The quest for youthful, radiant skin has inspired innovation in many facial procedures, from facelifts to laser skin resurfacing. These advances include the evolution of specialized dermal fillers to address early signs of aging. Many people, though, are searching for longer-lasting, more natural alternatives. That’s why facial fat transfer is gaining traction as both an alternative to fillers and a technique to enhance eyelid surgery results, facelifts, and more.
How Does Fat Transfer Work?
The technique of using a patient’s fat for cosmetic purposes was introduced about 30 years ago. Over the last 3 decades, advances in fat grafting have led to fine-tuned methods that result in longer-lasting and more predictable results. These new fat-grafting techniques—including microfat and nanofat—are more versatile and can improve the skin’s texture in addition to adding volume.
The 3-step fat transfer process is relatively straightforward.
- A surgeon uses liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs.
- The fatty tissue is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the fat cells from other tissue.
- Using a specialized syringe called a cannula, the surgeon injects the fat into the face.
Depending on the patient’s needs, Dr. Ladner may use either microfat or nanofat injections to produce the desired results.
Microfat vs. Nanofat Grafting
Using microfat or nanofat significantly improves the results of surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Before the development of these advanced techniques, fat grafting treatments were more unpredictable because not as much of the transferred fat “took” or survived the process.
Microfat grafting helped resolve this issue, and the technology continued to develop with the introduction of nanofat grafting.
Microfat Grafting
Microfat has a smaller particle size than macrofat, which enhances volume in large areas such as the buttocks or breasts. This smaller particle size makes it an excellent option for restoring facial volume and improving contours in areas that require delicacy and precision.
These areas include:
- Hollows under the eyes
- Temples
- Earlobes
- Cheeks
- Brow
- Lips
This technique is ideal for filling deep wrinkles, augmenting cheeks, and restoring lost volume in the mid-face. Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
Nanofat Grafting
Restoring volume with microfat grafting or conventional fillers doesn’t improve the skin’s texture. When microfat is processed further, nanofat is the result. Nanofat is sometimes called “liquid gold,” prized for its ability to improve the skin’s texture, rejuvenate the under-eye area, and enhance the overall youthfulness of the face. Nanofat is essentially liquid and contains powerful stem cells that stimulate collagen production, making fine lines look better. They can also regulate pigment cells to minimize the appearance of melasma and help create new blood vessels, increasing blood supply—which, in turn, rejuvenates the skin and makes it healthier.
Combining Fat Transfer With Other Procedures
Combining fat transfer with procedures such as eyelid surgery, facelifts, or CO2 laser skin resurfacing amplifies the results. A facelift addresses sagging skin and muscle laxity, while fat transfer restores lost volume and enhances facial contours. By combining these procedures, we can achieve more natural-looking and long-lasting results. The synergy between these techniques offers patients a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, simultaneously addressing multiple aspects of aging and skin quality.
Choose an Expert Facial Plastic Surgeon
Facial fat grafting treatments require the expertise of a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon to create attractive, natural-looking results. An experienced surgeon such as Dr. Keith Ladner uses advanced microfat and nanofat grafting and often combines those techniques with other procedures for optimal results. You can request a consultation with Dr. Ladner at our Denver facial plastic surgery practice using the online form or call us at (303) 253-7686 to schedule an appointment.
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