What is Stem Cell (Fibrocell) Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a method in which fibroblasts obtained from a person's own skin tissue are cultured in a laboratory environment and injected back into the person. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for the production of connective tissue elements such as collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid, which are critical for wound healing and tissue repair, ensuring the skin appears firm, smooth, and healthy. The number of fibroblast cells in the skin begins to decrease after the age of 25, resulting in a reduction in the production of collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid. Fibrocell therapy aims to replace the reduced connective tissue in the skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and sagging and alleviating scars.
What are the Purposes of Using the Fibrocell Method?
- Reducing wrinkles in the face, neck, and chest area
- Addressing sagging observed in the jaw and neck area
- Filling pitted scars left after acne or chickenpox
- Treating a dull and porous appearance that has lost vitality due to environmental factors like sun damage and smoking
- Treating burn and surgical scars
- It can also be used to strengthen hair and improve hair quality.
How is Stem Cell Obtained?
A 3-4 cm skin sample is taken from a sun-protected area like behind the ear using a tool called a punch. The patient's blood is also drawn. The obtained skin tissue and blood are sent to specialized laboratories that culture fibroblasts in special and sterile containers. Fibroblasts are cultured in the laboratory environment. The first application is conducted 4-6 weeks later with the produced fibroblasts. After the first application, production in the laboratory continues. Newly obtained solutions are used in the second and third sessions. On average, about 20-40 million fibroblast cells are administered into the skin during each application.
How is Fibrocell (Stem Cell) Applied?
The stem cell solution is injected into the skin in small amounts using a method similar to mesotherapy. The treatment is generally conducted in 3 sessions with 4-week intervals.
What to Expect After Fibrocell (Stem Cell) Therapy?
With Fibrocell therapy, fibroblasts injected into the skin start to repair damaged tissue by regenerating connective tissue. Although the effect begins more slowly compared to other methods, it provides consistent improvement over 6-24 months. As a result, the skin appears less wrinkled and saggy, with a bright and vibrant appearance. The achieved improvement is long-lasting, and studies have shown it to last for 4-5 years.
Who Can Undergo Fibrocell (Stem Cell) Therapy?
Cell quality is important in fibroblast culture. As age increases, cell productivity decreases. Therefore, the ideal age range for fibroblast culture is between 30-50 years. The effectiveness of fibroblast culture can be enhanced by combining it with other skin renewal methods.
What are the Advantages of Fibrocell (Stem Cell) Therapy?
Since it is derived from the patient's own cells and does not contain foreign substances, there is no risk of allergy. Its reparative effect is more pronounced compared to many other methods. It is more effective over a longer period than methods like fillers or PRP (around 4-5 years).
Are There Any Side Effects After Fibrocell (Stem Cell) Therapy?
Since the stem cells are from the individual's own body, allergic side effects are not expected. Minor bruising may occur for a short duration as the stem cells are delivered to the skin with tiny needles.
Different Types of Stem Cell Therapy
Nowadays, stem cell therapy is not limited to aesthetic purposes but is also preferred in many areas, from orthopedic issues to hair loss. The cells used in this therapy are categorized into three main groups according to their origins: embryonic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are obtained at very early stages of development and have the potential to transform into all cell types in the body. Due to ethical and legal discussions, they are less preferred in clinical applications.
Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to transform into a limited number of cell types. These cells are very valuable in research and are promising for the treatment of various diseases.
Adult stem cells are obtained from the individual's own body and can be used directly to repair connective tissue, cartilage, or skin. The Fibrocell method also falls into this group, and the risk of side effects after treatment is quite low due to personal tissue compatibility.
Applications of Stem Cell Therapy
- Stem cell therapy for knees: Used to improve knee structure and reduce pain in joint diseases like osteoarthritis.
- Hair stem cell therapy: Applied to stop hair loss and increase hair density.
- Skin rejuvenation: Effective in treating wrinkles and sagging in the face, neck, and décolleté areas.
- Scar treatment: Can be used to reduce the appearance of acne and burn scars.
Prices of Stem Cell Therapy
The price of stem cell therapy may vary depending on the type of cells used, the number of sessions, and the area of application. For example, individuals undergoing stem cell therapy for knees or hair are treated with different protocols. Moreover, the clinic where the treatment is applied, the laboratory technologies used, and the physician's experience are factors that affect the price. On average, stem cell therapies provide cost advantages as they offer longer-lasting effects than other aesthetic or orthopedic treatments.
When Should Stem Cell Therapy Be Avoided?
Stem cell therapy is one of the most innovative and promising methods offered by modern medicine. Supporting the regeneration of damaged tissues, it provides an alternative healing process for many diseases and is frequently preferred today. This method may not be suitable for every patient. In planning stem cell therapy, many factors such as the patient's general health condition, existing diseases, and immune system should be considered. In some special cases, this therapy may need to be avoided, or the decision for therapy may need to be postponed.
Primarily, stem cell therapy is not suitable for individuals with active infections in their bodies. Infection can affect the immune system, putting both the treatment process and the patient's general condition at risk. Therefore, controlling the infection is one of the most important conditions before treatment.
Stem cell therapy should also be carefully considered for cancer patients. Especially in individuals diagnosed with advanced cancer, there may be a risk of the therapy interacting with tumor cells. In some cases, there is a possibility of carrying cancerous cells during the reinfusion of stem cells. This situation can increase the risk of disease recurrence. Therefore, decisions regarding stem cell therapy in individuals with an active or recently treated cancer history should be made in consultation with expert oncology evaluations.
Patients with immune system disorders should also be carefully evaluated for stem cell therapy. In individuals with autoimmune diseases or those taking immune-suppressing medications, the anticipated healing effect of stem cells may be limited. Complication risks during the procedure may be higher.
There is insufficient scientific data regarding the safety of stem cell therapy during pregnancy. For the health of the expectant mother and the baby, it is generally not recommended to apply such advanced treatment methods during pregnancy. If treatment is needed, postponing it to the postpartum period would be a safer approach.
The application process for stem cell therapy may include injections or, in some cases, surgical interventions. These procedures can be risky for individuals with bleeding disorders. Patients with thrombocytopenia or clotting problems may develop serious complications during or after the procedure. Therefore, a comprehensive hematological evaluation should be conducted before deciding on treatment in individuals with bleeding tendencies.
Moreover, stem cell therapy should only be applied by experienced and competent health professionals in this field. Unauthorized clinics delivering unmonitored and scientifically unfounded treatments may result in ineffective outcomes and serious health issues. Hence, no stem cell therapy should be initiated without proper evaluation of suitability and without obtaining expert opinion.
Although stem cell therapy offers a promising option for many diseases, it is not suitable for everyone. Especially in the cases mentioned above, the therapy should be postponed or alternative approaches should be considered. Therefore, if you are considering stem cell therapy, you should first undergo a detailed health evaluation and consult with a specialist physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does stem cell therapy take?
Stem cell therapy generally covers a period of 3-4 months, depending on the required area and the selected application method. The treatment begins with a small skin sample taken from behind the ear. This sample, along with the patient's blood, is sent to specialized laboratories. The culturing of fibroblasts in the laboratory takes about 4-6 weeks. The first injection is performed at the end of this process. A total of 3 sessions are usually planned, applied at 3-4 week intervals. During this period, new tissue formation begins under the skin, and the effects of the treatment become visible over time.
Is stem cell therapy permanent?
The effects of stem cell therapy are significantly long-lasting compared to other aesthetic and regenerative applications. Especially in fibrocell therapy, which is specially developed for the individual, the results are more natural and permanent due to the use of the patient's own cells. Depending on the area applied, it has been shown in clinical studies to be effective for 4-5 years in skin rejuvenation and repair. During this time, the vitality, elasticity, and firmness of the skin are maintained. To enhance permanence, a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and regular skin care are advised.
What results should those who undergo stem cell therapy for knees expect?
The stem cell therapy applied especially in disorders that cause cartilage loss, such as osteoarthritis, primarily targets the repair of damaged tissues in the joint, particularly the knee. Those who undergo stem cell therapy for knees generally report positive results such as pain reduction, increased joint mobility, and easier performance of daily activities within a few weeks post-treatment. Stem cells help to reduce inflammation and assist in repairing damaged cartilage tissue. The success of the therapy can vary depending on the patient's age, the stage of the disease, and general health status.
Who can undergo hair stem cell therapy?
Hair stem cell therapy is an ideal option for individuals, especially those in the early stages of hair loss, whose hair follicles are still alive and active. Both men and women can benefit from this therapy. Weakened hair follicles due to genetic predisposition, stress, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors can be revitalized through stem cell application. Since the patient's own cells are used, there is no risk of allergy, making the therapy quite safe. Post-application, an increase in hair density, thickening of hair strands, and a reduction in hair loss are observed. For effective results, regular sessions are recommended.