Emulsified fat grafting | Nanofat

Structural fat grafting is a procedure that involves the transfer of fat cells from one part of the body to another. It is done because of various benefits such as improved volume of the treated areas, and tissue regeneration. Emulsified fat grafting is a different procedure during which the tissue is transferred without viable (living) adipocytes (fat cells). The emulsification helps get rid of any viable (living) fat cells. 


Why is emulsified fat grafting done? 
Unlike structural fat grafting, emulsified fat grafting does not result in increase in the volume of the treated areas. Instead, it leads to an improvement of the regenerative properties of the tissues. This results in improvement in the texture of skin, scars, or enhanced healing of wounds. 


How does emulsified fat grafting work? 
The fat containing tissues in have fat cells and supporting cells that help in growth and regeneration. The supporting cells are referred to as ADSC. During harvest, both adipocytes (fat cells) and the supporting cells are obtained together. The adipocytes or the fat cells are removed by mechanical disruption. The supporting cells are not affected by this process. These are injected into the body for their beneficial properties. Due to the absence of adipocytes, emulsified fat grafting does not lead to an increase in the volume of the grafted part. 


What are the various applications of emulsified fat grafting? 
Emulsified fat grafting helps the tissues in growth and repair. The various applications include 

1. Wound healing. It helps in the repair of chronic wounds. The injection of these cells tilts the local environment in favor of healing. Examples of chronic wounds that can be treated include unstable scars, diabetic ulcers, and varicose ulcers. 
2. Improvement of skin texture. Emulsified fat injection is used for skin rejuvenation. It leads to improvement in the thickness and texture of the skin and helps undo many of the changes associated with aging. 
3. Hyperpigmentation (darker skin). Emulsified fat grafting is useful for periorbital (around the eyes) hyperpigmentation. This is due to the changes in the skin. 
4. Male pattern alopecia. Studies show a prolonged benefit following emulsified fat injection in individuals with male pattern baldness. Such patients show sustained benefits at the end of one year. 
5. Scars. Emulsified fat grafting is useful in the treatment of early atrophic scars. The regenerative properties of the transferred cells result in the improvement of various parameters affecting the appearance of the scars. It is beneficial in post-trauma and acne scars. 

 
How is emulsified fat grafting performed? 
Emulsified fat grafting is usually carried out under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The common areas for the harvest of fat are the abdomen or thighs. Small volumes are needed for this procedure. The harvested fat is then processed. The emulsified fat is then injected with the help of fine needles into the treated area. The treated areas are left open. The donor areas are treated with simple dressings that are removed after two days.


What is the recovery from emulsified fat grafting? 
The donor area will have some firmness and induration that subsides over the next few weeks. The treated areas can show some swelling that subsides over days to weeks. The improvement in the texture of the skin takes a few weeks to become noticeable. In case of fat grafting into wounds, the following weeks may show accelerated healing. The changes in hair growth in case of injections for male pattern baldness may take a few weeks to become visible. 


What are the advantages of emulsified fat grafting? 
Emulsified fat grafting is beneficial across a variety of indications. It is also attractive since it is done as an outpatient procedure with a rapid recovery. The beneficial effects of the procedure are also long lasting.