Subcutaneous Injections of Nanofat Adipose-derived Stem Cell Grafting in Facial Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess whether our novel Nanofat grafting procedure improves skin quality while yielding a regenerative effect and whether this novel technique can also achieve a lifting effect. METHODS: Patients who requested nonsurgical facial rejuvenation were enrolled between June 2018 and December 2018. Fat was aspirated from the medial thigh, inner part of the knee, or lower abdomen regions. Following aspiration and flushing, microfat was obtained after washing with saline. This microfat was emulsified to obtain a Nanofat suspension, which was injected using a 25-G cannula into the subcutaneous layer at different facial sites. Images were obtained before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after facial rejuvenation. Patients were also administered a survey. Characterization of the isolated stromal vascular fraction (3 patients), and before/after biopsies were performed. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included (2 men and 48 women; mean age, 35–65 years; mean follow-up, 9 months). The clinical results were apparent between 2 and 4 weeks after injection, and improvements were continuously observed until 6 months postoperatively. All patients confirmed an improvement in skin quality. A lifting effect was also observed. The data confirm that the Nanofat procedure does not damage cells, maintaining cell viability, and number of adipose-derived stem cells. Biopsies showed an increased dermal cellularity, vascular density, and elastic and collagen fiber density. CONCLUSION: Facial rejuvenation with subcutaneous Nanofat injections appears to be an effective method, representing a skin rejuvenation effect by modifying the pattern of the dermis, although additional studies are necessary.