The Science of Stem Cells
Thanks to stem cells, significant medical advances have been made in recent years. Stem cells are regenerative cells found abundantly in your adipose (fat) tissue. These cells have the unique ability to multiply and develop into different types of cells depending on what the body needs, which provides treatment for a vast number of medical and cosmetic concerns. Because stem cells secrete growth factors, they stimulate a natural healing response that promotes tissue survival and retention. And while stem cells are helpful with many medical conditions (such as stimulating cellular regeneration after an injury), they can also be used to improve cosmetic results.
Fat grafting is an increasingly popular way to add natural fullness to parts of the face and body that are losing volume. Liposuction is used to remove fat from a donor site such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. This fat is purified and reinjected into the desired area. Common treatment sites include the face, breasts, and hands. It is with fat grafting that the cosmetic use of stem cells can come in. Fat is full of these adipose-derived stem cells. However, before they can reach their full potential, they must first be separated. Dr. Calabria uses a machine called the Celution®, which extracts and collects a highly concentrated level of adipose-derived stem cells. These cells are then prepared for reinjection into the body so that they can release growth factors and create new blood vessels. Stem cell fat grafting allows for less reabsorption than traditional fat grafting, allowing the results to be more predictable and longer lasting.
Stem Cells and Cosmetic Surgery
Face
With time, our faces lose their natural fullness. The result is a complexion that may appear gaunt and tired. Adding fat to areas of the face such as the cheeks and around the mouth helps return natural youthfulness. By using stem cell fat grafting, you can be assured that you will not only achieve facial fullness but that these regenerative cells will multiply and continue to enhance the quality of your results for a long time to come. Dr. Calabria performs a stem cell facelift that combines stem cell fat grafting with his facelift techniques for natural results.
Breasts
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery around. This procedure is commonly done using implants. Unfortunately, implants do not come without risk. From the chance of capsular contracture (when scar tissue begins to contract and squeeze the implant) to the rejection of the implant, implants are not necessarily your safest option. Stem cell fat grafting is a natural alternative to breast implants. These stem cells help add natural fullness to the breasts. This fat will look and feel just like your natural breast, and adipose-derived stem cells retain almost all of their volume, which allows you to reach your desired level of fullness predictably.
Hands
Your hands are often one of the first areas of your body to show age, but they are often forgotten about. Using stem cell fat grafting on the hands allows for the natural rejuvenation of your hands. These cells work to improve the fullness and texture of the skin while providing long-lasting results.
To learn more about how stem cells can aid cosmetic surgery, contact Dr. Calabria at his Beverly Hills office by calling (310) 777-0069 or his Rancho Mirage office at (760) 836-0077 to set up a consultation.