Stem cells: the future of aesthetic medicine?

Explanations on stem cells & Swiss regulations… Stem cells in aesthetics.

Stem cells: Differentiation and self-renewal.

           The use of stem cells is regulated by Swissmedic. Dr. Smarrito as well as the clinic where the stem cell procedures are performed are approved by Swissmedic within the framework of specific indications. 

Thus, we are discussing here the bibliographic and scientific progress on stem cells independently of the procedures currently available in Switzerland, which are codified and primarily reserved for facial aesthetics. The definition of stem cells could be considered equivalent to that of a primary cell; indeed, from an embryological perspective, the first cells of the human being are stem cells.

Doctor SMARRITO performs stem cell interventions exclusively at the Clinique La Prairie in Swizterland.

The power to create and renew tissue thanks to stem cells: multipotent cells.

   Stem cells have a fantastic ability to self-renew; that is, a stem cell will give rise to a cell capable of transforming into tissue and another stem cell. In a way, the stock of stem cells replenishes itself spontaneously. Furthermore, as mentioned here, stem cells have the ability to differentiate.

This means that under the influence of factors affecting the cells of the surrounding tissue, they can transform into a tissue cell lineage, such as muscle fibers, collagen, or fat. Mastering stem cells is somewhat the ultimate dream of modern medicine.

This topic is fascinating and is the source of thousands of research projects at the current scientific level.

   Indeed, mastering stem cells would correspond to a theory of tissue and organ creation rather than a theory of transplants and replacements. Stem cells are naturally present in every organ. They are dormant, and when activated, they allow for the repair of a damaged organ or the production of new, young tissue over time.

If we take the example of hair, there are stem cells attached to the base of the capillary which are dormant; under the action of the cellular environment, the stem cells will move and be stimulated and thus create a new stem cell and hair tissue which will create the growth of the new hair; this is the concept of stem cells interacting with the cellular niche. 

Stem cells: Applications in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

In the field of plastic surgery, numerous studies demonstrate the benefits of reinjecting stem cells, also known as stem cells, harvested from fat tissue. In other words, this represents a scientific revolution. Previously, the only source of stem cells was cord blood, which was then stored in a cell bank.

Currently, it is quite easy to harvest a fat sample, particularly from the abdomen. We then perform the extraction of stem cells and the stromal vascular fraction in a specialized laboratory. Overall, it is very easy to obtain your own stem cells . Numerous studies have been conducted on stem cells in the field of cosmetic surgery.

This essentially involves:

– for improving and rejuvenating the skin of the face and décolleté.

– improved fat graft take during lipofilling

– reduction in the number of vascular anastomoses failures when performing free flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery.

Bibliography: the latest articles on adipose stem cells.