Stem Cells

Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

A procedure that goes beyond the limitations of conventional fat grafting, offering a high graft survival rate and regenerative effects.

Stem cell–assisted fat grafting does more than simply restore volume to sunken areas. With its high engraftment rate and skin regeneration effects, it creates natural, three-dimensional, and long-lasting volume.

Stem Cell-Assisted Fat Grafting

Stem cell–assisted fat grafting is a procedure in which adipose-derived stem cells are extracted from a patient’s own fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, and transplanted together with fat into areas with damage or reduced elasticity. By utilizing adipose-derived stem cells—the most abundant type of adult stem cells in the human body—this procedure offers a higher graft survival rate than conventional fat grafting, as well as more natural volume and improved tissue elasticity.

Regenerative Mechanism of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Adipose-derived stem cells achieve high engraftment and regenerative effects through four key mechanisms: sensing damaged tissue, migration, differentiation, and regeneration.

Homing Effect

Stem cells naturally migrate to damaged tissue, engraft, and promote recovery in the required areas.

Paracrine Effect

Growth factors and signaling molecules are secreted to stimulate regeneration of surrounding cells and promote collagen production.

Differentiation

Stem cells differentiate into necessary cell types, contributing to tissue repair and improving graft survival.

Self-Renewal

Stem cells divide and replicate themselves, maintaining cell numbers and enabling continuous regeneration.

Maximized fat graft survival · Enhanced tissue regeneration · Increased collagen production · Continuous regenerative cycle

Why should fat grafting be performed using stem cells?

AB 3rd-generation Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting offers a significantly higher graft survival rate compared to conventional fat grafting.

Conventional Fat Grafting

AB 3rd-generation Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

Grafting Material

Autologous fat

Autologous fat + adipose-derived stem cells

Graft Survival Rate

Approximately 30–40% (low survival rate)

Excellent survival rate of 80–90%

Effects

Natural volume enhancement

Natural volume enhancement, improved skin elasticity, and tissue regeneration

Duration of Results

1–2 years

Semi-permanent

AB combines stem cells and fat at a 1:9 ratio, increasing the graft survival rate to 80–90%.

Procedure Process

STEP 1.

Consultation and design of the fat grafting areas

STEP 2.

Harvesting excess fat from the abdomen or thighs

STEP 3.

Processing of the harvested adipose tissue*Enzymatic washing and centrifugation

STEP 4.

Secondary cleaning and centrifugation of stem cells (Concentration of purified stem cells)

STEP 5.

Filtration to remove large particles and impurities, obtaining a homogeneous cell suspension

STEP 6.

Mixing the extracted stem cells with purified fat

STEP 7.

Performing stem cell–assisted fat grafting

*Why Is the Enzymatic Washing Process Important?

To obtain stem cells (SVF, stromal vascular fraction) from adipose tissue, an enzyme called collagenase is required to break down the collagen and extracellular matrix of the fat tissue, allowing the cells to be released.
However, if this enzyme remains in the final injectable material, it may cause inflammation or immune reactions. Therefore, thorough washing is essential to completely remove the enzyme and ensure safety.

AB 3rd-generation Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

3rd-generation stem cell fat grafting utilizes adipose-derived stem cell (SVF) extraction equipment that has received KFDA Class III medical device approval, ensuring the acquisition of high-purity stem cells.
Through meticulous liposuction techniques and advanced enzymatic processing, this procedure offers greater safety and a higher graft survival rate compared to conventional fat grafting. It delivers superior and longer-lasting results in skin elasticity improvement and volume restoration.

Key Advantages of AB 3rd-generation Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

Extraction of an average of 3 million cells per 1 cc of fat

High cell viability rate of approximately 98.5%

Zero residual enzymes through precision purification

Ability to extract a large quantity of stem cells without damage within 2–30 minutes

Higher graft survival rates and longer maintenance of results achieved through AB’s differentiated adipose stem cell extraction equipment.

1. High Cell Yield That Enhances Fat Graft Survival

Using advanced extraction equipment, a greater number of viable stem cells can be obtained from the same volume of adipose tissue, allowing for improved graft survival rates and longer-lasting results.

2. Superior Cell Viability for Long-Term Maintenance of Fat Grafting Results

By applying a precision processing system that minimizes cellular damage, a higher cell viability rate is achieved, helping to stably maintain grafted volume over time after transplantation.

3. Safe procedure with high-purity clean fat with no worries about side effects

Through more than three rounds of repeated washing, residual enzymes are completely removed, allowing only clean and safe fat cells to be used for grafting.

4. Increased effectiveness with more viable cells per same fat volume

By minimizing cell damage during extraction with proprietary technology, 1.5–2 times more viable cells can be obtained compared to the 2nd-generation automated method, enhancing grafting effectiveness.

[Source] Dongkoo Bio&Pharam

Areas for Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

Forehead

Forehead lines that appear uneven or flat

Upper Eyelids

Sunken upper eyelids that make the eyes look older

Under Eyes

Hollow or dark under-eye area that appears tired

Cheekbones

Midface that looks flat and aged due to lack of volume

Cheeks

Hollowed or sagging cheeks with reduced elasticity

Nasolabial Folds

Deepened nasolabial folds caused by loss of skin elasticity

Chin

Asymmetrical, weak, or uneven chin lines

AB’s Key Advantages

Why Choose AB for Stem Cell–Assisted Fat Grafting

1. Cutting-Edge Regenerative Medicine and the Latest Stem Cells at AB

Research using human-derived cells and tissues in advanced regenerative medicine can only be conducted at regenerative medicine institutions designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Dedicated infrastructure for regenerative medicine research
Specialized teams for advancing regenerative medicine technologies
Systems to maintain the quality of stem cells

2. Stem Cell Procedure Key Doctor–Certified Hospital, AB

At AB Plastic Surgery, the physicians dedicated to stem cell procedures have been certified as Key Doctors for stem cell procedures, recognized for their expertise in 3rd-generation latest stem cell technology.

3. AB Certified for Superior Quality Stem Cell Procedure System

AB has been recognized by CGP for its stem cell quality system, allowing the clinic to provide safer and higher-quality stem cell procedures.

4. AB Certified with International-Level Medical Systems

AB Plastic Surgery has been certified by the Korea International Medical Association for its patient management system, the expertise of its specialized medical staff, and surgical safety, delivering a higher standard of medical services.

International-level patient management system
Expertise of specialized medical staff and surgical safety
Strict adherence to medical ethics and service quality management

5. One-Day Complete Processing and Procedure

AB has established a one-stop system that allows for procedure and anesthesia suitability testing, tissue harvesting, cell isolation, and concentration all on the same day.

6. Safe Stem Cell Procedures with Minimal Risk of Contamination or Infection

By using sterilized single-use kits, HEPA filters, and strict disinfection protocols, exposure to infection is minimized. Pre-procedure testing at the clinic ensures suitability for both the procedure and anesthesia, providing a safe procedural environment.

7. AB Stem Cell Center One-Stop In-House Screening System

Operating an in-house screening center offers the advantage of quick testing and procedure scheduling, and in case of emergencies, immediate blood tests can be conducted for prompt response.

In-House Screening Center

One-day testing and result confirmation enable quick procedure scheduling

Resident Clinical Pathologists

Thorough and professional examinations performed by full-time clinical pathologists

8. Regular International Conferences on Lifting and Anti-Aging

Based on extensive clinical experience and research in anti-aging, AB regularly hosts international conferences, sharing expertise in facial lifting and rejuvenation techniques with the global medical community.

9. Collaboration System with University and Advanced Medical Hospitals

AB has established a medical collaboration system with institutions such as Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, creating an optimal healthcare system for patients.