Regenerative medicine in Switzerland.

Our team is available to help you develop a strategy for regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly growing field, and currently in Switzerland, you can use stem cells in aesthetic applications. It is possible to use cells from the stromal vascular fraction to improve skin quality. Furthermore, these clinical procedures are supported by numerous publications with compelling evidence regarding the lightening of blemishes. Therefore, they can be used for areas such as dark circles under the eyes. The use of stem cells is strictly regulated by Swissmedic. It is also possible to store stem cells for 10 to 30 years for future aesthetic therapeutic use. Currently, however, the use of regenerative medicine to treat disease is strictly governed by research protocols.

A scientific world in motion. Why believe in regenerative medicine?

The surgeon takes a scientific approach to the subject, which is why he does not perform cell culture. Cell culture is a technique used to multiply the number of stem cells. Studies are underway to prove its safety. Simple storage and transfer, on the other hand, does not involve significant manipulation of the cells, thus guaranteeing the same level of safety as simple fat transfer, which has been routinely performed for over 20 years as part of lipofilling.

Storage: 10 to 30 years?

The doctor. Smarrito He is an expert in regenerative surgery, having worked in this field for over 15 years. He began his career in France, where he already had extensive experience with adipose stem cells (derived from fat). Currently, it is possible to store these cells using a minimally invasive procedure. This procedure is similar to a mini liposuction; we need approximately 100 to 300 ml of fat to isolate the cells contained within it. Once isolated, these cells are stored in a biotechnology bank in Switzerland, guaranteeing their use for a period of 30 years.

Currently, its use is primarily cosmetic, and numerous articles agree that the stored samples could be used for organ repair and disease treatment. Research is progressing very rapidly. However, legislation is very strict; currently, it is not possible to inject these samples into veins for therapeutic purposes. It is also worth noting that many publications on cosmetic surgery highlight the potential of this technology, particularly for healing chronic wounds. These methods are already used in other countries for cartilage repair, such as knee cartilage.

This use is not permitted in Switzerland, which remains cautious about medical indications.

How is the harvesting process carried out for this skin regenerative medicine?

An initial consultation with a doctor is necessary to ensure there are no contraindications. Indeed, some contraindications exist for fat storage, such as positive serological tests or chronic illnesses. Furthermore, you must have sufficient fat available for the biopsy. The biopsy can be performed on various areas of the body, such as the knees, thighs, or abdomen. The doctor will be able to advise you on the most discreet and effective storage area.

The technique can be performed on an outpatient basis (i.e., without hospitalization) and the patient can choose between general or local anesthesia.

How many cells need to be stored?

The answer is simple: as many as possible. Given that there are variations between individuals, we believe that, from a scientific standpoint, it is best to store stem cells as young as possible. That said, it is beneficial to store them at an older age, provided that the disease to be treated in the future is not yet present.

We store stem cells derived from fat. These are different from those derived from blood (hematopoietic) or from bone. Furthermore, the harvesting process is much more comfortable in fat; patients generally feel nothing at all post-operatively, they only need to stop exercising for a few days, and they usually experience very little bruising, thanks to the technique developed by our doctor, who was for many years in charge of treatments using [the specific method/method]. cell therapy at clinique La Prairie within the framework of aesthetics.

There is virtually no recovery time required with this technique. Once the fat is harvested, a stitch is placed, which will dissolve on its own after a week, along with a light, waterproof dressing. The stem cells are then sent to the Swiss biotech bank and stored. A report is subsequently sent indicating the number of storage boxes (between 5 and 10) and the viability of the stem cells. A certificate is given to the patient, as the stem cells belong to the patient themselves and not to the operator.