Facial Nanofat Grafting in Kyiv

Nano fat grafting means injecting "nanofat": the patient's own fat, finely broken down and filtered into a liquid emulsion. It is not about volume but about skin quality: nanofat contains almost no living fat cells, yet it keeps the stromal cells that trigger skin regeneration. At UKRMED Plastic Surgery, the procedure is used for facial rejuvenation, thin under-eye skin, fine lines and scars.

How nanofat works

The technique was described by Belgian plastic surgeons in the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2013. Fat is mechanically emulsified and filtered into a fine mixture. The study showed that almost no living adipocytes remain in nanofat, while the stromal (stem) cells are fully preserved and keep their ability to divide. Six months after injection, the authors observed a marked improvement in skin quality with no infections, fat cysts or granulomas.

In other words, nanofat acts as a biostimulator: it does not fill hollows but "revives" tissue from within, bringing improved skin quality.

Who it suits

• thin skin and dark circles under the eyes;
• fine lines around the eyes and lips;
• crepey, dull skin with loss of elasticity;
• scars and post-acne;
• skin of the neck and décolleté.

The under-eye area is one of the most popular uses: the skin is thin there, and dense fillers can show through.

Nanofat versus classic fat grafting

Classic fat grafting transfers living fat cells to restore volume in the cheekbones, cheeks and temples. Nanofat restores skin quality and adds almost no volume. A plastic surgeon often combines both in one procedure: larger fat particles for volume, nanofat for the superficial skin layers — facial rejuvenation with autologous fat.

The procedure

1. Consultation — skin assessment, choice of areas and donor site.
2. Harvesting — with a fine cannula from the abdomen or thighs under local anaesthesia.
3. Preparing nanofat — mechanical emulsification and filtration.
4. Injection — with a fine needle or cannula into the superficial skin layers.

The procedure takes about one to one and a half hours.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising last five to ten days, and the donor site may be tender for a few days. The result builds gradually: first changes after a few weeks, a stable result after several months.

Contraindications

Acute infections, inflammation in the treatment area, bleeding disorders, pregnancy and breastfeeding, uncontrolled chronic illness.

Combining treatments

Nanofat complements other aesthetic medicine methods: biorevitalisation, plasma therapy and, for scars, scar correction. If dark circles are caused by excess skin or eyelid fat pads, blepharoplasty will be more effective.

Risks and possible complications

• Swelling and bruising on the face and donor area — expected, settling within one to two weeks.
• Lumps or irregularities — rare, since nanofat is liquid and injected in a thin layer; they usually smooth out.
• Infection — rare; the procedure is performed under sterile operating conditions.
• Altered sensation in the donor area — temporary.
• Vascular complications — rare but the most serious risk of any fat injection into the face: particles can enter a blood vessel. The surgeon therefore uses blunt cannulas and injects small amounts slowly without pressure.
• Insufficient effect — skin responds individually, and a repeat session is sometimes needed.

How to prepare

• One to two weeks before, and with your doctor's agreement, stop aspirin, blood thinners and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E.
• Do not smoke for at least two weeks before and after — smoking impairs tissue blood supply.
• Tell the doctor about all chronic conditions, allergies and medicines.
• Avoid planning important events for the first 10–14 days.

Prices at UKRMED

Sources

1. Tonnard P., Verpaele A., Peeters G. et al. Nanofat grafting: basic research and clinical applications. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829fe1b0
2. Jerliu A., Watters A., Harrison L. et al. Fat Necrosis After Facial Autologous Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review of Reported Complications and Management Strategies. Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-026-06047-z