharoplasty is not a surgery that simply involves cutting away the skin under the eyes. The location of the under-eye fat, the depth of the tear trough, the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle, mid-face sagging, and the elasticity of the outer corner of the eye must all be considered together, and SOOF lifting is in the middle of this. A method applied selectively to improve structural aging of the under-eye area and mid-face. no see.

 

🔹 Verification points
Before surgery, whether the current aging under the eyes is due to skin issues, fat protrusion, mid-face sagging, or a combination of multiple causes The process of verifying accurately This is necessary. Especially for middle-aged men, it is important to improve sagging tissue while preserving eye expressions and existing facial features as much as possible.

 

🔹 Reasons why specialist consultation is necessary
In lower eyelid surgery, rather than simply removing wrinkles... Naturally restoring structures altered by aging while preserving the function around the eyes We place great importance on this. Since the aging of the under-eye area varies from person to person, accurately diagnosing what surgery is necessary for you and selecting the appropriate method is crucial for natural results.

 

Look in the mirror and examine your cheeks as well as your under-eyes to see where the shadows start. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at any time ✨

 

📖 Reference Materials
· The suborbicularis oculi fat pads: an anatomic and clinical study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1995;95(1):37-42. (An anatomical study dealing with the fact that the SOOF is a layer of fat located below the orbicularis oculi muscle and above the periosteum in the zygomatic region and may be related to cosmetic changes of the lower eyelid)
· Lower Eyelid and Midface Rejuvenation: Suborbicularis Oculi Fat Lift. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2021. (Content stating that the lower eyelid and mid-face should be viewed as a single continuous cosmetic unit, and that under-eye fat protrusion, excess skin, mid-face sagging, and soft tissue volume reduction should be considered comprehensively.)

 

 

Garnet Plastic Surgery Clinic

Director Baek In-soo

- Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine
- Graduated from Korea University Graduate School (Major in Plastic Surgery)
- Plastic surgeon at the National Medical Center
- (Former) Chief Director of Jewelry Plastic Surgery Clinic
- Regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Regular member of the Korean Craniofacial Society
- Regular member of the Facial Contouring Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Regular member of the Oculoplastic Surgery Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Regular member of the Rhinoplasty Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons