Silky Fat Injection

What is Silky Fat Injection?

Silky Fat Injection (Micro- and Nano-Rich Fat) is a procedure in which autologous subcutaneous fat is harvested from the patient, processed through three stages—centrifugation, filtration, and mechanical emulsification—to refine and concentrate fat cells to the micro- to nano-scale, creating an injectable material called "Silky Fat." This is then injected into areas of facial depression, wrinkles, and volume loss. Advancing beyond conventional condensed rich fat (concentrated autologous fat), it removes fibrous tissue to create a more homogeneous and smooth state, allowing injection even with fine-gauge cannulas without clogging and enabling application to thin skin layers.

Scientific Evidence: Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Adipose tissue is rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which exhibit diverse regenerative actions including anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, angiogenic promotion, and immune modulation (Bourin et al., Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2013; Bourin: 374 citation). Injectable materials using nano-fat/micro-fat technology maintain fat-derived stem cells at high concentration while processing them into a smooth form, thereby enhancing tissue engraftment and regenerative signal release post-injection (Tonnard et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2019; Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018).

A clinical study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open in 2020 demonstrated improvements in skin texture and lifting effects following subcutaneous nano-fat injection, with high patient satisfaction reported (doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002550). Additionally, a 2021 review in World Journal of Stem Cells positioned nano-fat as a "paradigm of regenerative medicine" functioning along three axes: anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and tissue remodeling effects (doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i11.1733).

The Three-Stage Purification Process for Silky Fat

① Harvesting: Fat is aspirated from the abdomen, thighs, inner knees, and other sites using a fine-gauge cannula. Extraction volume is minimal (approximately 30–100 mL), resulting in minimal scarring.

② Purification and Refinement: Centrifugation removes excess oil, blood, and anesthetic solution; a specialized filter eliminates fibrous tissue. Mechanical emulsification further reduces fat cells to micro- to nano-scales, creating a homogeneous product. A 2018 report in Stem Cells Translational Medicine demonstrated that material obtained through mechanical refinement shows significantly higher perivascular stem cell (pericyte) content and secretory activity compared to enzymatically processed SVF.

③ Injection: The completed Silky Fat is injected in small amounts across multiple layers using fine-gauge cannulas (27–25G). Because of its smooth, homogeneous composition, it can be injected into delicate areas such as under-eye, tear troughs, temples, nasolabial folds, and oral commissures.

Expected Results

• Volume Restoration: Naturally restores the fullness of cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas lost with aging.
• Improved Firmness and Elasticity: Growth factors (VEGF, FGF, HGF, etc.) released by stem cells promote collagen production, elevating skin quality from within.
• Improvement of Fine Lines and Depressions: Precise injection from the skin surface to subcutaneous tissue using fine-gauge cannulas addresses everything from deep folds to superficial wrinkles.
• Natural Results: Because autologous tissue is used, there is minimal risk of foreign body reaction, and the characteristic "injected" appearance seen with hyaluronic acid fillers is minimized.

Downtime and Post-Operative Course

Swelling, bruising, and redness may occur at the injection sites for several days immediately following the procedure. Swelling typically peaks 2–3 days post-procedure and generally subsides within 1–2 weeks. Bruising is usually mild enough to be covered with concealer. The fat harvesting sites (abdomen, thighs, etc.) may experience mild discomfort and swelling for 2–5 days. Final engraftment results stabilize over 3–6 months post-procedure. Because autologous tissue is used, the engrafted portion is maintained semi-permanently and does not dissolve and disappear as hyaluronic acid fillers do.

Safety and Risks

Because autologous fat is used, there is minimal risk of foreign body reaction or allergies from silicone or artificial materials. However, intravascular injection risk is never zero with any injection procedure, and injection around the orbital region, nose, and temples must be performed by an experienced physician with thorough knowledge of anatomy. Additionally, fat absorption rates vary among individuals, and results are planned assuming 20–40% of the injected volume will be absorbed. Our clinic offers Fat Storage service, which allows storage of excess harvested fat, enabling additional injections without re-harvesting if needed.