Fat Might Be Something You Really Want to Have.. In the Right Places

The recent study-proven discovery that fat tissue contains high levels of growth factors and formative cells has led to a rise in fat-grafting procedures over the last decade.
This method of taking fat unwanted in an area, and transferring it to another that requires it, is fast gaining traction as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Dr. Chia Hui Ling, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon from SW1 Plastic Surgery Clinic explains the differences between two different types of fat: Microfat and Nanofat.
Dr Chia specialises in fat grafting has been a part of extensive researches carried out on fat grafting techniques.

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What is Microfat Grafting? How is It Carried Out?
This procedure begins with the harvesting of fat from the body using liposuction, which also happens to help the cause of body contouring, if that is ever considered.  The extracted fat is then processed into Microfat via filtration and purification, to remove impurities such as oil and fibres.  The purified fat is then injected back into areas where required, to lend more volume to flaccid skin, and to iron out deep wrinkles.  It is essential that the fat grafts are “micro” in size, to ensure longevity of the post-procedure results, and also to avoid lumpiness.

Lifting and filling in the right areas with fat grafting will restore youthfulness to the face

When performed on the face, the procedure is specially ideal for sunken eyes or temples, and to plump up forehead, chin and cheeks, to lend the face a more V-shaped and youthful appearance. Moving a little down south, deep neck lines can also be softened with fat grafting.  For parts of the body like the buttocks and the breasts, fat grafting can also be a more natural looking and feeling alternative to silicone implants.

Are the Results Permanent?
Our body will retain only a portion of the fat after each procedure. With good technique and modern equipment, the permanent retention can be up to 50-70%. More than one session is often required to achieve the desired effect. Less is often more when it comes to this fat grafting procedure. Being overzealous and injecting too much fat at one session may result in fat cysts and lumps.

How is Nanofat Different From Microfat?
Much like Microfat grafting, fat is collected by way of liposuction. But instead of using the fat cells for the volumizing effect, the fat is emulsified and filtered to remove the cells.  The remaining liquid that is abundant in formative cells and nutrients, is injected back into the skin, to accelerate the repair and rejuvenation of the skin.

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Nanofat grafting is ideal for:
– Dark eye circles and crepe-y skin around the eyes
– Superficial fine lines, common around lips and on the décolletage
– Thin, sun-damaged skin

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Nanofat and Microfat grafting brightens the lower eyelid

The effects for this procedure are not instantaneous, and will occur gradually within the space of 6 months, the customary period required for cell regeneration.  Nanofat grafting is very often combined with Microfat grafting, as these two procedures work in tandem to refine and volumize the skin.

Who Should Avoid Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting is deemed a minimally-invasive surgery, as it is performed through very small incisions.  While it is safe for most, anyone with a pre-existing blood disorder or under frequent medication might require a more detailed consultation from aesthetic professionals to be greenlit for this procedure.

What Are the Known Side Effects and Downtime?
Some form of swelling and bruising are inevitable side effects of the Nanofat grafting procedure, although symptoms will subside within a week or so. The effects of Microfat grafting may last for 1-2 weeks after each session. This depends on the volume of fat grafting performed on the subject. It is crucial that the fat being grafted is processed and injected meticulously to avoid lumpiness on the injected site.