SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)

The medical field continues to explore the potential offered by stem cell-based treatments. One example of these treatments is the method known as SVF or Stromal Vascular Fraction. SVF represents a treatment approach that uses cells from our own body to promote healing and support rejuvenation. Here's what you need to know about the SVF method and its effects in the field of health.

SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)

What is SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)?

SVF defines a cell population obtained from adipose tissue (fat). Adipose tissue contains various cell types, including stromal vascular fraction. These cells are divided into two main categories: stromal cells and vascular cells.

Stromal Cells: Primarily composed of multipotent cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), these cells can potentially differentiate to regenerate and heal various tissues.

Vascular Cells: They play a crucial role in the formation and remodeling of blood vessels.

SVF stem cell treatment, also known as Stromal Vascular Fraction stem cell therapy, is a method becoming increasingly popular in medical aesthetics. This treatment is applied for purposes such as skin rejuvenation, hair loss, wound healing, and other aesthetic concerns, using cells obtained from the individual's own body fat.

Benefits of SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) Stem Cell Treatment:

• Skin Rejuvenation: SVF stem cell therapy can contribute to a younger and livelier appearance of the skin. The injected SVF cells may increase collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin texture tightness and elasticity, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Wrinkle Reduction: SVF treatment may help reduce deep wrinkles on the face. The regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other cells can contribute to achieving smoother and younger-looking skin.

• Correction of Skin Tone: SVF stem cell treatment can address uneven skin tone, sunspots, and pigmentation issues. SVF cells may regulate melanin production, resulting in a more homogeneous skin tone.

• Treatment of Acne Scars: SVF therapy can support the renewal and healing of the skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

• Prevention or Treatment of Hair Loss: SVF treatment targets strengthening hair follicles, aiming to prevent or treat hair loss. The positive effects of mesenchymal stem cells on hair follicles can help achieve thicker and healthier-looking hair.

• Promotion of Wound Healing: SVF cells can stimulate tissue regeneration to accelerate wound healing. Therefore, it can be used to speed up the healing of burns, wounds, or scar tissue.

• Natural and Personalized Treatment: SVF treatment is applied with cells obtained from the patient's own body fat. Hence, tissue compatibility and the risk of side effects are minimal. This treatment, utilizing the patient's own tissues, provides more natural and personalized results.

• Minimal Invasive Procedure: SVF stem cell treatment is generally a minimally invasive procedure. Administered through injections under local anesthesia, patients can typically return to their daily activities shortly after the treatment.

How is SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) Stem Cell Treatment Performed?

Fat Extraction: The treatment starts with the extraction of fat through liposuction, usually from areas with local fat excess.

Processing of Fat Tissue: The extracted fat tissue undergoes a specialized processing procedure. Cells in the fat tissue are separated through steps such as enzymatic digestion and centrifugation.

Obtaining SVF: This process results in obtaining stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a cell mixture derived from fat tissue.

Composition of SVF: SVF includes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), stromal cells, and vascular cells.

Application of SVF Stem Cell Treatment: SVF obtained is then injected into the skin or scalp, depending on the purpose of the treatment. Injections are typically performed under local anesthesia.

Where is SVF Obtained?

Stem cells can be obtained from embryos, fetuses, and various tissues in the human body, including bone marrow, blood, and fat tissue. Human-sourced embryonic stem cells are ethically obtained only with special permission and for scientific research in some countries. An exception is stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood.

Stem cells used for routine medical treatments are adult stem cells, which are precursor cells capable of differentiating into specific tissue cells and are not embryonic stem cells. Recent studies have shown that connective tissue-derived cells obtained from fat tissue are highly effective in completing tissue deficiencies and promoting rejuvenation.

Adult stem cells are found in all tissues. However, due to the slow tissue loss spread over time in the aging process, they are not effectively stimulated, leading to sagging and wrinkles due to gravitational forces on the skin.

In the past, stem cells could only be obtained from bone marrow, and the process was painful, challenging, and time-consuming. Recent scientific studies have shown that stem cells are approximately 500 times more abundant in fat tissue. Technological advancements now allow the separation of stem cells from fat tissue, making it possible to enrich stem cells within fat.

The primary factor in skin aging is the loss of elastin fiber properties and a decrease in collagen fibers. Aging, causing a loss of skin elasticity, leads to sagging and wrinkles.

How is SVF Application Performed?

The process begins with local liposuction from a region with excess fat, performed under local anesthesia. The extracted fat is then processed through specialized centrifugation to separate stem cells. The stem cell-enriched adipose tissue is applied to the desired areas through mesotherapy. SVF is a highly comfortable procedure performed in a clinical setting, taking approximately 30 minutes, and individuals can return to their daily activities immediately after the application.

Who is Suitable for SVF-Supported Adipose Tissue Transfer Treatment?

As deformations in the skin become more pronounced over time, minimal invasive methods have become popular, and the desire for rejuvenation with minor touches has increased. Since genetic differences in individuals are as crucial as environmental conditions in wear and tear, a detailed evaluation is essential for treatment planning. The decision for the procedure is made based on a thorough examination of the individual's current situation.

Stem (SVF) cell treatment can be performed solely with stem cells or in combination with adipose tissue transfer.