How Long Does Swelling Last After Side Cheek Fat Grafting? Explanation of the Engraftment Process and Recovery Period

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Hello,

I am Hyeonju Seong, director of Cheongdam OK Clinic,

specializing in side cheek fat grafting.

▶ Regular member of the Korean Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (KACS)
▶ Regular member of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO)
▶ Regular member of the Korean Academy of Obesity and Aesthetic Body Contouring (KAAM)
▶ Regular member of the Korean Society of Liposuction (KSSL)
▶ Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAS)

The first thing people ask when planning side cheek fat grafting is swelling.

Right after surgery, it may look more swollen than expected.

This is a normal phenomenon caused by the volume of the injected fat and the tissue response occurring together.

In particular, the side cheek is an area with a lot of facial movement, so during the early stage there may also be a feeling of tightness or heaviness.

It tends to look most noticeable around days 3 to 5, and then gradually subsides over 1 to 2 weeks.

However, this varies depending on the individual’s constitution, the amount injected, and whether bruising occurs.

Even if it looks stable on the outside, the inside is still going through the engraftment preparation process.

How does the engraftment process progress? The transplanted fat does not settle in place all at once from the beginning.

After injection, it must receive blood supply for a certain period of time in order to survive.

The first 1 to 2 weeks are an important period during which it connects with the surrounding tissue.

During this process, some of it is absorbed and some of it engrafts.

In general, around 3 months later, it is possible to assess a somewhat stable state.

This is why the volume becomes naturally settled over time compared with immediately after the graft.

Side cheek fat grafting

Excessive pressure or strong massage is not good during this period.

Applying excessive stimulation early in recovery may affect the engraftment rate.

Points to note during the recovery period Recovery does not simply mean the swelling goes down. If bruising is present, it gradually fades over about 2 weeks.

Face washing and light daily activities are possible relatively quickly, but it is better to avoid strenuous exercise for a certain period.

Since the side cheek is close to the center of the face, even small changes can be noticeable.

Therefore, it is important not to become impatient while checking in the mirror every day.

The recovery process differs from person to person, and even with the same amount injected, the response can vary.

At first it may seem excessive, but over time it becomes balanced.

Criteria for a natural result The goal of side cheek fat grafting is not excessive volume, but restoration of a soft curve.

Side cheek fat grafting

Once engraftment stabilizes, the line connecting to the front cheekbone area becomes smoothly refined.

During the early stage of recovery, it may look slightly asymmetrical, but this usually eases as the tissue settles.

The important thing is to avoid overcorrection during the initial planning stage.

If too much is injected, unnaturalness may remain even after some of it is absorbed.

Swelling, engraftment, and recovery each proceed on different timelines.

It is objective to make the final assessment at least 3 months later.

Not rushing to judge is the way to improve satisfaction.

It is safest to observe the progress with 충분한 time.

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▶ Side cheek fat grafting Cheongdam OK Clinic
Consultation phone: 02-3446-7588 KakaoTalk inquiry

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Side cheek fat grafting