Nanofat for Injection Laryngoplasty: Office and Operative Results.

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Nanofat is fat emulsified into micron-sized particles. Unlike microfat, nanofat increases the release of adipose-derived stem cells by destroying lipocytes. This study evaluated whether nanofat injection laryngoplasty alone leads to lasting bulking and sustained long-term voice improvement. We retrospectively reviewed patients with glottal insufficiency due to atrophy, paresis, or scarring who underwent operative ( n = 13) or office-based ( n = 18) nanofat injection laryngoplasty. The average injected fat volume was 0.5 mL per side. Median follow-up was 12 ± 4 months. Stroboscopy was used to assess vocal fold closure and vibration. Pre- and post-Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia scores were compared. VHI-10 scores improved significantly from pre- to post-treatment ( p < 0.05). Improved glottic closure after nanofat injection correlated with improved voice. Unwanted stiffness was noted in only one case. Unwanted absorption occurred in the first year in nine patients (29%), whereas the remaining patients maintained good long-term function. Nanofat-only lipoinjection is a potential alternative to microfat injection for the treatment of glottal insufficiency. Office-based nanofat injection using a small-gauge needle cannula is a practical alternative to operative microfat injection. Early absorption remains a challenge, and targeted overinjec

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.