Nanofat: what it is

Nanofat is the name given to a preparation of the patient's own fat that goes through intense processing: the harvested fat is emulsified (mechanically fragmented) and filtered, until it becomes a fluid suspension of very small particles. Unlike facial fat grafting, which injects larger particles to give volume, nanofat is used superficially, with no intent to fill.

What is the idea behind it?

Fat contains, besides adipocytes, cells and factors associated with tissue regeneration. The hypothesis described is that, by injecting this suspension into the dermis, the skin receives signals that stimulate renewal and repair, with possible improvement in texture and quality. The mechanisms are debated and the response varies; for that reason, any claim about results must be made with caution.

The target skin layer is the dermis, where the fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix are. In theory, the stimulus contributes to neocollagenesis, but the intensity and duration of the effect are not predictable.

For which areas and concerns is it usually considered?

• thin skin with signs of tiredness, such as the periorbital area;
• uneven texture and small scars;
• a complement to fat grafting, as part of a larger plan.

In general it is described as a complement, not as an alternative to volume filler. Skin procedures such as microneedling and intradermal therapy act in similar layers, with different mechanisms.

What are the precautions and risks?

As with any procedure involving fat harvesting, there is a donor area, with swelling and bruising. Superficial injection in the face requires knowledge of anatomy and vascularization, and the periorbital area is particularly delicate. Risks include swelling, bruising, irregularities and, more rarely, serious vascular events. Consent should explain that the mechanism is still debated and that results vary.

How does it compare with other options?

In Harmy

The app simulates volume per area in ml and does not represent skin quality or texture (the prompt forbids skin retouching). Therefore, no nanofat effect appears in the projection, which is an illustrative simulation.

Also called: emulsified fat, filtered microfat.