August 18, 2020
The revolutionary use of stem cells in medicine is now being hailed as the latest breakthrough in the ongoing battle against the natural aging process. Stem cells are unique in that they are literally the tabular rasa, or blank slate, in cellular biology. They are known as “undifferentiated” cells, meaning they have the potential to be transformed into other types of cells – a liver or heart cell, or a skin cell – or regenerate old or damaged tissue.
This is why stem cells are frequently viewed as the body’s natural fountain of youth.
The Stem Cell Facelift is a new facial cosmetic procedure utilizing adult stem cells harvested through liposuction from a patient’s own fat tissue. The fat stem cells are then separated out and comingled with stem cell growth factors, which activate and energize the stem cells. The mixture is then injected by a qualified physician into specific areas of the patient’s face to restore lost facial volume and a youthful appearance.
The technique promises a complete facial rejuvenation, and a growing number of patients are looking into this less invasive procedure with much hope and anticipation. The Stem Cell Facelift does indeed hold promise because of its efficient use of the body’s own rejuvenation potential to regrow or replace tissue that is lost as a result of normal aging. The use of stem cells has had remarkable results in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, for example.
The advantages associated with the use of stem cells in facial cosmetic procedures, however, should be weighed against any potential risks as the technology is still in its infancy. In one extreme case, a patient who had the procedure went back to her plastic surgeon with bone shards growing inside her eyelids.
Stem cell technology in cosmetic surgery is an exciting development that still has a long way to grow. One, therefore, should not overlook other non-invasive procedures with proven track records of success, such as Botox and injectable fillers used to remove facial lines and wrinkles, as well as time-tested surgical procedures like the traditional facelift.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.
Learn more about the different facelift alternatives.
Dr. Philip Miller
Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.