Adipose-derived stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells taken from fat tissue. These cells, also found in bone marrow, can turn into different cell types and send signals to surrounding cells, and fat is one of their more accessible sources. Only cells from your own tissue are used, never another person’s.

After a small amount of fat is taken, it is processed into a cell mixture called the “stromal vascular fraction” (SVF). Besides mesenchymal stem cells, SVF contains other cells such as blood vessel cells and immune cells. SVF therapy means delivering this mixture, obtained from your own fat tissue, to the treatment area on the same day.

The aim is to support the tissue’s own repair and renewal processes. Research in this area is ongoing; for aesthetic uses, evidence of effectiveness is limited and results vary from person to person.

In Türkiye, stem cell and other cell- or tissue-based applications are subject to Ministry of Health regulation. These applications are performed only within the scope permitted by the regulations, with the required licenses and approvals, and by a physician.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is growth-factor-rich plasma obtained by spinning your own blood in a centrifuge, used to stimulate tissue repair. For details, see GRP / PRP.

SVF therapy delivers cells from fat tissue, rather than blood, directly to the treatment area, aiming to bring the cells themselves, not only their signals.

• Source: PRP comes from blood; SVF comes from fat tissue.
• Content: PRP contains platelets and growth factors; SVF contains different cell types, including stem cells.
• Procedure: PRP needs only a blood draw; SVF needs a small fat harvest.

The right method is decided at your examination, and for many people simpler methods such as PRP may be considered first. There is not enough comparative data to show that SVF therapy is superior to PRP.

At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, your health and medications are reviewed first, with blood tests if needed, and the donor area is chosen.

For one week beforehand, pause blood-thinning medicines and supplements such as aspirin, omega-3 and vitamin E, after checking with your doctor. If you take prescribed blood thinners, do not stop them without asking the prescribing doctor.

1. Numbing: The donor area is cleaned and a regional (nerve block) local anesthetic is given.
2. Fat harvest: About 15 cc of fat tissue is taken with a special cannula.
3. Processing: The tissue is processed in a closed, sterile system to prepare the cell mixture. This system also includes a light-based step (photoactivation) and a step that makes the mixture uniform.
4. Injection: The prepared mixture is injected into the treatment area.

Because only local anesthetic is used, no general anesthesia or anesthesia team is needed, and it can be done in a clinic under sterile conditions. The process takes about one hour, and you can usually return to your routine afterward.

After an examination, SVF therapy may be considered for these purposes in suitable people:

• Skin quality: To support skin affected by age-related thinning, dullness and loss of elasticity.
• Skin radiance: To help the skin look more vibrant.
• Hair loss: In androgenetic (genetic and hormonal) hair loss in women and men, on its own or to support a hair transplant.

With hair loss, the cause is investigated first; vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems or hormonal causes take priority. Simpler options for supporting the scalp include hair PRP / GRP and hair mesotherapy.

These applications do not restore lost hair or aging skin to their former state. Any benefit varies from person to person, and some people may see no noticeable change. When used for hair loss, any change can only be assessed over months, because hair grows slowly.

Because your own tissue is used, the risk of allergy is considered low, but side effects can still occur:

• At the fat harvest site: Tenderness, bruising, swelling and, rarely, firmness or unevenness.
• At the treatment area: Redness, swelling and small bruises at the injection points.
• Infection: Rare, but possible if sterile conditions are not followed.
• Reactions to anesthetic: Rarely, dizziness or an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic.

Most side effects pass within a few days. If you notice increasing pain, redness, warmth, discharge or fever, contact your doctor without delay. Long-term safety data are limited, so the possible benefits and risks should be discussed in detail with your doctor beforehand.