How are Stem Cells Collected?

Stem cells, which are the main constructive and producer cells, can be defined as cells that have not completed their maturation yet, which have the ability to transform into any type of cell when stimulated appropriately. They have the capacity to renew themselves, to divide and multiply without limits. One of the biggest developments in the field of medicine in recent years has undoubtedly been the ability to give stem cells back to the patient for treatment after isolating them. 

In the early days when stem cell therapies were introduced, the field of use was limited to cancer treatment, organ transplantation and immune problems. In this context, bone marrow-derived stem cells were used. Later, the application area of ​​stem cell treatments has increasingly expanded while we started to obtain stem cells from tissues such as joint fluid and umbilical cord.

Adipose tissue obtained from the patient’s own body within the scope of aesthetic procedures has been used as a filling material for a long time. When positive effects such as brightness, rejuvenation, vascularity, and increase in tissue elasticity appeared in the areas where autologous fat transfer was applied, researches were concentrated in this area. In this way, it has been determined that the adipose tissue contains stem cells and is one of the most important stem cell sources of the body, and that mesenchymal stem cells in adipose tissue are more than bone marrow.

The stem cell therapy applied has the feature of being a regenerative treatment based on obtaining and multiplying the precursor cells called fibroblasts, which have the ability to synthesize collagen, from the patient’s own tissues and cells, and giving them back to the person. Stem cells, which are the precursors of all other cells, can both renew themselves and transform into other cells. 

The first step in stem cell treatment is to take a piece of tissue from an area of ​​the patient’s body that is not exposed to sunlight. Although the back of the ear is generally preferred for this procedure, it is also possible to take tissue from the armpit and the skin of the groin area. Before taking a 2-3 mm tissue sample, local anesthesia is applied to the area. The small piece taken is placed in specially developed materials. During the procedure, blood is also taken from the patient. Fibroblasts, which are stem cells that will synthesize collagen in an average of 4 to 6 weeks in the laboratory environment, are produced and multiplied. Collagen is one of the most important building blocks that makes the human body look young and beautiful. The higher the amount of collagen, the more youthful, beautiful and firm the skin looks. Fibroblast cells make up the collagen. 

What We Need to Know About Stem Cell Therapy

The application process begins when the fibroblasts, which are cultured and reproduced, are ready for stem cell therapy. There are approximately 10 million stem cells, in other words fibroblasts, in each 1 ml of the 5 cc stem cell group prepared for application. These cells are injected into the application area using a small syringe. This procedure, which does not cause any pain or pain sensation, is similar to a filler injection. 

After the tissue removal procedure applied in stem cell therapy, a short-term and mild pain may be felt. The effects of stem cell therapy begin to be seen within 1 month following the application. The effects continue to be seen with the self-renewal of the stem cells. Since the skin’s self-repair is a slow process, the effect of stem cell therapy reaches its highest level approximately 9 to 12 months after the application. In some patients, this period may be extended to 18 to 24 months.

In the fat injection procedure, which is frequently used in aesthetic surgery, some of the tissues injected into the application area die and the result may not be achieved with a one-time injection. Stem cells, which are more dynamic than normal cells, are used in stem cell therapy. Due to their characteristics, stem cells easily adapt to the areas where they are injected and ensure the rejuvenation of the application area. For this reason, stem cell therapy is considered a longer-term and effective method compared to the fat injection procedure.

In stem cell therapy, there is no risk of side effects or allergies, as the tissues taken from the patients are injected them after processing. At the same time, this procedure can be easily applied to all age groups. However, stem cell therapy is not recommended during pregnancy since fat removal may not be appropriate. Since the mother is still under the influence of hormones during breastfeeding, stem cell therapy is recommended after the breastfeeding process is completed.

Stem cell therapy is aimed at aesthetic facial rejuvenation, reducing facial wrinkles, adding volume to the face, lip plumping, treatment of chickenpox and acne scars on the face, closure of tissue losses and chronic non-healing wounds, and treatment of deep lines such as nasolabial lines, brow lines and crow’s feet on the face.

With the application of stem cell therapy in aesthetic surgery, a rapid recovery is achieved in the injection areas. Thanks to effects such as increased vascularity, increased skin thickness, collagen and elastin fiber synthesis, the skin is refreshed and rejuvenated. Stem cell therapy can be applied to anyone who wants to remove wrinkles, sagging, loosening, spots and scars on their skin. The treatment helps replacing the missing skin and repairing the tissue.