What is face fat grafting?
Not every hollow is caused by ageing. Many people are born with a flat forehead, narrow temples that make the face look angular, a retruded chin, or a dip at the base of the nose. These shapes are set by bone and soft tissue, and they can look harsher in photographs than in person.
Face fat grafting builds gentle curves over these areas with your own tissue. Unlike an implant, fat blends into the face without an edge and stays soft. Where the main concern is age-related loss under the eyes and in the cheeks, the closely related facial fat transfer page explains that approach.
Who is suited to face fat grafting?
- A flat or sloping forehead that you would like rounder in profile.
- Narrow or hollow temples that make the upper face look pinched.
- A small or recessed chin where a soft, modest change is enough.
- A flat area beside the nose that deepens the smile line.
- Patients who prefer their own tissue over implants or repeated filler.
Fat can add soft volume but cannot project the chin or nose as strongly as an implant or cartilage. For a large change in profile, Dr. Lee will discuss the limits honestly.
Fat grafting vs filler vs implants for contour
| Fat grafting | Filler | Implant | |
| Feel | Soft, natural | Soft to firm | Firm |
| Areas | Forehead, temples, chin, midface | Small precise areas | Chin, forehead |
| Downtime | About 1 week | 1–3 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Longevity | Surviving fat lasts | 6–18 months | Long-lasting |
| Main limit | Variable fat survival | Needs repeating | Edges, infection risk |
How is face fat grafting done?
Before & after
Before
After
Browse more in the before & after gallery.
How long is recovery after fat grafting?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling makes the grafted areas look fuller than planned; avoid pressing on them. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Bruising largely fades; most people feel comfortable going out. |
| Week 2–8 | Swelling and some grafted fat reduce gradually. |
| Month 3–6 | Contour is stable; a second session can be planned if needed. |
“With fat, a soft curve is what I am drawing. It should catch the light, not change your identity.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of face fat grafting?
The most common limitation is that only part of the graft survives, so results can be less than hoped and may need a top-up. Other risks include irregularities, small lumps, asymmetry, over-correction and donor-site bruising. Rarely, fat can enter a blood vessel, which can be serious; blunt cannulas and slow, small-volume injection lower this risk. Patients who have had a lot of filler in the same area may need it assessed first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fat grafting and fat transfer?
They use the same technique. On our pages, fat grafting focuses on reshaping contour, while fat transfer focuses on restoring age-related volume.
Is forehead fat grafting permanent?
The fat that survives after about three months is generally long-lasting, though it changes with weight.
Can old filler be in the way?
Sometimes. Large amounts of old filler may need dissolving or time before grafting.
Can it be combined with other surgery?
Yes, fat grafting is often added to brow or lifting procedures.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About a week for swelling to settle and a follow-up check.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung designs and performs the grafting and sees you at every follow-up.