When it was originally conceived, FAMI stood for Facial Autograft Muscular Injection. As it became clear that adult multipotent mesenchymal stem cells within the fat were contributing the most important aspects of the results, FAMI was modified to Facial Autograft Mesenchymal Injection. Dr. Amar's insight was to place the fat autograft into the muscles of the face using specialized cannulas shaped to the contours of the face, as opposed to just under the skin as common fat grafting does. By placing the fat and mesenchymal stem cells into the rich vascular bed of the muscles, their chances of survival are enhanced. By using a person's own facial muscles as the model for graft placement, a person's natural appearance is preserved - you don't end up looking like you never did, as sometimes happens with "cut and pull" face-lifting techniques. Facelifting focuses on lifting and relies on placing the volumes that are there in a better position. FAMI focuses on volume and relies on the filling to provide some lift. The two techniques can be complimentary as when facelifting has lifted and tightened facial contures but hasn't given a youthful look because the volumes are missing: FAMI can then help to give back youthful volumes. Continued...