Regenerative Medicine, or How to Regenerate Winter-Tired Skin?
We ask ourselves whether aesthetic medicine treatments will help rejuvenate our skin and "wake it from its winter sleep" so that it looks natural. Yes, if you use treatments that the constantly developing regenerative medicine is famous for. They are an increasingly popular method of facial skin rejuvenation, not only because of good and natural effects, but also for safety reasons.
Regenerating treatments rejuvenate on the one hand, and simply delay the ageing process on the other. Remember that the ability to naturally rebuild tissues, including those forming the skin, cyclically decreases. That is why it is worth acting preventively from the age of 25 – it is then, although we cannot see it with the naked eye, that our skin begins to age. Early anti-ageing prevention can result in a much better skin condition in the future. This does not mean, however, that regenerating treatments are only for younger people – patients of all ages can use them, and they are especially recommended in winter, when skin is usually not in its best condition and needs regeneration.
Regenerative aesthetic medicine
It was only a matter of time before regenerating treatments started taking over aesthetic medicine clinics around the world. Years ago it turned out that they give excellent effects in skin regeneration, which is why autologous fat tissue transplants, stem cell treatments and PRP platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy appeared in the offer of good aesthetic medicine clinics.
- Regenerative medicine uses the natural mechanisms of tissue restoration. Regenerative processes are stimulated in a minimally invasive way and without artificial substances. In their case, the risk of allergic reactions has been practically reduced to zero. Importantly, rejuvenation here is an indirect effect, resulting primarily from improved skin quality – explains Dr Elzbieta Mlynska-Krajewska, Medical Director of the Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine Clinic of Dr Andrzej Krajewski in Kolobrzeg, Poland.
Regenerative medicine treatments are intended mainly for people who want to improve the appearance of their skin while achieving the most natural effects. They are eagerly used by patients who cannot or simply do not want to afford a long return to daily activities. After each of these treatments, the recovery period is short and easy to go through. Most often it is enough to follow post-treatment recommendations such as home care or avoiding sauna and sun. Most important in all this, however, are the enormous regenerative possibilities, depending on the therapeutic method applied by the doctor.
Hits of regenerative medicine
One of the most versatile and for years eagerly chosen regenerating treatments is needle mesotherapy, involving injection of a cocktail of active substances deep into the skin. One of its uses is deep skin hydration, although no less important here is stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. With a suitable preparation chosen by the doctor, immediate skin revitalisation is achieved, as well as smoothing wrinkles, eliminating photo-damage or reducing acne scars. After the treatment, skin looks rested. Mesotherapy can also nourish the scalp, inhibiting hair loss and stimulating new growth.
A moisturising effect is also shown by another regenerative medicine treatment – Sunekos®. It is a combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids, including glycine, proline, lysine and leucine, stimulating the regeneration of the extracellular matrix, more specifically – the production of elastin and collagen. – The treatment works in multiple directions, because it simultaneously moisturises, smooths wrinkles and provides volumetric effects. Sunekos® works not only in revitalising the face, but also the neck, decolletage, hands, arms, skin under the knees and the inner thighs. The preparation is delicate enough to be used even for reducing dark circles under the eyes – says Dr Elzbieta Mlynska-Krajewska. It works regardless of the patient's age, although depending on how advanced the ageing process is, the Sunekos® 200 or Sunekos® 1200 line is used. The type of problem treated and the patient's skin condition also influence the choice of one of three administration techniques: microbolus, IFT® interstitial fluid or cannula.
Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma
Ever since the option appeared on the market, the stem cell method – CGF – has enjoyed great popularity in regenerative aesthetic medicine. It is an innovative therapy using the patient's own stem cells and growth factors obtained from blood – thanks to a novel process of processing it in a cell separator. The task of both is to synergistically create and regenerate skin cells. This is the phenomenon of stem cells, which have an incredible ability to adapt to any cells among which they find themselves, while growth factors additionally stimulate renewal and revitalisation. The mechanism of the treatment is therefore natural, completely safe, with no risk of allergies or complications. There are several types of the treatment. CGF LIQUID is mesotherapy with growth factors and stem cells, which works for fine wrinkles, hair loss and skin revitalisation. CGF HARMONY causes longer and stronger skin regeneration and wrinkle reduction. CGF ONE focuses on small treatment areas (backs of hands, eye and mouth area), providing visible rejuvenation and increased firmness.
Another method is the use of platelet-rich plasma. What does the treatment look like? In the first stage, the doctor takes blood from the patient. It is placed in a centrifuge to isolate plasma with blood platelets. The resulting product is injected into the patient following classic mesotherapy, or linearly, along a fold or wrinkle. Blood platelets in platelet-rich plasma produce specific growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration processes, support the creation of new blood vessels, activate stem cells, and stimulate fibroblasts to create collagen. In short: skin becomes smoother and more elastic.
Regenerative medicine is a relatively young field. Although it is still a new trend, many methods have already been created that can be used within this medicine, and new ones keep appearing. A good example is the Linerase collagen treatment. Atelocollagen Linerase administered by injection stimulates the production of new fibroblasts, rejuvenating the skin. As befits a new-generation skin-rebuilding product, it is a bioactive preparation that does not cause allergic reactions.
They say the future of the increasingly used regenerative medicine is stem cells, yet the range of regenerative medicine treatments is extensive, with options dedicated by age and patient expectations. Remember, however, that treatments must be repeated with a frequency appropriate to age.