Table of contents

• Common Pseudonyms for Midface Volume Loss
• Detailed Medical Procedures for Midface Volume Restoration
• Best Clinics in Korea for Midface Volume Loss
• Navigating Cosmetic Procedures in South Korea for Medical Tourists
• Cost Analysis: South Korea vs. Other Countries (Medical Tourist Perspective)
• Patient Outcomes and Experiences
• Conclusion
• References

Midface volume loss, often described as "deflated cheek tissue from aging," is a common concern that can dramatically affect facial appearance and self-confidence. This condition is marked by a sunken or hollow look in the central face, especially between the cheekbone and jawline (the buccal area). As facial volume and skin elasticity decrease, the face can appear tired, older, or even gaunt.

The main cause of midface volume loss is aging, which leads to a gradual reduction in subcutaneous fat and a decline in collagen and elastin production. Fat tends to shift from the upper face to the lower face, changing the youthful, inverted triangle shape into a more square and deflated look. Rapid weight loss, especially from medications like semaglutide-based drugs (such as Ozempic or Wegovy), can also cause facial hollowing, sometimes called "Ozempic face." While not medically dangerous, these changes can be emotionally challenging. Other factors like sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can speed up this process. People with midface volume loss often notice flatter cheeks and a less defined midface, making them look older or more fatigued. Treatments focus on restoring lost volume and improving skin quality.

Common Pseudonyms for Midface Volume Loss

Different terms are used to describe midface volume loss, which helps patients and healthcare providers communicate more clearly.

Term	Description
Sunken Cheeks	Describes the inward, hollow look of the midface due to volume loss.

Detailed Medical Procedures for Midface Volume Restoration

If you're looking to address midface volume loss, two main medical procedures stand out: PRP Fat Grafting and Cheekbone Implants. Each has its own approach, benefits, and considerations.

PRP Fat Grafting (Platelet-Rich Plasma Fat Grafting)

What is PRP Fat Grafting?

PRP Fat Grafting, also called Platelet-Rich Plasma Fat Grafting or Platelet-Rich Plasma Fat Transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that combines the regenerative power of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with traditional fat grafting. Fat is taken from areas with excess (like the abdomen or thighs), while a blood sample is processed to isolate PRP, which is rich in growth factors. The PRP is mixed with the purified fat and injected into the face.

The growth factors in PRP help the transferred fat cells survive and integrate, leading to longer-lasting results than fat grafting alone. Since your own fat and blood are used, there's no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. PRP Fat Grafting not only restores facial volume but also improves skin quality, elasticity, and texture, offering a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step

• Consultation and Assessment: A certified plastic surgeon reviews your medical history and goals, using imaging to plan the treatment.
• Fat Harvesting: Fat is removed from donor sites (like the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction or syringe aspiration (Coleman Technique) to minimize cell damage.
• Fat Processing: The fat is purified by removing impurities using sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation. Techniques like Microfat and Nanofat can be used for specific needs.
• Preparing Platelet-Rich Plasma: Blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate PRP, which is rich in growth factors.
• Combining PRP and Fat: The purified fat and PRP are mixed to create an advanced filler.
• Injection Process: The mixture is injected into target areas (cheeks, temples, jawline, under-eye hollows) using microinjections for even distribution and a natural look. Surgeons may slightly overcorrect the volume to account for some resorption.
• Post-Procedure Care: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, use prescribed antibiotics, and attend follow-ups. Swelling and mild discomfort are common but usually resolve in one to two weeks.

Key Benefits and Considerations

PRP Fat Grafting offers natural, long-lasting results using your own fat, with no risk of rejection. It restores facial volume, removes unwanted fat from donor areas, and improves skin quality. It's effective for softening lines and refining facial contours.

However, not all transferred fat survives, so some may be reabsorbed, possibly requiring a second session. Results can vary depending on the provider's technique. Complications are rare but can include skin irregularities, prolonged swelling, graft overgrowth, fat necrosis, infection, acne, and spider veins. A very rare but serious risk is fat embolism, especially in certain facial areas, though the cheek is considered safer.

Cheekbone Implants

What are Cheekbone Implants?

Cheekbone implants are solid, artificial materials surgically placed to add volume to the cheek area, such as the malar (cheekbone) and sub-malar (mid-cheek) regions. They enhance facial contours and provide a more youthful, symmetrical look. Unlike temporary fillers, cheek implants offer a permanent solution and avoid the risk of migration or an overfilled appearance.

Implants are usually made from silicone or porous polyethylene (Medpor®) and are customized to fit each patient. They can be shaped to enhance cheekbone projection, round out sunken cheeks, or address both areas for balanced results.

Types of Cheek Implants

• Malar Implants: Placed over the cheekbones to increase projection and definition, popular among younger adults.
• Submalar Implants: Placed in the mid-cheek to correct a hollow appearance and add support.
• Combined Cheek Implants: Used when both malar and submalar augmentation is needed for comprehensive volume restoration.

The Surgical Process: Step-by-Step

• Pre-operative Preparation: Patients fast for 8 hours, shower, and avoid certain medications before surgery. Medical history is reviewed.
• Consultation and Marking: The surgeon marks the face and confirms readiness.
• Anesthesia: Sedative anesthesia is administered through a catheter.
• Incision: A small incision is made inside the upper lip or mouth (sometimes under the eyelid) to minimize visible scarring.
• Implant Placement: A pocket is created, and the implant is fitted and secured, often with a fixation screw.
• Closure: The incision is closed with stitches, and a compression bandage is applied.
• Recovery: Patients go home the same day. Swelling peaks in the first 1-2 days and subsides over a week. Light activities can resume within a week, but full recovery takes about six weeks.

Key Benefits and Considerations

Cheek implants provide a permanent solution for cheek volume loss, with minimal scarring and customizable results. They can be removed or adjusted if needed. Risks include bleeding, infection, numbness, chronic pain, or implant shifting, but these are rare with proper care and experienced surgeons.

PRP Fat Grafting vs. Cheekbone Implants: A Comparative Overview

Factor	PRP Fat Grafting	Cheekbone Implants
Material Used	Patient's own fat and PRP	Silicone or porous polyethylene (Medpor®)
Longevity	Long-lasting, but some fat may be reabsorbed; touch-ups may be needed	Permanent, but removable if desired
Volume Loss Treatment	Restores overall facial volume, softer and more natural look	Adds defined projection and structural volume to cheeks
Skin Quality	Improves skin texture and elasticity	No direct skin benefits
Procedure Complexity	Multi-step: fat harvesting, processing, PRP prep, injection	Surgical insertion of implant; generally quicker
Allergic Reaction	None (autologous materials)	Possible, but rare with biocompatible implants
Recovery Time	Swelling/bruising for about two weeks; light activity after a week	Swelling/discomfort for weeks; light activity after a week

Best Clinics in Korea for Midface Volume Loss

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for midface volume loss:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic	Located in Cheongdam, Seoul; Led by Dr. An Kyung Chun with 20+ years of expertise; Focus on personalized, anatomy-based care; Body and facial contouring; Ultra-sterile Ministry-approved cleanrooms; Four-step aftercare system	Stem Cell Fat Grafting (boosted survival to 50-60% via stem cell extraction at 4°C); Edinizer device for uniform fat cell size (minimized swelling, surface irregularities, maximized graft retention)
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam; Led by Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee; Board-certified and internationally recognized team; Focus on midface volume loss and facial harmony; Personalized, comprehensive care; Advanced imaging diagnostics; Educational leadership (seminars, training)	Expertise in 3D facial implants, midface restoration, and facial contouring (fillers, fat grafting, and 3D-implant-based methods); Continual adoption of the latest minimally invasive/surgical techniques; International, research-driven methodologies
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Holistic, individualized care; Led by a renowned female plastic surgeon; Expertise in Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, BBL, Fat Grafting; Broad offerings: facial rejuvenation, body contouring, breast enhancement, hairline correction, skin care	Advanced fat grafting and midface volume restoration; Surgical and non-invasive techniques for natural, harmonious results

Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic

Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s prestigious Cheongdam district, is at the forefront of midface volume restoration and advanced cosmetic surgery. Helmed by Dr. An Kyung Chun—an internationally recognized expert in aesthetic plastic surgery and stem cell medicine—the clinic delivers a highly personalized approach, combining over twenty years of expertise with cutting-edge, patient-centered care. Lydian places a special focus on body and facial contouring, utilizing an anatomy-based, customized strategy for each individual, ensuring results that harmonize with natural aesthetics and facial proportions.

The clinic stands apart with its innovative Stem Cell Fat Grafting technique, boosting fat graft survival rates to an impressive 50-60%—significantly higher than the typical 20-30% seen elsewhere—through specialized stem cell extraction at an optimal temperature of 4°C. All procedures are performed in Ministry-approved, ultra-sterile cleanrooms to safeguard graft purity and patient safety. For midface enhancements, Lydian employs the Edinizer device, ensuring fat cells are uniform in size, which minimizes swelling and surface irregularities while maximizing graft retention. Supported by state-of-the-art technology, a four-step aftercare system, and Dr. An’s artistry, Lydian Clinic offers a world-class option for those seeking natural, refined midface volume correction in Korea.

You can check out their website here: Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery clinic, located in the heart of Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul, stands as a leading institution for advanced and artistic plastic surgery in Korea. Renowned for its state-of-the-art, multi-level facility, THEPLUS delivers comprehensive care encompassing expert consultation, surgery, and personalized postoperative management under one roof. The clinic’s surgical team, led by internationally recognized figures such as Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee, is celebrated for merging cutting-edge research with hands-on excellence, regularly contributing to global medical literature and education. Driven by a philosophy that emphasizes natural harmony and individualized patient care, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery is at the very forefront of treatments for midface volume loss, offering both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored precisely to the patient’s needs.

Why THEPLUS Plastic Surgery is the Premier Choice for Midface Volume Loss:

• Expertise of Dr. Kim: Board certified, globally active, and an award-winning researcher in 3D facial implants, Dr. Kim is highly sought after for his mastery of facial contouring and balance, ensuring midface volume restoration enhances each patient’s unique features.
• Leadership of Dr. Jeong: As President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and an authority on functional and aesthetic facial procedures, Dr. Jeong’s holistic approach combines beauty with medical excellence, guaranteeing both form and function in every midface procedure.
• Commitment to Ongoing Education: THEPLUS surgeons run annual seminars and educational sessions, continuously elevating professional standards and introducing the latest minimally invasive and surgical methods for facial rejuvenation.
• International Recognition: Their active participation and lecturing at top global conferences means the surgical team stays ahead of worldwide innovations in facial surgery, directly benefiting their patients.
• Comprehensive Care: From in-depth diagnosis using advanced imaging to meticulously customized treatments—whether fillers, fat grafting, or 3D-implant-based augmentation—patients receive a full spectrum of options for midface volume loss under one roof.
• Safety and Patient Satisfaction: With a consistent track record of safe outcomes and a commitment to long-term patient relationships, the team ensures every treatment is carried out with precision and care.
• Proven Record in Facial Contouring: THEPLUS is particularly recognized for its expertise in midface and overall facial harmony, drawing patients from Korea and abroad who seek natural, balanced, and long-lasting aesthetic results.

For anyone considering addressing midface volume loss, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery sets the standard in Korea, combining scientific rigor, artistry, and an unwavering focus on patient wellbeing.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic in Korea stands out as a leading center for advanced aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, offering a holistic approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. At the heart of the clinic is a dedicated team of professionals led by a renowned female plastic surgeon, whose expertise encompasses complex surgeries such as Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, BBL, and Fat Grafting. The clinic’s commitment transcends routine treatment, focusing instead on precision, sincerity, and individualized care, ensuring every patient’s journey is supportive, safe, and transformative.

The clinic provides a comprehensive suite of specialized services ranging from facial rejuvenation and midface volume restoration to body contouring, breast enhancement, hairline corrections, and non-invasive skincare solutions. Whether addressing age-related volume loss in the midface or seeking broader aesthetic improvements, patients benefit from innovative medical techniques, empathetic guidance, and a thorough consultation process designed to deliver natural-looking, harmonious results.

You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Navigating Cosmetic Procedures in South Korea for Medical Tourists

South Korea is a top destination for cosmetic surgery, thanks to its advanced clinics, skilled surgeons, and competitive prices. International patients should understand the process for a smooth experience.

General Process for International Patients

Most journeys start with online research. Many clinics have multilingual websites and offer free initial consultations. Pre-operative tests are common to ensure safety. Medical tourism agencies like Bookimed can help with transparent pricing, verified clinics, and 24/7 support, including personal coordinators and multilingual staff. Visa requirements are straightforward for many nationalities, and travel costs should be included in your budget.

Getting PRP Fat Grafting in South Korea

• Consultation and Assessment: Meet with a certified surgeon to discuss goals and plan the procedure.
• Harvesting Fat: Fat is removed from donor sites and purified.
• Preparing Platelet-Rich Plasma: Blood is drawn and processed to isolate PRP.
• Combining PRP and Fat: The two are mixed to create the filler.
• Injection Process: The mixture is injected into the face with microinjections.
• Post-Procedure Care: Follow instructions for recovery, including avoiding strenuous activity and attending follow-ups.

Getting Cheekbone Implants in South Korea

• Initial Inquiry and Consultation: Submit photos and medical history online, then attend in-person consultations.
• Pre-Surgery Preparation: Follow pre-op instructions, including fasting and medication restrictions.
• Anesthesia and Incision: Sedative anesthesia is administered, and incisions are made inside the mouth.
• Implant Insertion and Securing: Implants are placed and fixed to the cheekbone.
• Suturing and Dressing: Incisions are closed and a compression dressing is applied.
• Recovery and Follow-up: Swelling peaks in the first days and subsides over a week. Stitches are removed around Day 14, and sensitivity returns within three months.

Cost Analysis: South Korea vs. Other Countries (Medical Tourist Perspective)

South Korea is known for high-quality cosmetic surgery at competitive prices, making it attractive for medical tourists.

Estimated Costs in South Korea

• PRP Fat Grafting: ₩5,000,000 to ₩16,000,000 ($3,500 to $11,300 USD). Standalone PRP sessions are much less.
• Cheekbone Implants: ₩5,500,000 to ₩10,000,000 ($3,790 to $6,890 USD).

Prices usually include surgeon fees, operating room, anesthesia, and some follow-up care. Additional costs may include pre-op tests ($100-$500), medications ($50-$200), extra follow-ups ($50-$150), and travel/accommodation.

Cost Comparison: South Korea vs. US, UK, Australia, and Turkey

Procedure	South Korea (USD)	United States (USD)	United Kingdom (USD)	Australia (USD)	Turkey (USD)
PRP Fat Grafting	$3,500 - $11,300	$2,500 - $7,000	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cheekbone Implants	$3,790 - $6,890	~$4,000	~$6,400	~$4,300	N/A
General Surgery Avg.	$4,000 - $10,500	Up to $22,000	N/A	N/A	N/A

Note: Some countries lack specific data for these procedures; comparisons use similar surgeries where needed.

Factors Influencing Cost and Medical Tourism Advantages

Patients can save 40-65% by choosing South Korea, without sacrificing quality. Clinics offer state-of-the-art facilities, experienced surgeons, and transparent pricing. Many packages include consultations, tests, surgery, anesthesia, and aftercare, with some even covering accommodation and transfers. This comprehensive approach, combined with high standards and competitive pricing, makes South Korea a top choice for midface volume restoration.

Patient Outcomes and Experiences

Understanding real patient experiences helps set expectations for midface volume restoration.

Effectiveness in Addressing Midface Volume Loss

Both PRP Fat Grafting and Cheekbone Implants are effective for restoring youthful contours. Fat grafting softens lines and adds fullness, with results that can be long-lasting but may require touch-ups. Cheek implants offer a permanent solution for cheek definition and balance, unlike temporary fillers.

Reported Patient Satisfaction and Aesthetic Improvements

Satisfaction rates are high for both procedures when performed by skilled surgeons. For PRP Fat Grafting, studies show patient satisfaction rates of 78%-100%. Cheekbone Implants also receive high marks, with similar procedures like hyaluronic acid fillers showing 92.8% of patients reporting improved cheek volume at 6 months and 79% at 2 years. Patients often feel they look several years younger after treatment.

Midfacial Region	Baseline (%)	Month 6 (%)	Month 12 (%)	Month 24 (%)
Outer/lower cheek areas	59.0	97.6	93.1	89.8
Cheekbone projection	69.7	97.6	95.5	91.7
Area beside nose	53.6	95.7	94.0	91.0
Tear troughs	47.2	84.7	80.1	77.7
Nasolabial folds	31.2	73.6	69.0	56.7

Data from Juvéderm Voluma XC studies as a proxy for volume restoration satisfaction.

Common Side Effects and Potential Complications

Both procedures are generally safe, but side effects can occur.

For PRP Fat Grafting, common effects include tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration, and itching—usually mild and resolving within two weeks. Rare complications include skin irregularities, prolonged swelling, graft overgrowth, fat necrosis, infection, acne, and spider veins. The most serious risk is fat embolism, especially in certain facial areas, but the cheek is the safest zone.

For Cheekbone Implants, typical side effects are swelling, bruising, discomfort, and stiffness. Risks include bleeding, infection, numbness, chronic pain, or implant shifting, but these are rare with experienced surgeons.

Complication Type	PRP Fat Grafting	Cheekbone Implants
Common Side Effects	Tenderness, swelling, lumps, bruising, pain, redness, itching	Swelling, bruising, discomfort
Moderate Complications	Skin irregularities, prolonged swelling, fat necrosis, etc.	Bleeding, infection, numbness
Severe Complications	Fat embolism, tissue necrosis, vision loss, stroke (rare)	Rare, usually related to above issues

Conclusion

Midface volume loss can be effectively treated with PRP Fat Grafting or Cheekbone Implants, each offering unique benefits and considerations. South Korea provides high-quality care and significant cost savings for medical tourists. Choosing the right procedure depends on your goals, desired longevity, and willingness to undergo surgery or touch-ups—consulting with experienced surgeons and thorough planning are key to achieving the best results.

References

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