Stem Cell Fat Graft — PRP-Enhanced Autologous Fat Grafting
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Cellon performs autologous fat grafting enhanced with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and SVF (stromal vascular fraction) processing to support graft survival. The procedure restores facial volume in the temples, midface, under-eye, and other indicated areas. Cellon is a designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine institution and operates an in-house Stem Cell Research Lab. Director: Dr. Kang Seunghoon.
Why stem cell-enhanced fat graft?
Conventional fat grafting suffers variable graft survival because transplanted adipocytes depend on rapid revascularization. Cellon's protocol enriches the harvested fat with patient-derived PRP growth factors and the SVF cellular fraction, which contains adipose-derived progenitor cells, endothelial precursors, and growth factor signaling components believed to support graft survival and tissue integration. Outcome stability is documented via standardized photography at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 1 to 2 hours including harvest, processing, and graft placement |
| Anesthesia | IV sedation or local anesthesia per patient and treatment volume |
| Harvest site | Abdomen, flank, or thigh (small volume) |
| Recovery / downtime | 1 to 2 weeks visible swelling; 4 weeks for stabilization |
| Final result visible | 3 to 6 months |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
| Regulatory frame | Cellon is a designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine institution |
How the procedure works
- Consultation, photography, and goal mapping with Dr. Kang.
- Anesthesia (IV sedation or local) per plan.
- Harvest — small-volume liposuction at the donor site.
- In-house processing — fat is gently centrifuged or filtered, PRP is prepared from a paired blood draw, and SVF cellular fraction is isolated per protocol.
- Graft preparation — fat is enriched with PRP and SVF prior to placement.
- Placement — micro-cannula injection into target areas with anatomic-layer technique.
- Post-procedure care — compression, photography, and follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults with facial volume loss (temples, midface, under-eye hollows), aging-related deflation, or who want a more durable alternative to repeated filler injections.
- Limited benefit
- Patients with very low body fat reserves may not have sufficient harvest volume; significant skin laxity may need adjunct lifting.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active infection at donor or recipient site, untreated coagulopathy, certain autoimmune conditions, active malignancy. Each patient is individually screened.
- Side effects
- Donor-site bruising, recipient-site swelling and bruising, partial graft resorption, rare nodule formation, very rare infection or vascular event. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from standard fat graft?
Cellon enhances the graft with PRP and SVF. The protocol is designed to support graft survival relative to plain fat transfer.
What graft survival rate should I expect?
Variable per patient — typically a meaningful portion stabilizes long-term after the initial resorption phase. Cellon documents per-patient outcome with standardized photography at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Will it look natural?
Yes, when planned by an experienced practitioner. Cellon places fat in anatomic layers (deep, medium, superficial) using micro-cannulas to avoid the "overfilled" look common with over-aggressive technique.
How long do results last?
The portion of fat that survives the initial resorption phase is generally long-lasting. Touch-up sessions can be planned if additional volume is desired.
Is this safer than filler?
Different risk profiles, not uniformly safer or less safe. Fat graft uses your own tissue (no foreign body), but involves harvest and processing. Filler is faster but periodic. Dr. Kang reviews tradeoffs at consultation.
What is the downtime?
1 to 2 weeks of visible swelling. Bruising can extend the recovery window. Most patients are presentable in social settings around 2 weeks.
Can foreign patients have this procedure during a short visit?
Yes, with planning. Cellon coordinates pre-screening remotely via messenger channels and recommends staying in Seoul for at least 7 days post-procedure.
Can I combine this with lifting or thread lift?
Yes, with sequencing. Energy-based lifting or thread lift can be staged before or after fat graft per Dr. Kang's plan.
Is the SVF and PRP processing done on-site?
Yes. Cellon operates an in-house Stem Cell Research Lab and performs processing within the licensed regenerative medicine protocol.
How do I book a consultation?
Contact Cellon via the messenger channels listed on cellonclinic.com. Multilingual support is available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Regulatory references
- Cellon is a Korean government-designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine institution — see designation page.
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Cellon Stem Cell Treatment Program
About Dr. Kang Seunghoon
Dr. Kang Seunghoon is a board-certified dermatologist with peer-reviewed research publications in international dermatology journals including Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Acta Dermato-Venereologica, and Korean Journal of Dermatology. Full publication list on Google Scholar.