The clinical choices
Ask which hollow areas are being treated and how they relate to neighboring features. A full-face label does not explain the intended volume distribution.
Some transferred fat may not persist. Discuss uncertainty, possible asymmetry and whether a later session may be considered.
The procedure involves both fat collection and facial injection. Ask about risks at both sites, including the rare but serious risk of vascular injury.
Is this procedure right for you?
A consultation should establish whether a volume deficit is the relevant concern and whether suitable donor fat is available. Medical history, past facial procedures and expectations should be reviewed. Provide details of any earlier filler or fat treatment. Ask the clinician to show where volume would be added and explain why that location matches your goals.
The early appearance includes swelling and is not a reliable guide to retained volume. Fat survival varies, and repeat treatment may be needed. A donor-site procedure is part of the burden even when only a small facial area is treated. A guaranteed retained percentage or a promise that one session will achieve every goal should be questioned.
Risks and alternatives
Fat transfer can cause bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and small scars. Complications include bleeding, infection, fat-tissue damage and blood-vessel blockage. Ask for a site-specific explanation of risks and the clinic’s emergency arrangements. Do not assume that use of your own tissue makes the procedure free from injection or surgical risk.
Ask about the option of no treatment and whether another approach better matches the concern. Comparing fat transfer with a filler requires a separate discussion of the material, injection location, persistence, reversibility and risks. A comparison should be based on the change sought rather than treating all methods of adding volume as interchangeable.
Before treatment
Bring records of previous facial injections and surgery and identify any concerns about the proposed donor area. Confirm whether harvesting, processing and injection are all included in the quote. Ask about anaesthesia, transport, medication instructions and who will review both donor and recipient sites. Request a written plan for unexpected symptoms after returning home.
Questions patients ask
What does facial fat transfer involve?
Fat is collected through small incisions, processed and introduced into the recipient area. The decision is not simply how much volume to add: the clinician should identify the facial region, the intended contour and the donor site. Ask what the procedure is expected to improve in your face and which concerns would require a different treatment.
What affects the treatment choice?
Ask about the option of no treatment and whether another approach better matches the concern. Comparing fat transfer with a filler requires a separate discussion of the material, injection location, persistence, reversibility and risks. A comparison should be based on the change sought rather than treating all methods of adding volume as interchangeable.
How should I plan recovery?
Both the donor and recipient sites need care. Bruising and swelling can affect appearance and comfort, while volume may change as transferred fat is absorbed. Ask when it is meaningful to reassess the contour and what instructions apply to washing and pressure on treated areas. A discussion about another session should follow appropriate reassessment rather than a fixed upfront promise.
Clinics to explore
These clinics list relevant treatments in their published service menus. Discuss the exact procedure and your suitability directly.
The BB Plastic Surgery
The BB Plastic Surgery organizes its published care around Eye Plastic Surgery, Facial Fat Grafting & Contouring, Rhinoplasty, Lifting & Youthful Rejuvenation. The BB lists facial fat grafting and contouring alongside eyelid and nose surgery. For a volume-related concern, ask whether the plan adds fat, removes tissue or changes tissue position. Those are different interventions with different recovery requirements. A fat-transfer discussion should also identify the donor area and explain how variation in retained volume affects expectations and possible further treatment.
What affects the quotation
- Donor-site harvesting and recipient regions
- Anaesthesia and facility charges
- Number of planned sessions
- Follow-up of both treatment sites
- Whether a repeat session is included or separately charged
Recovery and your stay
Both the donor and recipient sites need care. Bruising and swelling can affect appearance and comfort, while volume may change as transferred fat is absorbed. Ask when it is meaningful to reassess the contour and what instructions apply to washing and pressure on treated areas. A discussion about another session should follow appropriate reassessment rather than a fixed upfront promise.
Ask at your consultation
- Why is volume addition appropriate for this area?
- Which donor site will you use?
- How do you explain uncertain fat retention?
- What are the site-specific injection risks?
- When would you reassess the result before considering another session?
Read in more detail
Facial fat transfer: Risks & Suitability
Facial fat transfer moves a person’s own fat from a donor area to selected areas of the face to add volume. It involves fat harvesting as well as injection. Some transferred fat is reabsorbed, so the amount that remains and the need for another session cannot be guaranteed.
Read guide →Facial fat transfer: Consultation Questions
Bring records of previous facial injections and surgery and identify any concerns about the proposed donor area. Confirm whether harvesting, processing and injection are all included in the quote. Ask about anaesthesia, transport, medication instructions and who will review both donor and recipient sites. Request a written plan for unexpected symptoms after returning home.
Read guide →Facial fat transfer: Techniques & Alternatives
Ask about the option of no treatment and whether another approach better matches the concern. Comparing fat transfer with a filler requires a separate discussion of the material, injection location, persistence, reversibility and risks. A comparison should be based on the change sought rather than treating all methods of adding volume as interchangeable.
Read guide →Facial fat transfer: Recovery & Aftercare
Both the donor and recipient sites need care. Bruising and swelling can affect appearance and comfort, while volume may change as transferred fat is absorbed. Ask when it is meaningful to reassess the contour and what instructions apply to washing and pressure on treated areas. A discussion about another session should follow appropriate reassessment rather than a fixed upfront promise.
Read guide →Facial fat transfer: Cost in Korea: Quote Checklist
The cost of facial fat transfer in Korea depends on the technique, treatment scope and care included. Request an itemized quote for the proposed plan, including follow-up and any additional charges.
Read guide →