Is Stem Cell Fat Graft more effective than PRP Fat Graft?

Question

Hi doctors, I have just had fat graft mixed with PRP as I heard it is relatively safe as we are using autologous materials . More recently, I came across Stem cell fat graft. How reliable is this stem cell as distinguished from PRP; is this method considered more durable and natural from a safety & medical point of view? Thank you.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

This is a really great question, as both stem cells and PRP can be of benefit during the fat transfer process, and I like to utilize both of them. 
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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Although there is not a lot of data on traditional fat grafting versus PRP or stem cell fat grafting, I have found greater success using PRP with fat grafting and treat all my patients using PRP.  I suggest going to an excellent surgeon, the technique is most important not necessarily the stem cell or PRP.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would concur with other respondents.  I would search for the surgeon who you feel is most likely to give you
the best results. Look at reviews and before and after pictures on that
surgeon's website. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing, To date I have not seen any data that either PRP or Stem cell fat grafting offer any benefit over well done traditional fat grafting.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

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