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Dr. Calabria has been at the forefront of stem cell rejuvenation for years, providing his patients with precise and natural-looking results. The stem cell-enriched facelift is a revolutionary facial fat grafting technique that uses adult stem cells augmented with other growth factors. It is used to lift the muscles, recreate the natural framework of the face, and improve poor skin texture. By injecting stem cell-enriched fat into the facial tissues, Dr. Calabria restores lost volume and offers patients a youthful aesthetic that lasts. This cutting-edge procedure is a culmination of more than 20 years of work. It is the natural evolution of the vertical facelift, which Dr. Calabria pioneered nearly a decade ago. 

What Are the Benefits of a Stem Cell Facelift?

  • Long-lasting results
    • Just like a traditional facelift, the results of a stem cell facelift last for many years. The regenerative effects of stem cells mean that your skin does not merely look tighter; instead, the cellular compounds that promote strength and elasticity cause your skin to regenerate, so it feels younger. This means your new look will last longer because your skin acts younger.
  • Restored volume
    • A traditional facelift does not correct facial volume loss. Instead, it moves fat and muscle around to conceal the loss of fat in your face. While this is all well and good, a stem cell facelift does not require that extra step. Instead, the fat injected into the patient’s face contains specialized cells that cause the tissue and fat of your face to regrow, just as it did in your youth.
  • Rejuvenated skin
    • Most plastic surgery takes existing skin and tightens it, creating the appearance of younger and tighter skin. A stem cell facelift doesn’t make the skin look tighter; it tightens the skin directly. A stem cell facelift gives you all the advantages of a traditional facelift and the volume restoration of a dermal filler at the same time.

What Is Discussed During My Stem Cell Facelift Consultation?

Dr. Calabria will meet with you for a consultation to discuss your goals for the stem cell facelift before the operation. He will ensure your desires are achievable, explain how the surgery is performed, and make sure you understand the recovery steps.

How Is a Stem Cell Facelift Performed?

A stem cell facelift is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you should experience no pain during the operation.

The stem cell facelift uses vertical facelift techniques performed in conjunction with stem cell-enriched fat transfers and grafts. This procedure is designed to rejuvenate aging and sagging skin and reverse volume loss in the face. Another benefit of a stem cell facelift is the tightening of the facial skin and muscles.

Liposuction is used to harvest fat from areas of the body with undesired or excessive fat deposits. The harvested fat is purified using the Celution® device, which extracts the desired cells for the treatment. Purified stem cell-enriched fat is injected underneath the facial musculature or into the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) to restore volume to recessed areas. This process avoids blood vessels and directs the regenerative stem cells into locations that can temporarily reverse the aging process in the facial tissues and muscles.

The facial skin is then redraped, repositioned, and lifted vertically to avoid an unsightly, “wind swept” look. This procedure can be completed in the same amount of time as a traditional facelift.

What Is My Stem Cell Facelift Recovery Like?

Because of the sophisticated techniques involved in a stem cell facelift, this procedure requires less recovery time than a traditional facelift. Only two incisions are used, leading to less scarring than other facelift methods. Patients may experience some postoperative discomfort, which they can manage using prescription medications provided by Dr. Calabria. Any bruising and swelling should subside after three weeks, and most patients can resume normal activities within 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Will There Be Scars After My Stem Cell Facelift?

As with any cosmetic surgery, there some scarring will occur around the incision sites. Fortunately, the incision sites are made in the hairline and behind the ear, and so are rarely visible. Moreover, the regenerative effects of stem cell injections will assist in the healing of the incisions. This results in scars that are small, well concealed, and should heal well. All scars naturally heal over time and will heal faster if kept out of direct sunlight.

When Will I See My Stem Cell Facelift Results?

Patients can expect long-term enhancement due to the regenerative nature of the stem cell-enriched fat. Instead of only addressing skin laxity like a traditional facelift, the stem cell facelift addresses several facial concerns. This results in outcomes that are far superior to more traditional approaches to facial rejuvenation, such as traditional fat transfers or dermal fillers.

How Much Will My Stem Cell Facelift Cost?

The cost of a stem cell facelift can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the costs associated with the surgical theater, and similar variables. This makes it difficult for Dr. Calabria to provide you with a price for your facelift until the conclusion of your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Stem Cell Facelift

Who is a candidate for a stem cell facelift?

A stem cell facelift can be performed on any patient with sufficient fat reserves dealing with lax skin or muscles on their face, loss of facial volume, or unwanted wrinkles. Candidates may also be unhappy with their jowls, neck, or smile lines. There is no age requirement for a stem cell facelift; however, our patients see the most dramatic results between the ages of 40 and 60. Because this operation combines liposuction, fat grafting, and a vertical facelift, patients should be healthy before undergoing a stem cell facelift. If you have medical conditions that could impact your health either during the operation or the recovery, please inform Dr. Calabria of the specifics during your consultation. Some relevant conditions that may prevent candidacy include anemia, anorexia, high or low blood pressure, and blood-borne illnesses, such as HIV, HBV, or HCV. 


How is a stem cell facelift different from a traditional fat transfer?

Traditional fat transfer is a face or body contouring procedure used to define muscles and enhance the targeted areas’ appearance. While these injections have a limited number of stem cells within the fat solution, this solution is not concentrated. This means that traditional fat injections do not have the restorative effects of stem cell-enhanced fat injections.


Will a stem cell-enhanced facelift be covered by medical insurance?

Most medical insurance plans do not cover elective or cosmetic surgeries. You should still contact your insurance provider to see if some of your procedures can be covered. If your interest in this procedure is driven by a medically necessary reconstruction, or in response to an accident or injury, then there is a higher chance that medical insurance may cover it. 


Are stem cell injections safe?

Yes. Because the stem cells are extracted from your own fat deposits, there is no risk of rejection. This means that your immune system will not react to the stem cell-enhanced fat as it would to other injections, including side effects like swelling, bruising, or skin discoloration. These symptoms are still possible due to the tools used to perform the vertical facelift, but the severity and length of these symptoms are generally reduced. 


What risks are associated with a stem cell facelift?

While a stem cell facelift is a safe procedure, no surgical operation is entirely risk-free. Some risks that may occur on rare occasion may include:

  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Nerve damage

These risks are low, and Dr. Calabria takes every precaution to minimize them to the best extent possible.