Written by: Dr Nerina Wilkinson – MBChB (Stell), FCS Plast (SA)
A youthful face is a face with beautiful soft curves created by perfectly placed volume and radiant skin. To, therefore, achieve a totally rejuvenating effect it is of utmost importance to correct both volume and skin quality. I see so many patients who have undergone a technically beautiful facelift, however, if the volume and skin quality have not been addressed, I believe we have failed these patients in delivering a refreshed, youthful result. Because of this, the scar-less StemCell4DLift was born!
What is a StemCell4DLift (scar-less facelift)?
The Adipolaser technique (StemCell4DLIft) is one of my top procedures in delivering a scar-less facelift that rejuvenates and regenerates the facial tissues, achieving the most natural results.
This procedure utilizes 4 techniques that work in synergy in one surgical session i.e. Fat grafts, ADSC (adipose-derived stem cells) in the form of Nano fat, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and CO2RE Fractional Co2 laser resurfacing.
Who is the ideal candidate for a scar-less stem cell facelift?
This procedure is ideal for patients who have started to notice the signs of ageing i.e. deflation, hollowness and sagging of the face as well as the typical skin quality changes resulting in fine lines, irregular pigmentation and loss of elasticity. The rich regenerative capacity of the stem cells makes this procedure ideal for any patient who wants to “slow down” the ageing process.
In my practice, therefore, I would advise this procedure to my patients who are requesting facial fillers, however, who require more extensive volume replacement and skin tightening to achieve a more youthful appearance.
How is a scar-less facelift performed?
Unlike a normal facelift, in which the flaccid skin is excised to create an artificial firmness, an Adipolaser lift (StemCell4DLift) is performed solely by injection and laser. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in the day clinic.
The procedure involves firstly harvesting fat from a part of the body with abundant fat deposits using a Tulip Tonnard 2,4mm cannula The fat is then centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 2 minutes, purified, and divided into fat grafts and nano fat. The fat grafts are precisely injected into the deeper layers of the face to improve the contours and create an uplifting effect.
The nano fat Also known as micro-fat grafting is a refined process of fat grafting where the fat cells are specifically emulsified using Tulip Nano Transfer Membrane. The nano fat is therefore used in very delicate areas ie periorbital, perioral, and fine lines. The nano fat is layered superficially under the skin harnessing the potential of the rich stem cells to improve the quality of the skin.
As stem cells are nature’s way to regenerate new cells in targeted areas, the results are noticeable in a firmer and more youthful appearance of the face. The skin becomes tauter and plumper which improves over months to years.
The final step in the procedure is the Co2Re fractional laser.
Essentially, the upper layers of the skin are vaporized, removing the superficial skin layers. This direct photo-thermal and photo-biostimulation effect, therefore, removes the dull upper layers of the skin, stimulates new collagen, and enhances the survival of the fat injections. This leaves the targeted area of the skin feeling tighter and looking rejuvenated.
Scar-less facelift recovery
Due to CO2 fractional laser being included in this signature procedure, patients are more swollen and bruised than they would be if they underwent the simpler liquid facelift. It is a fairly invasive procedure with 7 days of downtime required afterward. The advantage is that the results are more permanent and the stem cells in the fat have regenerative potential.
Procedures including CO2RE fractional laser is therefore indicated for patients looking for a once-off treatment to improve their skin rather than multiple less invasive skin rejuvenating treatment
What is the mechanism of laser activation on cultured cells?
This is explained in a recent study published in 2017 (Lasers Med Sci: 32:117-127) In vitro fractional CO2 laser applied to human ADSC (Adipocyte derived stem cells) The results were significant increases in the cell viability /proliferation compared to controls. The study explained that through bio-photo-stimulation the CO2 laser stimulates the mitochondria which by activation of Redox pathways increases cell proliferation and enhances a significant cell secretion of VEGF, MMP2, and MMP9, The increased VEGF are functional in inducing angiogenesis and therefore improved blood supply to the transferred fat. Whereas the MMp2 and MMP9 assist in tissue remodelling.
Additionally, Fractional lasers create numerous microscopic thermal injury zones that induce the growth of cells following the release of FGF (fibroblast growth factor) and EGF (epidermal growth factor)
Similar results are shown in a study of Fractional laser-assisted hair growth. Visibly enhanced hair growth i.e. Hair follicle neogenesis/hair follicle regeneration secondary to CO2 Laser wounding and Growth factors has been demonstrated.
Regenerative medicine is the future of rejuvenation
Regenerative medicine is an exciting field with the potential to change our conventional surgical approaches to facial rejuvenation. Beautification naturally is the future, and therefore the significant results of the non-surgical StemCell4DLift are becoming the gold standard procedure in my practice.
Email us at capetown@drnwilkinson.co.za to request more information.
