Even though facial fat grafting is called by the same name, results vary significantly from hospital to hospital. It is not about the amount injected. How to handle fat and where to place itThis is because they are different. Below is a summary of 7 criteria you can check before attending counseling, and questions you can ask directly in the counseling room.
First, let's classify the types of hospitals.
There are broadly three types of places that perform facial fat grafting. Rather than saying one is better than the other. Types that suit my purposeThere is a separate one.
- General Plastic Surgery — It is designed in conjunction with other surgeries, such as eye and nose procedures. It is advantageous when you want to adjust the overall facial proportions together.
- Local specialized hospitals and clinics We focus exclusively on fat harvesting and grafting. We have accumulated experience in scar management at the harvest site and micro-grafting.
- Clinic specializing in regeneration and cell processing — We use a method of separating cellular components from fat and incorporating them. Separate cell processing facilities and permits are required.
All three types advertise it as "facial fat grafting." So First, classify the types, and then compare within them based on criteria.A comparison is only valid if...
Criterion 1. How fat is refined
The harvested fat contains blood, anesthetic fluid, and destroyed fat cells. If these impurities remain in the system, they cause inflammation and absorption. Purification methods are broadly classified into centrifugation, washing and filtration, and a combination of both.
Things to ask during the consultation — “What equipment is used for fat refining, and for how long?” The more specific the answer, the more established the process is. If you only receive the answer, “We use a special method,” ask for further evidence.
Criterion 2. At what thickness and on which layer to insert
Because the skin on the face is thin, applying a large amount to a single layer at once can cause it to clump or become see-through. This is why the method of applying small amounts in multiple layers using a fine cannula (layering) has become established.
Things to ask during the consultation — “How many cc do you inject into my area and which layers do you distribute it across?” The results differ between places that specify the dosage and layers for each area and places that only state the total amount.
Criterion 3. Does the consulting physician perform the surgery directly?
There are cases where a famous director conducts the consultation, but the actual surgery is performed by a different doctor. Since the design determines the outcome of facial fat grafting, The designer must be the same as the person putting it in. do.
Things to ask during the consultation — “Could you please write the surgeon’s name on the consent form on the day of the surgery?” If they agree to keep it on record, it is confirmed.
Criterion 4. Are the criteria for reoperation and correction documented?
Some of the fat is absorbed. Therefore, most hospitals explain it on the premise that additional procedures are required. The problem is... To what extent is the correction applied, and at what point costs are incurred?The point is that it varies from hospital to hospital.
Things to ask during the consultation — “Can I receive the correction criteria, timeframe, and costs in writing?” Verbal promises are difficult to remember.
Criterion 5. Is there a basis for the graft survival rate figures?
The engraftment rate is the most frequently used figure in hospital promotions, but, What, when, and how was measuredWithout it, comparison is impossible. Even the same “70%” is a completely different value depending on whether it is a volume measurement at the 3-month mark or a 3D measurement at the 1-year mark.
Things to ask during the consultation — “How many people, at what age after surgery, and by what method were those figures measured? Do you have any papers or conference presentation data?” It is better not to use numbers that do not yield answers as a basis for judgment.
Criterion 6. What does the cost consist of?
The cost of facial fat grafting is typically divided into harvesting, purification, grafting, anesthesia, and post-operative care. If you compare only the total amount... Estimate excluding anesthesia method or number of treatmentsIt will be compared with.
Things to ask during the consultation — “Does this amount include anesthesia, aftercare, and corrective procedures? What items are missing?”
Criterion 7. Is post-operative care scheduled?
The first few weeks, during which the transplanted fat settles, determine the outcome. Items such as compression, cold compresses, quitting smoking, and maintaining weight are important. Schedule by DateThe recovery process is different between places that say "..." and places that end with "Be careful."
Things to ask during the consultation — “What is checked at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery?”
Commonly Missed Side Effects
The problems frequently reported in facial fat grafting are mostly Excessive injectionand Inappropriate layerIt starts from .
- bumpy/nodule — Cases where fat clumped together in one spot can be felt as a lump
- unnatural volume — Cases where excessive filling causes sagging or a heavy facial expression over time
- Left-right asymmetry — Cases where absorption amounts differ between the left and right sides
- Persistent swelling and inflammation — In cases where the tablet was insufficient or over-infused
These signals are mostly Problems with the surgical methodIt is not a matter of constitution. If you ask during the consultation, “How do you respond in cases like this?” you can determine if the place has a response system in place.
Order of counseling visits — 3 places, same question
- 3 places of different typesSelect (1 General + 1 Local Specialization + 1 Regeneration/Cell).
- In three places The same question...does that. The 7 items above are sufficient.
- The answer I am writing it down.If you count how many specific items you answered, the ranking will appear automatically.
- The quote is By item We accept it. Estimates that only list the total amount cannot be compared.
- For places that recommend same-day payment, I postpone the decision by a day. If a condition disappears after a one-day delay, it was not the original condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times do I need facial fat grafting?
Since the amount absorbed varies from person to person, it may be completed in a single session or require an additional adjustment. It is safer to check the contract terms from the beginning to confirm "how many sessions are included."
How is it different from fillers?
Fillers involve filling in substances that decompose over time, whereas fat grafting involves transplanting one's own tissue to settle. The duration of effects, recovery periods, and re-treatment cycles differ.Summary of the Differences Between Fillers and Fat Grafting)
Can I trust the claim that the survival rate is high?
It is meaningful only when the measurement time and method are presented together. Even the same figure is different between 3 months and 12 months.Can we trust the fat graft survival rate?)
My existing facial fat graft is uneven. Can it be reversed?
The response varies depending on the location and depth of the lumps. Since revision surgery is more difficult to assess than the initial surgery, it is recommended to bring your previous surgical records and progress photos for the consultation.Reasons for Unevenness and Things to Check Before Revision Surgery)
What is the method of incorporating cells together?
This method involves separating cellular components, such as the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), from harvested fat and injecting them together with the transplanted fat. Since a separate cell processing facility and related permits are required, Possession of facilities/permitsThe order is to check first.
The place where this text was written SC301 Clinic is a clinic located in Gangnam, Seoul, specializing in facial and breast fat grafting using autologous fat and SVF (stromal vascular fraction). It is an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and holds a license for a cell processing facility. These standards are also items we actually explain during consultations. You may use the exact same questions when looking for other clinics. Facial Plastic Surgery Treatment Guide · Consultation Inquiry
※ This article summarizes general criteria for selecting a hospital and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or recommendation for treatment regarding your individual condition. As the effectiveness and side effects of the procedure may vary depending on the individual, please be sure to consult with medical professionals.
