Quick answer: Facial fat grafting moves your own fat, usually from the thighs or abdomen, into hollow areas such as the temples, forehead, under-eyes or cheeks. Not all of it survives: reported retention varies widely between studies and patients, and a meaningful share is reabsorbed over the first two to three months. What remains after about three months is generally long-lasting, but touch-ups are common.
What is facial fat grafting?
Fat grafting (fat transfer, autologous fat injection) has three steps: harvesting fat with a thin cannula, processing it to separate fat cells from fluid and oil, and injecting it in tiny amounts into the face. In Korea it is often used for flat foreheads, sunken temples, hollow cheeks, deep nasolabial folds and under-eye hollows. Because the material is your own tissue, there is no allergy risk, but it behaves less predictably than filler.
What does "fat survival rate" mean?
Injected fat has no blood supply at first. Cells close to healthy tissue can pick up a blood supply and survive; cells too far from it die and are reabsorbed or, if a large clump dies, can form cysts or hard nodules. Survival therefore depends on technique as much as on the patient. Published retention figures vary widely, so be cautious of any clinic that promises a fixed percentage.
Factors thought to influence survival include:
- Gentle harvesting and processing that limits damage to fat cells
- Injecting small droplets in multiple layers rather than large pockets
- The recipient area: areas with good blood supply and little movement tend to hold fat better
- Smoking, which reduces blood flow and healing
- Large weight changes after grafting, since grafted fat behaves like fat from the donor site
Fat grafting vs fillers: which is better?
- Fat: natural feel, potentially long-lasting, treats large areas, but requires a donor site, more swelling and an uncertain final volume.
- Hyaluronic acid filler: predictable, quick and reversible with hyaluronidase, but temporary and costly for large volumes over time.
Some people start with filler to test a look, then choose fat for longer-term volume. Our
treatments guide compares common injectable and surgical options.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with facial volume loss or naturally flat areas who have enough donor fat
- Stable body weight and non-smokers, or people willing to stop well before and after
- Those who accept that a second session may be needed
Very lean people may not have enough fat to harvest. Those with active skin infections, bleeding disorders or unrealistic expectations of precise sculpting are less suitable.
What is the procedure and recovery like?
It is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and takes one to two hours. Expect:
- Days 1-7: noticeable facial swelling and bruising, plus soreness and bruising at the donor site. Many clinics overfill slightly, so the face looks fuller than planned.
- Weeks 2-4: swelling falls; you can usually return to normal activities, avoiding pressure, saunas and heavy exercise as advised.
- Months 1-3: some volume is reabsorbed and the result stabilizes.
- After 3-6 months: remaining fat is considered established; a touch-up can be done if needed.
Plan about one week in Seoul for the procedure and first checks. You can see the clinic again for a touch-up on a later trip.
What are the risks?
- Uneven absorption causing asymmetry or lumps
- Oil cysts, calcification or firm nodules where fat did not survive
- Overcorrection, especially under the eyes, which is hard to undo
- Infection or donor-site irregularity
- Rarely, fat entering a blood vessel (fat embolism), which can cause vision loss or stroke; this is why blunt cannulas, low pressure and anatomical expertise matter
Stem-cell or "enriched" fat grafting claims
Some clinics advertise stem-cell or SVF-enriched fat grafting promising higher survival. Evidence for consistent, clinically meaningful benefit is still limited, and these options generally cost more. Ask what exactly is added, whether it is approved for that use, and what evidence the clinic relies on.
How to choose a clinic for fat grafting
Choose a plastic surgery specialist who performs facial fat grafting regularly, explains where and how much fat will be placed, and has a clear revision policy. Ask whether the price covers harvesting, anesthesia and a touch-up, and whether 10% VAT is added. Our
price guide explains common cost drivers, and the
plastic surgery directory lists registered clinics nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Is fat grafting permanent?
Fat that survives the first few months is generally long-lasting, but it still ages with you and changes with weight gain or loss.
Can lumps be fixed?
Small irregularities may soften with time or be treated with injections, liposuction or removal, but correction is not always simple.
How many sessions are usually needed?
Many people are satisfied after one, but a second session several months later is common, especially for large hollows.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Last reviewed: October 2026.
