Waist liposuction + hip fat transfer (huh-pa-go-ri, 허파고리)
A narrower waist and fuller hips, using your own fat
Liposuction takes fat from the waist and flanks, and part of that fat is purified and injected under the skin of the upper hips and the hollows beside them (hip dips), so the waist-to-hip curve looks smoother. In Korea it is known by the trend name huh-pa-go-ri (허파고리). Part of the transferred fat is reabsorbed in the first months, and a touch-up is sometimes needed.
- Downtime
- 7–14 days
- Minimum stay
- 10 days
- Sessions
- 1
- Fat taken. Liposuction from the waist and flanks, sometimes the abdomen or back.
- Fat placed. Purified fat injected under the skin of the upper hips and the hip dips.
- Before. The dashed line is the earlier outline; the change is a gentler curve, not a new body shape.
Estimated price range
KRW 4,500,000 – 10,000,000
≈ USD 3,344 – 7,430
Varies by clinic and your condition. The final price is confirmed after consultation.
Converted at a fixed rate as of 2026-09-11
Good to know
- Plan about 10 days in Korea; the NHS advises not flying for 5–7 days after liposuction, and your surgeon checks you before you travel.
- Wear the compression garment as instructed, usually for several weeks, and keep pressure off the grafted hips for about the first 2 weeks.
- Expect swelling and bruising; the new shape settles over about 3–6 months as some fat is reabsorbed.
- Hip fat must be injected under the skin only, never into muscle. Ask your surgeon how they place the fat, and do not smoke for 4 weeks before and after.
Questions
Is it the same as a Brazilian butt lift?
No. A Brazilian butt lift adds volume to the buttocks, and its serious risk comes from fat entering the large veins in the gluteal muscle. Huh-pa-go-ri reshapes the waist and the sides of the hips, with fat placed under the skin. Surgical societies say fat should only ever be injected under the skin, never into the muscle, for either operation.
How much of the fat stays?
Plastic surgeons quote survival of roughly 50–90% depending on technique and aftercare, with about 60% a common average for the body. Most of the loss happens in the first three months, which is why a second, smaller session is sometimes offered.
Who is it suitable for?
Adults at a stable weight with enough fat at the waist or flanks to move and good skin elasticity. It is not a weight-loss operation, and very slim people may not have enough fat to spare.
When can I fly home?
The NHS advises not flying for 5–7 days after liposuction. For a flight of 4 hours or more, UK surgeons suggest staying 1–2 weeks after an operation of this size. Your surgeon gives the final clearance.