Facial Fat Grafting in Korea: Natural, Long-Lasting Rejuvenation & Minimal Swelling at Lydian

Facial Fat Grafting for Natural, Lasting Rejuvenation

Facial fat grafting can restore youthful contours and soften hollow or shadowed areas in a way that looks and feels natural. At Lydian Clinic, we focus on precision techniques that reduce swelling and help results last—especially important for patients traveling from overseas.

What most patients want to see before and after:

• A natural, “not overdone” look
• Results that age gracefully
• A fresher, more youthful appearance
• Balanced facial harmony

How Aging Changes the Face—and What Grafting Aims to Do

With age, skin, fat, muscle, and even bone gradually lose elasticity and volume. This can create sunken areas and sharper transitions between facial planes. Thoughtful fat grafting softens those transitions by restoring what’s missing—no more, no less—so the curves of the face connect smoothly and believably.

Overfilling a single area can look unnatural and may even require later correction. Our goal is refined restoration, not exaggeration.

What Affects Longevity of Fat Grafting

Transferred fat tends to keep characteristics of its donor site, and this can influence how it responds to future weight changes. Visible longevity also varies by individual anatomy:

• Slimmer patients often perceive longer-lasting fullness, because a higher proportion of their facial fat after grafting is transferred donor fat.
• Patients who naturally have fuller faces may feel that the added fat blends in sooner and appears to diminish faster over time.

While some patients maintain pleasing fullness even 10 years later, others may consider a touch-up in 2–3 years. Injecting “a lot at once” is not the answer—it increases the risk of an overfilled look and complications.

Technique Matters: Micro-Deposits for Safety and Stability

Across surgical approaches, one principle is universal: place very small amounts at a time. Micro-layering fat like fine threads helps:

• Improve graft survival
• Reduce the risk of firm nodules or calcifications (more likely when large boluses are placed quickly)
• Create smooth, natural contours

Meticulous injection, separate from the harvesting step, often takes over an hour. Rushed handling (such as immediate syringe suction and injection) can lower graft survival and increase resorption.

Our Lifting-Oriented Vector Approach

We primarily use an upward, lifting-oriented vector when placing fat. This helps support the skin gently from top to bottom and counter common late issues such as cheek or brow descent that can occur if upper volume thins and fat migrates downward over time.

When appropriate, we may:

• Initiate placement from small entry points within the hair-bearing scalp to support an upward vector
• Combine with cog threads for additional lift and youthful definition, when suitable for the patient

Minimizing Swelling and Bruising

The way fat is injected matters as much as where it’s placed. A slow, gentle technique using tiny volumes reduces trauma, vascular injury risk, and bruising. Typical experiences:

• Mild to moderate swelling overall
• Eyelid areas (if treated) may bruise more noticeably than other regions
• Most social downtime is in the first 3–7 days, with refinement over several weeks

Contrary to common belief, fat grafts do not “disappear” within a few months; a portion typically persists long term when handled and placed carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do results last?
  Longevity varies. With precise technique and stable weight, a proportion of the graft typically persists long term. Slimmer patients may perceive longer visible longevity.
• Will I look “overfilled”?
  Our philosophy is conservative restoration. We place micro-deposits to refine contours and avoid exaggerated fullness.
• Where is the fat harvested?
  Common donor areas include the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. Donor site choice can influence how fat behaves later.
• Can I combine this with other treatments?
  Yes, depending on your needs. Options may include thread lifting or eyelid procedures. We’ll tailor a plan during consultation.
• What about downtime?
  Most patients experience peak swelling in the first week, with ongoing refinement over several weeks. You can typically resume light daily activities within a few days.

We look forward to helping you plan a safe, comfortable, and rewarding rejuvenation journey in Seoul.Note: This content is for general information and does not replace individualized medical advice. All procedures carry risks; outcomes vary by patient and technique. Please consult a qualified, experienced surgeon to determine what is appropriate for you.

Note: This article was translated and published from the original with consent from the author.