Therapies using stem cells are becoming more and more popular over time, and research is helping to clarify how these types of therapies can help patients. A new review published this year in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy has provided a comprehensive description of the ways stem cells may be used for plastic and cosmetic surgeries.
Though many different stem cell types have been investigated for their potential to help achieve desired aesthetic results through plastic and cosmetic surgeries, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells appear to be the most promising, based on current research. These types of stem cells are known to produce proteins that become deficient during aging and that are characteristic of youthful, undamaged skin.
Studies have shown that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can improve the thickness of the skin and increase cellular proliferation and differentiation. These features are not only beneficial for helping with voluntary cosmetic procedures but can also help with wound healing, scar remodeling, fat grafting, and local tissue ischemia.
Adipose tissue offers advantages over other tissues that can provide stem cells, such as bone marrow. For instance, it is easier to retrieve stem cells from adipose tissue than from many other tissues. The cells from adipose tissue also tend not to have to be expanded within a lab, so they can often be used at the same time that they are extracted. This feature of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells makes them convenient to use and can reduce the pain and recovery time patients must endure when undergoing cell-based therapies.
Over time, researchers are likely to recognize the relative advantages of different types of stem cells for cosmetic and plastic surgery purposes. However, at this point, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells appear to provide the greatest opportunity to improve outcomes in these types of procedures.
Find out why Mesenchymal stem cells have regenerative potential by clicking here.
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