Fat Grafting Fundamentals
Fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to fill hollows and enhance contours, offering a natural look and feel. The process begins with gentle liposuction to harvest fat from sites like the abdomen or thighs, then the fat is purified before being injected in small amounts. Surgeons place the graft in multiple layers to improve vascular contact and integration with surrounding tissue. When done well, the results mimic natural fat distribution and age-related contour loss.
Techniques emphasize conservative overcorrection and careful layering to maximize fat survival. After harvest, the fat is processed to remove impurities and broken cells, then injected with tiny syringes through small cannulas. The survival rate depends on technique, injection depth, and patient factors, typically ranging from about 40 to 60 percent in the first year. Experienced surgeons tailor the plan to the patient’s goals, ensuring symmetry and proportion.
Korean excellence in plastic surgery and a refined aesthetic sense significantly boost safety and outcomes in fat grafting. In leading clinics across South Korea, imaging guides graft placement, creating smooth curves and natural transitions. Teams uphold rigorous safety protocols, sterile technique, and clear recovery instructions to support durable results. The focus remains on achieving natural contours that suit each patient’s facial structure and body proportions.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after fat grafting involves swelling and mild bruising at both donor and recipient sites. Compression garments and light activity restrictions help minimize fluid buildup and protect newly placed fat. Results become clearer as swelling subsides, with final shape evident after several months. Patience and strict adherence to aftercare instructions are essential to maximize the graft take.
Anesthesia choices and perioperative care influence comfort and safety, though serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Antibiotic prophylaxis and meticulous wound care reduce infection risk, while avoiding smoking supports tissue healing. Regular follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor graft survival and address any asymmetry early. Patients should avoid prolonged sun exposure and high impact activities during the initial healing phase.
For men considering erectile function medications around the time of fat grafting, sildenafil is a common treatment for ED and has no direct contraindication with fat grafting itself, but timing and interactions with other drugs must be discussed with the surgeon. Proper disclosure about all medications, including nitrates or blood pressure drugs, helps minimize risks. Medical teams tailor postoperative instructions to each patient’s medical history and current therapies. Open communication ensures safe return to normal activity and sexual function when appropriate.
Clinic Choice and Trends
When selecting a clinic, prioritize surgeons with explicit fat grafting experience, credible training, and board certification. Review past patient outcomes, before-and-after photos, and the clinic’s approach to complication management. A thorough consultation should address donor area options, graft placement strategy, and realistic timelines. Transparent pricing and clear recovery support reflect a clinic’s commitment to patient safety.
Trends in Korea show a growing integration of fat grafting with facial contouring and subtle lifting, guided by 3D imaging and precise cannulas. There is increasing use of microfat and nanofat techniques to refine texture and facial volume with natural results. Clinicians emphasize individualized plans, balancing fullness with symmetry to match age and ethnicity. As the field evolves, clinics share outcomes data to guide patient expectations.
Choosing a clinic also means evaluating ongoing care, including postoperative check-ins, availability of support during recovery, and guidance on activities and medications. Patients should seek clinics that offer a recovery roadmap, including timelines for swelling, return to work, and safe resumption of intimacy or exercise. By focusing on safety culture and surgeon expertise, patients can approach fat grafting with confidence and clarity.