What Is Nanofat Grafting? Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Munique Maia Explains

Why Fat Grafting is on the Rise

Fat grafting has become one of the most popular techniques in plastic surgery today. In fact, the option of using fat to rejuvenate the face rose 16%, from 2017 to 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics.

As we age, we lose volume to areas of our face, making our cheeks look deflated, our jowls look heavy, and our eyes look hollow. Loss of volume in specific facial regions is caused by the reduction of fat, collagen, and even bone. A natural-looking way to combat facial aging is to re-create the facial fat distribution of our youth.

Taking fat from a fat deposit in the body, like the stomach or thighs, and then injecting it into areas of the face lacking volume (in addition to surgical procedures) is key in attempting to recreate a youthful face.
On top of the benefit of added volume, fat grafting also contains some growth factors and stem cells that help improve skin elasticity, making it a great partner of the facelift.  

A 66-year-old patient came to me for a customized facial rejuvenation surgery. After facial analysis, we noticed loss of volume in her face and also a loss of bone projection in her chin.

In combination with a facelift, neck lift, browlift, blepharoplasty, and TCA peel, I used fat grafting to restore volume to areas of her face, especially her chin, for a natural-looking result that turned back the clock.

What Sets Nanofat Apart: The Fountain of Youth

The “Nanofat” technique entered the scene in the 2010s when researchers realized there was a way to isolate the growth factors and stem cells found in fat that promote tissue healing and rejuvenation.

It Does Not Actually Contain Any Fat

The thing about Nanofat is that it’s a misnomer. There is really no fat in nanofat, but rather pure regenerative ingredients. When I use nanofat, it is less about adding volume and more about never-before-seen benefits that are harvested during the emulsification process.

The stem cells taken from your own body are the “magic ingredient”. Instead of camouflaging the aging process, we can actually use nanofat as cellular medicine to repair cells. It can be directly injected into delicate areas, or it can be used to complement procedures such as Morpheus8, CO2 laser, and micro-needled into the skin with an AquaGold facial for stunning results and glowing skin.

Nanofat cells have unique properties that allow them to survive better after transplantation, leading to longer-lasting results and a more natural-looking outcome than dermal fillers. With this treatment on the rise, I see more patients turning to nanofat instead of fillers. Exciting research shows that nanofat is a safe and minimally invasive option for improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity, and does so better than regular fat grafting or hyaluronic acid fillers.

I particularly love pairing a lower blepharoplasty with nanofat grafting under the eyes. The state-of-the-art treatment is excellent to improve skin quality around the eyes.

My beautiful 60-year-old patient came to me wanting to address crepey skin, puffiness, and dark circles under her eyes, and excess, hooded skin on her upper eyelids.  

This photo is only 2 weeks after an upper eyelid lift, under-eye bag surgery, and nanofat grafting under the eyes. She has a more refreshed and youthful look, and we can see the nanofat at work under her eyes, which will only improve with more time.

Due to the continuous action of Nanofat, there is a progressive improvement in skin color and texture. This regenerative treatment works to reduce the effects of aging with a result that is completely natural and persistent.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nanofat or Fat Transfer?

You are a good candidate for fat transfer if you experience:

• Loss of volume in areas of the body, including the breasts, buttocks, hands, and face
• Deep wrinkles around the nose and mouth
• Nasal irregularities or a hump/bump on the nasal bridge

Whether you aim to augment a specific body region and desire a more enduring solution than traditional dermal fillers provide, this procedure may be an excellent choice for you.

You are a good candidate for nanofat transfer if you experience:

• Poor Skin texture and irregularities
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Loss in skin elasticity                

I regularly perform fat grafting and nanofat grafting in my office in Tysons Corner, or in surgery, depending on the complexity, volumes, and areas being addressed. Fat grafting is a great tool to use to add volume to areas of the face or body such as the cheeks, chin, breasts, or buttocks (BBL). Nanofat grafting is in my arsenal because it is a game-changer when it comes to improving skin quality. Both of these treatments should be considered when looking to restore a youthful look and enhance the natural features of your face.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

For more information, visit Dr. Munique Maia's social media: