Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetic Surgery: Hope or Hype?

The document from 2014 discusses the potential of regenerative medicine in aesthetic surgery, focusing on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. PRP, derived from a patient's own blood, releases growth factors that aid in tissue regeneration and has been used in various medical fields, including aesthetics, for skin rejuvenation, hair regrowth, and more. However, standardized protocols for PRP preparation and application were lacking at the time. Stem cell therapy, particularly using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and other stem cells from the hair follicle, was being explored for applications such as 'stem cell face lifts' and treatment of wrinkles and scars. Despite the excitement around these therapies, the document emphasizes the need for further research to establish standardized clinical protocols. The author concludes that while there is scientific evidence supporting the role of PRP and stem cells in tissue regeneration, their wide application in cutaneous and aesthetic surgery requires more investigation.