Fat Grafting with Facelift
Fat Grafting with Facelift
Fat grafting with facelift is a combined facial rejuvenation approach that restores both facial volume and skin tightness at the same time. While a facelift focuses on lifting sagging tissues, fat grafting addresses volume loss by transferring the patient’s own fat to areas that have become hollow or flat over time. Together, these procedures create a more balanced, youthful, and natural-looking result.
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from one part of the body and injecting it into the face.
The procedure typically involves:
- Removing fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs
- Processing and purifying the harvested fat
- Injecting fat into targeted facial areas
- Layering small amounts for natural integration
- Sculpting facial contours for balance
Because it uses the patient’s own tissue, it is generally well tolerated.
Why Combine Fat Grafting with Facelift?
A facelift alone improves sagging but does not fully restore lost volume. Fat grafting complements this by adding youthful fullness.
This combination can:
- Restore mid-face volume
- Improve hollow cheeks
- Soften deep wrinkles and folds
- Enhance facial contours
- Create a more natural, youthful appearance
It is especially effective for patients with both sagging and volume loss.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This combined approach is suitable for patients with multiple signs of facial aging.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have sagging skin in the lower face or neck
- Notice hollow cheeks or temples
- Have deep nasolabial folds
- Want a natural rejuvenation effect
- Prefer using your own tissue for volume restoration
A consultation helps determine whether fat grafting is necessary alongside a facelift.
How the Procedure Works
Both procedures are often performed during the same surgery session.
Typical steps include:
- Performing liposuction to collect fat
- Processing and purifying fat cells
- Lifting and tightening facial tissues (facelift)
- Injecting fat into volume-deficient areas
- Carefully shaping facial contours for symmetry
Combining both techniques allows for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Areas Commonly Treated with Fat Grafting
Fat is strategically placed to restore youthful facial proportions.
Common areas include:
- Cheeks (mid-face)
- Under-eye hollows
- Temples
- Nasolabial folds
- Jawline contour areas
Each injection is customized to the patient’s facial structure.
Recovery After Combined Procedure
Recovery is slightly longer than a facelift alone due to the additional fat harvesting and grafting.
Typical timeline:
- First week: swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort
- 2–3 weeks: noticeable improvement in facial appearance
- 1–3 months: fat settles and integrates with tissues
- 3–6 months: final contour becomes stable
Some initial fat absorption is normal during healing.
How Long Do Fat Grafting Results Last?
Unlike temporary fillers, fat grafting can provide long-lasting results.
However:
- Not all transferred fat survives
- Remaining fat becomes permanent once integrated
- Final volume stabilizes after a few months
- Results can last for many years
Longevity depends on technique and individual healing.
Benefits of Combining Fat Grafting with Facelift
This combination offers a more complete approach to facial rejuvenation.
Key benefits include:
- Simultaneous lifting and volume restoration
- More natural facial contours
- Reduced need for fillers
- Long-lasting results
- Balanced improvement across the entire face
It addresses both structural sagging and volume loss.
Average Cost of Facelift with Fat Grafting in Korea
The cost depends on surgical complexity and treatment areas.
Typical price ranges:
- Facelift + fat grafting: 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 KRW
- Deep plane facelift with fat grafting: 15,000,000 – 25,000,000 KRW
- Extensive facial fat grafting combined cases: 18,000,000 – 30,000,000 KRW
Final cost varies based on volume needs and surgical plan.
Final thoughts
Fat grafting with facelift provides a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation by addressing both sagging and volume loss. While the facelift restores lifting and definition, fat transfer restores youthful fullness and softness. Together, they create a more natural and balanced outcome that enhances overall facial harmony. For suitable candidates, this combined approach offers one of the most complete and long-lasting rejuvenation solutions available.
