Why Facial Volume Is Key to Facial Rejuvenation

A youthful face usually means a voluminous, soft faceline and luminous skin. As people age, our tissues not only sag but also lose fat cells, which creates a harsher, more sunken appearance. This loss of volume is one of the major reasons the face begins to look older.

As we age, the skin naturally becomes weaker and loses function. It becomes thinner, dries more easily, and loses elasticity and collagen, key components that keep the skin firm and resilient. These changes can be improved through various anti-aging procedures such as facelift, necklift, lifting lasers, or skin boosters that help restore collagen and overall skin quality.

Why Fat Grafting Is Often Combined With a Facelift

While many people understand how the skin changes over time, fewer realize how significantly fat tissue loss affects the aging face. Fat pads in the face and hands gradually become thinner as we get older. As this process continues, the faceline becomes sharper and more hollow, sometimes giving a “skeletal” look even in otherwise healthy individuals.

To address this issue effectively, Dr. Myung Ju Lee at VIP Plastic Surgery Korea often recommends combining a facelift with fat grafting for more complete facial rejuvenation. Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure that takes about one hour and aims to restore lost facial volume. High-quality fat is harvested from the inner thigh or abdomen, purified, and separated into the best fat cells. Using a fine cannula, Dr. Lee strategically places these cells in areas where patients want natural-looking volume restored, commonly the under-eye hollows, temples, cheeks, nasolabial folds, forehead, marionette lines, and chin.

*This patient had both a facelift and fat grafting (Post-operation 1 month)

Disclaimer*
Please note that before-and-after results may vary by individual, and a professional consultation is necessary for accurate guidance. Please send us a message to start your online consultation.

Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers: Key Differences

A common question patients ask is, “Why not just use fillers?” Fillers are simple and effective for fine wrinkles or small contouring. However, when larger areas of the face need volume, fillers often require more than 2–3cc per area. Over time, this can lead to heaviness, irregularities, or other potential issues. Fat, on the other hand, is an autologous material (your own tissue), so it offers a soft, natural, long-lasting result. For full-face rejuvenation, fat grafting provides a more structural and harmonious improvement.

At VIP Plastic Surgery Korea, many patients choose to receive both a facelift and fat grafting during the same surgery. A facelift lifts the deeper foundation layers, including the SMAS, while fat grafting restores lost volume and brings back youthful softness. Patients who prefer a slimmer look can choose to skip fat grafting, but they may notice more pronounced lines around the cheeks, temples, and forehead after the lift due to natural volume loss.

How Long Do Fat Grafting Results Last?

Fat grafting uses the patient’s own living fat cells, meaning some of them will be naturally reabsorbed by the body. On average, about 40–60% of the transferred fat survives. This may feel like a downside to some patients, but it is completely normal. The survival rate depends not only on the surgeon’s technique but also on lifestyle, diet, exercise, and individual biological characteristics. To account for this, surgeons typically inject slightly more fat, expecting that roughly half will be absorbed. A second fat grafting session is also an option for patients who desire more volume. The fat that survives usually lasts many years, often up to 10 years.

In summary, fat grafting is an excellent option for patients seeking natural facial rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance. It can be performed on its own or combined with a facelift, depending on each person’s goals. Fat grafting is especially effective for those who want to look refreshed, prefer natural materials, and wish to restore softness and balance to the aging face without relying on synthetic fillers.

Updated February 25th, 2026