Stem cell treatment is regarded as one of the important developments in medicine. The stem cell, a fundamental cell, has the capacity to form the other specialised cell types in our body (muscle, cartilage, bone cells, etc.).
These self-renewing cells can divide under suitable conditions in our body or in a laboratory setting to form new cells with different functions. Set apart from the other cells in the body by these properties, stem cells have been used in various treatment methods for many years.
Over the last decade, stem cell treatment has attracted increasing interest for its use for aesthetic purposes.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are highly special and valuable cells with the ability to turn into all the other cell types in our body. The body's capacity to cope with various external factors and the challenges of life, and to renew itself, is made possible by the presence of these cells.
Scientific studies have shown that fat tissue is a rich source of stem cells. It has been observed that stem cells obtained by plastic surgeons from fat tissue using a special liposuction method give the skin radiance and vitality. Today, the process of obtaining pure stem cells from fat tissue is regarded as an important advance in medicine.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment
Stem cell treatment is one of the methods used for skin renewal.
In suitable patients, this treatment offers an option for skin rejuvenation as an alternative to surgical procedures.
With stem cell treatment, comprehensive renewal can be achieved against the skin problems brought by the ageing process.
Here are some of the benefits of stem cell treatment:
Renewal Without Surgery: Stem cell treatment is a minimally invasive approach. This means that patients can renew their skin with a shorter recovery process compared with major surgical procedures.
Correcting Anatomical Changes and Tissue Loss: With the ageing process, the skin’s elasticity decreases and the fat tissue in the face may diminish. Stem cell treatment aims to restore the natural contours of the face by filling these losses. It can also help reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines in the skin.
A Simple and Effective Procedure: Stem cell treatment is carried out using cells obtained from the patient's own fat tissue. The procedure is usually performed by plastic surgeons under local anaesthesia. The treatment is generally a quick and simple procedure, so patients can return to their normal lives immediately after treatment.
Natural Appearance: Stem cell treatment works by preserving and supporting the skin’s natural structure. With this approach, the aim is for the skin to look younger and fresher while achieving a natural result. The goal is to rejuvenate the skin without creating excessive change or an artificial look in the face.
Improving Skin Health: Stem cell treatment aims to improve the overall health of the skin by supporting its capacity for self-renewal. The treatment can contribute to the skin becoming firmer, more elastic and more vibrant, and to improving its overall texture and tone; it may lighten pigmentation caused by smoking or sun spots.
Stem cell treatment is a method among modern aesthetic and dermatological treatments. As an innovative approach, this treatment is an option that can be considered by individuals who wish to preserve the health and youthfulness of their skin.
The treatment can be customised according to individual needs and skin condition, so that a plan suited to each patient’s needs can be created.
Why Stem Cell Treatment from Fat Is Preferred
Fat-derived stem cell treatment has become one of the commonly used treatment methods owing to factors such as fat being a rich source of adult stem cells and the ease of application. Adult stem cells are found in high concentrations, particularly in fat tissue. This property makes fat tissue a preferred source in stem cell treatments. Here are the reasons why fat-derived stem cell treatment is preferred, in detail:
- High Concentration of Stem Cells
The number of stem cells in fat tissue is 500-1000 times higher than in bone marrow. This concentration makes fat tissue a valuable source for stem cell treatment and increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Comfort and Safety of the Procedure
Harvesting stem cells from fat does not require general anaesthesia. It is usually performed comfortably under local anaesthesia or light sedation. This allows patients to go through the treatment process more comfortably. In addition, harvesting stem cells from fat is a less laborious and less painful procedure than harvesting them from bone marrow.
- Twofold Benefit
While stem cells are being harvested from fat, liposuction can also be performed in the same session. This allows the patient both to receive stem cell treatment and to benefit from body contouring. In this way, two different results are achieved with a single procedure.
How Is Stem Cell Treatment from Fat Performed?
Stem cell treatment from fat requires a special and detailed process. The procedure is carried out by experienced plastic surgeons in an environment where sterile conditions are ensured. Here is the fat-derived stem cell treatment process step by step:
- Fat Harvesting
The treatment begins with fat tissue being taken from the patient. This is done under local anaesthesia using special, fine-bore liposuction cannulas. The amount of fat taken is determined according to the aim of the treatment and the amount of stem cells needed.
- Separation of the Stem Cells
The harvested fat tissue goes through a special process lasting about 1 hour. During this process, the stem cells are separated from the fat tissue and a pure stem cell solution is obtained.
- Stem Cell Injection
The pure stem cell solution obtained is injected into the area where it is needed, either on its own or mixed with fat. This injection allows the stem cells to exert their regenerative and healing effects in the area targeted by the treatment.
Fat-derived stem cell treatment is an innovative method used in both aesthetic and therapeutic applications. The treatment offers a minimally invasive approach while stimulating the natural healing process. As a result, fat-derived stem cell treatment is regarded as an important option in rejuvenation and repair.
Where Are Stem Cells Used?
The areas in which stem cells are used are constantly expanding with technological developments. Stem cells obtained from fat are frequently preferred, particularly in orthopaedics and plastic surgery.
Stem cell treatment offers effective results in many areas, from the treatment of joint damage to the repair of non-healing wounds.
In aesthetic surgery, stem cells are used for various purposes such as skin rejuvenation, hair treatments and the removal of skin blemishes.
You can also take a look at this article in Hürriyet newspaper: click for the facial and skin rejuvenation with stem cells procedure (in Turkish).
Facial Rejuvenation with Stem Cells
The ageing process causes loss of elasticity, wrinkles and pigmentation in the skin. Stem cell treatment aims to reduce the effects of ageing by renewing the damaged and depleted collagen and elastin structures.
Problems such as sagging, wrinkles and skin blemishes on the face can be reduced with stem cell treatment.
Facial rejuvenation is an application that draws on the aesthetic and regenerative power of stem cell technology. This treatment not only renews the skin in a natural and healthy way, but also slows down the ageing process and reduces existing effects of ageing. Facial rejuvenation with stem cells is used to restore the skin's elasticity and youthfulness, and also to treat skin problems such as acne scars.
Facial rejuvenation treatment with stem cells is not a surgical facelift. It is a minimally invasive approach that can be carried out in a clinical setting. The stem cell and tissue injections applied are designed to revitalise the facial tissues.
As we age, the facial tissues weaken and age, just like other parts of the body. Stem cell treatment has the potential to reverse this process.
How Is Stem Cell Treatment Performed?
Stem cell treatment is usually carried out by experienced plastic surgeons under local anaesthesia or light sedation. Patients can return to their daily lives immediately after the procedure.
The treatment process begins with the fat tissue taken from the patient being enriched into stem cells, after which these cells are applied to the face as a filler or in the form of mesotherapy.
Duration and Frequency of the Treatment
For facial rejuvenation, fat harvesting takes about 10 minutes. Converting the fat into stem cells takes 40 to 60 minutes, and injecting the cells into the face takes an extra 10 minutes. In total, the process takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This treatment is generally not repeated within a few years.
When Do the Effects Start to Show?
The effects of facial rejuvenation treatment begin to become visible within the first 2 months after the procedure. This effect continues thanks to the self-renewing property of stem cells.
Causes of Facial Ageing
Facial ageing is not only about sagging skin; it is also related to the shrinking and receding of the bones that form the structure of the face, such as the cheekbones. Stem cell treatment gives the skin a young and fresh appearance by filling these deficiencies and reducing the effects of ageing that develop over time.
Stem Cell Treatment for the Face
The treatment begins with fat harvesting under local anaesthesia using fine cannulas. The harvested fat is processed specially to separate the stem cells and is injected in a way that suits the anatomy of the face.
Effects After Treatment
After treatment with stem cell-rich fat tissue, an immediate fullness and vitality is felt in the face. Within 2 months, the full effect of the treatment begins to be seen. The aim is a younger, healthier and more proportionate facial appearance. While the stem cells provide continuous renewal of the skin, the injected fat tissue restores volume lost over time.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Facial rejuvenation can be applied to people who show signs of ageing and are found suitable during the consultation. This method aims to reduce the signs of ageing and make the skin look younger.
Hand Rejuvenation with Stem Cells
Our hands are one of the areas where the first signs of ageing appear and which are often overlooked. As the organs we use most in daily life, our hands are exposed to both environmental factors and the natural ageing process as we get older.
These effects manifest as a decrease in fat tissue on the back of the hand, degeneration of collagen and elastin fibres, more visible veins and an increase in skin blemishes. This is where hand rejuvenation with stem cell treatment can reduce the signs of ageing by helping the hands achieve a youthful, healthy and aesthetic appearance.
Effects of Hand Rejuvenation Treatment with Stem Cells
When fat injections containing stem cells are applied to the back of the hand, where fat tissue has decreased and the subcutaneous tissue has thinned, they revitalise and rejuvenate the area. With this treatment:
Restructuring of Fat Tissue: The loss of fat tissue on the back of the hand can be compensated for with stem cell treatment. The treatment helps the hands achieve a full and healthy appearance.
Strengthening of Collagen and Elastin Fibres: Stem cell treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, the firmness of the skin on the hands increases and the skin's elasticity is restored.
Reducing the Appearance of Veins: Veins that have become prominent as a result of the thinning subcutaneous tissue in the hands can be reduced with stem cell treatment. The treatment makes the back of the hand look smoother and younger.
Removing Skin Blemishes: Skin blemishes such as age spots and sun spots can be lightened with stem cell treatment. The treatment helps even out skin tone and makes the skin look more vibrant.
Treatment Process
Hand rejuvenation treatment with stem cells is usually carried out under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting. The treatment process consists of taking fat tissue from the patient, enriching this fat into stem cells through special processes and then injecting it into the back of the hand.
The effects of the treatment begin to be noticed immediately after the procedure, and the improvement continues over time. By rejuvenating the hands, this treatment offers an effective solution against general signs of ageing.
Hand rejuvenation treatment with stem cells is an effective and innovative approach to ageing of the back of the hand among modern aesthetic and dermatological treatments. By giving the hands a young, healthy and aesthetic appearance, the treatment helps manage the ageing process aesthetically.
Stem Cell Treatment for the Neck and Décolletage
The neck and décolletage are areas where signs of ageing are frequently seen and which are aesthetically important. Over time and depending on environmental factors, the skin may lose its elasticity, and wrinkles and blemishes may form. These changes become noticeable in the neck and décolletage just as they do on the face. However, stem cell treatment offers an effective solution for reducing these signs and rejuvenating the skin.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment for the Neck and Décolletage
When stem cell treatment is applied to the neck and décolletage, it initiates a deep renewal process in the skin. With this renewal process:
Reducing Tissue Laxity: Stem cells strengthen the supporting structures in the skin, so laxity and sagging in the tissue are reduced. The treatment makes the skin firmer and more elastic.
Eliminating Wrinkles: Stem cell treatment encourages skin renewal and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The skin gains a smoother and younger appearance.
Lightening Skin Blemishes: Sun spots, age spots and other pigmentation problems can be lightened with stem cell treatment. The treatment helps even out skin tone.
Improving Skin Quality: Stem cell treatment supports the skin's natural repair mechanisms, so skin quality improves. With the treatment, the skin gains a more vibrant, healthy and fresh appearance.
Treatment Process
Stem cell treatment for the neck and décolletage is usually carried out under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting. The treatment process consists of taking fat tissue from the patient, enriching this fat into stem cells through special processes and then injecting it into the neck and décolletage. For fine wrinkles that do not require filling, the stem cell solution obtained from fat is injected into the skin with fine needles in the form of mesotherapy.
What to Expect After Treatment
After stem cell-rich fat tissue has been applied, an immediate vitality and fullness is felt in the skin. The stem cell solution, separated using a special method, shows its effect on the skin within at least 2 months after application. The effects of the treatment increase over time following the application, and the skin enters a process of renewal. The aim of the treatment is a younger, healthier and more aesthetic skin structure.
The effects of the treatment can last longer when supported by skincare routines and healthy lifestyle choices.
Stem cell treatment for the neck and décolletage is an effective and innovative approach to reducing the signs of ageing and rejuvenating the skin.
This treatment plays an important role in combating regional signs of ageing and in maintaining skin health.
Hair Treatment with Stem Cells: Renewal and Vitality
Hair stem cell treatment offers an innovative and effective solution to common hair problems such as hair loss and thinning. Stem cells improve the health and function of hair follicles, while stimulating hair growth and increasing the hair's resistance to external factors.
The treatment supports the natural cycle of the hair and, by stimulating the anagen (growth) phase, contributes to the growth of healthy, thick hair.
Effects of Stem Cell Treatment on Hair
Increasing the Proliferation of Follicular Cells: Stem cell treatment increases cell proliferation in the hair follicles, which helps the hair grow more healthily and reduces shedding.
Accelerating Hair Growth: Proteins obtained from stem cells increase the rate of hair growth. This allows the hair to grow faster and gain a fuller appearance.
Increasing the Hair's Resistance to External Conditions: Stem cell treatment makes the hair more resistant to external factors. This helps the hair become more resilient to environmental factors and mechanical damage.
Stimulating the Anagen Phase of the Hair: Stem cell treatment encourages the growth phase of the hair and keeps the hair in the growth phase for longer. This helps reduce hair loss and gives the hair a thicker appearance.
Treatment Process
Hair treatment with stem cells is usually carried out under local anaesthesia by experienced plastic surgeons in a clinical setting.
The treatment process consists of taking fat tissue from the patient, processing this fat specially to obtain stem cells and then injecting them into the scalp. The effects of the treatment increase over time after the application, and the hair enters a renewal process.
What to Expect After Treatment
After stem cell treatment, a noticeable vitality and fullness is felt in the hair. The effects of the treatment become visible over time after the application, and the improvement in hair structure continues.
The aim of the treatment is healthier, fuller and more vibrant hair. The effects of the treatment may last longer when supported by hair care routines and healthy lifestyle choices.
Hair treatment with stem cells offers an effective and innovative solution for problems such as hair loss and thinning. This treatment plays an important role in maintaining hair health and rejuvenating the hair.
Stem Cell Applications with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and performs skin rejuvenation with stem cells at her clinic on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul. She has authored scientific articles and book chapters on this subject in many well-known international and national journals. Dr. Karadağ applies stem cell treatment for skin rejuvenation and repair with personalised treatment plans.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ evaluates each patient’s skin structure, lifestyle and expectations in detail. This holistic approach aims to ensure that the patient’s needs are taken into account at every stage of the treatment process.
Dr. Karadağ applies stem cell treatment for purposes such as skin rejuvenation, reducing wrinkles, lightening skin blemishes and improving the overall quality of the skin.
Dr. Karadağ holds her consultations at her clinic on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul, and performs her procedures at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital in Istanbul.
Whether stem cell treatment is suitable is evaluated separately for each patient during the consultation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ plans and follows up the process, keeping her patients informed at every stage of the treatment.
For information about stem cell treatment, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ.
The results of the treatment may vary from person to person; expectations and suitability are evaluated during the consultation.
