Condensed Rich Fat Injection: Differences in Processing Methods and How to Choose

Fat injection is classified by how the harvested fat is processed. Condensed Rich fat injection uses the concept of concentrated fat with increased density through centrifugation and other methods, which differs in processing purpose from traditional methods, microfat, and nanofat[1][2]. Which method is suitable depends on the injection site and how engraftment (survival) likelihood is anticipated.

What is "processing" in fat injection in the first place?

The basics of fat injection are: harvest fat, remove excess oil, blood, and anesthetic solution, and inject in small amounts across many layers.[1] The method used in this "removal" step is where the classifications differ. Traditional method (Coleman method) using centrifugation to remove unnecessary components is positioned in textbooks as the basic form of processing.[1]

What are the differences between traditional method, microfat, and nanofat?

Microfat is a method of breaking fat into fine particles and injecting small amounts across many pathways, aiming to place cells near blood flow to aid engraftment. Nanofat is further refined mechanically, filters out solid particles, and is a method using components containing growth factors and stem cells in areas with poor blood flow.[2] Condensed Rich fat injection is separate from these and is closer to the concept of using concentrated fat with increased density of fat and stem cells through centrifugation and other methods.[2]

Does engraftment rate really improve with processing method?

It cannot be said that "concentration will always improve engraftment." While stem cells are suggested to aid engraftment, domestic guidelines state that high-quality evidence is still insufficient.[3]。Attempts to aid retention by adding things such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have also been reported, but these remain at the research stage[4]。It is safer to understand that the outcome is not determined by processing method alone.

How do I choose a processing method that suits me?

The selection criteria are the injection site and the goal. Whether you want to naturally fill facial hollows or improve skin texture, the scenes where fine-particle processing is suitable and where concentrated fat is suitable differ[5]。There are also reviews summarizing the effects and complications of facial fat transfer, but comparisons that definitively conclude superiority between processing methods remain limited[5]

What I want to confirm during the consultation

What you want to confirm is which processing method will be used, the intended effect of that processing, and how they will explain the premise that retention is not uniform.[3]。Retention varies from person to person, and it may be divided into multiple sessions. Ask your doctor about the reason for the processing method suited to your site and goal, and the expected range of the final result, and use this as material for your judgment.