Facial lipofilling

Facial lipofilling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in which a patient’s own fat is transferred to various areas of the face, such as cheeks, cheekbones, forehead, chin, and even the nose. The fat is typically extracted from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using liposuction. This fat is then processed and transplanted into the targeted areas of the face to fill wrinkles, correct depressions, or add volume. The procedure is considered safer and more natural compared to artificial fillers because it utilizes the patient’s own biological material, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and rejection. Facial lipofilling provides long-lasting results, improving not only the appearance but also the quality of the skin, thanks to the regenerative properties of fat cells. This procedure is ideal for those seeking natural facial rejuvenation without the need for extensive surgical intervention.

Brief Information About the Procedure

• Duration of the Operation: 40-50 minutes

• Type of Anesthesia: Sedation

• Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

• Return to Normal Life: The next day

• Clinic Visits: 1-2 times

• Stitches Removal: 7 days

Why do patients consider facial lipofilling?

Patients may consider facial lipofilling for several reasons:

• Improved facial contours and volume: Facial lipofilling allows the transfer of fat from one part of the body to another, helping to enhance facial contours and add volume to specific areas such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, jawline, eyes, and even the nose.

• Minimal invasiveness and natural results: Compared to other plastic surgery methods, lipofilling is considered less invasive and uses the patient’s own tissues, providing a more natural appearance.

• Enhanced skin quality: Lipofilling can contribute to improved skin texture and appearance since fat rich in stem cells can assist in tissue regeneration.

• Correction of asymmetry: This method can be used to correct asymmetry in various body parts caused by injuries, surgical interventions, or congenital features.

• Long-Term results: Unlike some other cosmetic procedures like filler injections, the results of lipofilling can last up to 10-15 years.

Who is an ideal candidate for the procedure?

An ideal candidate for facial lipofilling typically meets the following criteria:

• Good overall health without serious illnesses that may affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications during surgery.

• Good skin elasticity, which contributes to more effective and natural fat distribution.

• Adequate amount of excess fat tissue in other areas of the body that can be harvested and transplanted.

• Realistic expectations regarding the procedure’s capabilities and limitations as well as the expected results.

• Non-smoking or willing to quit smoking for a specified period before and after the procedure.

• Psychological health and stability, as the procedure can have a significant impact on self-esteem and the patient’s lifestyle.

Why South Korea?

South Korea annually performs more cosmetic procedures and surgeries than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as becoming a plastic surgeon in South Korea requires only 0.01% of medical school graduates. The equipment and medical facilities in Korea are of the same quality as those in the USA and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries with the best technical equipment for clinics.

All anti-aging operations are conducted in accredited clinics that are authorized to treat foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in soft tissue surgeries, and perform no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the questionnaire so that we can calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct an initial consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for your surgery.

Preparing for facial lipofilling in South Korea

Before your facial lipofilling procedure in South Korea, it’s essential to follow these steps to ensure a safe and successful experience:

1. Fasting and Shower: Refrain from eating and drinking for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

2. Medication Precautions: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for two weeks before the operation. Tylenol is only prohibited for three days before the operation.

3. No Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes, as smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and may slow down the tissue healing process. Some surgeons may refuse to perform the operation on smokers due to a higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in public smoking areas.

4. Medical History Review: Review your medical history and be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses and any previous surgeries. Inform your medical team about any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently. Do not withhold this information from your surgeon and coordinators.

5. Consultation and Desired Results: Attend a minimum of two consultations with your surgeon and undergo the necessary tests to ensure your eligibility for the procedure. In the morning on the day of the surgery, your surgeon will mark the design on your face and address any questions you may have. Share photographs of your desired results with your surgeon.

6. Medical Tests: If you had tests done less than a month ago, bring the results with you. If not, the required tests will be conducted in Korea.

7. Transportation and Assistance: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the operation if you plan to arrive by car.

8. Prepare Your Recovery Area: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.

How facial lipofilling is performed:

Before the surgery, you will undergo a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon and undergo the necessary tests to gain access to the procedure. On the morning of the operation, the surgeon will mark the design on your face, answer your questions, and hand you over to the medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, where they will ask about your well-being, check the time of your last meal and drink, and then escort you to the operating room.

There, you will be helped onto the operating table, and your arms and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your arm to administer medication and anesthesia intravenously. Once the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon will begin the operation. Tiny punctures are made in the donor area’s skin, and fat is extracted through them using a cannula. The donor material is then processed in a special machine and prepared for transplantation.

The surgeon fills syringes with it and carefully injects it into the pre-prepared and disinfected areas of the face. Stitches are applied to the puncture sites in the donor area. You will wake up in your room after the procedure, and an interpreter or medical nurses will assist you. Most patients do not remember this moment and may feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effects of anesthesia. In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may experience chills, which will quickly pass. A warm mattress is placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge in 1-2 hours: change clothes, collect medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

After returning home, elevate your head with several pillows to reduce swelling and take the prescribed medications, which contain pain relievers. You may experience mild headaches and a feeling of heaviness. The donor area may start to swell, and the surgical area will become swollen and increase in size—these are normal symptoms. Starting from the next day, try to walk as much as possible, sleep in an elevated position, avoid active facial expressions and laughter, and apply a cold compress. Small bruises may appear at the puncture sites, and the surgical area may become swollen. These are also normal symptoms.

What to expect after the surgery

After the surgery is complete, a translator or medical staff will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and it may seem like they woke up in a warm bed – this is the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may feel a chill, but it will quickly pass. A warming mattress is placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. In the absence of symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge within 1-2 hours: change your clothes, collect your medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.

Once you are home, place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. You may experience mild headaches and a sense of heaviness, and the donor area may begin to swell; these are normal symptoms. Do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.

Starting from the next day, try to walk as much as possible, continue sleeping in an elevated position, avoid active facial expressions and laughter, and apply a cold compress. There may be small bruises at the injection sites, and the operated area may swell and increase in size; these are also normal symptoms.

Recovery process and post-operative procedures

Immediately After the Procedure: Moderate pain may be present. Facial swelling begins, and small bruises may appear. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for a few days.

Days 1-2: Swelling reaches its peak, and the eyes may swell. This is normal; continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.

Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to subside. The surgeon monitors tissue healing, and medical staff remove the bandages. Avoid sports and any activities that require lowering your head. Continue to sleep with your head elevated.

Days 7-14: Removal of stitches from the donor areas. Reduction in swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular and extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Absolutely refrain from smoking for 25-30 days post-surgery to prevent infection, which could necessitate a repeat operation. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are strictly prohibited. If additional swelling occurs due to a lapse, immediately inform your coordinator and do not conceal the reason for infection.

Days 14-21: Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Adhere to the rehabilitation guidelines; abstain from smoking and alcohol. Swelling and hematomas diminish to the extent that the fact of surgery is not noticeable to others.

Days 21-30: The face may periodically swell. Depending on which side you slept on, the swelling may shift left or right, and it may vary daily. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Occasional eye swelling may still occur. Be patient and await results.

Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears. You can return to eating regular food, engage in sports, laugh, and use facial expressions.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, perform regular exercises, and resume your normal lifestyle.

1 Year After the Surgery: Complete the rehabilitation process.