Cosmetic Procedure Overview: Stem Cell Face Lift

Whether you are a scientist or not, I have no doubt that you’ve heard about the stem cell and its miraculous tissue regeneration ability.  When the stem cell is used for pumping up the skin, it is called stem cell facelift procedure.

Stem cell facelift is a complicated procedure.  First, a liposuction is performed to graft fat tissue from one area of the face to another area.  The fat, which is removed through the process of liposuction, usually contains natural stem cells. Then, the stem cells are isolated from the fat so that they can be added to the new skin in an increased concentration.  Since stem cells have the potential to regenerate, using them for a facelift are believed to ensure that your skin remains younger through regeneration of new tissue.

Because the stem cell facelift surgery is relatively new, there is only anecdotal evidence that stem cell supports anti-aging technologies.  In addition, risk of the procedure is very poorly understood due to lack of data.  According to an article published on Aesthet Surg J.in 2013, “it is evident from the currently available scientific literature that the use of stem cell therapy for facial rejuvenation is limited to the theoretical induction of skin tightening and can in no way be equated to a facelift. In fact, what is advertised and promoted as a new and original technique of stem cell facelifting is mostly stem cell-enriched lipofilling. Despite encouraging data suggesting that adult stem cells hold promise for future applications, the data from clinical evidence available today do not substantiate the marketing and promotional claims being made to patients. To claim that the "stem cell facelift" is a complete facial rejuvenation procedure surgery is unethical.”

So here you have it about the stem cell facelift.  In the end, cosmetic decision is very personal.  In my friend’s case (whom I have mentioned in my previous post), none of these matters, it’s all about the hope.

Reference: Atiyeh BS1, Ibrahim AE, Saad DA., Stem cell facelift: between reality and fiction, Aesthet Surg J. 2013 Mar;33(3):334-8. doi: 10.1177/1090820X13478944. Epub 2013 Feb 15.

Thanks for reading.
Connie


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