Fibrogel is an injectable treatment that combines fibroblast cells, multiplied from a sample of your own skin, with a plasma gel filler prepared from your own blood. Because every component comes from your own tissue and blood, it is described as an “autologous” treatment.

Fibroblasts are skin cells that produce collagen, the main protein that gives skin firmness and support. With age, their number and activity decline, the skin thins and wrinkles become more visible. With fibrogel, the aim is to give light volume support with the plasma gel while supporting the skin’s collagen structure through the fibroblasts.

It is usually considered for fine wrinkles and mild volume loss. For collagen-supporting options without cell culture, see youth and collagen injections. Research on this approach is ongoing, evidence of its effectiveness is limited and results vary from person to person. Fibrogel should not be seen as a way to remove wrinkles or stop aging.

In Türkiye, cell- and tissue-based applications are subject to Ministry of Health regulation. Fibroblasts are multiplied and applied only within the scope permitted by the regulations, with laboratories and healthcare facilities that hold the required licenses and approvals, and by a physician.

A plasma gel filler is made by separating plasma from a small amount of your blood and turning it into a gel that gives light volume support under the skin. It contains natural blood components such as platelets and fibrin.

Used on its own, it needs no cell culture and can be done the same day. In fibrogel, the gel carries the laboratory-grown fibroblasts. For other treatments prepared from your own blood, see GRP / PRP.

The body gradually absorbs plasma gel, and how long its effect lasts varies from person to person. The doctor decides the gel’s consistency and amount for each area. Because it is made from your own blood, the risk of allergy is considered low, which may be worth discussing if you are sensitive to some filler materials; suitability is decided at your examination.

Because the cells are multiplied in a laboratory, the whole process takes a few weeks.

For a few days beforehand, pause blood-thinning medicines and supplements such as aspirin, high-dose omega-3 and vitamin E, after checking with your doctor. If you take blood thinners, do not stop them on your own.

1. Consultation: You are examined at our Nişantaşı clinic and the treatment areas are planned.
2. Skin sample: A small skin sample is taken, usually under local anesthetic.
3. Cell culture: The sample goes to the laboratory, where fibroblasts are separated and multiplied under special conditions.
4. Plasma gel: On treatment day, blood is drawn and a gel is prepared from the plasma.
5. Mixing: The multiplied fibroblasts are combined with the plasma gel.
6. Injection: The mixture is injected into the target areas with a fine needle.

The sampling site is covered with a bandage and you can usually return to your day straight away; nothing else is needed while the cells grow. The blood draw is like a routine blood test.

After the injections, you can usually go back to your routine. Redness and mild swelling usually settle within a few days. Avoid pressing on the treated area on the first day.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are ready-made products often used for volume loss and gradually absorbed by the body. Fibrogel is prepared from your own cells and blood.

• Preparation: Hyaluronic acid filler can be done the same day; fibrogel needs cells grown first.
• Content: Hyaluronic acid is a ready-made product; fibrogel is made from your own components.
• Aim: Hyaluronic acid gives direct volume support; fibrogel also aims to support the collagen structure.
• Onset: Hyaluronic acid shows its effect immediately; any change with fibrogel develops more slowly.

There is not enough comparative data to show that fibrogel lasts longer than hyaluronic acid fillers. The right method depends on the degree of volume loss, skin quality and your expectations, and is decided at your examination. For marked volume loss, options such as facial filler may be more suitable.

Because fibrogel is made from your own cells and blood, the risk of allergy is considered low, but side effects may occur:

• At the injection site: Redness, swelling, bruising and temporary tenderness.
• Irregularity: Some people may feel temporary swelling or unevenness in the treated area.
• Infection: Rare, but possible at both the sampling site and the injection points.
• At the sampling site: Mild tenderness and a small mark.
• At the blood draw site: A small bruise.

If the cells do not multiply enough, treatment may be postponed. If you notice increasing pain, warmth, discharge or fever, contact your doctor without delay. Because long-term data are limited, the possible benefits and risks should be discussed in detail with your doctor beforehand.