Stem cell facelift is one of the newest buzzwords in plastic surgery, and it’s causing a lot of interest and confusion. In a nutshell, the procedure involves taking stem cells from fat and changing them. These cells are then injected into key areas of the face to make the face look younger. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery say that there is a lot of potential for stem cells to be used in cosmetic surgery, but there isn’t enough evidence to back up any of the marketing claims that are being made right now.
What is a Stem Cell Facelift?
Simply put, the stem cell facelift isn’t really a facelift, and it’s also not just about stem cells.
As we get older, our tissues sag and we lose volume everywhere, but the face shows this loss the most. Traditional facelifts involve making cuts in the skin and lifting the skin and connective tissues to get rid of sagging skin. The procedure is very good at moving tissues around, but it doesn’t add volume. Fat grafting gives you more size, but it doesn’t make you stronger. Because of this, fat grafting is a part of many, if not most, facelifts done today.
It’s not a new thing to inject fat. Doctors have been using them for years to rejuvenate other parts of the body, like the hands and neck, and more recently to add volume to the breasts through fat transfer. Fat gives you more volume, which you might not want around your hips and thighs, but you might need it in your face as it starts to lose volume as you age.
How is a stem cell facelift different than fat transfer?
In these procedures, doctors take the fat that has been removed and concentrate or change the stem cells before injecting them. Some people say that once the stem cells are injected, they work like magic. Proponents also say that the new procedure has a lower risk of complications than traditional facelift surgery.
How Is a Stem Cell Facelift Performed?
In the first step of a stem cell facelift, the fat cells are collected. This is done in a gentle way that is similar to liposuction. Most of the time, the amount of fat taken from donor sites for a stem cell facelift is not enough to make a big difference in how those areas look.
After the fat cells are gently sucked out of the donor sites on the body, the stem cells are processed with a special machine or “activated” with drugs, chemicals, or lasers. It’s important to know that the stem cells found in fat cells are not the embryonic stem cells we hear so much about in politics. All of the cells in the human body, including fat cells, are made from adult stem cells.
After the stem cells have been processed, they are injected with fat cells into the parts of the face where fullness is wanted. The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved any devices for concentrating stem cells yet, and there isn’t enough clinical data about how safe and effective these methods are.
The Benefits of a Stem Cell Facelift
A Stem Cell Facelift lets the body’s own tissue be used to naturally rejuvenate the face. This is different from the synthetic materials used in other fillers and injectables. Among the other benefits are:
- Traditional fillers and injectables only last a short time and need to be redone every 9 to 12 months.
- No general anesthesia. This means you’ll have less downtime and can get back to normal sooner.
- With little to no swelling, you can get back to your normal life right away.
- Smoother skin lets you get rid of fine lines and makes your skin look younger overall.
- Non-toxic: This is a natural way to fix the changes that come with getting older.
How long does Stem Cell Facelift last?
Stem-cell Facelift should last for 5–10 years. In fact, the effects are permanent because it uses the body’s ability to heal itself to create permanent and long-lasting effects. But as people get older, their faces will continue to change in ways that may require more procedures.
Stem Cell Facelift Risks
As with any surgery, a stem cell facelift comes with some risks. They include lumps or bumps of injected fat, changes in the shape of the area where the fat came from, and a general dissatisfaction with the way the body looks after the procedure.
Stem Cell Facelift cost in Dubai
Prices for stem cell facelifts range from 22.000 AED to 50,000 AED. This is a lot more expensive than just using fat grafts.