Side Effects of Cheek Fat Grafting: Whether Removal Is Possible, Plus Causes of Sagging and Calcification

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Hello,

I am Director Sung Hyun-joo of Cheongdam OK Clinic,

specializing in hip fat grafting in Apgujeong.

▶ 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 Surgery (KSSL)
▶ Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery (KSAS)

The cheek area is an important

part of creating facial dimension.

Side effects of cheek fat grafting

If this area looks sunken, the face may appear tired

or older.

That is why cheek fat grafting is often considered

to restore volume.

Because fat taken from your own body is used,

it has the advantage of potentially producing a

relatively natural result.

However, if you think of it simply as a procedure

that fills in volume, unexpected changes may occur.

This is because the result can vary depending on

the fat graft take process and each person’s constitution.

Therefore, before the procedure, facial proportions, skin thickness, and existing

volume status should be sufficiently evaluated.

If the procedure is performed without this process and simply filled excessively,

there may be a higher risk of side effects later.

What side effects can occur with cheek fat grafting? Side effects that may appear after cheek fat grafting

include several issues.

Side effects of cheek fat grafting

The most common is left-right asymmetry caused by differences in graft take rate.

Since some of the fat is absorbed and some remains,

the volume may appear uneven.

Also, if too much fat is injected, the face may

look dull or have a heavy impression.

Inflammation or infection has also been reported,

though rarely.

These problems are mostly influenced by early care

and the injection method.

If the area is filled excessively without considering

skin thickness or tissue condition, an uneven contour may appear.

Therefore, it is important to inject the appropriate amount into the correct layer.

Why do sagging and calcification occur? Some people worry about sagging as time passes after cheek fat grafting.

This is often related more to changes in facial tissue than to fat grafting alone.

If the injected fat is excessive or the weight increases, it may move downward and make sagging more noticeable.

Side effects of cheek fat grafting

Also, if skin elasticity is weak, the position of the volume may change over time.

Calcification is a phenomenon that occurs when part of the fat tissue does not properly take hold and undergoes degeneration.

In such cases, it may be felt like a small lump.

Calcification is rare, but the risk increases with excessive injection or in environments with insufficient blood supply.

Can side effects be removed? Many people wonder whether removal is possible if they are not satisfied with the results after cheek fat grafting.

In fact, methods to reduce some of the fat by suction or injection may be used.

However, since it is not easy to completely remove already engrafted fat, the approach varies depending on the condition.

If it remains in the form of lumps, it may be removed through a small incision.

Side effects of cheek fat grafting

If sagging is accompanied, a lifting method may be considered together rather than simply reducing the fat.

What matters most is avoiding excessive injection at the initial procedure stage and considering facial proportions.

If performed with an appropriate plan, the likelihood of side effects can be reduced and a more stable result can be expected.

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Side effects of cheek fat grafting ​