www.womanthismonth.com 57 November 2014 Breakthrough in Science Stem cells have the potential to recognise tissue injury and repair injured cells. There are many clinical trials going on right now with stem cells. They are being used to treat cartilage, joint or ligament damage, cardiac muscle injury, multiple sclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes. Initially, it was thought that the best source of adult stem cells was bone marrow. More recently, however, we’ve learned that fat is a better source as it is abundant and easy to harvest in large quantities. Fat removed from the body is digested and centrifuged. This causes the heavier preadipocytes, which are lodged between the fat cells, to separate out and settle to the bottom, while the lighter fat rises to the top. “In cosmetic surgery, stem cells are isolated and added to fat to fortify fat grafts. They are essential to keep the fat healthy and increase survival rate. They promote new blood vessels bringing vital nutrients to the fat grafts, and decrease known adverse effects like post-operative swelling, bruising, fibrosis and calcification,” says Dr Dean Cunha Gomes. Skin rejuvenation with stem cells done for the face, improves its smoothness, colour blemishes and elasticity. In addition, it has been noted in some studies that grey hair regains its original colour and bald spots have filled in. These cells are being used along with platelet-rich plasma for dermal regeneration to improve lines, wrinkles and scars due to severe acne. They are being used in burn scars and long-standing ulcers to regenerate skin and soft tissue. Call 17 246-800. At the Royal Aesthetic Centre, in the Royal Bahrain Hospital, consultant plastic surgeon Dr Dean Cunha Gomes describes a cutting-edge technology being used in aesthetic surgery.
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