Lipofilling of the hands is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance and contours of the hands. During this surgery, a surgeon transfers fat tissue from one part of the patient’s body to the hands. This helps address age-related changes such as volume loss, wrinkles, or sagging skin.
The procedure begins with liposuction, the removal of excess fat tissue from areas such as the abdomen or thighs. This harvested fat tissue is then processed, separated from medical solutions and other fluids, and injected into the hands. This results in a more youthful and healthy appearance of the skin on the hands, improving their texture and contour.
Lipofilling of the hands is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed under sedation anesthesia. Recovery time after the procedure is short, usually taking a few days, although it can vary depending on the amount of transferred fat tissue and the patient’s individual characteristics.
Often, the operation is combined with other procedures such as SMAS facelift, liposuction, breast lift, or abdominoplasty.
Brief surgery information
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Surgery Duration: 1-2 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: Sedation
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Hospitalization: 1-2 hours
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Return to Normal Life: The next day
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Clinic Visits: 1-2 times
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Stitches Removal: 7th day
Why patients consider hand lipofilling?
Patients may consider hand lipofilling for several reasons:
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Restoration of volume and elasticity: As individuals age, the skin on the hands loses its elasticity, and the subcutaneous fat layer thins. Lipofilling helps restore lost volume and gives the hands a more youthful and healthy appearance.
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Improvement in skin texture and appearance: Transferred fat can improve the quality and texture of the skin, making it smoother and more elastic.
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Minimally invasive: Compared to other surgical procedures, lipofilling is considered less invasive since it uses the patient’s own fat tissue, reducing the risk of rejection and allergic reactions.
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Natural results: Because lipofilling uses the patient’s own tissues, the results appear more natural compared to artificial implants or fillers.
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Combined effects: Hand lipofilling is often combined with other procedures such as skin lifting or excess skin removal to achieve a more comprehensive improvement in the appearance of the hands.
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Long-lasting results: While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed over time, a significant portion remains in place, providing long-lasting results.
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Improved self-esteem and confidence: Many patients choose hand lipofilling to boost their self-confidence and overall well-being, especially if they feel self-conscious about the appearance of their hands.
Candidates for the surgery
Ideal candidates for hand lipofilling typically meet the following criteria:
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Good health: Candidates should be in overall good health without serious medical conditions that could affect healing or pose risks during surgery.
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Realistic expectations: It’s essential to have realistic expectations from the procedure, understanding that lipofilling can improve the appearance and texture of the hands but won’t result in drastic changes.
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Loss of skin elasticity and volume: Candidates often experience a loss of volume in the hands due to aging or significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin and reduced elasticity.
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Absence of serious skin conditions: Candidates should not have active infections or serious skin conditions in the hand area.
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Dissatisfaction with hand appearance: The desire to improve the appearance of the hands due to dissatisfaction with their current state, which can affect self-esteem and confidence.
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Stable weight: Ideal candidates have stable body weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the procedure.
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Non-smokers: Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so candidates are encouraged not to smoke or be willing to quit before and after the surgery.
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Adequate fat tissue: Sufficient fat tissue in other parts of the body is required for lipofilling.
If you are considering hand lipofilling in South Korea, it’s essential to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to discuss your specific goals and expectations.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually conducts the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons in South Korea. The equipment and medical facilities in Korea are of high quality, on par with the United States and Germany, which places the country in the top three with the best technical equipment for clinics.
All anti-aging operations are carried out in accredited clinics with permission to work with 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 do not perform more than 2 surgeries a day. Fill out the form so that we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, provide a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the surgery.
How to prepare for hand lipofilling in South Korea
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Fast from food and water for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications such as Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only for 3 days before the operation.
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Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It is also unsafe to be around smokers, including family and friends or in public places designated for smoking.
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Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired result.
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If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will perform all the necessary tests in Korea.
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Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.
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Place items next to your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
How hand lipofilling is performed
Before the surgery, you will have at least 2 consultations with the surgeon and undergo tests to gain access to the procedure. On the morning of the operation, the surgeon designs the face, answers questions, and hands you over for preparation to the medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, the time of your last food and water intake will be checked.
Then you will be taken to the operating room, where they will help you lie on the operating table, secure your arms and legs to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your hand to deliver medications and anesthesia into your bloodstream.
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon begins the operation: tiny punctures are made on the donor area’s skin, and fat is aspirated through them using a cannula. The donor material is 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 hands. Stitches are applied to the puncture sites in the donor area, and the patient wakes up and is escorted to the recovery room.
What to expect after the operation
After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed, as anesthesia works this way.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills; this will quickly pass, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you may be ready for discharge in just 1-2 hours: change clothes, collect medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.
After discharge, place several pillows under your arms to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. You may experience mild headache and heaviness, and the donor area may start to swell and increase in size; these are also normal symptoms.
Starting from the next day, try to walk as much as possible, continue sleeping with your hands elevated, avoid using your hands, apply cold compresses to them. There may be small bruises at the puncture sites, and the operated area may swell and increase in size; these are also normal symptoms.
Rehabilitation process and description of post-operative procedures
Immediately after the procedure: Moderate pain may be present. Swelling of the hands begins, and small bruises may appear. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.
Days 1-2: Swelling reaches its peak; this is normal. Continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to subside. The surgeon checks tissue healing, and medical nurses remove dressings and tapes. Avoid sports and any activities that require active use of your hands during this time.
Days 7-14: Removal of stitches from the donor areas. Reduction of swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular and extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Under no circumstances should you smoke for 25-30 days after the post-operative period; if you introduce an infection, a repeat surgery may be necessary. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If additional swelling occurs due to a lack of compliance, immediately contact the coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Still avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines, do not smoke, and do not consume alcohol. Swelling and hematomas subside to the point where the surgery is not noticeable to outsiders.
Days 21-30: The hands may periodically swell, depending on which side you sleep on; the swelling may shift to the left or right side, and it varies each day. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Be patient and wait for the results.
Days 31-60: Swelling is nearly completely gone, and you will forget that you had the surgery. You can start exercising, doing household chores, and more.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, do regular exercises, and lead a normal life.
1 year after the surgery: Complete the rehabilitation process.