Stem Cell Facelift
New and better cosmetic treatments continue to emerge bringing effective results to women and men alike. At the forefront of cosmetic innovation is stem cell facelift. In San Jose and the rest of the Bay Area, Rejuvé offers stem cell-assisted autologous facial fat transfer to help restore structure and youth to the face for a healthier, more beautiful look in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cell-assisted autologous fat transfer?
Stem cell-assisted autologous fat transfer is a procedure where excess fat is removed from a particular area in the body. The harvested fat is then processed to isolate stem cells contained in the fat. The stem cells are added into harvested fat and then re-injected using specially designed instruments to replace lost volume, rejuvenate, or correct another body area. Areas normally treated with fat transfer include the face, hands, breasts, and gluteal areas. The result is a long-lasting, more youthful appearance.
What are stem cells?
Adult stem cells are found in large quantities in fat. These remain inactive until they are activated by the body’s need for more cells, or by disease or injury. Stem cells repair and maintain tissues, as they can divide to replenish cells. Stem cells have the potential to form fat, muscle, bone, or cartilage once placed in a particular environment.
Why add stem cells to the fat?
Stem cells are essential to keep the fat healthy. Stem cells allow the fat to regenerate and repair surrounding tissues. They promote vascularization (the formation of new blood vessels) for the fat graft and bring nutrients via blood to help the survival of the transplanted fat. In addition to helping fat cells to incorporate into the injected area, they preserve tissue volume by forming new fat cells.
How is stem cell-assisted autologous fat transfer performed?
Cell-assisted autologous fat transfer is an incisionless procedure that requires no cutting or suturing of the skin. Fat is removed under local tumescent anesthesia. The fat is harvested using a syringe, and then treated to remove excess fluid and damaged fat cells. A portion of the fat is processed to isolate the stem cells, which are added back into the fat to be transferred. The augmented fat is then transferred to small syringes that are used to implant the fat under local anesthesia at the treatment site using a small cannula. A cannula is a hollow needle with a blunt, soft tip that allows the physician to inject the fat without harming the facial tissues. The fat is injected in tiny amounts to re-volumize and rejuvenate the face.
What is local tumescent anesthesia?
The tumescent technique for local anesthesia involves the injection of large volumes of diluted local anesthetic fluid into the fat beneath the skin, causing the area to become swollen and firm. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia and also eliminates the bleeding associated with traditional surgery. The tumescent technique results in a procedure that is safe and less painful, with minimal post-procedural recovery time and superior cosmetic results.
How does cell-assisted autologous fat transfer rejuvenate the face?
Fat transfer is utilized to rejuvenate the face by replacing the volume and correcting the hollowing that occurs in the face with age. Areas most commonly treated include the eye area, cheeks, forehead, and jawline.
What are the benefits of cell-assisted autologous facial fat transfer?
- Procedure can be performed under local anesthesia
- No cutting or stitches
- Utilizes patient’s own fat and stem cells
- Minimal risk of complications
- Minimal recovery time
- Natural looking results
- Improves skin appearance
- Regenerates and heals tissues
- Improves blood flow to area
- Long-lasting results
- No foreign materials implanted so there is no allergic reaction
What area of the body is fat typically harvested from?
One of the benefits of fat transfer is that we are able to address two problems at once. The fat used for injections may be taken from any spot of the body that contains a concentration of excess fatty tissue. Dr. Tang will work with you to determine which areas of the body are eligible and which areas you would like to see reduced.
What is the advantage of doing a stem cell-assisted facial fat transfer vs. a traditional facial fat transfer?
Using stem cells in this process improves the survival of the fat, thus enhancing predictability and cosmetic result. In addition, the stem cells lengthen the duration of effect.
Is stem cell-assisted autologous fat transfer painful?
The pain from fat transfer is minimal. Most patients feel mild pressure during the implantation process, which is alleviated with local anesthesia. Soreness in the treated areas is common for about 1–2 weeks post-procedure.
What is recovery like after stem cell-assisted autologous fat transfer?
Recovery after stem cell-assisted fat transfer is relatively fast and easy compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures. Discomfort is minimal, and most patients can move about and resume most normal activities within 48 hours post treatment, and are only limited by the degree of swelling experienced post-procedure. Most patients experience noticeable swelling in the areas treated for 3 to 10 days.
How quickly can I see results?
You will see results immediately. However, most patients will see most of their results within one month post-procedure; it may take 4–6 months to appreciate the final result.
Will my face look fatter after stem cell-assisted fat transfer?
The procedure involves restoring the youthful look to the face by revolumizing the three-dimensional balance of the face.
How can I shorten the recovery time?
There are few natural supplements one can take. Nitric Oxide (Neo 40) taken 2 days before and during the recovery process will improve blood flow to the face and harvested site for faster recovery. Bromelain 250 mg 3 times a day can be taken to lessen swelling and pain. Auriderm cream can be applied to the face 2 days prior and during the recovery to lessen bruising in the face.
How will my face look over time? How long will a fat transfer treatment typically last?
Since your own cells and tissue are injected, the results look natural and three-dimensional. The stem cells assist in rejuvenating the texture of the skin in the treatment area, resulting in a youthful glow. There is no definite length of time that fat transfer lasts. Stem cell-assisted fat grafts have been clinically shown to persist 30% longer than traditionally processed fat grafts. Results are dependent upon many factors, including lifestyle, habits, and genetics. Smoking and fluctuations in weight will diminish results.
What are the risks associated with stem cell-assisted autologous fat transfer?
Stem cell-assisted fat transfer carries relatively little risk. Some of the common adverse events associated with fat transfer are overcorrection and/or under correction of the treatment site, tissue lumps, bleeding, scarring, and damage to surrounding tissue structures.
If you’re interested in this innovative procedure, Dr. Tang of Rejuvé offers the stem cell facelift in San Jose, as well as for patients in the communities of San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and the East Bay including Walnut Creek, Danville, and Pleasanton.
For inquiries about this procedure, feel free to contact us at 408-740-5320.