Microneedling with Stem Cells

Offered at our convenient location in Hamburg

skin care

Microneedling with stem cells is a facial rejuvenating procedure that triggers collagen production and introduces the enhanced restorative effects of stem cells to the deep layers of the skin. While microneedling alone has helped many patients achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion, the addition of adipose-derived stem cells takes results to the next level. These stem cells are derived from the patient’s own unwanted fat, and have the ability to regenerate damaged tissue and turn back the clock! For those interested in adding stem cells to their microneedling session, please schedule an initial consultation by clicking here. If you would like to speak with us directly, call our front offices in Hamburg at +49 (0) 40 46 091 076.

About Facial Aging

The three main indicators of an aged complexion are wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. These signs of ageing seemingly appear overnight, but they have actually been forming for some time. When we’re young, our skin produces an abundant supply of collagen fibres through cells called fibroblast cells. These collagen fibres form the intricate matrices of our skin’s internal scaffolding. The fibres are strong and tensile. Collagen fibres keep our skin smooth and wrinkle-free for the first two decades of life. However, as we round our quarter-life crisis, our body’s collagen production begins to wane. Over time, fewer fibres are produced to repair or replace the existing ones. So, as we age, these fibres bend, bow, and break. Wrinkles start to gradually appear in our complexion. While this process is a natural part of ageing, it is exacerbated by UV overexposure, stress, poor diet, and smoking.[1] The older we get, the less collagen our body produces, and the more our existing collagen fibres wither away. By the age of 50, we have lost approximately 30% of our natural collagen supply.[2] When these fibres lose their strength, our skin wrinkles and sags. 

The Rejuvenating Process of Microneedling

When our skin is cut, nicked, or scraped, a wound healing response is intitiated to close the wound and restore the damaged tissue. This healing cascade effect involves a complex network of growth factors and other restorative properties. One of the results of this is the production of new collagen fibres.[3] With microneedling, we can trick the body into activating a wound healing response. The microneedles penetrate the skin’s surface and create micro-channels that reach deep into the dermis. The body recognises these micro-injuries and ramps into a full wound healing response. The skin’s fibroblast cells ramp up production, replacing and repairing atrophied collagen fibres. This process causes the skin to become firmer and smoother, and a more youthful complexion can be achieved. Along with the signs of ageing, microneedling is a remarkable solution for minor scars. The influx of new collagen fibres works to fill out the recessed scarring, minimising the appearance and severity of acne scars. 

The Trailblazing Addition of Stem Cells

First observed in 1867 and then isolated and cultured in 1968,[4] stem cells are found in bone marrow, umbilical cord, and fatty tissue. Stem cells are able to differentiate – become whatever kind of cell is needed for growth, or regrowth. Our body naturally releases these stem cells in response to injury to aid in the healing process. By adding stem cells to a facial rejuvenating procedure like microneedling, we can enhance the regenerative process, inhibiting inflammation and elevating cell proliferation.[4] Stem cells work to strengthen the collagen production of fibroblast cells. They also restore the function of the soft tissue cells. By extracting organic stem cells from the patient, we can boost this natural reaction to microneedling and enhance the patient’s youthful results. 

How Stem Cells Are Extracted

Dr Dalia Tobbia extracts a patient’s organic stem cells through liposuction. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure where unwanted fat cells are aspirated through a thin suctioning tube called a cannula. Next, the fatty tissue is processed, purified, and finally cultured to create a proliferation of viable stem cells.[5] These stem cells are then formulated into a serum that is spread over the skin after a microneedling session. The serum then soaks into the micro-channels, allowing the valuable stem cells to penetrate into the skin and enhancing the wound healing response. Over the next couple of weeks, the stem cells repair the skin’s internal structures. Wrinkles begin to fade, and scars begin to lose their prominence in the patient’s complexion.

Candidates

If you are interested in seeing the rejuvenating benefits of combining stem cells with microneedling, please schedule a personal consultation with us at our Hamburg offices. Since signs of aging and scarring affect people of all ages, microneedling with stem cells is not reserved for patients of a certain age. In fact, younger patients have turned to this treatment for its preventative measures. In terms of eligibility, most patients qualify. We do ask that if you have an active breakout or viral infection, wait until your skin has cleared up. To get started, follow the link above or call our offices at +49 (0) 40 46 091 076.

Personal Consultation

If this is your initial consultation, we will begin with a brief new patient intake interview and a physical examination. Since microneedling with stem cells does include liposuction, we will note any areas of troublesome fat that you may have. This could be around the midsection, love handles, thighs, buttocks, back, or breasts. Once we have chosen a donor area, we will note the condition of your skin and determine if microneedling is right for you. We have other facial rejuvenating procedures that might be better tailored to achieving your desired results. Dr Tobbia and you will discuss your options. All of this will be compiled in a comprehensive personalized treatment plan. Before leaving our care, we will give you a list of preparatory steps to follow in the interim. 

Preparation 

Since liposuction is general surgery, we will ask you to prepare following these instructions:

  • Avoid smoking and other nicotine products.
  • Discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications as these will cause excessive bleeding during your procedure. 
  • Come to our offices with a clean face. If you arrive with make-up, we will ask you to clean it off before your microneedling session.
  • Plan to take a couple of days off work.  

Procedure

Beginning with liposuction, we administer local anaesthetic to the target area. Next, Dr Tobbia will make a minor incision to fit the cannula. She will then aspirate the desired amount of fat cells. She will suture the incision closed and ready the fat for stem cell extraction. During this next phase, we will process the fat using specialized enzymes, wash away any lingering blood and tissue, and then culture the sample. Once we have harvested the stem cells, we will formulate them into a serum. 

Next, we begin the microneedling phase. We will apply a numbing cream to your face to minimize any pain or discomfort. Then, we will take a microneedling device and address each of your cosmetic concerns. Depending on the type of cosmetic concern and the specific area of skin being treated, we will customize depth of the needles for optimal penetration. Then, we will apply the stem cell serum onto the treated areas. You will be able to leave our care to focus on proper recovery. 

Recovery

During the next few days, the donor fat area will be sore. Your facial skin will also feel tender. Be sure not to aggravate your skin with any harsh chemicals or overexposure to sunlight. Stay well hydrated during this time. We also recommend sleeping on your back so that you don’t irritate your face while you sleep.

How Much Does Microneedling with Stem Cells Cost in Hamburg?

The cost of your microneedling with stem cells treatment will depend on a couple of factors. First, we will need to consider the technique used to remove the fat, the extent of the procedure, and the condition of the treatment area. We will discuss and determine the cost of your treatment during your initial consultation. If you would like to stay up-to-date on all the latest in the plastic surgery industry, check out our blog! Call us if you have any questions at +49 (0) 40 46 091 076.

References

  1. Krutmann, J., Bouloc, A., Sore, G., Bernard, B. A., & Passeron, T. (2017). The skin aging exposome. Journal of Dermatological Science, 85(3), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.09.015
  2. Shuster, S., Black, M. M., & McVitie, E. (1975). The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. The British journal of dermatology, 93(6), 639–643. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1975.tb05113.x
  3. Iriarte, C., Awosika, O., Rengifo-Pardo, M., & Ehrlich, A. (2017). Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 289–298. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S142450
  4. Jo, H., Brito, S., Kwak, B. M., Park, S., Lee, M. G., & Bin, B. H. (2021). Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(5), 2410. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052410
  5. Erdmann, J. (2012). Stem Cells from Fat Bulge Their Way into Clinical Trials. Chemistry & Biology, 19(10), 1211–1212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2012.10.006