Level D· Preclinical Evidence
Nanofat grafting: basic research and clinical applications
Tonnard P., Verpaele A., Peeters G., Declercq H.
Reports 67 clinical cases of nanofat for superficial rhytides, scars and dark lower eyelids, plus analysis of the cellular content of processed fat.
- Study type
- Case Series
- Journal
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2013)
- Country
- Belgium
- Sample size
- 67
- Follow-up
- Not systematically reported
- PMID
- 23783059
- DOI
- 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829fe1b0
What was studied
Injection of emulsified and filtered fat (nanofat) through needles as fine as 27 gauge.
Methods
- • Compared three fat samples: macrofat, microfat and nanofat.
- • Analysed adipocyte viability and cells from the stromal vascular fraction.
Key findings
- • Nanofat contained almost no viable adipocytes but retained SVF cells.
- • Established the concept that effects come from SVF cells rather than volume augmentation.
Limitations
- • Uncontrolled case series without standardised outcome measures.
- • Published in 2013; techniques have evolved considerably.
What this study does not prove
- • Does not prove comparative efficacy against other methods.
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • Limited follow-up cannot indicate long-term outcomes.
Clinical interpretation
A landmark paper underpinning nanofat/SVF facial use, but low-level evidence.
Evidence level: Preclinical Evidence