Fat Grafting and Facial Rejuvenation at Shanghai Ninth Hospital
Author: Dr. Sarah Chen, MD
Reviewed by: Dr. Michael Zhang, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Last Updated: March 5, 2026
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any surgical procedure.
Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital has established itself as a leader in autologous fat grafting and facial rejuvenation techniques. Their plastic surgery department combines decades of experience with innovative approaches to restore youthful facial volume naturally.
Understanding Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or lipofilling, uses your own fat cells to restore volume loss and improve facial contours. This natural approach offers longer-lasting results compared to temporary fillers, with the added benefit of harvesting unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs.
The procedure involves three steps: fat harvesting via liposuction, purification of fat cells, and precise injection into target facial areas. Common treatment zones include cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and lips.
Advantages over synthetic fillers:
- Natural, biocompatible material from your own body
- Long-lasting results (60-80% of transferred fat survives permanently)
- Dual benefit of body contouring and facial enhancement
- No risk of allergic reactions or rejection
- Improved skin quality due to stem cells in fat tissue
Costs at Shanghai Ninth Hospital range from ¥18,000-35,000 depending on the volume transferred and number of treatment areas.
Why Shanghai Ninth Hospital Excels in Fat Grafting
Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, pioneered many fat grafting techniques now used throughout Asia. Their plastic surgery department performs over 1,500 facial fat grafting procedures annually.
Specialized Expertise: The hospital’s surgeons have published extensively on fat grafting techniques and train doctors from across China and internationally. They use advanced centrifugation methods to maximize fat cell survival rates, achieving graft retention of 70-80% compared to the industry average of 50-60%.
Comprehensive Approach: Rather than treating isolated areas, surgeons at Shanghai Ninth Hospital assess overall facial proportions and aging patterns. They create customized treatment plans that address multiple concerns simultaneously, achieving natural, harmonious results.
Advanced Technology: The hospital uses micro-cannulas for precise fat placement, minimizing trauma and improving outcomes. Their 3D facial scanning technology allows surgeons to plan exact injection volumes and locations before surgery.
International Patient Services: With dedicated coordinators fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean, the hospital streamlines the experience for international patients. Services include airport pickup, hotel arrangements, and comprehensive post-operative care instructions.
Common Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
Full Face Fat Grafting
Comprehensive facial volume restoration addresses multiple aging signs simultaneously. Surgeons typically transfer 20-60ml of fat across various facial zones, creating a lifted, youthful appearance without surgery.
Ideal for: Patients with overall facial volume loss, hollow cheeks, temple depression, and early to moderate aging signs.
Recovery: 7-10 days for major swelling to subside, 2-3 weeks for social activities.
Cost: ¥25,000-35,000
Targeted Area Enhancement
Some patients prefer addressing specific concerns rather than full-face treatment. Common targeted areas include:
- Under-eye hollows: Eliminates tired appearance (¥15,000-20,000)
- Cheek augmentation: Creates youthful fullness (¥18,000-25,000)
- Lip enhancement: Natural volume increase (¥12,000-18,000)
- Temple filling: Softens angular appearance (¥15,000-22,000)
Combination Treatments
Shanghai Ninth Hospital often combines fat grafting with complementary procedures for optimal results:
- Fat grafting + facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation
- Fat grafting + eyelid surgery for periorbital rejuvenation
- Fat grafting + laser resurfacing for texture improvement
For more information about complementary procedures, see our guides on body contouring in Shanghai, non-surgical facial treatments, and choosing between fillers and fat grafting.
What to Expect: The Treatment Journey
Initial Consultation (1-2 hours): Comprehensive facial analysis using 3D imaging, discussion of aesthetic goals, medical history review, and surgical planning. Surgeons show computer simulations of expected results.
Pre-Operative Preparation: Blood tests, medical clearance, and pre-operative instructions. Patients must avoid blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks before surgery.
Surgery Day (2-4 hours): Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Fat harvesting takes 30-60 minutes, followed by processing and injection. Most patients go home the same day.
Recovery Period: Significant swelling peaks at 48-72 hours, then gradually improves. Most patients stay in Shanghai for 7-10 days for initial follow-up. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks.
Results Timeline: Initial results visible after swelling subsides (2-3 weeks). Final results apparent at 3-6 months once transferred fat stabilizes. Touch-up procedures may be recommended to achieve optimal volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do fat grafting results last?
A: Once the transferred fat establishes blood supply (typically 3-6 months), results are permanent. However, natural aging continues, and some patients opt for touch-up treatments after 5-10 years.
Q: Is fat grafting painful?
A: Discomfort is generally mild to moderate. The donor site (where fat is harvested) typically causes more discomfort than facial injection sites. Pain medication effectively manages any discomfort during recovery.
Q: Can I combine fat grafting with other procedures?
A: Yes, fat grafting is frequently combined with facelifts, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty. Combining procedures can optimize results and reduce overall recovery time.
Q: What percentage of transferred fat survives?
A: At Shanghai Ninth Hospital, surgeons achieve 70-80% fat survival rates using advanced techniques. This is significantly higher than average rates of 50-60%. Some overcorrection is planned to account for expected resorption.
Q: Am I a good candidate for facial fat grafting?
A: Ideal candidates have sufficient donor fat, realistic expectations, and good overall health. Very thin patients may not have adequate fat for harvesting. A consultation determines your suitability for the procedure.
Begin Your Rejuvenation Journey
Interested in natural facial rejuvenation at Shanghai Ninth Hospital? Our medical coordinators help international patients schedule consultations, arrange travel, and navigate the treatment process.
Contact us now:
- WhatsApp: +86 138 1234 5678
- Telegram: @SeeDocInChina
- Online Form: Schedule Consultation
We provide complimentary consultation coordination, treatment planning assistance, and comprehensive medical travel support.
Sources:
- Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Plastic Surgery Department - Fat Grafting Protocols (2025)
- Chinese Society of Plastic Surgery - Clinical Guidelines for Autologous Fat Grafting
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal - Long-term Outcomes of Facial Fat Grafting in Asian Patients (2024)