Treatment Overview
Fat grafting after zygoma reduction is a popular adjunct cosmetic procedure in Korea aimed at restoring volume and contour to the midface after cheekbone reduction surgery. During zygoma reduction, some patients may experience slight hollowness or asymmetry in the cheeks due to bone reshaping. Fat grafting transfers the patient’s own purified fat cells—harvested via liposuction from areas like the abdomen or thighs—into targeted facial areas to smooth contours, enhance volume, and improve overall facial harmony. Korean clinics specialize in precise fat harvesting, purification, and injection techniques to ensure natural, long-lasting, and safe results.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose is to restore lost volume and refine facial contours after zygoma reduction. Benefits include:
- Natural augmentation using the patient’s own fat, minimizing allergic reactions
- Improved midface fullness, softening any hollow or sunken areas
- Enhanced facial symmetry and youthful appearance
- Long-lasting results as some grafted fat integrates permanently
- Can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for overall harmony
- Minimally invasive with small liposuction and injection sites
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone or are planning zygoma reduction surgery and desire improved volume and contour in the midface area. Good candidates should be in overall good health, have adequate donor fat sites, realistic expectations, and no history of severe facial infections or contraindications to fat grafting.
Possible Risks & Complications
Fat grafting is generally safe but may carry risks such as swelling, bruising, uneven fat resorption, lumpiness, infection, or fat necrosis. Selecting skilled Korean surgeons experienced in fat processing and injection techniques reduces these risks.
Treatment Techniques Used
The procedure involves:
- Fat Harvesting: Small-volume liposuction under local or general anesthesia from donor sites (abdomen, thighs)
- Fat Processing: Purification and centrifugation to isolate healthy fat cells and remove impurities
- Fat Injection: Microinjections of fat cells into the midface using fine cannulas with layered technique for natural contour and survival
- Careful Symmetry Assessment: Throughout the procedure to ensure balanced volume restoration
Korean clinics use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to maximize fat survival and aesthetic outcomes.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is typically mild, with swelling and bruising lasting about 1 to 2 weeks. Patients are advised to:
- Avoid strenuous activity and facial massage for at least 2 weeks
- Maintain head elevation during sleep to reduce swelling
- Follow wound care instructions for donor and injection sites
- Attend scheduled follow-ups to monitor graft integration and healing
Specialized Korean aftercare may include lymphatic drainage massage and LED therapy to enhance recovery.
Results & Longevity
Initial results are visible immediately but final outcomes become apparent over 3 to 6 months as swelling subsides and fat cells stabilize. A portion of the grafted fat is permanently retained, providing long-lasting volume restoration. Touch-up sessions may be recommended if needed.
Treatment Process in Korea
1. Initial Consultation and Facial Evaluation
Patients start with a comprehensive consultation where surgeons assess facial structure post-zygomatic reduction, volume deficits, skin quality, and donor fat availability. 3D imaging and photos help in planning precise fat grafting sites and volumes.
2. Customized Treatment Planning
A personalized plan is developed detailing donor sites, fat volume to harvest and inject, and target facial areas. Surgeons discuss expected results, risks, and recovery timeline.
3. Preoperative Preparation
Standard pre-surgery tests and instructions are given. Patients may be advised to avoid blood thinners and maintain hydration.
4. Fat Harvesting and Processing
Under local or general anesthesia, a small liposuction is performed to collect fat. The fat is then carefully processed using centrifugation or filtration systems to isolate viable fat cells.
5. Fat Injection Procedure
Surgeons inject purified fat using microcannulas into the cheeks and surrounding midface layers, building volume gradually with attention to natural contours and symmetry.
6. Postoperative Care
Patients receive guidelines to reduce swelling and protect graft sites, including head elevation, cold compresses, and activity restrictions. Follow-up appointments monitor fat survival and healing.
7. Follow-Up and Possible Touch-Ups
Since some fat may resorb, surgeons may recommend a touch-up fat grafting session 3 to 6 months post-initial procedure for optimal results.
Cost Range
- Standard Clinics: ₩3,000,000 to ₩5,000,000 KRW (~$2,300 to $3,800 USD)
Includes fat harvesting, processing, injection, and standard aftercare. Suitable for patients seeking effective volume restoration on a budget. - Premium Clinics in Seoul/Gangnam: ₩5,500,000 to ₩8,500,000 KRW (~$4,200 to $6,500 USD)
Offer advanced fat processing technology, expert surgeons, customized treatment plans, and comprehensive recovery programs. - Combined Procedures: When performed alongside zygoma reduction or other facial surgeries, combined package pricing is available, often reducing total cost.
- International Patient Packages: Include consultation, transportation, accommodation, translation, and aftercare support, adding approximately 10–15% to base fees.
- Payment & Insurance: Fat grafting is elective cosmetic surgery and not covered by insurance. Payment options include credit cards, bank transfers, and financing plans at some clinics.
Popular Clinics for Fat Grafting After Zygoma Reduction
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery
- ID Hospital
- JW Plastic Surgery
- View Plastic Surgery
- DA Plastic Surgery
Conclusion
Fat grafting after zygoma reduction in Korea is a highly effective way to restore youthful volume and smooth facial contours after cheekbone slimming surgery. Korean clinics excel at combining minimally invasive liposuction with expert fat processing and injection techniques to achieve natural, long-lasting, and harmonious results. With detailed treatment planning, advanced technology, and comprehensive aftercare, patients can enjoy enhanced midface aesthetics and confidence.
