Nanofat and Microfat Face Transfer: A Scientific Overview

Introduction

Nanofat face transfer is an advanced autologous fat grafting technique that can be done in several ways such as fat emulsification, filtration process, and ADENIZATION. Adenization uses a cutting mechanism instead of pressure or filtration. It helps cutting the fat clusters in different sizes depending on the areas that will be treated. Nanofat helps promote TISSUE GENERATION and helps restore facial volume. Contrary to traditional fat grafting that focuses on providing volume, nanofat is rich in SVF(Stromal vascular fraction cells including ADSCs)adipose-derived stem cells, providing then its regenerative effects. Contrary MICROFAT is used mainly for volumization sine the architecture of the adipocyte is preserved. However, MICROFAT also contains good amounts of SVF(Stromal Vascular fraction) which contributes with tissue integration and remodeling.

It utilizes mechanically emulsified and filtered adipose tissue to improve skin quality, promote tissue regeneration, and restore facial volume. Unlike conventional fat grafting, which primarily aims at volumization, nanofat contains a high concentration of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, including adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), that contribute to its regenerative effects.

Composition and Biological Mechanism

Nanofat is obtained through a “mini liposuction” to harvest the fat then goes to a multistep process as mechanical emulsification, the use of filters and adenization. Then followed by the injection technique. Fat can be harvested from areas such as the abdomen and flanks. In very thin female patients, most of the time they have excess subcutaneous fat deposits on their outer legs. The architecture of the adipocyte is preserved when the fat is process doing the ADENIZATION process so that architecture helps with volume of the face for example. The final product mature is rich in SVF, which includes mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, and growth factors. These bioactive components play a crucial role in extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activation, thereby enhancing dermal regeneration and rejuvenation. Nanofat also helps with skin quality ( “skin luminosity”) and elasticity. The final product can be combined with natural filler as necessary. When injecting the face is very important to know the areas of the face that might need a thicker vs a thinner structure.

Clinical Applications

Nanofat transfer is widely utilized in aesthetic and reconstructive medicine. Its regenerative potential makes it an effective treatment for:

1. Facial Rejuvenation – Improves skin texture, elasticity, and reduces fine wrinkles.
2. Scarring and Skin Defects – Enhances healing and softens atrophic scars.
3. Pigmentation Disorders – Shows promise in treating conditions such as melasma.
4. Adjunct to Volume Restoration – Often combined with microfat grafting for synergistic effects.
5. Joint rejuvenation: It also can be injected into joints such as knees, hip, shoulders or others.

A typical clinical situation is that the patient comes for Colombian Liposculpture (sculpting the body using liposuction) then the fat obtained is processed using for example adenization and the transfer to face, hands and joint all at the same time. All done without the use of general anesthesia, which is one of the principles we used at our facility.

Procedure and Technique

The procedure follows these steps:

1. Harvesting: Fat is obtained via low-pressure liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or thighs. It is very important to obtain adipose tissue a low pressure (around 400 to 450 mm of Hg). It is also important the size of the canula use to harvest the fat. Our equipment is designed to set up the pressure automatically. Using a 3,5 aspiration canula it will provide a cluster fat size of 600 microns. Then it is passed through the adenizers.
2. Processing: The harvested fat is first decanted and ideally transferred from the patient to a closing mechanism. Then fat might be decanted automatically by the device and or let it decant in order to remove oil, fibrous tissue, tumescent fluid and or blood Then depending on the choice then the fat can be emulsified or filter or adenized.  For example, for the face most of the time there is a need for volume. Then the first step is to separate some adipose tissue for transfer into areas of the face that might need volume such as for example mental areas, pretemporal areas (Temples), Nasolabial folds.
3. Injection: The prepared micro/nanofat is administered via fine-gauge cannulas in the superficial dermis and subcutaneous layers using micro-aliquots. I usually do a combination of both depending on the clinical situation.

Efficacy and Safety

Studies indicate that nanofat improves skin quality and stimulates collagen synthesis with long-term regenerative effects. Its autologous nature minimizes immune rejection risks. However, variability in processing techniques and the need for standardized protocols remain key challenges.

Future Directions

Ongoing research explores optimizing nanofat preparation, enhancing stem cell viability, and integrating nanofat with other regenerative approaches such as natural filler and exosome therapy. Further randomized controlled trials are required to validate its long-term efficacy and establish best-practice guidelines.

Conclusion

Nanofat face transfer represents a significant advancement in regenerative aesthetics, leveraging the biological potential of SVF to enhance facial skin quality and rejuvenation. With continued refinement, it holds great promise for broader applications in aesthetic and reconstructive medicine.