Where does the 77.48% average graft retention rate come from?
It is the mean value SC301 Clinic published in the SCI-indexed international journal Annals of Plastic Surgery (2023), based on an analysis of the SVF-assisted fat grafting retention data collected since 2007. It is measured 18 months after surgery, and an individual's retention rate varies with their constitution and the condition of their fat.
What is the graft retention rate?
The graft retention rate is the proportion of the grafted fat volume that remains after a set period. If 100 mL is grafted and 77 mL remains 18 months later, the retention rate is 77%. It sounds simple, but the figure changes a great deal depending on when and how the "remaining volume" is measured.
What data is it based on?
For every surgery, the research center records the number and viability of the SVF cells injected, measured with the cell counter, and measures the volume change before and after surgery with 3D precision checks. The study analyzed 384 women aged 20 to 59 who underwent SVF-assisted breast fat grafting at SC301 Clinic between 2017 and 2019. It was approved by the public institutional review board (IRB) designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients in advance. Mean preoperative breast volume was 212.54 mL, the mean injected volume for the left breast was 162.35 mL (range 50–260 mL), and the number of SVF cells extracted ranged widely, from 14.9 million to 262.5 million.
Measurement method and time points
Breast volume was measured before and after surgery with an Axisthree 3D scanner, and the retention rate was calculated as the proportion of volume remaining relative to the injected volume. It is a volume measurement, not a satisfaction survey. Follow-up was at 3, 6 and 18 months after surgery. Because volume keeps changing during the first months while swelling subsides and absorption continues, the latest value, at 18 months, is used as the headline figure.
| Time point | Patients measured | Mean retention rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 384 | 78.65% |
| 6 months | 273 | 77.17% |
| 18 months | 102 | 77.48% |
Three factors that separated the results
The paper compared results by cell count, tissue pliability and arm use. The interpretations in the right-hand column are the author's and are not established causal relationships.
| Factor | 18-month retention rate | Author's interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| SVF cell count (60 million cutoff) | 85.60% vs 70.77% | More cells were associated with more retained volume. However, harvesting more fat does not increase the cell count proportionally |
| Tissue pliability (pinch test) | Pliable breasts 85.09% vs firm breasts 65.62% | Thick, less elastic tissue leaves too little room for the graft |
| Left vs right (arm use) | Left 77.48% vs right 60.35% | Linked to habits of using the right arm more. The basis for restricting arm movement after surgery |
The 60-million-cell cutoff was chosen as a value close to the median of the study population. Higher cell counts tend to be favorable, but tissue condition and postoperative care also play a part, which is why the research center records cell counts together with the characteristics of the breast tissue. At 6 months, cystic nodules were found in 5 patients; they resolved on their own without treatment after about 2 years.
What to keep in mind when reading the figure
- It is an average. Individual results may be higher or lower, depending on constitution and the condition of the harvested fat.
- The number of patients differs at each time point. The 18-month figure comes from 102 patients. Fewer patients being measured as follow-up gets longer is a common limitation of studies like this.
- Figures measured under different conditions cannot be compared. Ultrasound, MRI and 3D imaging each give different numbers, and whether the time point is 6 or 18 months also makes a big difference.
- It does not guarantee an outcome. Whenever the research center cites this figure, it always states the paper and the conditions alongside it.
- It reflects SC301 Clinic's protocol. The same figure cannot be assumed to be reproduced where fat harvesting, the SVF isolation process, grafting technique or aftercare differ. See the isolation process
The research center records cell count and viability for every patient so that results like these can later be re-analyzed by condition.
Read next
Are SVF and stem cells the same thing? · How is graft retention data studied?
- Shin DJ. A Study on Breast Augmentation Using Fat Grafting With Stromal Vascular Fraction. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2023;90(4):380–384. DOI 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003506
- SC301 Clinic Stem Cell Research Center graft retention data (2007–2026, about 9,000 cases). For the scope of disclosure, see the data report.
- SC301 Clinic research notes. The basis for the 77.48% retention rate: SVF breast augmentation through an SCI paper (Korean) (2026-09-07). The physiology of graft retention after fat grafting (Korean) (2026-09-28).
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shin Dong-jin (Chief Director, SC301 Clinic · Medical License No. 44215). This content is provided for information only and was prepared in compliance with the Korean Medical Service Act and related laws.
The surgery these findings apply to
The method, process and consultation for SVF breast augmentation are covered on SC301 Clinic's breast surgery page. The operating surgeons are the same physicians who work with the research center.