A fat graft is a popular cosmetic procedure in Korea, offered by most plastic surgery clinics.
However, when deciding about getting a fat graft in Korea, you have lots of research and factors to consider. To make it easier for you, we’ve already done all that and combined it all in this guide, where we’ll cover the following:
- What is a fat graft
- Fat graft cost in Korea
- Why choose Korea for a fat graft
- Best clinics for a fat graft in Korea
- Much, much more
You’ll find out all the relevant information about getting a fat graft done in Korea and how to get the best out of it.
First off, let’s go over what exactly a fat graft is and how the fat grafting procedure goes.
Fat graft, or a fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that transfers fat from one part of your body to another.
Surgeons can take fat from any part of your body. More common areas are:
- Belly
- Hips
- Thighs
After removing excess fat from the selected area, the surgeon then transfers the fat to an area you chose before the procedure.
According to where the surgeon transfers fat, some of the most common fat graft types are:
- Fat transfers to your breasts (breast lift without implants)
- Fat transfer to your buttocks (Brazilian butt lift)
- Fat transfer to your face
- Fat transfer to your hips
- Fat transfer to your lips
- Fat transfer to your cheeks
- Under-eye fat graft
The under-eye fat graft and the Brazilian butt lift are two of the most common fat grafts. It’s also becoming popular to use fat grafts with breast augmentation surgery, such as a breast lift without implants.
Unlike liposuction, where the goal is removing excess fat, with fat grafting, the fat removed is transferred to a part of your body you pick.
This way, you can decrease the fat volume and simultaneously use that same fat to add more volume where needed.
What To Expect After A Fat Graft In Korea
After a fat graft in Korea, you can expect that your surgeon will recommend a stay in Korea until you have stitches removed.
You will have stitches removed about 7 days after the procedure. You can, of course, do it sooner, but we do not recommend doing it.
Another thing we recommend doing is scheduling at least one follow-up with your selected surgeon. It’s so they can check up on your progress and monitor your recovery.
While you wait for the removal, you can do some sightseeing, shopping, etc. You can check out some popular sightseeing sites in Seoul here.
Just avoid any strenuous activity and take good care of the areas treated, and you should heal in no time.
Fat Survival
A very important thing to keep in mind about fat grafting is fat survival. Not all fat will survive the transfer, so remember that when scheduling appointments. You might need more than one to achieve your desired look.
You can expect that only 50% to 80% of injected fat cells will survive in your body. These results vary from different body types and how it heals.
If you might need more than one fat graft, although rare, Korean clinics will typically give you a nice discount on the second procedure.
It takes 3-4 months for fat to settle but after that, the results are permanent.
You can find some great recommendations to maximize fat survival here. Make sure to follow them to get the best results possible.
Recovery Time
Immediately after a fat graft, you can experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness. These symptoms disappear after two to three weeks but may last longer.
Recovery after a fat graft typically takes 4-6 weeks. Although you can notice the difference immediately after the procedure, it can take 3 to 4 months for the full results to show.
However, it all depends on how your body adjusts and the type of fat graft. If a larger amount of fat is transferred, it will take longer to recover and see final results.
During recovery, you should wear compression garments and avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the area treated. You can return to your normal life immediately after the procedure.
You will have a small scar after a fat graft. But don’t worry because you can easily cover it with clothes, and it will fade away in 7-12 months.
Dermal Fillers Or A Fat Graft?
A fat graft involves removing fat from one part of your body and adding it to another. It’s not a simple procedure, but it gets you permanent results.
In that case, there are alternatives you can choose in Korea.
Our number one recommendation for facial contouring is dermal fillers. Korean facial contouring and anti-aging are highly developed, so anyone can find something that satisfies their wishes.
Although dermal fillers won’t give you permanent results, they are cheaper and non-invasive. You will have a much shorter recovery, very good results, and no scars.
Of course, many other procedures can get you similar results to a fat graft. Check out our facial and body contouring archives and other anti-aging procedures you’ll find in Korea.
Fat Graft Cost In Seoul
On average, the price for a fat graft in Korea ranges from 675,000 KRW (=500 $) to 3,240,000 KRW (2,400 $).
However, the actual cost depends on many different factors, like:
- Clinic Reputation: Some more reputable clinics may charge you more because of their reputation. This does not mean the results will be better.
- Area of fat grafting: Different areas for a fat graft cost more than others. For example, fat grafts to the breast are usually more expensive than those to your face.
- Additional procedures: Clinics may offer a discount if you get something else done along with your fat graft.
Different fat graft types do not cost the same. But overall, a fat graft is very affordable and budget-friendly in Korea.
What you’ll notice about prices in Korea is that they are, for the better part, all-inclusive. It means there are no additional charges when you pay, as they quote you the full price at the consultation.
Compared To Other Countries
Comparing the prices of fat grafts in other countries to Korea, it becomes clear that Korea is more affordable and an obvious choice.
With how competitive this field is, Korean clinics are offering very competitive prices, which are, in the end, also way lower than those in Western clinics.
For the same procedure, you can expect to pay:
- Between 3,370,000 KRW (=2,500 $) and 9,450,000 KRW (=7,000 $) in the US
- Between 3,240,000 KRW (=2,400 $) and 13,100,000 KRW (=9,700 $) in the UK
- Between 3,370,000 KRW (=2,500 $) and 13,500,000 KRW (=10,000 $) in Australia
You can save more than double by having a fat graft in Korea compared to other countries.
Also, remember that most prices for a fat graft in other countries include only the cost of the procedure. Tax is added after. and so are some other costs like anesthesia and operating room costs.
To help you save even more in Korea, we made a list of tips on how to do it. Through research and customer testimonials, we combined some of the more common and best ways to lower the cost of your procedure.
Save More Money In Korea
To help you save even more in Korea, we made a list of tips on how to do it. Through research and customer testimonials, we combined some of the more common and best ways to lower the cost of your procedure.
Korea is already very budget-friendly and affordable for a fat graft but use these, and get an even better price in the ned.
Paying In Full
If you decide to pay in full instead of monthly installments, clinics will happily offer you a discount of up to 10%.
Make sure to always ask about any possible discounts before paying.
Additional Procedures
Another great way to save money is to have an extra procedure with your fat graft. In those cases, clinics will gladly offer you a discount on the total cost. They do this because they save money on anesthesia and staff costs.
You can combine a fat graft with lots of surgeries such as nose jobs, eye surgery and lots of anti-aging procedures like thread lifts or even Botox.
But remember, always consult with your surgeon beforehand and follow their opinion and advice.
Before And After Showcase
Clinics like to use before and after photos on their websites to show off their results.
If you are a good candidate and are okay with it, clinics will offer you very generous discounts on your fat graft.
Make sure to check with the clinic or even volunteer for it.
Tax Refund
If you are a foreigner, you are eligible for a VAT refund at the airport when leaving Korea.
Don’t forget to keep all your receipts because the only requirement is that you are not a Korean citizen.
Be on the lookout for tax refund machines at the airport.
Why Choose Korea For A Fat Graft
Korea is famous worldwide as the ‘’capital of plastic surgery’’. Seoul alone has more than 500 plastic surgery clinics.
We believe that Korea is the best for a fat graft, so let’s go over some of the reasons why.
Cost
As already discussed in the ‘’Fat Graft Cost In Korea’’ section, a fat graft is very affordable and budget-friendly in Korea.
You can expect to pay almost twice as much for a fat graft in countries like Australia, the US, and the UK.
Prices in Korea commonly include first consultation fees, some before and after procedure tests, translators, etc.
Korean clinics compete with each other for customers. This is why they always offer competitive prices and the best possible service for what you pay.
Use our tips on saving money in Korea to get the best possible price for your fat graft.
Experienced Surgeons
Korean surgeons are among the most experienced in the world.
They perform over 1,000,000 (1 million) plastic surgeries yearly, and many are fat grafts. Just the number of surgeries they perform is why they are so experienced.
Korean surgeons developed techniques for fat grafts that help them make your scar not very visible and easily hidden.
More and more are beginning to use self-dissolving stitches that don’t need removal.
Besides experience, Korean surgeons specialize in facial and body contouring, which includes fat grafts.
There are so many fat grafts performed in Korea that many surgeons focus only on performing fat grafting procedures.
In Western countries, however, it’s common for surgeons to perform different procedures and often don’t focus on just one type.
Clinics in Korea are also starting to specialize, but we will go over that later in this guide.
How To Find The Best Fat Graft Clinic In Seoul
Picking a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul is a difficult decision. There are more than 500 plastic surgeries in Seoul, which can make this decision quite difficult.
Before selecting a clinic, it’s important to conduct proper research rather than choosing one randomly or going for the cheapest option. This decision is crucial and can make a significant difference in the end.
To assist you, we have conducted research and found a few excellent clinics we suggest for a fat graft.
Below, you will also find some factors we like to consider when researching clinics and think you should too.
If you want to skip reading about what we look at when researching clinics, click down below and go with one of the clinics from our list:
We verified these clinics by visiting their facilities, checking their track record with fat grafts, looking at their surgeons, and interviewing ex-patients. We ensured that these clinics satisfy our criteria and are a great choice.
To avoid having a botched surgery, getting an overpriced quote, or revisions, clinics from our list are your best options for a successful fat graft.
Let’s go over some factors we believe are crucial:
Clinic Specialization
One of the most important factors in choosing a clinic is the specialization of the clinic.
You can find clinics in Seoul that offer a wide range of procedures, but the best ones for fat grafting specialize in fat grafts or similar procedures.
When choosing a clinic, it’s best to focus on those that specialize in fat grafts or similar procedures, such as liposuction.
We have already conducted some research and discovered JK Plastic Surgery, a large clinic in Seoul that specializes in a variety of procedures, including fat grafting.
Another good and safe choice would be FacePlus Plastic Surgery or BATANG Plastic Surgery. Both have surgeons who excel in fat grafting.
We can say that clinics with a great track record and surgeons specializing in fat grafting are the best choices.
Real Reviews
Another important factor to consider when looking for a clinic is customer reviews.
Make sure to only focus on reviews mentioning fat grafts. A clinic with good fat grafting reviews is most likely a safe and great choice for you.
But be careful of fake reviews. With high competition among clinics in Seoul, those are becoming popular, as clinics will do everything to attract customers.
When making our list, we looked at their Google reviews and asked their former patients to describe their experience with the clinic.
Here is a good example of a review about fat grafting at JK Plastic Surgery:
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a fat graft in Korea is a great choice. Experienced Korean surgeon, their state-of-the-art facilities, and amazing aftercare are why Korea is one of the best places for plastic surgery.
Also, a fat graft in Korea can be almost twice as cheap as in other countries.
Besides lower costs, you can use our tips on saving money to get an even better deal for a fat graft in Korea.
Now that you have read our guide you know everything you need on your journey to a fat graft in Korea.
Check out our list of recommended fat graft clinics in Seoul. Remember, picking the right clinic is very important so think everything through, and don’t rush your decision.
If you have any questions about how we find the best fat graft clinics or any general questions, contact us.
FAQ
What is the cost of a fat graft in Korea?
On average, the price for a fat graft in Korea ranges from 675,000 KRW (=500 $) to 3,240,000 KRW (2,400 $).
However, the final cost varies depending on different factors. You should always request a full-price quote for your fat graft to get the final cost.
How long do fat grafts last?
Results from a fat graft, when done correctly, are permanent. However, not all fat cells will survive after the transfer (only about 50% to 80% do).
You should always follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the survival of as much fat as possible and for better results.