What It Is
A dermofat graft is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure that uses the patient’s own skin (dermis) and fat, usually harvested from the lower abdomen or buttock crease, to add volume and correct contour irregularities. Unlike fat grafting alone, which can be partially reabsorbed, dermofat grafting includes a layer of dermis that improves fat survival and stability.
In Korea, dermofat grafts are commonly used for forehead, nose, chin, lips, and under-eye augmentation, as well as for correcting soft tissue defects from trauma or previous surgeries. Korean surgeons are internationally known for their precision in harvesting and sculpting dermofat grafts for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Why It’s Done
Cosmetic Purposes:
- Corrects flat or hollow areas of the face (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, under-eyes)
- Softens wrinkles or deep folds (nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
- Provides subtle, natural volume without synthetic implants
- Popular in forehead or nose bridge augmentation for softer, rounded features
Corrective Purposes:
- Restores volume after trauma, burns, or tumor removal
- Repairs contour defects following implant removal or failed fat grafting
Patient Considerations:
- Suitable for patients seeking longer-lasting results than fat grafting alone
- Best for healthy, non-smoking individuals with sufficient donor tissue
- Commonly chosen by international patients who prefer natural, biocompatible options over synthetic implants
Alternatives
- Fat Grafting: Less invasive but may partially resorb over time
- Silicone or Medpor Implants: Provide permanent volume but involve foreign materials
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid): Quick, non-surgical, but temporary (6–12 months)
- Custom Implants: High precision but less natural than autologous grafts
Preparation
Patients preparing for dermofat grafting in Korea typically undergo:
- Consultation: Assessment of facial balance and desired augmentation areas
- Donor Site Selection: Usually lower abdomen, groin crease, or buttock crease for discreet scar placement
- Medical Evaluation: Blood tests and general health screening
- Pre-Op Instructions: Avoid smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications prior to surgery
- Fasting: Required if general anesthesia is planned
How It’s Done
Type: Surgical procedure, usually minimally invasive
Duration: 1.5–3 hours depending on graft area and complexity
Procedure Steps:
- Donor site is numbed or anesthetized
- A small incision is made to harvest dermis and underlying fat tissue
- The graft is shaped and trimmed to fit the recipient area
- Graft is carefully inserted and fixed into the target site (forehead, nose, chin, etc.)
- Incisions are closed with fine sutures for minimal scarring
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia (depending on extent)
Hospitalization: Outpatient; patients usually return home the same day
Recovery
- First Week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at both donor and recipient sites
- Stitches: Removed after 5–7 days (if non-dissolvable)
- Downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within 1 week; swelling may take 2–3 weeks to subside
- Final Results: Stabilize after 2–3 months; dermofat grafts provide semi-permanent to long-term outcomes
Possible Complications
- Swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness
- Partial resorption of the fat component (less than standard fat grafting)
- Visible contour irregularities if graft does not settle smoothly
- Infection at donor or recipient sites (rare)
- Donor site scarring (well-hidden in natural creases)
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean clinics emphasize precision with:
- 3D Imaging and Simulation to plan forehead, chin, or nose augmentation
- Donor Site Assessment for best graft harvesting location
- Facial Balance Evaluation to integrate results with overall harmony
Medical Treatments
For patients not ready for surgery:
- Dermal fillers for temporary augmentation
- PRP or skin boosters for mild contour improvements
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Dermofat Graft for Forehead: Popular for rounded, youthful contour
- Dermofat Graft for Nose Bridge: Natural alternative to silicone implants
- Dermofat Graft for Chin or Lips: Subtle enhancement with autologous tissue
- Hybrid Approaches: Dermofat grafting combined with fat injections or implants for comprehensive correction
- Revision Surgery: Correcting contour deformities after failed implants or fat grafting
Rehabilitation and Support
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor graft survival and contour stability
- Scar management therapies (silicone gel, laser) offered by many Korean clinics
- International patient services: multilingual staff, concierge assistance, and recovery accommodations
