What is a stem cell?

 

Starting from a single fertilized cell that forms a living being, cells that can transform into all the cells of the body and continuously renew themselves with their unlimited ability to multiply are called stem cells, meaning the source of all cells.

 

Stem cells take different names according to their abilities, their state of maturity, or the tissue groups they can generate. Stem cells are the only crucial source both for the creation of a living organism and for maintaining the body’s survival. Technological advancements in recent years have made it possible to use stem cells in medicine for therapeutic purposes.

 

Stem cells used for medical treatment are only progenitor tissue cells that can transform into certain tissue cells. They are not embryonic stem cells.

 

Where are stem cells found and what do they do?

 

In order to maintain the integrity and continuity of the tissue, a small percentage of adult stem cells, which can only generate that tissue or similar tissues, exist in all tissues of an adult. These multipotent adult stem cells, as they will differentiate into tissue cells in the next stage, are also referred to as progenitor cells. Their function is to repair or compensate for tissue damage or loss that may occur due to injury, disease, or other reasons. For example, when we cut a finger, the healing process is ensured in this way. Tissue aging, which concerns all humans and represents a slow tissue loss over time, unfortunately cannot stimulate progenitor cells.

 

Is stem cell treatment new?

 

Previously, stem cells could only be taken from bone marrow. Penetrating the bone marrow with a needle, performing a biopsy, and then multiplying the small number of cells for weeks was a risky process. In recent years, it has been discovered that fat tissue contains stem cells in much higher amounts, even 500 times more than bone marrow. Today, we can separate stem cells from fat tissue obtained through liposuction without killing the cells. From there on, the possibilities depend on the imagination of the doctor or patient.

 

How are stem cells used in aesthetics?

 

Stem cells are found in all tissues of the body to some extent, but they have been shown to exist abundantly in fat tissue.

 

Today’s conditions push us toward effective methods that shorten recovery with smaller surgeries. Surgeries are getting shorter and easier, incisions are smaller, and methods like thread lifting are being used. Essentially, what we do is solve problems at the macro level. The main problem in skin aging is the reduction of collagen fibers inside the skin. The skin ages microscopically. If we really want to treat it, we need cellular solutions. What we did until now was skin tightening (lifting) — addressing only the surface problem. New approaches have brought tissue engineering into our field. What we do now is called aesthetic tissue engineering.

 

Where do you use these stem cells?

 

We use them in the face and breasts. The main sign of facial aging is the loss of volume in the midface. Nasolabial folds, under-eye lines, and volume loss around the lips are corrected with fat enriched with stem cells.

 

What is the difference between stem cell grafting and fat grafting, since both act as fillers?

 

Yes, but fat grafting is only a filler, and it cannot nourish itself, so it disappears over time. Therefore, large amounts had to be injected to create fullness, which resulted in unnatural “moon faces.” Now, since fat enriched with stem cells can nourish and regenerate itself, it becomes more permanent. Stem cells not only act as fillers but also transform into what the body needs. For example, those placed between muscle cells regenerate muscles; those that blend into fat tissue regenerate fat; those in the skin regenerate the skin; if a blood vessel is needed, they become vessels.

 

How many days does the recovery process take?

 

Due to their structure, stem cells accelerate recovery, cause less bruising, and even at the entry points leave no scars. Patients can return to normal life within 5 days for the face and 3 days for the breast.