Treatment Overview
Autologous Fat Grafting to Cheeks is a cosmetic procedure that enhances cheek volume, restores youthful contours, and improves facial harmony by transferring fat from the patient’s own body to the cheeks. This technique offers a natural alternative to synthetic fillers and can improve both volume and skin quality due to the regenerative effects of stem cells found in fat tissue.
In Korea, this procedure is highly advanced, with surgeons using precise microfat or nanofat injection methods to achieve natural-looking, symmetrical results.
Purpose & Benefits
- Restores lost cheek volume caused by aging or weight loss
- Improves facial balance and contour
- Enhances skin quality due to fat-derived stem cells
- Provides natural and long-lasting results compared to dermal fillers
- Low risk of allergic reaction since the fat comes from the patient’s own body
- Can be combined with facelifts, eyelid surgery, or jawline contouring for a complete rejuvenation
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals with flat, sunken, or hollow cheeks
- Patients looking for a natural alternative to synthetic fillers
- Adults in good health with sufficient donor fat for harvesting
- Those with realistic expectations and desire for subtle, natural enhancement
- People seeking long-term improvement rather than temporary volume from fillers
Possible Risks & Complications
- Swelling and bruising in both donor and recipient areas
- Temporary asymmetry or uneven fat survival
- Fat resorption over time (some volume loss is normal)
- Rare complications like infection or oil cyst formation
- Need for touch-up procedures for optimal symmetry and fullness
Techniques Used
- Microfat Grafting – Transfers small fat particles for volume restoration
- Nanofat Grafting – Injects emulsified fat for skin quality improvement rather than volume
- Structural Fat Grafting – Layered placement for lasting, stable volume
- Korean Innovation – Use of advanced fat purification systems to increase fat survival rate and reduce lumpiness
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising peak within 3–5 days and improve over 1–2 weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first week
- Gentle facial massage may be recommended after initial healing
- Maintain stable body weight to preserve results
- Follow all aftercare instructions to maximize fat survival
Results & Longevity
- Results are visible immediately but refine over several weeks as swelling subsides
- Final outcomes typically last years, with partial fat resorption in the first few months
- Can be maintained with minor touch-ups if needed
- Cheeks look fuller, lifted, and more youthful while skin texture improves
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is recognized for producing some of the most natural and long-lasting results in autologous fat grafting. The procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and beauty goals, using cutting-edge techniques to ensure maximum fat survival.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Consultation & Facial Analysis – Detailed discussion of desired volume and contour
- Donor Site Selection – Fat is commonly harvested from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks
- Fat Harvesting & Purification – Gentle liposuction followed by advanced filtration to isolate high-quality fat cells
- Precise Fat Injection – Micro-droplet technique for even distribution and smooth contour
- Post-Procedure Care – Cold compresses to reduce swelling and close monitoring of healing
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Surgeons skilled in microfat and nanofat techniques for natural outcomes
- High fat survival rates due to advanced purification methods
- Expertise in combining cheek fat grafting with other rejuvenation surgeries
- Customized approaches that maintain ethnic beauty while enhancing harmony
Cost Range in Korea
The cost for Autologous Fat Grafting to Cheeks in Korea generally ranges from ₩2,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW (approx. $1,850 – $4,400 USD), depending on:
- Surgeon expertise and clinic reputation
- Number of injection sessions required
- Extent of fat harvesting and processing
- Combination with other facial procedures
Global Price Comparison:
- USA & Europe: $3,000 – $8,000
- Japan: $2,500 – $6,500
- Korea: $1,850 – $4,400 (often includes pre-op evaluation and post-op care)
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Known for high fat survival rates and natural results
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic – Offers microfat and nanofat techniques for both volume and skin quality
- ID Hospital – Specialists in combining fat grafting with facial contouring surgeries
- JW Plastic Surgery – Focus on personalized fat distribution for balanced outcomes
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Expertise in regenerative aesthetics using fat-derived stem cells
