A beautiful face is a holistic feature. These days, relying solely on big eyes and a high nose bridge isn't enough to compete in looks; a full forehead is also a standard feature for beauties. Ms. Feng from Hangzhou, driven by this desire, traveled to South Korea for forehead augmentation. Unexpectedly, her forehead remained swollen post-surgery, leaving her with an unnatural "goose head" appearance.
Ms. Feng, 28, explained that she had long desired a plump, goose-like forehead. Recently, through a friend's recommendation, she visited a South Korean cosmetic hospital for forehead augmentation using autologous fat grafting.
Post-surgery, her forehead became severely swollen. The Korean doctor assured her it would naturally subside within a fortnight. Yet after two weeks, her forehead remained puffed up like a goose's head, protruding stiffly.
Medical examination confirmed the procedure was indeed autologous fat transfer to the forehead. While autologous fat is generally considered a safe and ideal filler material, the persistent significant swelling after two weeks likely resulted from excessive fat injection. The non-viable fat tissue had undergone liquefaction and necrosis.
An ultrasound scan confirmed the fat had indeed liquefied and necrotized. The liquefied fat must be aspirated via needle puncture. If a significant amount of necrotic tissue remains, long-term complications like localized tissue atrophy and depression may occur, requiring a second-stage corrective procedure.
Our editors remind readers that while autologous fat generally avoids rejection issues and offers long-lasting, natural results once viable, it carries survival rate concerns. Non-viable fat may necrotize, form lumps, or liquefy. Achieving optimal outcomes requires multiple small injections across various layers.
All cosmetic surgeries carry risks, but experienced plastic surgeons at reputable institutions will minimize these risks within controllable parameters.