Emulsified Fat Grafting (Nanofat) for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Case Report and Technical Note

Abstract

Background: Emulsified fat, also known as nanofat, is an autologous product obtained by mechanical emulsification and filtration of harvested fat. Previous laboratory studies have reported that it retains cells of the stromal vascular fraction, while most mature adipocytes are destroyed. It is used to improve skin quality rather than to restore volume. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman presented with fine wrinkles, dull skin and dark circles. Under local anaesthesia, 80 to 100 mL of fat was harvested from the medial aspects of the knees and the infraumbilical abdomen using a 16-G cannula. After decantation, the fat was emulsified by 20 passes through 2.1-, 1.5- and 1.2-mm connectors and filtered through a 600/400-µm filter. A total of 20 mL of emulsified fat was injected intradermally through a 1-mm blunt cannula into six facial areas. Outcome: At 3 months of follow-up, a significant improvement in skin texture and brightness was observed on standardised photographs, with a noticeable reduction in dark circles and fine lines. Adverse events were limited to mild facial swelling and erythema for 4 days, and minor donor-site bruising that resolved spontaneously within 10 days. Conclusion: In this patient, emulsified fat grafting was a simple, reproducible procedure performed under local anaesthesia with a favourable short-term result. A single case does not allow conclusions on efficacy or durability, and controlled studies with objective outcome measures are needed.