Repurposing Fat to Our Advantage with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Categories: Body Sculpting5.2 min read

by Stephen Luther, M.D.

Repurposing Fat to Our Advantage with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Revitalize with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Astonishing reservoirs of adult stem cells capable of healing and rejuvenation are stocked within our connective adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat. Like our stored energy in lipids, our fat’s revitalizing stem cells are ready for deployment, and Symbios Medical Spa has the innovative technology to take advantage of their stored potential.

New life is breathed into areas showing signs of wear or aging after Dr. Stephen Luther precisely transfers a concentration of the autologous (self-produced) adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC).

Understanding Adipose

Regular-sized bodies contain 18% to 24% adipose tissue or fat. While too much of this blubbery tissue is typically unhealthy and uncomfortable, a small percentage of body fat is needed. (Symbios encourages fit bodies with less than 100 ml/dL of triglycerides (fat molecules)). Fat’s purpose is often misunderstood; beyond insulation, a cushion of protection for our organs and nerve endings, reserved energy, hormone production, and cell structure, fat contains a goldmine rich in adult stem cells.

Depending on the desired amount of subcutaneous fat just below the skin to be extracted, Symbios Medical Spa performs liposuction with BeautiFill, Alma’s most advanced technology, or a direct excision technique with a minimally invasive micro-liposuction kit. With 400,000 liposuction procedures performed annually in the United States, each yielding 100 mL to 3L of lipoaspirate (fat stem cells), undesirable fat can transition to a new, more beneficial purpose: revitalizing your body.

A Closer Look at the Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that remarkably differentiate into specific types of tissues and are broadly classified into embryonic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are self-renewing adult stem cells that can differentiate into cells found in various tissue types, including bone cells (osteoblasts), cartilage cells (chondrocytes), muscle cells (myocytes), and fat cells (adipocytes). ADSCs are instrumental stem cells because they exhibit the highest proliferation rate, meaning they can multiply more quickly and are harvested with minimal invasiveness.

ADSCs also have the most significant multipotential differentiation, aiding the growth and restoration of various new and old cell types relevant to tissue regeneration and repair. The growth factors and cytokines secreted by ADSCs promote angiogenesis, improving blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to tissues. Additionally, ADSCs improve overall cellular health by promoting bioactive properties like collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. These comprehensive healing tools work from within to rejuvenate skin, repair tissue damage, and address morphological and structural issues.

The Process of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy

A team of experts at Symbios Medical Spa performs the procedure in our modern, comfortable, in-office procedure room. After you are relaxed and the desired area for fat extraction is cleaned and numbed, a small incision is made. Based on your desired outcome, Dr. Luther uses liposuction or micro-liposuction to aspirate the fat through a tubal syringe inserted through the incision. The fat collection is thoroughly purified and centrifuged at our in-house laboratory. The regenerative process begins by cleaning and numbing the area needing repair, followed by precise injections of the rich concentration of ADSC.

Symbios Medical Spa’s Treatments with ADSC

Cosmetic procedures using adipose stem cells can create a biochemical response within our extracellular matrix, providing structural support with the production of elastin and collagen for treatments. Some of our highly recommended treatments are:

Face and Neck

An authentic “facelift” that restores volume and lifts the face to its youthful position
Improved skin texture and tone for more radiant skin
Increased collagen production for healthier skin
Reduction of wrinkles and restoration of a smooth appearance
Uplifting sagging eyelids
Improvement of nasolabial folds
Revision of scars

Hair

Hair follicles on the scalp are stimulated when ADSCs are applied through micro-injections or micro-needling techniques. These stem cells can be injected directly into the scalp, benefiting the vascular system within the dermis that surrounds the hair follicles. This method promotes hair growth and thickness and is an effective option to combat androgenic alopecia.

Females

Autologous fat can add volume to the buttocks, breasts, or vulva tissue, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Males

ADSCs can differentiate into the phenotype of spongy penile tissue in males to help treat erectile dysfunction (ED). They promote vascular and cellular regeneration, with a boost in volume and increased blood flow.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy Benefits

Natural healing potential for damaged or scarred tissue
Practical alternative to invasive surgery with less risk and downtime
Autologous stem cells avoid immune rejection.
Rejuvenates and hydrates aging tissue

Symbios Medical Spa has consultations and additional information on this incredible form of regenerative medicine. Experience the transformative healing power of your stem cells and embrace a future of rejuvenation and wellness at Symbios Medical Spa.

References

Mazini, L., Rochette, L., Admou, B., Amal, S., & Malka, G. (2020). Hopes and Limits of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Wound Healing.International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(4), 1306.
Fraser, J. K., Zhu, M., Wulur, I. H., & Alfonso, Z. (2008). Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.Humana Press EBooks, 59–67.
National Institutes of Health. (2016). Stem Cell Basics. nih.gov; National Institutes of Health. https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/stc-basics
Samsonraj, R. M., Raghunath, M., Nurcombe, V., Hui, J. H., van Wijnen, A. J., & Cool, S. M. (2017). Concise Review: Multifaceted Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Use in Regenerative Medicine.STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, 6(12), 2173–2185.
Miana, V. V., & Prieto González, E. A. (2018). Adipose tissue stem cells in regenerative medicine.Ecancermedicalscience, 12(822).
Moseley, T. A., Zhu, M., & Hedrick, M. H. (2006). Adipose-Derived Stem and Progenitor Cells as Fillers in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 118(Suppl), 121S128S.
Fang, J., Chen, F., Liu, D., Gu, F., & Wang, Y. (2021). Adipose tissue-derived stem cells in breast reconstruction: a brief review on biology and translation.Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 12(1).
Lin, G., Banie, L., Ning, H., Bella, A. J., Lin, C., & Lue, T. F. (2009). Potential of Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6, 320–327.
Fukuoka, H., & Suga, H. (2015). Hair Regeneration Treatment Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Medium: Follow-up With Trichograms.Eplasty, 15, e10.
O’Halloran, N., Courtney, D., Kerin, M. J., & Lowery, A. J. (2017). Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Novel Approaches to Breast Reconstruction: Their Suitability for Tissue Engineering and Oncological Safety.Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research, 11, 117822341772677.

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I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Luther and Dr. Wright. Both are amazing. I have been a patient of Dr. Luther for years and his bedside manners are like no other. Dr. Wright I have seen for the last couple of months. He listens to your concerns and doesn’t rush you. Your concerns matter to both of them and make you feel at ease after each visit. These two are the best of the best. No one can compare to them.

I had the signature facial at Symbios Medical Spa – it was absolutely wonderful. The aesthetician was outstanding – she has a way of making you feel so relaxed and pampered, while taking great care of your skin. The facilities are clean and everything you’d expect in a medical spa. Knowing that Symbios was launched by Dr. Stephen Luther, I felt certain that there would be a focus on doing the best possible for the patient/patient. I was so impressed that I’ve signed up for additional treatments.

Working with Stephanie in pelvic floor physical therapy has been an amazing experience as I had bladder prolapse which improved significantly with therapy. Also other symptoms related to urgency and inability to completely void have also gotten much better. Stephanie is a true professional and has been able to make what could have been an uncomfortable or embarrassing experience feel completely relaxed and normal. She is also able to follow my lead in using humor when it is helpful. She encourages me to do my exercises on my own without preaching. I would recommend Stephanie and this PT for anyone dealing with female related issues. We will also be working on increasing opportunities for more comfortable intimacy with my husband. So everyone is happy.

I recently had a yearly wellness visit at this new facility. It is clean and very welcoming inside. The staff folks were great from start to finish. The appointment was right on time as scheduled. Dr. Luther was very nice and attentive to all I had to say. Following up with an appropriate referral as needed. It is really really nice to have the labs done right there. They do a follow-up telehealth visit to review your labs with you which is really reassuring to the patient. The portal also works very smoothly and is easy to use . Can’t say enough good about my visit.

Dr. Luther, you are a man with a long-term vision! This sort of vision is rare. In my 69 years, I have only seen it in my mother, Pastor Owens, and you. It was quite a feat to leave your corporate medical office to form a new practice, incorporating your vision, time, planning, effort, money, and fortitude. You created a great primary care team and added many more services to focus on the whole person, such as the lab, women’s care, physical therapy, spa, and gym. Your steady and faith-filled leadership meets the needs of the entire person, both inside and out. You have the best bedside manner, bar none.

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