Treatment Overview
Fat-Derived Fillers, also known as autologous fat grafting or fat transfer, are a natural alternative to synthetic dermal fillers. In this procedure, a patient’s own fat is harvested (usually from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks), purified, and reinjected into areas of the face that require volume restoration and rejuvenation. In many Korean clinics, fat-derived fillers are enhanced with stem cells or growth factors, boosting both volumizing and regenerative effects.
In Korea, Fat-Derived Fillers are highly popular for patients seeking a biocompatible, long-lasting, and natural solution for facial rejuvenation. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which dissolve over time, fat grafting can provide more permanent volume restoration, with the added benefit of skin quality improvement.
Purpose & Benefits
- Volume Restoration: Replenishes lost volume in cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eyes.
- Wrinkle Reduction: Softens deep folds such as nasolabial and marionette lines.
- Natural & Biocompatible: Uses the patient’s own fat, reducing allergy risk.
- Skin Regeneration: Stem-cell enriched fat improves elasticity and skin quality.
- Longer-Lasting Results: A portion of transferred fat integrates permanently.
- Dual Benefit: Body contouring from fat harvest + facial rejuvenation.
Ideal Candidates
- Adults with volume loss, sagging, or deep wrinkles.
- Individuals preferring natural, non-synthetic fillers.
- Patients with hollow cheeks, temples, or under-eye depressions.
- Those seeking long-term results beyond temporary HA fillers.
- Men and women in good health with sufficient donor fat for extraction.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness at donor and injection sites.
- Variable fat survival rate (not all transferred fat integrates).
- Risk of asymmetry if fat absorption is uneven.
- Rare risk of infection or fat nodules.
- Requires downtime compared to regular dermal fillers.
Techniques Used
- Fat Harvesting: Liposuction from abdomen, thighs, or hips.
- Purification: Centrifugation or filtration to isolate healthy fat cells.
- Microinjection: Purified fat injected into target areas with fine cannulas.
- Stem-Cell Enrichment (Optional): Enhances survival rate and regenerative benefits.
- Combination Approach: Sometimes paired with HA fillers or thread lifting for optimized results.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Day 1–3: Swelling and bruising at both donor and injection sites.
- Week 1–2: Majority of swelling subsides; natural contour becomes visible.
- Week 3–6: Fat stabilizes, and long-term integration occurs.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Avoid pressing or massaging treated areas for 2 weeks.
- Apply cold compresses in the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Sleep with head elevated to minimize bruising.
- Use SPF and gentle skincare to protect healing skin.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support fat survival.
Results & Longevity
- Immediate improvement in facial volume after treatment.
- Some swelling may initially exaggerate results.
- Final stabilized results visible after 1–3 months.
- Permanent survival rate: 40–70% of transferred fat remains long term.
- Results can last years, with touch-ups sometimes needed.
Treatment Process in Korea
1. Consultation & Planning
- Dermatologist or plastic surgeon assesses volume loss and donor areas.
- A treatment plan is created, sometimes with digital facial mapping.
2. Treatment Day
- Local anesthesia (and sometimes sedation) applied.
- Fat harvested, purified, and reinjected strategically into target zones.
- Duration: 1.5–3 hours depending on treated areas.
3. Post-Treatment Care
- Cooling therapy applied to reduce swelling.
- Patients typically discharged the same day.
4. Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Check-up within 1–2 weeks.
- Optional touch-ups after several months if needed.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Korean clinics are global leaders in advanced fat grafting and stem-cell enriched fillers.
- Techniques focus on natural results and high fat survival rates.
- Many clinics use refined micro-fat and nano-fat technologies for smoother outcomes.
- Prices are more affordable compared to Western countries.
- Seoul-based clinics cater to international patients with English-speaking staff and premium aftercare.
Cost Range
The cost of Fat-Derived Fillers in Korea varies by clinic, donor area, and whether stem-cell enrichment is included:
- Standard Fat Grafting (Face only): ₩2,000,000 – ₩4,000,000 (~USD $1,500–$3,000).
- Stem-Cell Enriched Fat Filler: ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 (~USD $2,700–$4,500).
- Full-Face Rejuvenation Package: ₩4,000,000 – ₩8,000,000 (~USD $3,000–$6,000).
- Donor Area Liposuction (if extensive): Additional ₩500,000 – ₩1,000,000 (~USD $370–$750).
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & Imaging: ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 (~USD $40–$75).
- Aftercare skincare (SPF, serums): ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 (~USD $40–$120).
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Experts in fat grafting and stem-cell enriched fat fillers.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for natural fat transfer combined with anti-aging programs.
- View Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Specializes in full-face fat grafting for long-lasting rejuvenation.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Premium fat-derived filler treatments with advanced purification methods.
- Oracle Skin Clinic (Nationwide): Offers smaller-scale fat transfer with international patient support.
