What is Stem Cell Therapy (Fibrocell)?

Throughout the history of medicine, humankind has tried countless methods to stop or reverse the effects of aging. While traditional aesthetic approaches generally focus on concealing existing damage (fillers, makeup, etc.) or surgically removing damaged tissue; the 21st-century understanding of regenerative medicine aims to achieve biological rejuvenation by using the body’s own repair mechanisms. At the pinnacle of this understanding is Fibrocell Stem Cell Therapy, obtained from a person’s own cells and known as “Autologous Fibroblast Culture”. This method involves multiplying “Fibroblast” cells, which are the source of youth in the skin but decrease over time, in a laboratory environment and returning them to the skin.Especially in cities like Izmir, where the number of sunny days is very high throughout the year, the number one cause of skin aging is “Photoaging” (Sun damage). UV rays kill fibroblast cells in the dermis layer of the skin and disrupt their DNA structure. This leads to the skin being unable to produce collagen, thinning, and wrinkling. Fibrocell treatment, for patients in Izmir, is not just an aesthetic procedure, but also a biological “Cell Transplant” aimed at repairing cellular damage caused by the sun. Instead of injecting a foreign substance or synthetic filler, this treatment aims to rebuild the skin using the person’s own young and dynamic cells, and is considered the future of medical aesthetics.

What are Fibroblasts? The Architects of the Skin

To understand Fibrocell treatment, it is first necessary to know what a “Fibroblast” cell is. Fibroblasts are the main cells found in the dermis, the middle layer of our skin, and form the skin’s skeleton.

The main function of these cells is; The goal is to produce collagen fibers, which give the skin its firmness, elastin fibers, which provide skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid, which retains skin moisture. In other words, fibroblasts are the skin’s factory. However, from the age of 25 onwards, the number and production capacity of fibroblasts decrease every year. By the time people reach their 40s or 50s, or when exposed to intense sunlight, the number of these cells falls below a critical level, and the skin sags due to gravity. Fibrocell treatment aims to replace these depleted “worker cells.”

Fibrocell Treatment Process: Laboratory and Application

Fibrocell is not an ordinary clinical procedure; it is a biotechnology process performed in advanced technology laboratories approved by the Ministry of Health and adhering to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. The treatment consists of three main stages:

1. Step 1: Tissue Sample Collection (Biopsy)

The procedure begins with taking a pea-sized (3-4 mm) piece of skin from behind the patient’s ear (the area least exposed to sun damage and genetically the youngest area). This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, is painless, and does not require stitches. The collected tissue is placed in a special transfer solution and sent to the laboratory via cold chain. Step 2: Cell Production (Culture Process)

The tissue, upon reaching the laboratory, undergoes special processing to isolate the fibroblast cells. These cells are then multiplied in a culture medium for approximately 4-6 weeks. The goal is to obtain millions (usually 20-40 million) of pure and young fibroblast cells. Step 3: Injection (Application)

The cells, once sufficiently numerous, are returned to the clinic in sterile vials. The physician injects these living cells into the patient’s problem areas (face, neck, décolleté, etc.) using the mesotherapy technique (with very fine needles). The application is usually done in 3 sessions with 3-4 week intervals.

Photoaging and Cellular Repair in Izmir

Izmir is a city with a high quality of life but also a high UV index. The main reason for the early signs of aging, deep wrinkles, and spots seen on the skin of people in the Aegean region is sun damage accumulated over the years (Solar Elastosis).

Sunlight “ages” existing fibroblasts and renders them dysfunctional. With Fibrocell treatment, millions of new fibroblast cells injected into the skin settle in this damaged tissue and begin to produce fresh collagen. This process is like turning back the skin’s biological clock. For patients in Izmir, Fibrocell is not just an aesthetic concern, but also a preventive medical application that strengthens the skin’s defense mechanism.

Areas of Use: Not Just Facial Rejuvenation

Fibrocell treatment has a very wide range of uses. It can be applied to any area where skin quality needs to be improved:

Facial and Neck Rejuvenation: Removal of deep wrinkles and tightening of the skin.
Acne Scar Treatment: It is one of the most effective methods to repair tissue loss, especially in pitted (atrophic) acne scars. Your own cells fill those gaps.

ChroniWounds: Provides tissue repair in the treatment of non-healing wounds (diabetic foot, etc.).
Hair Loss: Slows down hair loss by strengthening the tissue that nourishes the hair follicles.
Lip Augmentation: Can be used for natural and permanent lip fullness (for those who do not want synthetic fillers).

Comparison of Fibrocell and Other Aesthetic Applications

The most frequently asked question by patients is the difference between Fibrocell and fillers or PRP. The following table summarizes these differences from a scientific perspective:

Feature	Fibrocell (Stem Cell)	Dermal Filler	PRP Treatment
Main Material	The person’s multiplied living cells.	Hyaluronic Acid Gel.	Growth factors in the blood.
Mechanism of Action	Transfer of new “worker” cells (Production).	Camouflage by adding volume.	Existing cells Warning.
Durability	Long Years (4-5 Years).	6 – 18 Months.	Short/Medium (Repeat needed).
Onset of Effect	Starts late (3-6 months), lasts a long time.	Immediately visible.	Starts quickly, lasts a short time.
Naturalness	100% Natural and Autologous.	Synthetic/Semi-synthetic.	100% Natural.

Post-Treatment Expectations and Process

Fibrocell treatment is a process that requires patience. Unlike filler applications, you won’t see a dramatic change immediately upon leaving the clinic. This is because it’s not a “camouflage” process, but a “biological repair” process.

It takes time for the injected cells to adapt to the tissue, multiply, and begin producing collagen. The first visible effects (brightness, vitality) usually begin after the 2nd session. Skin tightening and wrinkle reduction become noticeable from the 6th month onwards, and the effect continues to increase until the 12th month. Clinical studies show that the effect of Fibrocell treatment lasts an average of 4-5 years and slows down the skin’s aging process.

Who is it suitable for?

Fibrocell treatment is suitable for anyone who wants to use their own cells and does not have an allergy risk.

Those who don’t want synthetic fillers.
Those who want to permanently get rid of acne scars.
Those with deep wrinkles and loss of elasticity in their skin.
Those who want to make a natural and long-term rejuvenation investment.

Result: Slowing Down the Biological Clock

In short; the answer to the question “What is Stem Cell Therapy (Fibrocell)?” is the most advanced biological point reached by medical aesthetics. This method, instead of temporarily tightening or filling the skin, is a process of “restoring youth” to the skin by multiplying the cells that carry the skin’s youth codes with laboratory technology.

If you want to erase the traces left on your skin by time and the sun in Izmir, and rejuvenate completely with your own biology by staying away from synthetic substances, Fibrocell treatment may be the most correct and prestigious option for you. Remember, the best investment is the investment you make in your own cells.

What is Stem Cell Therapy (Fibrocell)?

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