What is a stem cell?
Stem cells are divided into embryonic and adult stem cells. The umbilical cord, bone marrow, and adipose tissue stem cells that you frequently hear about today are types of adult stem cells. These cells show the ability to transform into cells of other tissues with the right stimulation or provide the renewal, that is, regeneration, of the tissue in the environment they are placed in.
What are stem cells used for?
Today, stem cells have begun to be used in many branches. For example, in the field of orthopedics, stem cells are often preferred to improve intra-articular cartilage problems. It is included in the treatment of spinal cord injuries by neurosurgeons, especially due to its regenerative properties.
In plastic surgery, stem cells are used for both reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. Stem cells are frequently applied with fat injections to add volume and improve skin quality in areas where tissue integrity is disrupted and skin quality deteriorates after trauma or burn. At the same time, stem cell applications may be preferred to alleviate poorly healed scars.
Nowadays, stem cell applications are frequently preferred to preserve the young and beautiful appearance of the skin. Stem cells, which contribute to increased skin elasticity, brightening, and tightening of the skin, are usually sufficient to apply once; However, they can be repeated at older ages depending on the person’s wishes. The most frequently applied areas for skin rejuvenation are the face, neck, décolleté area, and hands. When combined with fat injection, stem cells also increase the permanence of the injected fat.
How are stem cells obtained?
The most preferred tissue to obtain stem cells is fat tissue. It is known that fat (adipose) tissue contains five hundred times more stem cells than other tissues.
By centrifuging a small amount of fat taken from the person with the help of liposuction, after being processed with various mechanical separation methods, the stem cells are made ready for injection in about half an hour. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in a clinical setting or the operating room.
When is the effect of stem cells seen?
The effect gradually begins to appear in the following weeks after application. The effectiveness period in the tissues where stem cells are administered continues until the 6th month. In other words, one must wait 6 months to see the final result of the stem cell application. The effect of the change you see will last much longer than you expect.
Dr. Isil Akgun Demir
Instagram: dr.isilakgundemir
