What is a Stem Cell?
The main cells from which the structures and organs that make up the human body originate are called stem cells. Today, at the center of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, it is a biological key that renews damaged tissues using the body's own repair mechanisms. In other words, these miraculous cells that form the baby in the womb can reverse the effects of aging when used with the right technique.

Once a baby is fully formed, stem cells take on another role. That role is to repair and maintain the formed system. Stem cells with a repair function are the cells that fix issues like fractures, cuts, burns, or any problem in our body. These cells, which have now transformed into a human body structure, are called adult (mature) stem cells. The cells we use in current stem cell therapy methods are these.
Once a baby is fully formed, stem cells take on another role. That role is to repair and maintain the formed system. Stem cells with a repair function are the cells that fix issues like fractures, cuts, burns, or any problem in our body. These cells, which have now transformed into a human body structure, are called adult (mature) stem cells (external source). The cells we use in current stem cell therapy methods are these.
These are extremely capable cells. They have the ability to transform into every group of cells with the appropriate signal. With this feature called plasticity, for example, a blood cell can transform into a bone cell. The most valuable adult stem cells are found in the umbilical cord.
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Thanks to these young cells found in children, when a child is injured, they heal immediately. However, in advanced ages, healing is significantly delayed because stem cells both age and decrease in number. There are more or less stem cells in every tissue. The damage occurring in that tissue will be repaired by its own stem cells.

Rejuvenation at the cellular level with stem cell therapy
There are many drugs or nutritional supplements against aging, known as antiaging. However, none of these have been able to significantly slow down the aging process. Stem cell therapy offers very important advantages in this regard. Throughout history, mankind has pursued rejuvenation. Even Alexander the Great is said to have searched for such an elixir during his campaign in India. Interestingly, this secret is not far away but hidden within our own body, in the fat tissue that we do not care about and even see as an enemy.
Especially in the facial area, Facial rejuvenation with nanofat stem cells applications allow these “sleeping” cells to be awakened and improve skin quality.
Why Are Stem Cells in Adipose Tissue Valuable?
Adipose tissue contains a large amount of dormant stem cells.
Bedenimizdeki kök hücre sayısı özellikle 30 yaşından sonra hızla azalma eğilimine giriyor. 40 yaşına kadar kök hücrelerimizin %50’sini kaybediyoruz. Bunun bir diğer anlamı dejenerasyon sorunları dediğimiz bozulmaların başlamasıdır. Eklemler, iç organlar, göz ve deri bunların başında yer alır. Bu nedenle çok ileri yaşları beklemeden koruyucu estetik amaçlı hücre enjeksiyonları yapılmalıdır. İleri derecede sarkma olan vakalarda ise kök hücre desteği, Face Lift and SMAS Lift are combined with surgical procedures to aim for the most natural result.
Repairing the Area Where Stem Cells Are Injected
When there is an injury somewhere, chemical substances called “Chemokines” are released. Receptors, which we call sensors on stem cells, are sensitive to this substance. Stem cells that detect chemokines quickly go to the site of damage and start the repair.
Stem cell treatment and repetitions: There is no limit to this. The more the number and quality of stem cells, the longer the interval for repeating this treatment. Repetitions between 1-5 years are suitable depending on the method. Since the method is easy and safe, it can be easily repeated.
The Past and Present of Stem Cell Therapy
The use of stem cell treatment in the health field dates back a long time. Bone marrow transfer, which started about 50 years ago, is actually a stem cell transfer. Bone marrow was known as the richest source of stem cells. What is relatively new is the recognition of the value of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Stem cells, which are more difficult to obtain from bone marrow, have started to be obtained easily from adipose tissue and in almost the same amount, up to 1000 times that of bone marrow.
The Concept of Stem Cells for Health
The concept of stem cells for health includes the effect of addressing health problems alongside the aesthetic use of stem cells. Its reparative and regenerative effect on internal organs has been known for a long time.
In a scientific study conducted at the University of Chicago; Raynaud's disease (external link) known as, triggered by cold attacks, characterized by discoloration and pain in the hands and fingers, has been found to be effectively treated with fat cell injection. Although the mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is thought that the healing property of stem cells found in adipose tissue causes this recovery.
Hands are among the areas that age rapidly, especially due to sun damage. The skin thins, becomes spotted, and veins become prominent. In hand rejuvenation, fats taken from any part of the body can be purified and injected under local anesthesia. The procedure can also be performed as a stem cell-enriched fat injection. Sometimes this procedure Non-surgical facial rejuvenation is applied as part of protocols.
Is There a Place for Stem Cells in Crack Treatment?
Skin stretch marks mean damage. Stem cells work wherever there is damage. Especially Nanofat the form is often preferred in stretch mark treatment because it is an easier way to inject.
Can It Be Stored in a Stem Cell Tissue Bank?
Although storing fat is problematic, stem cells can be stored. This means adding the cost of an additional tissue bank to the treatment.
Is There a Place for Stem Cells in Leg Aesthetics?
Leg aesthetics The oil used in shaping (No-touch technique, Dr. Karacalar) can be used by adding SVF stem cells. This increases the permanence of the oil and provides smoothness in the leg skin.
The Importance of Nanofat Stem Cell Application in Sun Damage
Zheng et al. published a scientific study in 2019 (Aesth Surg J). Accordingly, nanofat corrects aging due to sun damage, increases skin thickness. In this respect, nanofat is a valuable application. When SVF stem cells are added, it becomes an even more important mixture. Additionally, to enhance cellular communication Autogenous Exosome Treatment it is also possible to support it with.
Does adding PRP to stem cells increase success? It is not yet a clarified issue. Applying PRP after the procedure may increase success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does stem cell treat?
Stem cells in aesthetic medicine; are used to improve skin quality, eliminate fine wrinkles, repair scars and burn marks, slow down hair loss, and naturally restore volume loss.
What are the prices of stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy cost; varies according to the area where the application will be made, the technology to be used (SVF, Nanofat, etc.), and whether the procedure will be combined with surgery or not. Giving a definitive price without creating a personalized treatment plan can be misleading.
How many days does stem cell therapy take to heal?
Stem cell therapy is generally a minimally invasive procedure. If it is taken from adipose tissue, there may be slight tenderness in the area where liposuction is performed for 2-3 days. In injections made to the face, slight edema may be observed, but returning to social life is usually very quick.
How is stem cell therapy performed?
In cases of cartilage damage or the onset of osteoarthritis in the knee joint, fat tissue taken from the abdomen or hip area is processed through special procedures to isolate stem cells. This obtained reparative cell cocktail is injected into the knee joint.
How many years are stem cells permanent?
The effects of the given stem cells continue as long as they live. However, aging is a dynamic process. Stem cell therapy turns back the biological clock, but the clock continues to tick. In general, the effects are expected to remain noticeable for 1 to 5 years.
Is stem cell therapy dangerous?
Since the applied cells are “autologous,” meaning they are the person's own tissue, there is no risk of allergy or tissue rejection. It is an extremely safe procedure when performed under sterile conditions and by expert hands.
Comparison of SVF stem cells from fat, behind the ear, and foreskin
SVF stem cells obtained from fat are very rich in variety. It provides rejuvenation not only for the skin but also for the subcutaneous, muscle, and bone. In short, it is fully equipped. It is separated from the fat and done on the same day.
There is no diversity in the cells taken from behind the ear (the biggest drawback). It is a single type of cell. It only has an effect on the skin. It is not done on the same day. The laboratory process may be more laborious.
Cells obtained from the foreskin cannot be offered as a routine treatment. They are allogeneic, meaning they belong to someone else. There is a risk of being perceived as foreign by the immune system; in such allogeneic cell treatments, there is a theoretical risk of immune reactions and inflammation.
Dr Karacalar's Books
To examine Prof. Dr. Ahmet Karacalar's philosophy of aesthetic surgery and the scientific works he has written Dr Karacalar's Books You can visit the page.
About the author
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Karacalar; He is known for his international studies on the lymph-protective 'Superdry Method' and 'Leg Aesthetics' developed in the treatment of lipoedema. He is the author of reference books such as 'Amazons' and 'Lipoedema Syndrome' with his approach combining art and medicine.