Stem cells signify the cutting edge in all corners of the medical world. The ability of stem cells to regenerate and revitalise human tissue holds boundless potential for the world of restorative and cosmetic medicine. Sydney plastic surgeon Dr John Flood is at the forefront of these discoveries in Australia, and is investigating the possibilities of using stem cells to alleviate pain, regenerate tissue and rejuvenate the appearance.
He explains that an evolution in stem cell research has opened up a new realm of opportunities. Where once the focus was on the differentiation paths of stem cells – or which cell types they would give rise to – now the capabilities of stem cells, regardless of their type, is being investigated.
‘Ten years ago, the research revolved around adult stem cell differentiation, or stem cell renewal – for example, adipose (fat) stem cells renew into fat cells and dermal stem cells renew into dermal cells,’ Dr Flood explains.
‘Now, the thinking has evolved and we realise that adult stem cells – no matter what their origin – will stimulate the activity of the surrounding stem cells, regardless of their differentiation paths. The implications of this are profound. For example, when stem cells – usually derived from the patient’s adipose tissue (fatty tissue) – are injected into the skin, they release chemical factors to increase blood vessel formation and boost nutrient and blood infusion into the area. As well as increasing vascularity, the injected stem cells also stimulate the surrounding stem cells – in this case, dermal stem cells – to regenerate and rejuvenate the tissue.
Dr Flood has been using this technique in his rehabilitative patients. He uses autologous, adipose-derived stem cells, which are usually taken from the patient’s love handles, to treat damaged tissue in injured athletes.
‘We harvest the stem cells while the patient is under local anaesthetic – usually from the love handles, where most people have pockets of fat,’ he explains. ‘The sample is centrifuged in a lab and the stem cells are purified. Importantly, we use a regulated and certified lab, where there is no chance of bacterial contamination or cross contamination. The stem cells are then inserted into syringes and returned for use in the clinic.’
According to Dr Flood, the multiple actions of stem cells in the skin – from increasing vascularity to stimulating existing stem cells – not only helps regenerate injured tissue but can also act as an anti-ageing elixir.
‘Adipose stem cells could signify the holy grail of anti-ageing; they work to increase blood flow, stimulate activity of the surrounding stem cells and, because they renew into fat cells, they provide added plumping to the treated area,’ he explains. ‘They act like a conductor of an orchestra – triggering and accelerating natural tissue regeneration, to treat the skin from within.’
Notably, the potential of stem cells is not restricted to stand-alone anti-ageing procedures. Dr Flood says stem cells could also assist in the use of implants and grafts in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. ‘Their capacity to improve vascularity can potentially aid in graft or implant adherence to the surrounding tissue,’ he says.
‘The whole process of ageing is related to wear, oxidation and inflammation – stem cells release factors to counter this wear, reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells work to regenerate the tissue, improve vascularity, combat ageing and give rise to new fat cells to return lustre and vibrancy to the treatment area,’ he concludes.
