What is Facial Fat Grafting?

• Facial fat grafting (also known as autologous fat transfer) uses your own fat (harvested from body areas such as thighs, abdomen) which is processed/purified and then injected into areas of the face that have lost volume (cheeks, temples, under-eyes, nasolabial folds) in order to restore a youthful full appearance.
• Unlike synthetic fillers, fat grafting aims for longer-term integration, since the fat becomes living tissue once engrafted—though not all transferred fat survives.
• In Korea (Seoul) many clinics refer to advanced versions (“micro-fat”, “nano-fat”, “5D face fat grafting”) emphasising layering, depth control, and high survival rate of fat cells.

Why Do It in Seoul, Korea?

• Seoul is a major hub for plastic / aesthetic surgery in Asia and many clinics specialise in fat grafting with refined protocols, high volume cases, and robust experience.
• Because you’re based in Gyeonggi-do (near Seoul), logistics—consultation, stay, follow-up—are convenient.
• Korean clinics often emphasise detailed techniques (fat harvest method, purification, layering, survival rate) and may have services tailored for international or local patients.

Typical Procedure & What to Expect

Consultation & Planning:

• Surgeon assesses your face: which areas have volume loss (temples, cheeks, under-eyes, jawline), what donor areas are available for fat harvest.
• They will explain the method: how fat is harvested (liposuction), processed (centrifuge, separation of impurities), and injected (micro-cannulas, layering technique).
• Realistic expectations: understand that some fat will absorb over time; the goal is achieving natural volume and contour rather than extreme augmentation.

Procedure Day:

• Anesthesia: often sedation (sleep anesthesia) or local+sedation depending on donor site and injection area.
• Harvesting: fat is removed from donor area (abdomen, thighs) via liposuction or cannula. Purified.
• Injection: purified fat is injected into the face in multiple small aliquots, layers and multiple depths to boost survival and integration.
• Duration: Often 1-2 hours depending on areas treated. For example one clinic mentions 30-90 minutes for facial fat grafting.

Recovery & Aftercare:

• Initial swelling and bruising are common in both donor and recipient sites.
• Return to non-strenuous activity may be relatively soon (some clinics say daily activities in ~3 days) though full settling takes weeks/months.
• Follow-up: Check-ups typically scheduled (3 days, 7-10 days etc) in many clinics.
• Full result: Over time as swelling settles and grafted fat integrates, the new contours become more apparent. Some absorption is expected; sometimes a second touch-up may be offered.

What It Can Treat / Key Benefits

• Restores facial volume in areas of aging/volume loss: temples, cheeks, under-eyes, midface hollows.
• Offers a more natural look (since it’s your own fat) and potentially longer-lasting than many fillers.
• Can improve skin quality too (some clinics mention regenerative aspects of fat grafting) especially when “nano-fat” or stem-cell enriched fat is used.
• Enables contour improvement, softening of wrinkles secondary to volume loss, improving “flat face” or aged-face appearance.

Suitability & Limitations

Good candidates:

• Adults who have noticeable facial volume loss (temples, cheeks, under-eye hollows) and enough donor fat for harvesting.
• Those looking for a more permanent solution than fillers but less invasive than a full facelift.
• People in good general health, with realistic expectations and willing to invest recovery time.

Consider alternatives / cautions if:

• There is major skin laxity or sagging where a lifting procedure (thread lift, facelift) might be more appropriate than volume alone.
• If donor fat is minimal, fat grafting may be limited or need alternative sources.
• Results depend heavily on surgeon’s skill, method of fat handling, and patient factors (metabolism, lifestyle).
• Expectation of “zero absorption” is unrealistic; some resorption of fat is typical. Many clinics stage “second sessions” or “touch-ups”. Lienjang Clinic Korea
• For very thin patients or those who already had many prior procedures, outcomes may vary.

Cost Range in Seoul – Ballpark Figures

• One example: Facial autologous fat transfer (one region on face) = ~ ₩2,400,000 KRW. Full face = ~ ₩4,200,000 KRW at one Seoul clinic.
• The price depends on donor area, number of injection sites, surgeon experience, whether “nano-fat” or enriched fat is used, and whether other simultaneous procedures are performed.
• Additional costs: anesthesia, facility fee, after-care, foreign‐patient services, possible revision/tracking.
• Because this is a more involved surgical procedure compared with filler, expect higher cost and longer timeline.

Key Questions to Ask Your Surgeon/Clinic

• Which donor site will you harvest from and why? What is your method of fat harvesting and purification (cannula size, negative pressure, centrifuge)?
• How many injections/injection layers will you use? What technique ensures higher survival of the grafted fat?
• What proportion of the grafted fat do you expect to survive long-term in my case? Will you plan for a second session if needed?
• What is the downtime and after-care required? What restrictions post-op (exercise, sun exposure, swelling) and follow-up visits?
• Do you have before/after photos of patients with similar anatomy/concerns (age, skin type, volume loss)?
• What are the risks (fat necrosis, lumpiness, asymmetry, resorption)? How do you handle complications or revisions?
• What is included in the quote (anesthesia, facility, follow-ups, possible revision)? Are there any hidden costs?
• What pre-operative preparation is required (medications, smoking, alcohol, etc.) and what post-operative care do you provide?

Practical Tips for Before & After

• Before: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol; ensure you are in good health; have realistic photos of your face (front, three-quarters, profile) to discuss with surgeon.
• On the day: Make sure you understand the donor site and procedure; arrange someone to assist you if sedation is used.
• After:
• Rest and avoid strenuous exercise for a period as advised.
• Swelling/bruising in both donor and recipient site is normal—plan accordingly (avoid major events for ~1 week).
• Maintain good hydration, nutrition, and avoid heavy sun exposure on donor and treated sites.
• Follow surgeon’s instructions strictly (wound care, compression garments if needed at donor site).
• Maintenance: Understand that the final result may take several weeks to months; patience is required. Monitor for any changes, lumps or asymmetry and report promptly.