When considering the potential of using our own natural cells to enhance our health, the remarkable healing abilities of the axolotl come to mind. In the animal kingdom, they are masters of regeneration, capable of regrowing limbs, spinal cords, hearts and other organs with remarkable ease. Although we can’t regenerate human limbs or heal instantly just yet, we can harness our own cells to boost hair growth, improve skin and temper the effects of aging. This sector of cosmetic surgery is expanding at an unprecedented rate. “We are at the intersection of personalized aesthetics and regenerative medicine,” explains Dr. Terri Phillips, vice president and global head of medical affairs at Merz. “It’s about optimizing health and wellness in the most natural ways, from the inside out.”
Noting the evolving nature of these treatments, La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD says, “While these techniques hold great promise, there is inherent variability in the extent of improvement.” Despite this unpredictability, a renewed emphasis on all things “natural” has fueled this interest in boosting our ability to regenerate tissues that diminish with age.
Vitality Boost
To unlock the power of our own cells for better skin and hair, we just have to look at platelets and exosomes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is derived from our own blood, is at the forefront of this revolution in regenerative aesthetics. PRP, rich in growth factors, can stimulate collagen production and hair follicle regrowth. Miami facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist Anthony Bared, MD says PRP is an integral part of his hair restoration procedures. “They optimize follicle regrowth and stabilizing hair loss,” he adds. “It’s a safe, minimally invasive treatment that helps improve hair restoration surgery results.” Similarly, exosomes are lab-cultured human cells that are isolated, purified and then used in treatments for their rejuvenating properties. They facilitate cell-to-cell communication, promoting youthful cell activity. “PRP’s benefits are well-studied,” says New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD, who suggests monthly treatments. “Exosomes are newer and in a little bit more of a gray area. They are also very expensive, so we may use them once instead of monthly like PRP.”
Secretome Surge
In the quest for natural beauty, secretomes are also emerging as powerful rejuvenation tools. These complex mixtures of proteins, lipids and growth factors, harvested from human cells (cultured in labs), stimulate cells to enhance collagen production, promote wound healing and improve skin elasticity and moisture retention. “Platelet-derived secretomes are gaining attention for their regenerative properties,” says Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD. “They consist of proteins and exosomes released by platelets that aid in tissue repair and regeneration.” Leading the charge in utilizing these “biology-based actives” is Carmell Cosmetics, which includes secretomes as a hero ingredient in its Regenerative Elixir. Miami plastic surgeon Adam Rubinstein, MD adds, “Secretomes are highly specific for their healing and anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective for visibly improving the skin and reducing brown spots and redness.”
Collagen Club
Biostimulatory fillers take a proactive approach to skin care by stimulating collagen production over time. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers that give immediate volume, biostimulatory fillers such as Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) and Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) provide a fill, but also work gradually to improve skin quality. “Radiesse stimulates collagen and elastin production through its calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres,” explains Dr. Phillips. “The body responds by forming a scaffold that allows the body’s fibroblasts—the cells that produce collagen—to lay on top and stimulate growth.”
Injectable skin treatments are also being used to activate a natural glow. FDA-approved SKINVIVE by Juvéderm injections deliver microdroplets of hydrating hyaluronic acid for instant plumping and smoothing effects. Recently gaining traction in the treatment room are polynucleotides, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian serving as early adopters of the “salmon sperm facial.” Polynucleotides are “naturally derived from fragments of fish germ cells, usually salmon, and contain highly purified DNA molecules extracted from the fish gonads,” explains New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD. “They are believed to enhance skin hydration, and are often injected in the under-eye area to reduce dark circles.”
Treatments like Ultherapy and Sofwave also promote tissue tightening via energy delivery, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. “Ultherapy uses ultrasound to target areas demonstrating signs of aging, tightening tissue at the appropriate depth,” explains Dr. Phillips. “It generates micro-focused energy points that stimulate new collagen and elastin production.”
Filing Station
The ultimate body shaper lies within. While fat transfer has traditionally augmented various body areas, fat availability is scarce these days. “Fat has been used for many years for augmentation and to build up tissue where there’s a deficiency,” explains Dr. Singer. “The problem with patients who have found success with GLP-1 medications is that they no longer have a lot of fat to use.” Enter “Auto Aug” or auto augmentation, a technique more surgeons are using to reshape the breasts and buttocks using otherwise discarded tissue.
Portsmouth, NH plastic surgeon Anthony Wilson, MD frequently combines auto augmentation with breast lifts. “We use a keyhole incision to reposition tissue upward, enhancing upper pole fullness without implants,” he explains. This not only enhances fullness, but also provides structural support. “By repositioning tissue, we leave behind non-skin residual tissue, creating a longer-lasting lift and natural shaping. It’s like a push-up bra effect, using your own tissue.”
Adipose tissue alternatives such as Renuva are proving invaluable for restoring volume, providing additional “natural” contouring options. As our understanding of regenerative aesthetics advances, attitudes toward what we put into our bodies are evolving without compromising safety. “Embracing these treatments holds promising potential,” says Dr. Phillips. “By harnessing our innate regenerative capabilities, notable improvements in skin quality, hair growth and overall aesthetics can be achieved.”
