Opinions on Stem Cell Facelift?

Stem cell facelifts have been marketed as a new facial rejuvenation tool when in reality we have been performing a variant of that for many years - fat grafting (fat transfer). There are many stem cells in fat and by transferring the fat to the face (or other body part) there is not just a filling effect but a rejuvenative effect on the skin and perhaps other tissues. In a "stem cell facelift" some fat may be removed and stem cells isolated then added to other fat (also called supercharged fat grafting) prior to grafting. Current thinking is that the added stem cells may increase the take of the fat. This procedure is in its infancy and we just dont know the added or detrimental effects or the potential regulatory issues surrounding it.

Hi @Jackster212
That’s a great question! Using the term “Stem Cell” is kind of a stretch and I would be wary of that surgeon. However, most of us plastic surgeons do use PRP or Fat Injections and there is decent evidence from research to suggest that either or both of these can have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
 

I would just go to a plastic surgeon who you trust, who is not using this as a marketing gimmick and ask them if they offer facial fat transfer or PRP to the face.
I would also encourage you to get on a regimen of PHYSICAN GRADE or PRESCRIPTION GRADE skin care. The most important ingredients to add to your existing routine are:

 

1      Vitamin A derivative AKA Retinols

2      Vitamin C

3      Hydoquinone

 

These 3 together can really play a significant role in rejuvenating your face before a facelift and enhance the final outcome.  

This is a topic of interest for me. It is complicated. The theory is strong but as you have seen the results do vary. 
In my hands the "stem cell" lift consist of either platelet rich plasma or fat transfer. Both of these techniques are used to replace lost volume. They work well for that reason. A portion of it is absorbed and that needs to be appreciated. It really is all about expectations. Expectations of both the patient and the surgeon. I recommend finding a surgeon you trust and taking the time to make sure you are both on the same page. 
We are currently doing some research with fat transfer and a processor that reduces the size and increases the consistency of the transfer. We have good results so far but the best is yet to come. 
Hope this helps.
Best of luck,
DrC