Fat Grafting Face in Korea: Natural Volume Restoration - Prices 2025
Facial fat grafting uses your own fat to restore volume lost to aging, creating natural, long-lasting results. Korea's advanced techniques and artistic approach make it a top destination for this rejuvenating procedure.
What is Facial Fat Grafting?
The Concept
Fat grafting (fat transfer) involves:
- Harvesting fat from your body (abdomen, thighs)
- Processing the fat for purification
- Injecting into facial areas needing volume
Why Use Your Own Fat?
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Natural material | No foreign substances |
| Biocompatible | No rejection risk |
| Long-lasting | Permanent when established |
| Dual benefit | Liposuction + facial enhancement |
| Soft, natural feel | Integrates with tissue |
Why Korea for Fat Grafting?
Korea leads in fat grafting because:
- Advanced techniques: Micro-fat, nano-fat grafting
- Artistic approach: Understanding of facial aesthetics
- High volume: Extensive experience
- Processing methods: Superior fat survival rates
- Natural results: Subtle, not overdone
- Combination expertise: Often paired with other procedures
Fat Grafting Techniques
1. Traditional Fat Grafting
- Larger fat particles
- Best for significant volume
- Higher survival rate per session
2. Micro-Fat Grafting
- Smaller particles
- More refined results
- Better for detailed work
3. Nano-Fat Grafting
- Ultra-fine processing
- Rich in stem cells
- Best for skin quality improvement
- Under-eye area ideal
4. SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)
- Concentrated stem cells
- Enhanced regeneration
- Premium option
Treatment Areas
Common Facial Areas
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Forehead | Rounding, volume |
| Temples | Restore hollows |
| Under-eyes | Fill tear troughs |
| Cheeks | Midface volume |
| Nasolabial folds | Soften lines |
| Marionette lines | Fill marionette area |
| Lips | Natural enhancement |
| Chin | Augmentation |
| Jawline | Contouring |
Full Face Rejuvenation
Many patients opt for comprehensive treatment:
- Multiple areas in one session
- Balanced, harmonious result
- More efficient
Fat Grafting Prices (Korea 2025)
By Area
| Area | Price Range (USD) | Price Range (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | $1,155-$1,925 | ₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000 |
| Temples | $770-$1,155 | ₩1,000,000-₩1,500,000 |
| Under-eyes | $1,155-$1,925 | ₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000 |
| Cheeks | $1,155-$1,925 | ₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000 |
| Nasolabial area | $770-$1,155 | ₩1,000,000-₩1,500,000 |
| Full face | $2,310-$4,620 | ₩3,000,000-₩6,000,000 |
Premium Options
| Option | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nano-fat grafting | +$385-$770 |
| SVF enriched | +$770-$1,540 |
| PRP combination | +$230-$460 |
Price Comparison
| Location | Full Face (USD) |
|---|---|
| Korea | $2,310-$4,620 |
| USA | $4,000-$10,000 |
| UK | $4,000-$8,000 |
The Procedure
Step 1: Fat Harvesting
Donor sites:
- Abdomen (most common)
- Thighs
- Flanks
- Arms
Method:
- Small incisions
- Gentle liposuction
- Tumescent technique
Step 2: Fat Processing
Centrifugation:
- Separates fat from blood, oil
- Concentrates viable fat cells
- Critical for survival rate
Additional processing (premium):
- Micro/nano filtration
- SVF extraction
- PRP mixing
Step 3: Fat Injection
Technique:
- Multiple small deposits
- Various depths
- Even distribution
- Overcorrection (accounting for absorption)
Procedure Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-3 hours |
| Anesthesia | Local + sedation or general |
| Incisions | Tiny, hidden |
| Overcorrection | 20-30% more than desired |
Results and Longevity
Timeline
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Significant swelling |
| Week 1-2 | Swelling decreasing |
| Month 1 | Most swelling resolved |
| Month 3 | Results stabilizing |
| Month 6 | Final results |
Survival Rate
Typical fat survival: 50-70% of injected fat
This is why surgeons overcorrect—they anticipate some fat absorption.
Longevity
Established fat (after 3-6 months):
- Essentially permanent
- Behaves like normal facial fat
- Ages with you naturally
- May need touch-up for perfection
Factors Affecting Survival
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Surgeon technique | High impact |
| Fat processing | High impact |
| Blood supply | High impact |
| Smoking | Negative impact |
| Movement/pressure | Negative impact |
Recovery
Timeline
| Period | Expectations |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Rest, significant swelling, bruising |
| Week 1 | Work from home possible, swelling |
| Week 2 | Can return to work (makeup helps) |
| Week 3-4 | Most presentable |
| Month 2-3 | Residual swelling resolving |
Aftercare
First week:
- Sleep elevated
- Ice carefully (not directly)
- Avoid pressure on face
- Take prescribed medications
- No strenuous activity
First month:
- No facial massage
- Gentle skincare
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- No smoking
- Protect from sun
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
✅ Good candidates:
- Volume loss from aging
- Hollow temples/cheeks
- Deep lines/folds
- Thin lips
- Desire natural augmentation
- Adequate donor fat
- Non-smoker
- Realistic expectations
Not Ideal For
❌ May not be suitable:
- Very thin with little donor fat
- Active smokers
- Certain medical conditions
- Unrealistic expectations
- Prefer temporary results
Fat Grafting vs. Fillers
Comparison
| Aspect | Fat Grafting | Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Your own fat | Hyaluronic acid |
| Duration | Permanent (50-70%) | 6-18 months |
| Procedure | Surgery | Injection |
| Downtime | 1-2 weeks | Minimal |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower per session |
| Feel | Very natural | Natural |
| Reversibility | No | Yes (dissolvable) |
When to Choose Fat Grafting
- Want longer-lasting results
- Need significant volume
- Prefer natural material
- Have adequate donor fat
- Willing to undergo procedure
When to Choose Fillers
- Want minimal downtime
- Prefer reversibility
- Testing a look first
- Budget constraints
- Small volume needs
Combining Fat Grafting
Popular Combinations in Korea
Fat Grafting + Facelift
- Lift for tightening
- Fat for volume
- Comprehensive rejuvenation
Fat Grafting + Blepharoplasty
- Eyelid surgery + under-eye fat
- Complete eye rejuvenation
Fat Grafting + Laser Resurfacing
- Volume + skin quality
- Maximum rejuvenation
Choosing a Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
- Experienced surgeon: High case volume
- Processing technology: Advanced methods
- Natural results: Before/after portfolio
- Technique variety: Micro/nano options
- Combination expertise: If needed
Questions to Ask
- What is your fat survival rate?
- What processing technique do you use?
- How much overcorrection do you do?
- Can I see before/after photos?
- Will I need touch-ups?
FAQ
Q: How long does facial fat grafting last? A: Fat that survives (50-70%) is essentially permanent.
Q: How many sessions will I need? A: Usually 1-2 sessions. Some opt for touch-up at 6-12 months.
Q: Is fat grafting painful? A: Discomfort is manageable. Donor site soreness is common.
Q: Where does the fat come from? A: Usually abdomen, thighs, or flanks—wherever you have excess.
Q: What if I gain or lose weight? A: Transferred fat behaves like facial fat—may fluctuate slightly.
Q: Can fat migrate or form lumps? A: Rare with proper technique. Massage can help if it occurs.
Q: Is it better than fillers? A: Different tools for different needs. Fat is longer-lasting; fillers are reversible.
Q: How much swelling should I expect? A: Significant swelling for 1-2 weeks, fully resolved by 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Facial fat grafting in Korea offers natural, long-lasting volume restoration using your own tissue. With advanced processing techniques and artistic expertise, Korean surgeons can achieve beautiful, rejuvenating results that age gracefully with you.
Considering facial fat grafting? Consult with an experienced Korean surgeon to determine if this natural approach to volume restoration is right for you.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about facial fat grafting. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified surgeons before undergoing any procedure.
Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and areas treated.