The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

An Experiment in Facelifts - Thursday, November 06, 2008

In the search for a perfect way to rejuvenate the face, a new type of facelift was introduced in the U.S. this week at the American and International Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, in Miami, Florida. It is a stem cell facelift.

The stem cells involved are the patient's own stem cells, taken from the lower abdomen. They are contained in abdominal fatty tissue and have been found to produce hormone-like substances that improve the skin.

When transplanted to the face, they stimulate the facial skin and fat cells, and stem cells, to reproduce themselves. This new growth of cells compensates for the slowing down of cell production created by aging. As a result, the face becomes plumper, more refreshed, and more evenly colored. Results are long-lasting, since it is the person's own facial cells which are increasing youthfulness.

The Procedure

The stem cell facelift takes about an hour, as an outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic. No surgery is necessary as the stem cells are injected beneath the facial skin like a dermal filler. Recovery takes about seven days and involves reduction of swelling and redness. Camouflage makeup can be used within a few days.

Stem cell facelifts have not been tested or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. That means they are not available yet in the U.S. They have been done in France for several years and so far have a good safety record.

At The Centre, P.C., we offer surgical facelifts and mid-facelifts which have been rigorously tested and have excellent safety records. We also offer other facial rejuvenation such as soft tissue fillers and BOTOX.

Please call or email our office if you would like to schedule a personal consultation and learn more about facial rejuvenation. We will be happy to answer questions and explain how the various options could help.