REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS - THE USE OF STEM CELLS IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE
Contemporary regenerative treatments in aesthetic medicine work on a cellular level. In that way, they activate and unlock the processes naturally present in the human body. It is anti-aging from within.
The ultimate goal is the same as with regenerative medicine. To minimize the effects of aging on general health and well-being. But, with regenerative aesthetics, the focus is on physical appearance.
Currently, human stem cells and their products are an up-and-coming solution for a variety of aesthetic issues. Their potential to propel the entire branch into an exciting future is immense.
However, there is still a significant lack of information among the wider public. The main reason for this remains legal regulations, which differ significantly around the world.
The purpose of this article is to shed more light on the field of regenerative medicine and explain its possibilities to potential patients.
Overview
The development of regenerative medicine and aesthetics moves parallel forward. Already, some cosmetic procedures use the body’s regenerative potential by provoking its potent healing response.
Good examples of this are radiofrequency, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing. Still, stem cells offer much more.
Since the discovery of stem cells, regenerative medicine is spearheading medical research. The main reason, of course, is its therapeutic potential.
As we learn how cells interact between themselves, our ability to utilize those interactions in medical treatments grows exponentially. One of the most promising uses of stem cells, and their products, is in aesthetics. So far, they’ve shown great potential in treating hair loss and all age-related skin changes, including scars.
The overall fashion in aesthetics nowadays is also helping. Patients look for more natural treatments and a more organic and unpretentious look. That’s where regenerative aesthetics have plenty to offer.
Stem cell therapy can make anyone look the best version of themselves while avoiding the risk of an unnatural, frozen, or plastic appearance.
But, before we say more about the uses of stem cells and stem cell-derived products in aesthetic medicine, let’s answer one common question - What are stem cells?
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells with an essential role in tissue creation, regeneration, and healing. Their ability to create all other cells with specific functions is unique. It is the basis of stem cells' immense medical potential. However, not all stem cells are the same. There are different types. Three main categories include:
- Embryonic stem cells
- Adult mesenchymal stem cells
- Tissue-specific stem cells
Embryotic cells originate in the human embryo. They are pluripotent, which means they can differentiate into all other cell types. However, their use in medicine is still controversial. Mainly due to ethical reasons.
Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent cells. They are present in various tissues, including bone marrow, fat tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have a formidable healing ability. They can differentiate into many tissue types, including skin, muscle, bone, neural tissue, etc.
Tissue-specific stem cells exist in all parts of the human body. Depending on their location, they can differentiate into specific tissues, such as fat, muscle, cartilage, bone, skin, etc.
Human stem cells can have a therapeutic use.
However, their products enjoy a widespread application in aesthetic medicine. These are called secretome and exosomes.
Secretome includes all proteins secreted by the cell into the extracellular matrix. On the other hand, exosomes are micro-size fluid-filled sacs released from cells.
More often than not, these two terms are synonyms in the medical literature. The reason is in the early definition of the secretome. It involved all substances from the extracellular matrix, including exosomes.
Stem Cell Uses in Cosmetic Treatments
We can sum up the crucial promise of regenerative aesthetics into one sentence. – Your skin could be younger at 50 than it was at 40.
Yes, you understood that well. It could be healthier and functioning better. That means younger, not only better looking.
That is the potential of stem cells. To naturally regenerate organs and tissues, such as skin and hair, and not only make them more physically attractive.
Regardless of all that, many countries still limit live human stem cells in medical treatments. Therefore, regenerative aesthetics procedures use therapeutically active stem cell products.
There are many positive sides to this. Secretome is safer than live stem cells. There is no risk of injecting altered cells, and it's possible to make many doses from one stem cell sample.
The Production and Application of Stem Cell Secretome
Here’s how stem cell secretome production works:
- First, a sample of adipose (fat) tissue is necessary. A simple procedure, such as mini liposuction, will do.
- Then, the mesenchymal stem cells are isolated from that sample in the laboratory.
- Next comes cultivation. Mesenchymal stem cells multiply until they reach a sufficient number.
- The cells go through stimulation to produce the conditioned medium. - A solution of secretome, exosomes, and other regenerative substances.
After this, the cell products are ready for application. Usual methods are intravenous, topical, or through injections.
There is no way to control where the therapy will have the best result, as it affects the whole body. However, in topical and injection applications of stem cell products, the best effect is local (at the application site). They tend to respond to inflammation, and needle injection sites create just that.
That’s why in aesthetic treatments for hair loss or age-related skin changes, it is best to inject regenerative substances in the affected areas. In and around hair follicles and wrinkles, for example.
What to Expect After a Stem Cell Aesthetic Treatment?
Regenerative aesthetics treatments boost natural regeneration. The goal is to spark off the production of new cells of specific tissues. In that way, those tissues rejuvenate. Their physical appearance and function are improved.
The entire process starts immediately after treatment, and the results become gradually visible over time. The improvements are usually significant, long-lasting, and completely natural.
The Bottom Line
Stem cells are the future of medicine, and aesthetics are no exception. Quite the opposite, cosmetic procedures might be the first to benefit from early advances in regenerative medicine. As the research continues, we may witness a revolutionary breakthrough in anti-aging and the treatment of chronic diseases. Chances are it will happen sooner than we think.
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