What Is a Stem Cell Face Lift?

In an age when everyone feels the pressure to look young and beautiful, new facelift procedures are frequently offered that promise to turn back the hands of time and eliminate the signs of aging from the face. The latest trend in face-lift treatments is creating more effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. One of the latest non-surgical facial treatments is the stem cell facelift. While some consider the use of stem cells in plastic surgery a revolutionary development, others insist that no evidence of their effectiveness yet exists. Explore this article to find out how the procedure is performed, how much it costs and how long the results last.

What It Is Not

A stem cell facelift is not an actual facelift. A face lift is a surgical procedure that involves incisions, the lifting of facial skin and the rearranging of tissues. The stem cell procedure entails no incisions in the facial area.

It is also important to note that this treatment does not involve the use of embryonic stem cells, the use of which in medical research is highly controversy. Instead, it involves the use of adult stem cells taken from the patient’s own fat tissue. These cells are building blocks from which other cells can be produced.

How It Is Performed

The procedure is performed in three stages. During the first phase, the surgeon performs liposuction surgery to extract fat cells from another part of the body. The amount of fat removed during this phase is not enough to affect the appearance of the donor site, so you will not receive a bonus body sculpting during this treatment. During the next stage, the surgeon processes the fat cells to increase the concentration of stem cells and purify the tissues. During the final phase, the surgeon injects the purified fat-stem cell mixture into the patient’s face.

Surgeons who offer this treatment believe that the injection stimulates the production of growth factors in the skin. This in turn leads to an increased production of new skin cells and facial fat. In addition, the injected solution augments the facial tissues, thus smoothing lines as wrinkles. The injections are especially helpful for rejuvenating the upper face.

How Much Does It Cost?

This treatment is offered by relatively few plastic surgeons. You will most likely have to fly to a large city, such as Los Angeles or New York, to find a doctor who will perform it. The prices vary depending on the surgeon and whether the injections will be performed in conjunction with a surgical procedure, such as brow lift or eyelid surgery. The current price for stem cell facelift ranges from $6,000 to $15,000.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Stem cell injections are similar to injections of other facial fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane. As with these treatments, the effects of stem-cell injections decrease over time as the body slowly absorbs the injected substance. This is also similar to what happens after fat transfer breast augmentation. While the absorption of the injected substance cannot be prevented, the youthful effect of the injections can be extended by undergoing periodic follow-up treatments. In addition, face lift patients might consider combining the treatment with other injectables, such as Sculptra and Botox. However, eventually the patient might have to undergo a surgical face-lift procedure to address the signs of aging in the lower and mid-face. The good news is that non-surgical treatments might greatly postpone the time when you will need a surgical lift.