Can Stem Cell Fat Grafting help with scar tissue and post inflammatory hyper pigmentation?

Question

I've had hardened scar tissue on my lower abdomen from Slim Lipo for 1 year and 2 months now. I've also had loss of subcutaneous tissue from aggressive Slim Lipo on one side of my abdomen, which there is still post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. Can Stem Cell Fat Grafting resolve my problem?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

I'm very sorry to hear about the tough time you are going through and saddened to hear you had an adverse outcome from a procedure.Its difficult to determine what the exact nature of the problem is without photos or a detailed exam but I will say that fat/stem cell grafting is very promising in terms of improving scar tissue. The hyperpigmentation is also a separate and difficult issue on its own. This may need a different kind of treatment and you may need hydroquinone therapy.I would find a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get a better sense of what could be done. It may be too early to tell what needs to be done. Generally the body takes 6 months to heal from procedures that you mentioned.I hope this was helpful.Dr. BarrettBeverly Hills, CA

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Fat transfer and stem cells have clear, evidence supported benefit with scars and wound healing.
In the near future, all of cosmetic medicine will revolve around regenerative techniques. Regenerative medicine refers to the process of repairing, restoring, regrowing and replacing tissues within the body. Within cosmetics, we utilize modalities such as platelet rich plasma, stem cell rich fat transfer and even concentrated umbilical stem cells to achieve this tissue restoration. Our goal is usually to address tissue changes that occur with aging, grow hair, and even to aid in recovery after both surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is the simplest of these options, utilizing concentrated growth factors from your own blood to improve soft tissue quality within your face, grow hair, or improve outcomes and recovery times after procedures. There are clear benefits to the use of PRP after surgery, laser resurfacing and other similar procedures, but it also has a strong affect on noninjured tissues to drive restoration, such as with hair regrowth.
Taking a few steps ahead of PRP are different techniques utilizing stem cells. Our fat contains many adipocyte derived stem cells, and we can collect and utilize these stem cells as part of a fat transfer procedure, or as an isolated event to utilize the massive regenerative potential and large amount of growth factors contained in this tissue.
Umbilical cord stem cells come in very concentrated amounts that are acquired after normal Cesarian section births and run through a tissue bank specifically for use in regenerative capacities. They have evidence for improvement of osteoarthritis with injections into joints, hair regrowth when injected around hair follicles, improved surgical and nonsurgical recovery, and overall tissue rejuvenation with local infiltration.
Not all PRP, fat transfer and stem cells procedures are created equal. There are very basic mechanisms to tap into their potential, but with more sophisticated approaches, deeper knowledge, and refined practices and protocols, more optimal concentrations of PRP and higher stem cell quality and counts can lead to significantly better outcomes and value with respect to the desired end points.
With this impressive armamentarium at our fingertips, nearly every aspect of the aging process can be addressed with regenerative approaches and capacity. This is truly the future of our specialty, and we are currently at the forefront.
To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these “core four” cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut
#realself500 Physician

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Laser liposuction as you describe is like a burn, but to the underside of the skin. In addition, the loss of volume makes you look skeletonized.Fat grafting has been shown to assist in irreversible radiation and burn ulcers, so by that reasoning it should help you as well.In my experience, adding PRP to the grafting will work even better.Good luck!

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

The extent of the scarring is key to how successful the corrective surgery is after aggressive liposuction.  If there is a lot of scar or the individual is a heavy scar former it is often difficult to make the contour perfect.  Fat grafting may help as will softening with treatments using Ultrasound such as the Aspen rehabilitation ultrasound machine.  A detailed examination is best to see which route is best for you.

Can Stem Cell Fat Grafting help with scar tissue and post inflammatory hyper pigmentation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Correcting poor scarring from previous liposuction.

Answer: Correcting poor scarring from previous liposuction.

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Can Stem Cell Fat Grafting help with scar tissue and post inflammatory hyper pigmentation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Correcting poor scarring from previous liposuction.

Answer: Correcting poor scarring from previous liposuction.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.