What is a Stem Cell Face Lift?

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about celebrities who have undergone “stem cell facelifts” –this new procedure is actually a fat injection process and is not a true facelift at all!

Sometimes called a “liquid facelift” or even a Vampire Face lift, the Stem Cell Facelift refers to fat injections into the face that add volume to facial areas that lack fullness. While a Stem Cell Facelifts is a safe, non-surgical procedure with minimal or no downtime, it cannot correct many of the issues that a true facelift can.

Difference between Stem Cell Facelifts & Actual Facelift

An actual facelift involves an incision (or a series of incisions), in which a plastic surgeon lifts the facial skin and/or the connective tissue underneath, and may also include removal of excess skin. A surgical facelift procedure treats facial laxity and removes sagging and drooping. A full surgical facelift offers results that can last up to 10 years.

During a stem cell facelift, fat cells (and the stem cells within them) are extracted from the patient’s own body (hips, belly, or thighs) via a gentle liposuction procedure. The fat cells are then processes and re-injected into the face by needle to contour and fill-in hollow areas in the cheeks, under-eye, lips and other parts of the face.

While injecting fat into the face can plump lines, folds and wrinkles, these injections do not fix drooping, lax or sagging skin. In fact, fat injections into droopy skin may even cause the skin to sag further! Additionally, the results of stem cell facelifts (fat augmentation) generally can be expected to last only up to two years.

Benefits of Stem Cell Face Lift

Because a stem cell facelift is minimally invasive – using only a small incision to extract the fat – there is little to no downtime or recovery period.

Fat augmentation can be performed by Dr. Ali on its own – but it is often used in addition to the lifting and tightening performed with other actual facelift procedures. So fat augmentation can be a useful tool to plump up certain areas in conjunction with a facelift that tightens the skin and removes laxity.

Downside of Stem Cell Face Lifts

While there is little downtime or risk with fat augmentation (“stem cell facelift”) it cannot correct severe or even moderate laxity and dropping.

“Stem Cell” fat injection to the face is also a fairly costly procedure – especially when compared to other “fillers” (both synthetic and natural) that are on the market. If you simply want to “fill” or plump some areas, Dr. Ali offers less expensive alternatives such as Juvéderm and Renuva, which may be more cost effective for you.

Stem Cell Face Lifts: The Bottom Line

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) all recommend holding off on “stem cell” cosmetic procedures at this time, stating that there really is not enough evidence to support their use at this time.

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation using plumping “fillers” or fat augmentation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to discuss your options.

He has years of experience performing state-of-the-art surgical techniques and tried-and-true procedures – from full face lifts to injectable fillers – that can correct the visible signs of aging.

Top Face Lift Doctor – Birmingham, Mi

If you are considering a facelift Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham surgical office to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

He is a double board certified plastic surgeon, and the Birmingham Michigan area’s top face lift doctor. He has helped hundreds of men and women in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

…