Dr Barry Eppley, board-certified plastic surgeon of Indianapolis, operates a private practice at Clarian North and West Medical Centers in suburban Indianapolis. He writes a daily blogs on topics and trends in plastic surgery at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
The current popularity of injectable treatments is based on placing synthetically-derived compounds and drugs into and under our skin. At best, these are well tolerated agents that create their effect and then are gone after a relatively short period of time. The future of injectable cosmetic treatments will likely be somewhat different. And we are getting a glimpse of that potential paradigm shift right now.
Spurred by the discovery in the 1990s that fat contains a rich supply of cells similar to the stem cells found in bone marrow , developments and techniques to use stem cells from fat for injectable cosmetic and reconstructive procedures is being worked on around the world. A stem cell is a cell from which other types of cells develop and they lie in a resting state amidst many of our tissues. Fat has proven to be a rich source of stem cell populations. The theory behind this new injectable approach is that fat may be processed or handled in a way that allows the stem cells to create a blood supply for the transplant that helps the fat survive after injection. Or perhaps have the stem cells convert after injection into fat cells to replace those regular fat cells which did not survive the transfer process. During a single operation, fat is obtained by liposuction from the stomach or thigh for example and then processed using a special technique.. The 'treated' fat is then injected into the desired area. Because the patient is the donor, there is no risk of tissue rejection. This concept is being used in other parts of the world right now for breast augmentation and small breast reconstructions. I currently use a similar approach for my fat injections for cosmetic facial improvements and for those patients who desire buttock augmentation with fat grafts rather than a synthetic implant.
Botox® and synthetic injectable fillers are here to stay and will be the backbone of office and non-invasive cosmetic treatments of the face for years to come. The use of one's own fat remains theoretically appealing, however, and current research suggests that it will ultimately have a slice in the injectable 'pie' in the near future. Because it involves more effort and costs, it role will always be more limited than off-the-shelf products. But its rich source of stem cells and its lack of any rejection issues makes fat a filler material worth working on.
Spurred by the discovery in the 1990s that fat contains a rich supply of cells similar to the stem cells found in bone marrow , developments and techniques to use stem cells from fat for injectable cosmetic and reconstructive procedures is being worked on around the world. A stem cell is a cell from which other types of cells develop and they lie in a resting state amidst many of our tissues. Fat has proven to be a rich source of stem cell populations. The theory behind this new injectable approach is that fat may be processed or handled in a way that allows the stem cells to create a blood supply for the transplant that helps the fat survive after injection. Or perhaps have the stem cells convert after injection into fat cells to replace those regular fat cells which did not survive the transfer process. During a single operation, fat is obtained by liposuction from the stomach or thigh for example and then processed using a special technique.. The 'treated' fat is then injected into the desired area. Because the patient is the donor, there is no risk of tissue rejection. This concept is being used in other parts of the world right now for breast augmentation and small breast reconstructions. I currently use a similar approach for my fat injections for cosmetic facial improvements and for those patients who desire buttock augmentation with fat grafts rather than a synthetic implant.
Botox® and synthetic injectable fillers are here to stay and will be the backbone of office and non-invasive cosmetic treatments of the face for years to come. The use of one's own fat remains theoretically appealing, however, and current research suggests that it will ultimately have a slice in the injectable 'pie' in the near future. Because it involves more effort and costs, it role will always be more limited than off-the-shelf products. But its rich source of stem cells and its lack of any rejection issues makes fat a filler material worth working on.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
GPS Running Watches For Beginners
By: Mike Keitmann | 24/11/2009If you are into running and other cross training activities then you should look into GPS running watches.
How to Lose Subcutaneous Fat
By: Sarah Parks | 24/11/2009Subcutaneous fat is the type of fat that is stored right under your skin. It can make you look bloated up and unattractive. This article talks about how to lose fat and develop a lean body.
Children with Anxiety Disorder
By: Tony Pavese | 24/11/2009In a panic attack the problem lies in the fact that . . well, there is no problem. You may feel like it, but believe me, you're not going to die. It's the fear of the fear that you have to overcome. Find out how.
Using Machines to Train your Abs
By: Matt Helphrey | 24/11/2009What are ab machines really good for? Learn the truth about these machines before you go out and spend your hard earned money.
Stretching – an Important Component to a Good Exercise Program
By: Wl Reidhead | 24/11/2009Stretching should be done before each workout but it is often over looked by many weekend warriors and other people that are unfamiliar with proper training methods. By using the correct stretching methods you will find that it is very beneficial to your body and the practice will prevent many long term injuries. I would like to have you review five (5) healthy tips that might help you.
Panic Attack Medication
By: Tony Pavese | 23/11/2009In a panic attack the problem lies in the fact that . . well, there is no problem. You may feel like it, but believe me, you're not going to die. It's the fear of the fear that you have to overcome. Find out how.
Sexy Appealing Tips
By: Jennifer Moore | 23/11/2009It is often said that we eat with our eyes. Though this might sound stupid, think about it for a second. You know that we are attracted by the opposite sex with our eyes. You wouldn't go down on a woman who you weren't attracted to would you? So, we do eat with our eyes first. It is important then when dealing with a new diet that we understand that we do eat with our eyes. It is important because if we don't like what we see, chances are we won't eat it. This is why restaurants put a little bit
Christmas Weight Loss Tips
By: Jennifer Moore | 23/11/2009Christmas is often noted as period for weight gain, but for you it doesn’t have to be. You too can maintain your Christmas weight loss and keep losing weight well into the New Year. Researchers claim that everyone gains on average 1-2lbs during the holiday season – 1-2lbs that are almost impossible to lose - however by simply incorporating the following tips into your Christmas diet you too can prevent this Christmas weight gain and keep your body healthy, happy and fighting fit.
Facelifting in Indianapolis
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 30/10/2008 | FitnessFacelifts result in good improvement in aging jowl and neck regions. What most patients fear about facelifts, however, is that they will have an unnatural result or look strange after. A natural-looking facelift comes from the balance of removing and tightening jowl and neck skin without distorting normal facial features such as the mouth area.
Today's Improved Nosejob Surgery
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 30/10/2008 | FitnessContemporary rhinoplasty (nosejob) surgery frequently uses an open approach to the surgery. By lifting the skin off the tip of the nose, the structures of the nose can be seen and more accurately reshaped. Such an approach lessens the chances of the need for revisional surgery.
What to Do With Scars After Plastic Surgery
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 29/10/2008 | FitnessScars are surgery or an injury are a great concern for many patients. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation as to how to manage scars to get an optimal outcome. This article decribes the seven steps for proper scar management after surgery or repair of a laceration.
The Future of Injectable Fillers and the Use of Fat
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 17/09/2008 | FitnessCosmetic injectable filler treatments today use synthetic compounds that are well tolerated but have a short lifespan. The use of yoru own fat has always been appealing but it is very unpredictable in how much actually survives after injection. New techniques of fat grafting, using stem cell isolation, offers hope of a new kind of injectable filler for the future.
Understanding the Advertising Hype in Plastic Surgery
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 10/09/2008 | FitnessMarketing and advertising in elective cosmetic plastic surgery is common and is a necessary part of this retail medical business. Much of this marketing is based on achieving good results without much downtime or recovery.How much of this is hype and how much is really true?
Beard Skin, Ears and the Male Facelift
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 09/09/2008 | FitnessA facelift in a man poses hair-related issues that are not present in a woman. Beard skin can get displaced onto and into the ear as well as benhind it, posing some new shaving issues. As a result, the issues of a more visible scar in front of the ear and the need to undergo laser hair removal behind the ear after surgery are important issues that men considering having a facelift need to know.
Immunity to Botox - Fact or Fiction?
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 04/09/2008 | FitnessBotox cosmetic injections generally work well for the vast majority of patients. Some patients report that they have developed resistance over time to teh drug with a lessened effect. Like all drugs, acquired immunity to Botox is both possible and enough clinical evidence exists that it is likely a real phenomenon.
Cheap Botox - is it Worth It?
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 04/09/2008 | FitnessThe prevalence and popularity of Botox has led to many discount providers and bargain treatment packaging approaches. Really cheap Botox most likely compromises on using a very diluted weak product, poor injector training and experience, and quality of the treatment environment.