Hello.
I am Director Ahn Jae-seok of Seoul Chungdam Dr Ahnapa Clinic in Dasan, Namyangju.

When looking into facial fat transfer, the first thing you are likely curious about is the cost.

"How much if I do forehead and cheeks together?"
"Is this the price for the entire face?"
"Does this include the second procedure?"

You naturally should check these things. Since it is the same fat transfer, if prices differ between hospitals, you cannot help but wonder what is different.

However, from my perspective of having treated fat transfer for a long time, there are aspects I would like you to examine carefully along with the cost. These are: which areas to fill and how much, how many sessions to conduct over, and how to monitor the recovery process.

I have accumulated experience with 15,000 fat transfer procedures. In 2010, at the U.I.M.E. International Society of Aesthetic Medicine conference held in Beijing, China, I presented a new fat transfer method conducted over 5 separate stages.

At that time, my focus was not just on the volume immediately after the procedure. I wanted to consider together the inconveniences patients experienced during recovery, daily life, and the progressively changing appearance of the face.

Based on this experience, I will share five things you should check before comparing facial fat transfer costs.

1. Do I Really Need Fat Transfer on My Face?

Not everyone who appears to look aged needs fat transfer.

Some people have sunken cheeks or temples, while others have sagging cheek tissue. Some have increased fine wrinkles as skin thins. Even though they may look similarly tired on the surface, the causes can be different.

For example, if nasolabial folds are your concern, you first need to distinguish whether there is insufficient volume around them or if the cheek tissue is sagging. You should also examine whether the under-eye area has both hollowness and puffiness.

If you do not see these differences and fill in fat wherever looks hollow, the result may differ from your expected appearance.

When I look at the face, I consider it important to examine the overall contour and balance together rather than looking at just one area like the forehead or cheeks separately.

Ask this in consultation:

"Is my face lacking volume, or is sagging the problem?"

Based on a sufficient explanation to this question, you can decide whether to have fat transfer or consider other methods.

2. What Areas Are Included in the "Entire Face" Price?

Even when fat transfer is described as being done on the entire face, you should check if the actual procedure area is the same.

You should examine whether it focuses on the forehead and front cheeks, includes the temples and side cheeks, and how areas like under the eyes that require separate consideration are planned.

Even with the same sunken cheeks, the scope and left-right difference vary. If you have previously received fillers or fat transfer, that history can affect the plan.

And just because the entire face is treated does not mean fat must be injected into all areas.

For areas that already have sufficient volume, it may be better to leave them as they are. If your face is asymmetrical, the necessary amount and location may also differ.

Many people ask "How many cc will you inject?" but it is difficult to compare procedures based solely on injection volume. This is because what matters is which area receives what volume and how it is placed.

When comparing prices, I would like you to check the procedure areas and the reasons for selecting each area.

3. Will It Be Done in One Session or Multiple Sessions?

This is something I have been interested in and researching for a long time.

The content I presented at the U.I.M.E. International Society of Aesthetic Medicine conference in Beijing, China in 2010 was also a fat transfer method conducted over 5 separate stages.

The presentation materials at that time included an approach to conducting facial fat transfer over multiple sessions and a treatment direction considering patients' recovery burden and daily life.

This was because I thought it was important not only how the face changes but also how the patient accepts that process.

However, this presentation does not mean recommending five fat transfers for everyone. Dividing the procedure does not eliminate swelling or complications either.

The currently necessary number of procedures and intervals should be judged individually based on facial condition, recovery progress, and desired changes.

Therefore, when comparing costs, you should also distinguish whether it is the cost of one procedure or the total cost of a phased treatment plan.

If you heard "includes 2nd procedure," check the following:

  • In what cases is the additional procedure conducted

  • What are the applicable period and conditions

  • Is additional fat harvesting necessary

  • Are there separate costs such as anesthesia fees

More procedures are not always better, nor is completing it all at once always the best. Understanding why such a plan was made comes first.

4. Have You Checked the Procedure Experience and Safety Management?

The fat transfer experience of the medical staff is worth checking.

However, rather than just looking at the number of experiences, I would like you to also see how my face is judged and what limitations are explained.

I trained at Seoul National University Hospital and obtained a specialization in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine in 2000. Since then, I have continued research and treatment for over 18 years in Gangnam and have continuously been interested in fat transfer methods and recovery processes.

My 15,000 fat transfer experiences and international conference presentation history are the records of this treatment and research. This does not mean guaranteeing the same results for all patients.

Because facial structure, skin condition, and previous procedure history differ, I must make new judgments each time.

Fat transfer uses your own fat but is not a risk-free procedure. Bruising and swelling, infection, asymmetry, fat necrosis, uneven surface changes, and rarely serious vascular complications can occur.

In consultation, examine who the actual surgeon is, whether health status and medications are confirmed, how your condition is monitored during anesthesia. You should also check how to contact and receive treatment if abnormal symptoms develop after the procedure.

I hope you receive sufficient explanation about not only what can improve but also what problems may occur.

5. Is the Initial Quoted Amount the Final Cost?

The last point is the scope of costs included.

Even if the initially quoted price is similar, if included items differ, the actual burden may be different.

Check the following items:

  • Fat harvesting and facial injection cost

  • Anesthesia cost

  • VAT

  • Medication and aftercare cost

  • Progress confirmation consultation

  • Additional procedure or re-harvesting cost

Fat transfer requires recovery not just on the face but also in the area where fat was harvested. It is good to receive explanation about the management and precautions of the harvested area.

If there are additional costs according to procedure names like 'micro fat' or 'stem cell fat transfer,' check what process is added and why it is necessary for you. You cannot judge survival rate or results based only on the name.

The facial fat transfer cost at Seoul Chungdam Dr Ahnapa Clinic is also to be confirmed at consultation based on actual procedure area, sessions, and included items.

What I Consider Important in Fat Transfer Consultation

What the patient wants to change and what the medical staff thinks should change must align.

Some want only slightly more volume in the front cheeks, while others are concerned about hollow appearance in the entire face. Some worry about whether people around them will notice the procedure.

That is why you should discuss not only which area is concerning but also how much change you want.

The background for presenting the fat transfer method conducted over several sessions at the 2010 conference had this consideration. I wanted to consider not only the appearance after the procedure but also the patient's life and recovery process.

The standard I consider important now remains the same.

Judging where to fill is just as important as deciding where to leave as is. The number of sessions and injection volume should also be determined according to that judgment.

Facial Fat Transfer: Ask This Question in Consultation

After confirming the price, I would like you to ask one more thing.

"Which areas of my face should be treated, why, and over how many sessions would be best?"

After hearing that answer, it will become clearer why different hospitals quote different costs and what treatment is necessary for you.

At Seoul Chungdam Dr Ahnapa Clinic in Dasan, Namyangju, I tell people considering fat transfer to listen to sufficient explanation before deciding.

Your face is the appearance you live with every day. Cost is important, but I hope you choose after understanding and deciding on the change you want and your treatment plan.

Seoul Chungdam Dr Ahnapa Clinic
Director Ahn Jae-seok, Specialist in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Since you presented the 5-session fat transfer method, must I have it done five times?

No. The staged treatment approach presented at that time and the number of sessions currently necessary for an individual should be distinguished. The number of procedures is determined by examining facial condition and progress.

Q. Is fat transfer permanent once you have it?

Some of the transplanted fat may be absorbed and there is individual variation in survival. Even after surviving, the face can change due to weight change and aging, so I cannot promise that the original appearance will be permanently maintained.

Q. If the price is higher, is the survival rate also higher?

Survival rate cannot be judged based on price alone. Multiple factors such as treatment plan and method and individual tissue condition must be considered together.

Q. Is the appearance immediately after the procedure the final result?

There is initial swelling and volume may change afterward. Sufficient observation and evaluation should be done during the recovery period.

※ Fat transfer is a medical procedure including fat harvesting and injection. Effects and recovery vary by individual, and bruising, swelling, pain, infection, asymmetry, fat necrosis, surface irregularity, and rare serious vascular complications can occur. Please decide after sufficient consultation with medical staff.

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