Liposuction, tummy tucks, skin reduction. When considering aesthetic procedures, we often think through the lens of subtraction. We talk about getting rid of what no longer serves us, removing excess, and re-contouring parts of our silhouette we wish to change.
But regenerative medicine is shifting this paradigm. Excess tissue that was once considered surgical waste is becoming increasingly recognized as one of the most vital biological resources we all possess. The surplus adipose tissue (fat) targeted and extracted during these procedures are actually dense, rich reservoirs of adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), the very building blocks of your body’s repair system.
If you’re considering a body contouring procedure that includes the removal of fat (including some skin removal procedures), you not only have the opportunity to reshape your body, but secure a new foundation for your future health.
From excess fat to extra building blocks for your body
For decades, bone marrow was considered the primary source of stem cells. However, research has also shown that adipose tissue also contains a high frequency of MSCs.
What’s more, adipose-tissue-derived stem cells have shown stronger immunosuppressive effects than bone-marrow-derived stem cells. As the engineers of the human body, they help modulate inflammation, to promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and stimulate the production of Type I and Type III collagen.
In a clinical setting, these cells represent a biological gold mine that could be used for:
- Precision aesthetics: Using your youngest cells to naturally rejuvenate skin texture and volume.
- Accelerated wound healing: Enhancing recovery from injuries or complex wounds by deploying your body's native growth factors to speed up tissue repair.
- Orthopedic regeneration: Promoting cartilage regeneration to support joint arthritis or tendon injury treatments.
One procedure for a lifetime of therapies
One of the most compelling aspects of collecting MSCs during an aesthetic procedure is the seamless integration. Because stem cells are extracted from your excess fat tissue, there’s no need for additional appointments or an additional recovery period beyond recovery already planned for your procedure.
- During Liposuction: As a surgeon performs lipoaspiration to contour the body, the fat is typically suctioned into a canister and discarded as biohazard waste. During a collection, a portion of this lipo-aspirate is preserved. It is a gentle, efficient way to capture millions of viable stem cells.
- During Tummy Tucks and Skin Reductions: Procedures involving the excision of skin such as an abdominoplasty or skin removal after weight loss also typically include some adipose tissue collection close to the skin. This discarded tissue is also a premium biological asset, dense with the very MSCs that drive dermal regeneration.
The best time to freeze your stem cells is today
The decision to collect, freeze, and store your stem cells now is a strategic one. As we age, our stem cells age with us. As we get older, their proliferation rates decrease and they show increased signs of senescence, or cellular aging6.
By banking these cells during a scheduled procedure, you help ensure that if you need these cells ten or twenty years down the line, you have access to your youngest, most viable stem cells7. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, you’re choosing a proactive shift from reactive healthcare to a proactive approach to promoting your longevity.
Own your years with Forever Labs
At Forever Labs, we believe that your health should be proactive, not reactive. As the first ISO-certified biobank in the U.S., we provide the bridge between today’s aesthetic procedures and tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs.
We’ve built (and continue to grow!) one of the largest networks of board-certified surgeons across the country to ensure your tissue collection is handled with the highest clinical standards. Once collected, your cells are processed in our ISO-accredited lab and securely stored in our U.S.-based biobanks.
Your journey doesn't have to end with surgery. It could be the beginning of a lifetime of personalized health. Ask your provider about freezing your stem cells during your next procedure.
References
- Hass, R., et al. (2011). "Adipose Tissue-Derived Multipotent Stromal Cells Have a Higher Immunomodulatory Capacity Than Their Bone Marrow-Derived Counterparts." Stem Cells International.
- Murphy, M. B., et al. (2013). "Mesenchymal stem cells: environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine." Experimental & Molecular Medicine.
- Casado-Díaz, A., et al. (2020). "The Role of MSC in Wound Healing, Scarring and Regeneration." Cells.
- Zuk, P. A., et al. (2002). "Human Adipose Tissue Is a Source of Multipotent Stem Cells." Molecular Biology of the Cell.
- Frese, L., et al. (2016). "Adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC) enriched fat grafting: Optimization of preparation and clinical applications." Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
- Choudhery, M. S., et al. (2014). "Donor age negatively influences the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells." Stem Cell Research & Therapy.
- Liu, J., et al. (2023). "Age effect on mesenchymal stem cell properties: A concise review." Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics.
