Micro vs. Nano: Understanding the Art of Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting Is More Than Just Filling—It’s Sculpting

By now, you probably know that fat grafting is one of the most natural and long-lasting ways to restore volume to the face. But what most people don’t know is that there are actually different types of fat used—each with a specific purpose and result.

Under the care of skilled facial surgeon, Dr. Robert Schwarcz, fat grafting becomes a true art form. It’s not just about adding fullness—it’s about customizing the texture, consistency, and placement of the fat to meet your unique needs.

Two of the most common techniques he uses are micro fat grafting and nano fat grafting.

What Is Micro Fat Grafting?

Micro fat grafting uses small parcels of purified fat to replenish volume in areas of the face that have deflated or hollowed over time. The fat is carefully harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, then processed and reinjected with fine cannulas.

This technique is ideal for:

• Cheeks that have lost fullness

• Temples that appear sunken

• Jawline and chin sculpting

• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)

• Upper eyelid sulcus (VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THIS PERFORMED BY AN EXPERIENCED OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON!!)

The goal with micro fat is to lift and support the natural contours of the face—restoring a youthful, soft structure that blends seamlessly with the surrounding tissue.

What Is Nano Fat Grafting?

Nano fat is even more refined. After harvesting the fat, it’s emulsified and filtered down into an ultra-smooth, fluid consistency—almost like a serum. This makes it perfect for superficial layers of the skin where volume isn’t needed, but skin quality needs improvement.

Nano fat is used to:

• Improve skin texture

• Reduce fine lines and crepey skin

• Improve dark under-eye circles

• Help correct acne scars or pigmentation irregularities

It’s not about filling or lifting—it’s about rejuvenating the skin from within by delivering regenerative cells, like stem cells and growth factors, into the tissue.

Why Dr. Schwarcz Uses Both

Dr. Schwarcz customizes every fat grafting treatment depending on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. Sometimes, micro fat alone is enough to achieve the volume and contouring needed. Other times, nano fat is added to refine skin quality, especially in delicate areas like under the eyes or around the mouth.

And in many cases, the combination of both delivers the most comprehensive result—volume where it’s needed, and smooth, glowing skin to match.

Because Dr. Schwarcz performs all fat grafting himself—never delegating to staff—you can expect a highly personalized approach that balances structure and refinement with expert-level precision.

When Would You Need Both?

You might be a candidate for both micro and nano fat if:

• You’ve lost volume in the midface or jawline and

• You have signs of skin thinning, fine lines, or dark circles

• You want both fullness and better skin texture

• You’re undergoing a facelift or lower blepharoplasty and want to maximize results

• You’ve had multiple filler sessions but want a more natural, lasting option

The beauty of this dual approach is that it creates a harmonious result—not just lifted, but also refreshed, glowing, and natural.

Minimal Downtime, Long-Term Results

Despite how advanced this sounds, fat grafting is still a relatively simple procedure with minimal downtime. Most patients are back to their usual routines within a week. Swelling and bruising are mild and temporary—and the improvements keep coming as your fat settles in and your skin begins to glow.

What It Pairs Well With

Micro + nano fat techniques are often combined with:

• Facelift – to restore youthful structure

• Lower Blepharoplasty – to smooth under-eye hollows and bags

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing – to further improve texture and tone

Why Dr. Schwarcz?

With 20+ years of experience and a meticulous, artistic eye, Dr. Robert Schwarcz has mastered the subtle balance of fat grafting. He knows when to use micro fat for sculpting—and when to bring in nano fat for finesse.

All procedures take place in his JCAHO-certified surgical suite on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Consultations and follow-ups are available in both Manhattan and Rye, NY.

Click “Request an Appointment” below to find out if micro or nano fat grafting is right for you.