What It Is
Hand fat grafting is a cosmetic rejuvenation procedure that uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, to restore lost volume in the hands. Over time, aging can cause the hands to appear bony, with visible veins and tendons. By injecting purified fat, the hands regain a youthful, plump, and smoother appearance.
In Korea, hand fat grafting is highly refined. Surgeons use advanced purification systems, microcannula techniques, and nanofat injections to maximize fat survival and create natural results. It is often combined with skin rejuvenation treatments (e.g., lasers or PRP) for comprehensive anti-aging effects.
Why It’s Done
Cosmetic Purposes:
- Restores volume to hollow, aged-looking hands.
- Reduces visibility of veins, tendons, and bones.
- Smooths wrinkles for a youthful hand appearance.
- Improves skin texture when combined with regenerative techniques.
Corrective Purposes:
- Repairs contour irregularities or scarring on the hands.
- Enhances soft tissue after trauma, burns, or previous surgery.
Patient Considerations:
- Popular among patients in their 40s–70s experiencing visible hand aging.
- Chosen by individuals who want natural rejuvenation without synthetic fillers.
- Best for patients with adequate donor fat for harvesting.
Alternatives
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid) – Quick, non-surgical option but temporary (6–12 months).
- Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler) – Long-lasting filler that stimulates collagen, but not permanent.
- Skin Resurfacing (Laser or Chemical Peels) – Improves skin quality but not volume.
- Topical Treatments – Moisturizers and serums improve skin texture only.
Preparation
Patients preparing for hand fat grafting in Korea typically undergo:
- Consultation: Hand evaluation, donor site selection, and 3D simulations (in some clinics).
- Medical Screening: Blood tests and overall health review.
- Pre-Op Instructions: Stop smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications.
- Fasting: Required if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
How It’s Done
Type: Minimally invasive cosmetic surgery.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Procedure Steps:
- Fat is harvested from donor sites (abdomen, thighs, or flanks) via gentle liposuction.
- Fat is purified and processed to separate healthy cells.
- Using microcannulas, fat is injected in fine layers across the hands.
- The surgeon sculpts for smooth, natural contour and symmetry.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia if combined with other procedures.
Hospitalization: Outpatient procedure; patients return home the same day.
Recovery
- First Week: Mild swelling and bruising in both hands and donor sites.
- Pain Management: Usually mild and controlled with oral medication.
- Downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within 2–3 days.
- Final Results: Visible after swelling subsides in 2–4 weeks; results stabilize after 2–3 months.
- Longevity: Some fat is reabsorbed, but surviving fat remains permanently.
Possible Complications
- Swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness.
- Partial fat resorption (may require touch-up sessions).
- Asymmetry or irregularities in contour.
- Rare risks: infection, fat necrosis, or small lumps.
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean clinics provide thorough evaluations with:
- Physical Examination of hand volume, skin elasticity, and vein prominence.
- Donor Site Assessment for fat harvesting.
- Digital Simulations to preview outcomes (in advanced clinics).
Medical Treatments
For patients not ready for surgery:
- Hyaluronic acid or Radiesse fillers for temporary hand rejuvenation.
- Laser or IPL therapy for pigmentation and skin texture.
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Standard Hand Fat Grafting: Natural rejuvenation using autologous fat.
- Nanofat Injections: Improves skin quality by stimulating collagen and regeneration.
- Combination Therapy: Fat grafting + laser or PRP for comprehensive anti-aging.
- Revision Fat Grafting: For correcting asymmetry or unsatisfactory prior results.
Rehabilitation and Support
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor fat survival and healing.
- Scar-free donor site healing with modern liposuction tools.
- Clinics often provide scar care, lymphatic massage, or regenerative therapy add-ons.
- International services include translation, travel coordination, and recovery care.
