Stem cell mesotherapy is a treatment in which cells obtained from your own tissue are applied to the skin using a mesotherapy technique. Stem cells can turn into different cell types and send signals to surrounding cells; they are found mostly in bone marrow and fat. Only your own cells are used, never another person’s.

Because bone marrow sampling is more complex and carries more risk, fat is generally preferred for aesthetic uses. Depending on the method, the cells may be separated the same day or multiplied in a laboratory.

The aim is to support the skin’s collagen production and renewal process. Research in this area is ongoing, evidence of effectiveness is limited and results vary from person to person. Stem cell mesotherapy should not be seen as a way to replace lost tissue or stop aging.

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.

Stem cell mesotherapy may be considered for different areas where the aim is to support skin quality:

• Face (stem cell facial): For signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness and loss of elasticity.
• Neck: For neck skin that has become thin and less elastic.
• Hands and décolleté: For skin thinned by sun damage and age. For other options, see neck, décolleté and hand treatments.
• Scars: As a support to other treatments for acne, wound or burn scars. See burn, wound and trauma scar treatment.

Stem cell mesotherapy is not suitable for everyone, and simpler options exist for supporting skin quality. GRP / PRP, prepared from your own blood, or mesotherapy with vitamins and hyaluronic acid may be considered first in some cases. The right method is decided at your examination. Whether more than one area can be treated in the same session also depends on your expectations and the number of cells obtained.

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

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, never stop them without asking the prescribing doctor.

1. Numbing: A local anesthetic is given to the donor area.
2. Fat harvest: About 15 cc of fat tissue is taken with special cannulas.
3. Cell separation: The tissue is processed in a device used to separate the cells.
4. Light step: The cells obtained are exposed to infrared light at this stage.
5. Application: The cells are drawn into sterile syringes and delivered to the treatment area with a mesotherapy technique.

With the method in which cells are multiplied in a laboratory, treatment is done at a separate appointment once the cells are ready. All stages are carried out under sterile conditions and by a physician. The donor area is usually covered with a bandage at the end, and you can usually go home the same day.

Because your own tissue is used, the risk of allergy is considered low, but the fat harvest and injections may cause side effects:

• At the donor site: Tenderness, bruising, swelling and, rarely, longer-lasting firmness.
• At the treatment area: Redness, mild swelling and small bruises at the injection points.
• Infection: Rare, but possible at both the donor site and the treatment area.
• Reactions to local anesthetic: Rarely, dizziness or an allergic reaction.

Most 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 before deciding.

Frequency is decided at your examination; stem cell mesotherapy is generally planned as a treatment that may be repeated once a year.

Changes in the skin’s collagen structure take time, so any effect is assessed over weeks and months rather than right away. How noticeable the change is, and how long it lasts, depend on age, the skin’s starting condition, smoking and sun protection.

Stem cell mesotherapy does not give a lasting result. Because aging continues, regular skin care and sun protection remain important.

It is not designed for deep wrinkles, marked sagging or volume loss, which are assessed separately. Realistic expectations are an important part of the decision.