Fat transfer and stem cells - is it better?

Question

I hear drs saying their fat transfer is better because the way they transfer fat adds stem cells, but I thought fat cells already contain stem cells. Is that a marketing gimmick or do I need to inquire about adding stem cells when I go for consultations?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You are correct - the fat which is transferred has the stem cells.  There is no need to add additional stem cells which may be of little use anyway.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Every 10 cc of fat already has one million stem cells.  So you are totally right.  Some doctors will tell you they add stem cells but actually do not because they include in their calculus the stem cells are already included in the fat.  While there are machines that do isolate stem cells, there is no real good literature showing that it improves fat survival or longevity.  Some doctors will add platelet rich plasma, such as myself.  This is rather easy to do and may help fat survival but again, there is no real good literature to support that either.  The most important consideration when choosing a plastic surgeon for fat transfer is experience and a good photo gallery that shows their results consistently.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your question is actually quite complicated. Stem cell-assisted fat grafting typically concentrates the stem cells by taking a portion of the harvested fat, separating out the part where most of the stem cells are (stromal vascular fraction or SVF), then adding that to the fat that will be grafted. There has been a lot of marketing hype using terms such as "stem cell facelift" which are very misleading. Other options include adding PRP, or concentrating the SVF with filtration rather than centrifuge. Comparisons are difficult because there are so many different ways of doing it, and it also depends on where the fat was taken from, where it is placed, and how much. More about it in my Biohacking Longevity ebook.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Stem cells is marketing to recreate and serves no particular advantage or have any positive impact on fat transfer procedures. The only variable that matters is the candidacy for the procedure and who does the surgery.

Fat transfer especially facial fat transfer can be finicky and is not always precise or predictable. Patients who opt for this procedure should be very careful and choosing providers who have true talent and immense experience.

If you’re in the hands of the right plastic surgeon everything falls into place. If not then things don’t always turn out the way patients want and devices or special techniques are not the answer to high-quality outcomes.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Fat transfer and stem cells - is it better?

Answers (5)

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