There is a great deal of excitement about the practice of removing one’s own fat via liposuction and re-injecting it into wrinkles, depressions, cheeks, lips and other facial areas to restore the youthful volume to one’s face. Fat transfer can also be performed to transfer the patient’s own fat to other areas of the body for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. It is routinely injected into the breast, the buttocks and other areas of the body.
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Nanofat is one of the newer “Biologicals” that is becoming increasingly popular for facial aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Nanofat is much different than the harvested microfat that is used frequently at Fedok Plastic Surgery for the restoration of volume in the face and other areas of the body. Nanofat is derived via a multi-stage morselization process performed on harvested fat. The final active biological product contains an abundance of adipose-derived stem cells and only a limited number of fat cells. It is therefore not used as a volume restorer, but instead, as an injection of growth factors and other biological substances to improve scarring and skin quality. It is usually performed at the same time as microfat transfer.
The stem cells secrete various growth factors and promote angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels), wound healing and potentially aid new tissue growth and development. In some respects, the adipose-derived stem cells serve as biological messengers to multipotential local cells in the tissues that then act in tissue repair and regeneration.
If you have sufficient fat stores in another area of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs then you may be a suitable candidate for fat transfer. Additionally, you should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
While the fate of reinjected fat was somewhat controversial early on, time has shown that it can be an extremely popular alternative “filler” for many patients. In healthy patients, at least 50-75% of the injected fat appears to be retained. Studies have reported that nanofat grafts have been valuable adjuncts for:
See the results of fat transfer in facelift patients and in other procedures.
Facial aging frequently is manifested with skin laxity and a loss of youthful facial volume. Dr. Fedok has found that fat transfer is a valuable adjunct to enhance the results of a facelift, ensuring a natural look instead of a “pulled” look. Fat injection provides a good remedy for aging changes around the eyes, temples, jawline, cheeks and brow. Fat can also provide a long-lasting fullness around the lips and has some advantages compared to off-the-shelf fillers. Fat transfer benefits patients in ways other than just the simple replacement of volume. The associated adipose-derived stem cells impart favorable effects to the local tissues such as an observed improvement in one’s complexion and overall skin texture. Among the best body sites to harvest fat for reinjection is the abdomen, “love handles” (the flanks) and thigh areas. If, however, one is having fat removed from under the chin and neck area, that fat might also be used.
The recovery time for fat transfer is relatively short and relatively painless. Right after your procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treatment areas. However, these symptoms usually subside rapidly over the following days. You may also notice some slight asymmetry or irregularities in the treated area, but this is perfectly normal and usually resolves itself over time. To help with your recovery and ensure optimal results, you will need to follow Dr. Fedok’s post-procedure instructions. This may include avoiding strenuous activities for a few days, keeping the treated areas clean and dry, and taking prescribed medications to help manage any pain or discomfort.
At Fedok Plastic Surgery, nanofat has been and is only prepared exclusively from the patient’s own tissues using up-to-date, professional, sterile and clinically standardized techniques and equipment. Such attention to detail optimizes your safety and the consistency of results. Some clinical images of the use of Nanofat can be found here. Information about other Biologicals can be found here.
Dr. Fedok has performed fat transfer since 1990 and has lectured and published on the benefits of fat transfer.
See the results of fat transfer in facelift patients and in other procedures. To learn more about the treatment or to schedule a consultation, please contact Fedok Plastic Surgery and Laser Center today.
By Dr. Fedok, a well-respected and widely published double board-certified plastic surgeon whose before and after gallery, RealSelf and Google Reviews reflect his trusted expertise.
