Stem Cell Transfer 

Stem cells exist in large numbers in fat or adipose tissue. Stem cells can differentiate to endothelial cells, adipocytes, vascular mural cells, and other pleur-potential cells to replace worn and damaged cells. Factors such as tissue injury, disease, or simple need for more cells can activate the stem cells.

Regenerative properties of stem cells allow improved survival of transplanted fat cells. Stem cell facelifts are unique and different from simple fat transplant procedures, in that growth factors are added to the transplanted stem cells and fat cells. This helps the stem cells and adipose tissues to grow, and restoring facial volume, while improving both the quality and texture of the skin.

The main function of stem cell transfer is to restore both the youthful contour and shape of the face as well as improving the skin quality and firmness. Patients who have undergone stem cell transfer often need less maintenance procedures such as filler injections. In select patients fat is sculpted out of specific areas of the face using a small needle puncture- e.g., the jaw-line. Therefore, depending upon the patient's facial features, fat is transplanted in certain areas while removed in others.

Procedure Description 

• The stem cell lift is done in a sterile operating room setting under local anesthesia or conscious sedation
• Local anesthesia is injected to either the lower abdomen or inner thighs
• The face is also then anesthetized with local anesthesia similar to a dental procedure
• Small syringe is used to suction the fat from the abdomen or medial thigh (these sites have high stem cell concentrations)
• Oil and blood products are removed from the fat through an atraumatic technique; "atraumatic" is a medical term that describes procedures that are designed to avoid causing any injuries or damages
• Growth factors are then added to the mixture of stem cells and fat
• The growth factors are embedded in micro-hyaluronic acid beads that release the growth factors over several months. This continuously stimulates the transplanted fat and stem cells.
• Fat cells and stem cells are then transplanted into the face in multiple layers. This allows the stem cells to turn into the specific tissue present at each plane for a more complete facial rejuvenation
• In select patients facial sculpting is completed by removing excess fat from certain areas-e.g., pre-jowl areas-while transplanting fat and stem cells in other areas of the face

Recovery 

• Recovery usually takes 7-10 days
• A cold compress can alleviate some of the swelling
• If a chemical peel is also used, patients might experience slight skin shedding
• Swelling and numbness will subside anywhere between a few weeks to a few months
• Patients are encouraged to sleep with a couple pillows behind their head in an upright position

Please Call or Email Vicky with any questions