Nanofat: skin treatment using your own fat tissue

What is nanofat?

Nanofat is made from a small amount of fat tissue taken from your own body, usually from the abdomen or thighs. The fat tissue is processed to a fine consistency before it is applied to the area being treated.

The purpose is primarily to influence skin quality and structure. Nanofat therefore differs from standard fat transfer, which is used to add volume. Nanofat alone is not intended to fill deep hollows or provide a surgical lift.

How can the treatment work?

Fat tissue contains supportive cells and biological signaling substances that are part of the body's normal maintenance and repair of tissue. The processing may preserve parts of this cellular environment, which is being studied for its possible importance to skin structure and tissue quality.

Nanofat is not a treatment with isolated or cultured stem cells. The effect varies from person to person, and documentation on how large and long-lasting an improvement to expect is still limited.

Who may the treatment suit?

Nanofat may be considered for thin or finely wrinkled skin, fine superficial lines and certain scars. The treatment can also be a supplement to other surgery when skin quality is part of the treatment goal.

Around the eyes, nanofat may be relevant for thin skin and fine lines. Dark circles, however, can be caused by pigment, visible blood vessels, hollowness or shadows, so the treatment will not necessarily address every cause. If there is clear volume loss or excess skin, other treatment may be more suitable.

During the consultation we assess the starting point of your skin, your health and previous treatments before recommending a treatment plan.

How the treatment is performed

A small amount of fat tissue is taken from a suitable area, usually the abdomen or thighs, through small punctures. The harvest is usually done under local anesthesia.

The fat tissue is processed and then applied to the treatment area in small amounts with a needle or cannula. The technique is adapted to the area and the purpose of the treatment.

In selected cases, nanofat can be combined with microneedling or other surgery. You will be told in advance which method is recommended, which anesthesia is used and what the combination involves.

The period after treatment

Swelling, tenderness and bruising are common both where the fat was harvested and where it was applied. With treatment around the eyes, swelling and bruising can be noticeable in the first few days.

Many people can resume light everyday activities relatively quickly. It may still take 1 to 2 weeks or longer before visible marks and swelling have clearly reduced. We recommend planning time for healing and following the advice you receive from the clinic.

Any improvement in skin quality develops gradually. The result is usually assessed after about 3 to 6 months. The effect varies, and some people experience little or no visible improvement.

Important to know

Even though nanofat is made from the body's own fat tissue, the treatment involves risk. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, persistent swelling, unevenness, small lumps, asymmetry, scarring and pigment changes. The result may also be less noticeable than expected.

With facial injections there is a rare risk of serious harm if material enters a blood vessel. In the worst case this can lead to vision loss or neurological complications. Risks and precautions are reviewed during the consultation.

The treatment is postponed in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or active infection. Bleeding risk, unclarified skin changes and conditions that affect wound healing require closer assessment.