Stem Cell Facelifts South Africa

At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, our approach is bespoke and tailored to solve your specific concerns.

Before we schedule any procedures, patients are required to undergo a comprehensive examination which includes a Visia Skin Analysis and Next Motion photographs which track before and after progress. This allows us to create a personalised, results-driven, treatment plan and accurately track progress.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson has a set standard of individualised care and expertise which is reflected by the entire team. Our team of experts has a wealth of knowledge and continuously delivers outstanding results by using state-of-the-art medical devices and products, sparing no expense to create a safe and luxurious environment where all your skincare concerns can be addressed. 

Each Stem Cell Facelift procedure is completely bespoke and formulated around each individual’s concern and desired results. Book an appointment to consult with Dr Nerina Wilkinson.

A Stem Cell Facelift is ideal for patients who have started to notice the signs of ageing, for example deflation, hollowness and sagging of the cheeks, jawline and eyelids 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 and is ideal for those who require more extensive volume replacement and skin tightening to achieve a more long-lasting, youthful appearance

Dr Nerina Wilkinson advises the StemCell4DLift™, a 4-dimensional approach to the original Stem Cell Facelift, to patients who are requesting facial fillers, as for an even more holistic and effective approach to skin rejuvenation.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson will deem you suitable for this treatment if your expectations are realistic and if you’re in good health physically and mentally.

Dr Nerina has pioneered the StemCell4DLift™ which relies on 4 procedures to create a full facial rejuvenation, boosting the uplifting effect of the muscles, and replenishing youthful contours while improving the quality of the skin. Unlike normal facelifts in which flaccid skin is excised to create an artificial firmness, the StemCell4DLift™  is performed solely by utilising injections and laser technology. 

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and oral sedation in a sterile procedure room. Stem Cell Facelifts are bespoke treatments comprising four main procedures (liposuction, lipofilling, laser resurfacing, and muscle relaxing injections) tailored to each individual patient’s needs and take into account the sequence of procedures determined after Dr Wilkinson assessed your skin and tissues. 

To source stem cells, a syringe is used to suction the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, knees or medial thigh area (donor sites with high stem cell concentrations and contents). The fat is purified using specialised techniques to create lipografts and nano fat. 

A multi-plane technique precisely transplants the fat and stem cells to the face at different levels and layers to improve facial contours and create an uplifting effect. First the bone in the mid-face, then muscles and mid-structures, and finally the nano fat is layered very superficially under the skin harnessing the potential of the rich stem cells to improve the quality of the skin. 

The last surgical procedure is CO²RE Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing. Essentially, the upper layers of the skin are vaporized, removing the superficial layers. This direct photothermal and photobiostimulation effect removes the dull upper layers of the skin, stimulates new collagen and enhances the survival of the fat injections. This leaves the skin feeling tighter and looking rejuvenated. 

The final touch in the procedure is the injection of Muscle Relaxing Injections to relax the depressor muscles that contract the periorbital area. This results in a wide uplifted and relaxed peri-orbital complex surrounding the eyelids. 

The StemCell4DLift™  creates a full facial rejuvenation, boosting the uplifting effect of the muscles, and replenishing youthful contours while improving the quality of the skin. As stem cells are nature’s way of regenerating new cells in targeted areas, the results are noticeable in a firmer and more youthful appearance of the face.

The positive results of a single Stem Cell Facelift are that your new, rejuvenated look will last for years. For many people, these results are permanent. 

As stem cells are used to develop 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 the overall aesthetic of your visage. In terms of your emotional well-being, patients who’ve undergone this treatment in the past have reported positively about the rejuvenated elasticity in their skin, which in turn has boosted their self-confidence.

There are two sides to expected results. Immediately after treatment, there will be a noticeable plumpness to the skin, however, true results can take up to three months to appear, as the stem cells need time to differentiate, stimulate and rejuvenate the skin.

Your results will last years and for many people, these results are permanent. Your satisfaction with your Stem Cell Facelift is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic. Contact us to discuss your concerns.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson has however pioneered a more advanced and effective Stem Cell Facelift procedure, the StemCell4DLift™ , a 4-dimensional approach to the original Stem Cell Facelift for an even more holistic and effective approach to skin rejuvenation.

Before Stem Cell Facelift procedures

• Schedule and complete any pre-operative tests requested. 
• STOP SMOKING 2 weeks before (and 2 weeks after surgery) – nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and causes delays in healing. 
• Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal medicine, diet pills, etc. (2 weeks before surgery). 
• Remove eyelash extensions or false lashes prior to surgery. Loose lashes can get into the eye and cause damage to the cornea or contaminate the wound. 
• You will receive a pack of special topical creams to apply to your skin for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to treatment. This prepares the skin and helps to reduce the chance of developing pigmentation areas afterwards. 

• You will also be required to use an oral antiviral medication to reduce the risk of developing fever blisters. 
• Ensure that you have arranged everything you will need for your recovery e.g. meals, pillows, straws, ice, books etc. 
• Arrange drop off and collection at the clinic as you may not drive for 24 hours after receiving oral sedation. 
• Schedule a pre-operative consultation with Dr Wilkinson 1 week before surgery.

Please contact us to find out our specific requirements before undergoing StemCell4DLift™ at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates. 

Day of a ​​Stem Cell Facelift procedure

Take normal daily medication e.g. blood pressure, diabetic, antidepressants in the morning with a small sip of water. 

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes with easy to slip on flat shoes. Bring sunglasses and a hat/scarf to put over your head when discharged. 

What to bring to the clinic on the day of the procedure:

• MEDICATION – please bring all your post-op medication as prescribed by Dr Wilkinson.
• Do NOT bring valuables or jewellery with you. You will not need them, and you wouldn’t want to risk losing them. 
• You may bring your mobile phone which can be locked in the cupboard at your bedside. Please make sure you have your charger and adapter with you. 
• Sunglasses and hat/scarf for when you are discharged.
• Ensure you have arranged for someone to collect you from the clinic as you will not be able to drive yourself.

After the StemCell4DLift™ (Stem Cell Facelift)

Please note you will need to stay at the practice for +/- 1 hour after the procedure for us to ensure you are recovering as expected and are fully prepared with all necessary aftercare before you are discharged.

Immediately following the procedure, you can expect a sensation similar to sunburn, which may last for several hours. In the days following treatment, you will experience the peeling of dead skin from the treatment area. After about 3 days, most of the skin will be off. You may experience a secondary flaking phase; this is a natural exfoliation process and may last seven to 10 days. Your face may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off, but most of your discomfort can be controlled by the medication prescribed by Dr Wilkinson. 

At the time of your first follow-up (usually 3 days post-treatment), you will also have an appointment at our skin clinic for a special cleansing treatment with a Smitten to help the last of the dead skin to come off and a complimentary Dermalux LED Light Therapy treatment. 

You may have moderate to severe swelling and redness after the treatment which will last for 

10 – 14 days but keep in mind that all the swelling and redness will take up to 6 weeks to go away completely. Patients are normally very anxious in this phase as you will not recognise yourself and will think that it will never get better. It’s important to realise that this will definitely pass, and you will be thrilled with the results. 

We will provide you with a pack of post-treatment creams together with clear instructions on how to use them. We can also supply a post-treatment cover-up foundation that has anti-redness, anti-inflammatory properties and high factor sun protection which can be purchased at our Skin Clinic. It is also important to know that you will have to avoid being in the sun for 6 weeks post-treatment otherwise you may develop areas of hyperpigmentation. 

This is why we usually only recommend that you do this treatment in the winter months unless you are sure that you can avoid being out in direct sunlight for the duration of the 6-week recovery period. 

You will be required to see Dr. Nerina Wilkinson post-operatively after ±2 – 4 days to have the dressings replaced, after 2 weeks to assess your recovery and at 6 weeks for a follow-up with your Skincare Specialist, and at 12 weeks for a new VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion Photos to assess your results. 

Failure to adhere to these instructions may lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.

Before & After Photos: Stem Cell Facelift Procedure

StemCell4DLift™ Procedure

You should be able to read or watch television after 2 – 3 days. You won’t be able to wear contact lenses for about 2 weeks, and even then, they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

Don’t use eyelash extensions or false eyelashes for a minimum of 2 weeks after the procedure. 

Most patients can expect swelling and redness for 10 – 14 days however most patients require up to 3 weeks for a full recovery. Cover make-up for the resurfaced skin is often required for 6 weeks post-procedure. 

You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses & sunblock is essential when you go out. 

Keep your activities to a minimum for 5 to 7 days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about 3 weeks. It’s especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. 

You should also avoid alcohol as it causes fluid retention which increases swelling. 

The cost of a StemCell4DLift™ depends on the surgical time but is estimated at +/ R 90 000 – R 105 000. The extent of the surgery will only be determined once you have seen Dr Wilkinson for a full assessment or consultation.

Additional costs to expect:
* Consultation fee: R 2 850
* Medication required for surgery: +/- R 1 400 – R 1 600
* Additional overnight at our facility other than recommended by us: +/- R 8 500
* Other investigations advised by Dr Wilkinson

Please contact us for any more information. Please also note that these fees are only estimates and can change once you have seen the doctor for your first assessment.

Our Stem Cell Facelift procedure, StemCell4DLift™ is the cream of the non-surgical crop therefore the most advanced results will be achieved with this procedure.

For less invasive treatments, we can consider Morpheus8™ or our signature Morpheus Enhance which are advanced medical aesthetic treatments done by both a medical aesthetic doctor and a skincare specialist simultaneously. 

Surgery is normally safe when performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and/or infection. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Nerina Wilkinson’s advice both before and after surgery.

Stem cell facelifts: side effects & complications 

The minor complications might include: 

• Temporary swelling of the face.
• Persistent discolouration (bruising) and a slight asymmetry in healing erythema (redness of the skin): the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will gradually fade over a period of 6 – 12 weeks.
• Inflammation (swelling): StemCell4DLift™ presents a moderate to severe amount of swelling that can last from 10 – 14 days and will totally resolve within 6 weeks.
• Hyperpigmentation (discolouration): this is presented after the third day of the procedure but then begins to shed and reveal younger healthier-looking skin which will also improve after your surgery.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson can provide more insight into any additional side effects, and address any concerns you may have. Contact us to find out more. 

Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is a private, high end, luxurious clinic located in the prestigious V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Dr Wilkinson founded the House of Aesthetic Couture and Skin Science. Your surgery will be performed at Dr Wilkinson’s clinic, and you will be required to stay at the practice for +/- 1 hour after the procedure.

Stem Cell Facelifts are performed under oral sedation. You will be totally relaxed with local anaesthetic injections and have the benefit of not having the side effects associated with general anaesthetic.

To see if this is the best cosmetic surgery procedure for you, always start with a professional consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon for an in-depth analysis of your facial features and to reach a good understanding of your skincare concerns and goals.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson’s unique and comprehensive surgical consultation is available for you to discuss and analyse your concerns and goals and for her (together with her team of specialists) to provide bespoke advice.

Schedule your facial cosmetic surgery consultation today!