Fat Grafting (Face·Breast)
Also known as: autologous fat transfer., Fat grafting
Korean name: 지방이식
About this procedure
A surgery that involves purifying fat harvested from the patient's body and injecting it into areas such as the face and breasts that require volume. The survival rate of the injected fat is crucial, and the final survival rate is assessed around 3 months.
Who it's for
Individuals looking to enhance volume with autologous tissue (including those who want to avoid the discomfort of implants)
Effect
Aimed at improving volume, with results varying by individual. It is commonly understood that not all injected fat survives, and some is absorbed (exact survival rate cannot be confirmed).
How long results last
Permanent (based on surviving fat — non-surviving portions are absorbed and disappear)
Anesthesia
Sedation anesthesia (often performed in the same session as liposuction, so it is commonly referred to as such, but individual confirmation is not possible)
Downtime
It is recommended to wear compression garments on the harvesting area for 4-6 weeks. For breast fat grafting, massage and compression are advised against as they may negatively affect survival (separate from compression on the harvesting area).
Swelling timeline
Around 3 months — final survival assessment
Recommended stay in Korea
Face 5-7 days / Breast fat grafting 7 days (varies by area, including recovery of the harvesting area) (general guideline, hospital confirmation needed). Actual schedule to be confirmed during hospital consultation.
Often combined with
Performed in conjunction with liposuction (fat harvesting source)
Alternative procedures
Breast augmentation (implants) — Fat grafting has less discomfort but uncertainty in survival rate, while implants provide definite volume but come with specific risks such as discomfort and capsular contracture (quantitative comparison not confirmed).
Cautions
It is advised to avoid massage and compression for breast fat grafting to ensure survival.
Aftercare
Wear compression garments on the harvesting area for 4-6 weeks.