In the world of aesthetic surgery, the use of stem cells is becoming more and more popular. Here to tell us more about the benefits of using stem cells for regenerative procedures is Professor Alessandro Gennai, plastic and aesthetic surgeon, contract professor for minimally invasive techniques at the University of Camerino. Professor Gennai is a member of the AICPE (Italian Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery) and EAFPS (European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery). Professor Gennai, could you explain what stem cells are?
Stem cells are like baby cells that have retained the ability to specialize into other types of cells. This includes epithelial cells (skin), adipocytes (fat), endothelial cells (vessels), chondrocytes (cartilages), osteocytes (bone), myocytes (muscle) and neurocytes.
In the last few years, we shown that our adipose or fat tissue contains large numbers of stem cells, even larger than those found in bone marrow. These stem cells are known as ADSCs or adipose derived stem cells. These ADSCs can be found in specific adipose tissue known as stromal vascular fraction.
So, what you are saying is that stem cells can basically regenerate and repair any type of tissue in the body?
Yes, that's exactly what we are saying. In effect, these cells are said to be multipotential cells because they have the ability to transform into different kinds of mature cells; hence the interest for these stem cells is not only in the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery but also in orthopedics, cardiology, neurology and more.
It appears that you and your team standardized a facial rejuvenation procedure using stem cells.
Yes. My team and I have been studying the use of stem cells for regenerative purposes since 2012. We were able to standardize what's known as the SEFFI technique (Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection). This technique addresses the regeneration of tissues and the restoration of volumes that clients are looking for in facial rejuvenation. This procedure is safe, simple, effective and long lasting.
What exactly are the stem cells doing?
At the heart of this procedure, the stem cells transform into adipocytes and create a fuller effect in the face. This technique has aroused such a great international interest that we had the opportunity and honor to publish it in 2015 in two of the most relevant international scientific journals i.e. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal and JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
In the meantime, we have been studying another procedure aimed to inject adipocytes and ADSCs in very delicate areas such as the periocular and perioral areas: we named this technique MicroSEFFI (Micro Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection). MicroSEFFI too aroused great international interest and has been published on ASJ in 2016.
Why is your research so important? I mean, isn't there already procedures in place that can help clients get the facial rejuvenation they want?
Absolutely. This is confirmed by the publications and the great interest in our techniques at the international Congresses where I presented them. I am convinced that Italy is playing a fundamental role in the research of tissue regeneration using ADSCs.