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Duhan Plastic Surgery Clinic · 두한성형외과 DUHANISM · April 1, 2020
#fatgrafting #microfatgrafting #autologousfatgrafting #facefatgrafting #faceautologousfatgrafting #fatinjection #facemicrofatgrafting #fullfacefatgrafting #fullfacefatgrafting #you...
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This page is an English translation of a Korean Naver Blog archive entry. For exact wording and source context, verify against the Korean archive original and the original Naver post.
Clinic: Duhan Plastic Surgery Clinic
Original post date: April 1, 2020
Translated at: April 25, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Medical note: This translation does not guarantee medical accuracy or suitability for treatment decisions.
Fat Grafting Guide
Soft and beautiful facial contours,
Try creating them with micro fat grafting~
Col-fat fat grafting trademark obtained - Col-fat fat grafting is the intellectual property of Duhan Plastic Surgery only.
What is Col-fat fat grafting?
Micro fat grafting, after the fat is grafted,
becomes engrafted as capillary blood vessels form around it.
The engraftment process takes at least 3 months,
and during that time, because vascularization has not yet occurred, it may be absorbed and disappear,
or it may be compressed and lost due to pressure from surrounding tissue.
Therefore, in some cases, the effect of volume increase cannot be sufficiently achieved by the amount of fat alone.
To compensate for this, collagen is generated on its own,
which increases the fat engraftment rate while creating youthful and elastic skin and contours.
That is Col-fat fat grafting.
Dr. Shin Duhan
What are the features of Col-fat fat grafting?
| Supplies serum, the source of nutrition in the early stage of fat engraftment. |
|---|
| Minimizes pressure from surrounding tissue and increases the engraftment rate. |
| The fat is grafted evenly and does not create irregularities. |
| Collagen self-production creates a greater contour-correcting effect. |
| Tissue and skin gain elasticity, providing wrinkle correction and a rejuvenating effect. |
How is Col-fat fat grafting performed?
At our clinic, the procedure is performed using micro-needles developed in-house.
The key point of the micro-needle is that the tip of the prub is precisely processed to induce collagen production during subcutaneous tunneling.
In addition, it has realized ultra-precise fat grafting with the Col-fat technique.
Because it has the advantage of allowing precise treatment in 1–2 mm units even in very fine wrinkles or delicate areas such as under the eyes or above the eyes, it can be performed without problems even in difficult areas.
Using a micro prub for under-eye dark circle correction makes it possible to correct dark circles effectively with almost no irregularity.
Through tunneling using a micro prub and micro fat grafting using micro-needles, even the most difficult under-eye procedures can be performed effectively.
What is the difference between general fat grafting and Col-fat fat grafting?
| Comparison | General fat grafting | Col-fat fat grafting |
|---|---|---|
| Contour | Irregularities may occur. | Irregularities do not occur. |
| Engraftment pattern | May engraft unevenly. | Engrafts almost evenly. |
| Collagen production | No collagen production. | Produces a large amount of collagen. |
| Engraftment rate | Relatively low. | High engraftment rate; effective facial contour correction is possible. |
| Skin elasticity | Has little effect on skin elasticity. | Skin elasticity increases through collagen production. |
Fat grafting for facial contour correction
Fat grafting is also called fat injection.
It refers to using a syringe to harvest fat from your own body and inject it into the desired area,
correcting the facial contour.
It is often also called micro fat grafting, meaning a more precise and delicate procedure.
It can effectively correct facial hollows, irregularities, and deep wrinkle lines,
and can be applied to most areas of the face.
Because the procedure is simple, has no side effects,
and can naturally correct any area as much as desired,
fat grafting is one of the effective facial contour plastic surgeries.
Dr. Shin Duhan
Which areas can be corrected with fat grafting?
○ Forehead hollowing or asymmetry
○ Temple hollowing or asymmetry
○ Thin cheeks or facial asymmetry
○ Hollowing of the upper eyelids
○ Hollowing or wrinkles of the lower eyelids
○ Creating aegyosal in the lower eyelids
○ Low bridge nose or crooked nose
○ Face with prominent cheekbones
○ Inverted triangular face
○ Multiple depressed scars
○ Forehead wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles
○ Nasolabial folds around the mouth
Examples of fat grafting applications
Examples of Col-fat fat grafting applications
What are the advantages of Col-fat fat grafting?
| Because it uses autologous tissue, there are no side effects at all. |
|---|
| Since there is no incision like in surgery, the procedure is simple. |
| Compared with other fillers (Artecoll, Alloderm), the cost is lower. |
| It can be performed in any area as much as desired. |
| Repeat procedures are possible, and the effect lasts a long time. |
What is the mistaken view about fat grafting?
Some people say that fat grafting is quickly absorbed and has no effect, but this is a misunderstanding.
Fat grafting is effective in principle only when performed properly.
The result of fat grafting depends on the practitioner's experience and skill.
From fat harvesting to purification and grafting, everything must be done accurately and carefully to achieve good results.
Procedures performed without principles may have little effect or may cause side effects.
Proper fat grafting often brings satisfying results with just one procedure, and the effect lasts for a very long time.
In areas such as the cheeks, the effect can often be permanent.
Comparison between fat grafting and fillers
Various fillers are sold and used in plastic surgery and dermatology clinics to correct facial wrinkles or scars.
These include collagen, Alloderm, Restylane, Artecoll, Juvederm, Aquamid, and Interpol.
Such fillers are mainly used for correcting fine wrinkles rather than for facial contour correction.
They are too small in volume to be used for facial contour correction, are expensive, and may pose risks of side effects when used outside their intended purpose, so these fillers are not suitable as a procedure for facial contour correction.
For facial contour correction, fat grafting can be seen as an effective and safe procedure.
| | Fat grafting | Commercialized fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of application | Can be applied to all areas of the face and in all ranges | Can be applied to fine wrinkles and correction of small hollow areas |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Amount used | Sufficient amount can be used as desired | Because a large amount is expensive, there is a cost burden. When a large amount is injected, the frequency of side effects increases. |
| Side effects | Almost none | Depending on the product, allergic reactions or inflammation may occur. |
| Procedure | Slightly complex | Simple |
| Swelling and bruising | Slight | Slight |
| Return to daily life | Immediate | Immediate |
| Cost burden for revision surgery | Half of the initial cost | Same as the initial cost |
| Procedural effect | Excellent in most areas by region | Effective only within a limited range |
Duhan Plastic Surgery Autologous Fat Grafting
What are the features of our clinic?!
★ All anesthesia is performed with local anesthesia (sleep anesthesia). ★
All fat grafting procedures are performed under local anesthesia, regardless of the area being treated.
Local anesthesia is administered together with sleep anesthesia, and the procedure can be performed without any pain during anesthesia or after the anesthesia is finished.
Depending on the area, hyaluronidase, a swelling-prevention agent, is mixed into the local anesthetic and administered.
Hyaluronidase is an expensive swelling-prevention agent with a tissue-fluid dispersing effect that helps prevent swelling almost immediately after the procedure.
★ We have a systematic and advanced fat grafting system. ★
The success of fat grafting depends on the engraftment rate.
To maximize the engraftment rate, the following are necessary.
◆ Live fat cells must be harvested.
◆ To increase the purity of the fat, we maximize fat purity through centrifuge refinement and removal of unnecessary oil.
◆ Before fat grafting, subcutaneous tunneling of the grafting area secures space for the fat to be grafted.
◆ Using micro fat grafting cannulas, precise and delicate fat grafting is performed for each area.
◆ By grafting finely in multiple layers in a three-dimensional manner, the engraftment rate is increased and a soft contour is created.
★ Appropriate and diverse fat harvesting sites are selected and used. ★
The most commonly used area for fat harvesting is the lower abdomen. The lower abdomen is the first choice for fat harvesting because it causes less pain after the procedure and has less swelling and bruising, making it a comfortable area for daily life.
If there is not enough fat in the lower abdomen, or if the person receiving the procedure prefers another area, fat is harvested from other areas as well. The next most commonly selected area is the inner thigh, followed by the outer thigh.
If there is still not enough fat in the thighs, the lower buttocks or the flanks may also be used.
There is no fixed rule about which harvesting area is best for fat engraftment.
The results are similar regardless of the area from which it is harvested. The ideal harvesting site is the area of the body with the most excess fat, but it is better to choose the site while considering the amount of fat to be harvested and activities after the grafting procedure.
★ We maximize fat engraftment through a two-step purification process for harvested fat. ★
The harvested fat goes through a two-step purification process to remove impurities other than fat cells.
Among the impurities in harvested fat, the largest proportion is local anesthetic, followed by oil.
Other impurities include serum and red blood cells.
In the first step, it undergoes a centrifugation stage for about 3 to 4 minutes, and in the second step it enters the oil-removal process.
The parts refined by centrifugation are local anesthetic, red blood cells, serum, and so on.
Oil is removed manually by a natural adsorption method.
Through the two-step purification process, nearly 100% concentrated fat is obtained, maximizing the effect of fat grafting and increasing the engraftment rate as much as possible.
★ Space for fat grafting is secured through subcutaneous tunneling. ★
Subcutaneous tunneling is a necessary process to secure space in advance in the area where fat will be grafted, in order to achieve a high engraftment rate and even grafting.
It is the process of repeatedly moving a thin prub under the skin in a fan-like pattern to create space where the fat will be grafted.
The effect of subcutaneous tunneling is to increase the fat engraftment rate and prevent the fat from clumping, creating a uniform and soft contour.
★ Three-dimensional micro fat grafting can create a soft and even facial contour. ★
Although there are exceptions depending on the area, the basic treatment method for fat grafting is the three-dimensional method.
By grafting small amounts evenly in multiple layers for each area, the engraftment rate is increased and engraftment becomes uniform, helping create a soft contour.
★ We use micro fat grafting cannulas for precise fat grafting. ★
In the past, methods using fat injection devices caused various problems because fat was pushed under the skin with high pressure.
The fat absorption rate was high, engraftment was uneven, the contour became lumpy, and grafting was difficult in delicate areas such as under the eyes.
To solve these problems, during fat grafting the fat is transferred again into a thin 1cc syringe and grafted into the desired area.
At our clinic, we use micro-needles (micro grafting cannulas) developed in-house.
Micro-needles are special grafting cannulas used only at our clinic that allow ultra-precise grafting.
Fat grafting can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, forehead wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and the bridge of the nose, making fat grafting possible in almost all cases except fine wrinkles.
★ After fat grafting, molding is performed to create an even and soft facial contour. ★
Immediately after fat grafting, delicate molding is performed so the grafted fat spreads evenly and a soft shape is created.
Molding is the final step of fat grafting and one of the most important steps.
★ Rapid-freezing and sterile storage of remaining fat simplifies the second procedure. ★
If a second procedure is performed 3 months after fat grafting, the remaining fat from the first procedure is used without harvesting fat again.
The remaining fat after the first procedure is rapidly frozen and stored under sterile conditions.
For the second procedure, the stored fat is thawed and the procedure can be performed more simply.
The storage period for fat is up to 10 months, and if you visit within 10 months, the procedure will be performed using the stored fat.
★ Thorough aftercare system ★
After fat grafting, we provide careful follow-up until the fat has fully engrafted by thoroughly managing aftercare.
During follow-up, if necessary, we try to minimize dissatisfaction through swelling-reducing injections, shape correction, and molding.
What is the fat grafting process?
Procedure for first fat grafting
Fat grafting is performed through a step-by-step, systematic process.
The procedure includes multiple stages such as painless sleep anesthesia, fat harvesting, purification, tunneling, and grafting.
The procedure time is as short as 30 minutes, and in cases involving a wide area, it may take more than 2 hours.
The area to be grafted is marked with design ink.
You receive an IV injection for painless sleep anesthesia.
Sleep anesthesia is an auxiliary anesthesia that helps you sleep for the 5 minutes during which local anesthesia is administered, so that the pain of local anesthesia is removed.
Because you are under sleep anesthesia, there is no pain during the anesthesia.
After the local anesthesia is finished, you wake up from sleep, and after that the procedure is performed without any pain because anesthesia is still effective.
In some cases, hyaluronidase, a swelling-prevention agent, is mixed into the local anesthetic and administered.
Hyaluronidase is an expensive swelling-prevention agent with a tissue-fluid dispersing effect that helps prevent swelling almost immediately after the procedure.
A thin fat suction cannula is inserted, and the required amount of fat is collected into a syringe.
In small cases, 60 cc is harvested, and in cases where many areas are being grafted, up to 200 cc may be harvested.
After a few minutes, impurities settle to the bottom.
The impurities that settle consist of local anesthetic, water, serum, red blood cells, and so on.
After all impurities have settled, the lower impurities are discarded and the remaining fat undergoes the first stage of fat concentration, centrifugation.
The fat that has been refined by centrifugation is placed on sterile gauze and wrapped so that unnecessary oil and moisture are removed by natural adsorption.
After the second purification process, nearly 100% concentrated fat is obtained.
Fat engraftment depends directly on how properly the fat is concentrated.
The more concentrated it is, the more fat cells can be grafted into the same area.
Because there is a large difference in the procedure results between fat concentrated to near 100% and fat that is not, concentration alone by centrifugation is not enough, so an additional step to remove oil from the fat is absolutely necessary.
This process creates space so the grafted fat can engraft smoothly under the skin.
It is also a process for evenly grafting the fat to create a soft contour.
In other words, subcutaneous tunneling is a preparatory step to increase engraftment and create a soft contour.
We use micro-needles (micro grafting cannulas) developed in-house.
Micro-needles are special grafting cannulas used only at our clinic that allow ultra-precise grafting.
The grafting is done evenly and in small amounts in multiple layers to maximize the engraftment rate of the fat.
This is commonly also called three-dimensional volumetric fat grafting.
Molding involves gently pressing or pushing the grafted area so the fat spreads evenly.
Molding is also the final step of fat grafting and the most important process for shaping.
The fat is usually stored for up to 10 months, and when a second procedure is needed, the fat is thawed so a second fat grafting can be performed simply.
Fat is first thawed in a refrigerator, and then secondarily thawed at room temperature a few minutes before fat grafting.
After the procedure, you can go home immediately and resume daily life.
Procedure for second fat grafting
Fat grafting is not always completed in one session.
The engraftment rate differs by area, and there are individual differences as well.
Because about 50% of the grafted fat is absorbed on average, the shape may look good at first but gradually be absorbed over time, so in some cases a second procedure may be necessary.
● Between 3 months and 1 year after the first fat grafting, you visit the plastic surgery clinic again for a follow-up.
● If a second fat grafting is deemed necessary, the frozen fat stored from the first procedure is thawed and injected again after local anesthesia.
● Since the fat harvesting process is omitted compared with the first procedure, the procedure time is much shorter, and the cost is about half of the first fat grafting.
● If the shape is judged to be fine because engraftment after the first procedure went well, no further fat grafting is needed.
In other words, the second procedure is performed only when necessary, and you can judge whether you need it by looking at the shape.
Fat grafting is usually performed in one to two sessions.
When a second procedure is needed, it is performed between 3 and 10 months.
On average, after 1 to 2 sessions, a satisfying facial contour correction effect can be achieved.
Procedures before and after fat grafting and
post-procedure care tips?
This is the pre- and post-procedure process for fat grafting surgery.
① Make a consultation appointment by phone or online.
② Visit at the scheduled consultation time and receive a consultation.
③ If you want the procedure, make a surgery appointment immediately after the consultation and leave. You can also make a surgery appointment later by phone or online.
④ Arrive 30 minutes before the surgery appointment time, receive an explanation of the fat grafting procedure, and have the design done.
⑤ After the design is completed, change clothes and receive an IV injection for painless sleep anesthesia.
⑥ Fat grafting time varies by area, and if multiple areas are treated at the same time, the procedure may take longer. On average, it takes 30 minutes to as long as 2 hours.
⑦ After the procedure, you receive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections and rest in the recovery room for about 30 minutes.
⑧ You will receive aftercare instructions and schedule the next visit date.
⑨ Visit 2 days after the procedure to check the fat grafting area and disinfect the fat-harvesting site. Showering is possible from 2 days after the procedure.
Visit on the 7th day after the procedure to check the progress and remove the stitches from the fat-harvesting site (navel). If it is too far to come to the clinic, you do not have to visit.
⑩ If a second procedure is needed, you will visit and receive treatment between 3 and 10 months later.
We perform multilayer (layer-by-layer) fat grafting.
The key to fat grafting is to ensure that fat cells, as living cells, can achieve a high engraftment rate.
To increase the engraftment rate of fat, a large amount is not injected into one place; instead, it is grafted evenly and uniformly across multiple layers.
Between the skin and bone there are multiple tissues such as the fat layer and muscle layer, and fat must be injected in a multilayer structure so that it does not overlap between the periosteum above the bone and between the muscles above and below the muscle fascia.
Multilayer fat grafting lasts 3 to 4 times longer than conventional methods and also has a higher fat survival rate.
Fat grafting at the Duhan Plastic Surgery Autologous Fat Grafting Clinic also includes a process called "tunneling," which allows the grafted fat to stay in close contact with the surrounding abundant blood vessels and receive nutrients continuously.
Tunneling means creating space for the fat under the skin using micro-needles. In the literal sense, it creates space as if boring a tunnel, and then fat is injected afterward, so even after all the fat has been inserted, it does not droop downward due to gravity or become lumpy.
It also allows custom design using a delicate injection method.
By providing thorough aftercare after fat grafting, we carefully monitor the progress until the fat has fully engrafted.
During follow-up, if necessary, we try to minimize dissatisfaction through swelling-reducing injections, shape correction, and molding.
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