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| NAVIGATOR: Home: Treatment FAQs: Non Surgical: Cell Therapy | 03 September 2010 | ||
Cell Therapyor simply scroll down.
Cell Therapy involves the transplantation of live human or animal cells to replace or repair damaged tissue and/or cells.
Cell Therapy itself has been used successfully in medical history for amongst other things to rebuild damaged cartilage in joints and repair spinal cord injuries. In fact, the theory behind it has been in existence for several hundred years.
The first recorded discussion of the concept of cell therapy can be traced to Phillippus Aureolus Paracelsus (1493-1541), a German-Swiss physician and alchemist who believed that the best way to treat an illness was to use living tissue to restore the ailing. However, the first recorded attempt at cell therapy occurred in 1912 when German physicians attempted to treat children with hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, by using thyroid cells.
Cells used in cell therapy are generally derived from one of either two sources: Allogeneic or Autologous.
In cosmetic treatments Autologous or Allogeneic Cell Therapy, put simply, is using cells to help repair areas of damage, such as scars or lines and wrinkles. It is therefore, in effect, a type of organ transplant. The procedure involves the introduction (by injection or direct placement) of cells extracted originally from yourself or a donor source. In the case of Cell Therapy for the cosmetic repair of skin defects, the relevant cells are those which produce collagen, the building blocks of the skin. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that constitutes one of the primary components of the dermis (second layer of the skin). It forms a network of fibres that gives the skin structure and support. The specialised cells in the skin responsible for forming collagen are called fibroblasts. Hence, these are the cells which require harvesting, growing and multiplying in a laboratory and then replacing into the damaged area. As we age the fibroblasts become more inactive and gradually slow down their collagen production in the skin; so by adding multiple, newly created fibroblasts back into the ageing skin, the body is able to restore the skin’s structure in the same way as would have happened when we were much younger with more active fibroblasts. There are currently two different types of Autologous Cell Therapy available in the
There is only one type of commercially available cell therapy for aesthetic use currently available today using allogeneic fibroblasts sourced from a donor. The use of donor cells has two major advantages:
Firstly, human neonatal cells can be used that are by definition, young and metabolically highly active. In order to produce large quantities of standard fibroblasts, these cells are extensively tested, screened and multiplied in culture. Cells from only one donor will become the source of many vials of VAVELTA®.
Secondly, the use of donor cells means that VAVELTA® is available “off-the-shelf” from an experienced physician, and that taking biopsies (samples of an individual’s cells), culturing and storing these cells is not required.
If you are considering treatment with Cell Therapy, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedures. It can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient.
Please ask a practitioner about anything you don't understand.
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
Autologous Cell Therapy, in this case Isolagen®, can be used to treat lines, wrinkles and scarring on the face, neck, décolletage (the area between the neck and breasts) and the hands. It is used to improve lines and wrinkles such as nasolabial (nose-to-mouth) lines, crow’s feet, marionette lines (corner of the mouth to chin), lines around the lips and to fill out acne and chicken pox scars.
It has also been successfully used to treat burns and scars resulting from burn injuries. In the case of Recell®, this procedure is often used to repair defects in the skin which are much larger, such as burns, scalds, scarring (e.g., surgical scars from skin grafts), hypopigmentation (patchy white areas of skin), such as those produced by vitiligo. Recell® has also been used by some physicians to assist in speeding up the healing process of wounds created by cosmetic treatments such as ablative laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or deep chemical peels.
VAVELTA® introduces fibroblasts into the dermis which produce collagen to restructure and remodel scar tissue and damaged skin improving the feel, function and appearance of the skin.
Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting treatment are very important before you begin the treatment. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner should be able to answer all these questions. Isolagen® Stage 1 – Biopsy A 4mm skin sample is taken from behind the ear under a local anaesthetic using a biopsy punch device by a trained Isolagen® medical professional. One or two resorbable stitches may be used to close this small wound if necessary. This tissue sample is then specially packaged and sent off to the Isolagen® Cellular Facility. Stage 2 – Cell Growth At the laboratory the fibroblasts (the collagen producing cells) are grown to a large quantity using the patented Isolagen® cell expansion process. Stage 3 - Injection After an eight to ten week period, you receive the first treatment of newly grown cells. These will be injected following application of a topical anaesthetic cream or injectable dental block (especially when treatment is near the mouth) to avoid any possible discomfort. This is followed by two more treatments at 30 - 45 days apart. These times depend on how the cells are growing as not all patient’s cells grow at the same rate. Once injected, the fibroblasts integrate and start laying down new collagen. They start to repair the damaged skin and replace the missing cells in the areas where the wrinkles and imperfections have formed. It is important to keep to your allotted appointment times. Your fibroblast cells are living and need to be injected into your skin within 48 hours of leaving the laboratory. They will be sent to your practitioner in a specially designed, temperature controlled tissue container. Your practitioner will advise you as to the best time for you to attend the clinic. Recell® Stage 1 – Biopsy A small skin sample (approximately one to two centimetres square and 0.2 – 0.33mm deep, depending on the size of the treatment area) is taken under local anaesthetic from an area close to the skin that will be treated. The biopsy is taken from an area that is similar to the area to be treated to ensure the same skin consistency and colour. For example, if your face is being treated, the sample would be taken from behind the ear, but if your hand is being treated it would be taken from the other hand or the foot. Stage 2 – Cell Growth & Treatment Area Preparation Whilst the area to be treated is prepared, (this is done using such techniques as dermabrasion or ablative skin resurfacing lasers, to create the best surface (wound) for accepting the new skin cells), the skin sample will be placed into the ReCell® kit which will separate the cells, creating a cell ‘suspension’ which allows them to be sprayed onto the treatment area. The ReCell® device has specialised compartments that help to separate skin cells and uses a special formulation of an enzyme called Trypsin to process them and then places them in the special spray fluid. (Trypsin is naturally found in the pancreas and is used to break down food.) Stage 3 - Spray This cell suspension or spray is then sprayed onto the prepared treatment area, and can cover a wound or treatment area many times the size of the skin biopsy. The biopsy area is also treated with the spray to help it heal properly. Vavelta® Repeat Procedures Isolagen® Normally a course of four injections is recommended at two treatment sessions; however, in cases where the wrinkles are very deep, extra sessions may be needed. Your practitioner will be able to advise you on a specific treatment programme for you. In general, people see a gradual and improved appearance that begins in 3-4 weeks, with steady improvements in skin texture, tone and strength seen 60 -90 days after treatment. The manufacturers claim that they have shown lasting results up to 7 - 10 years after the Isolagen treatment. According to the manufacturers, further stimulation of the new cells (before any additional treatment sessions) with microdermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels and ultrasonic facials have been found to be very helpful. Repeat Isolagen® treatments can be done as many times as you wish over the years. As new lines appear, you can request more of your cells from the laboratory cell storage facility without the need for further biopsies. (Please note, there is an annual fee of £200+ involved in the storage of these cells). Recell® Repeat treatments on the same area should not be required. Following treatment the treated area will heal and change over a period of weeks and months, with pigmentation improving after 3 - 6 months. All results are permanent. If only a small area or one area of defect was treated (such as with vitiligo) and the results prove successful, you may then wish to repeat treatment in other areas. Vavelta®
Gradual and improvement will be seen over a period of weeks and months in the area treated. Due the limited data (following launch in 2008) it is not clear how many treatments may be required and also how long they will last - although it is expected that results achieved should last for several years. Recovery time Isolagen® Apart from some redness and possible swelling following treatment, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. Recell® After the Recell® operation the treated area and biopsy site will be covered with a dressing. The area will initially be numb (following the anaesthetic) but may sting soon afterwards, which is normal and your practitioner will often recommend pain medication to reduce any discomfort. After 3 – 5 days (depending on the area treated with ReCell®) the dressing will be removed by your physician. If you have had the treatment to reintroduce pigment (e.g. Vitiligo), the re-pigmentation will occur slowly over several months as the cells grow, mature and start to produce pigment (melanin). Your surgeon will be able to advise you how long before the repigmentation will occur.
Vavelta®
Apart from some redness and swelling/pain following treatment, you should be able to return to your normal activities the day following treatment.
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
Isolagen® The Isolagen® procedure is said to be well tolerated and very similar in pain to a typical injection. Should discomfort be anticipated, the physician can apply a topical anaesthetic cream that will reduce the sensation of the needle. In very sensitive areas, such as around the lips, a local anaesthetic (or dental block) can also be given by injection. With the Isolagen® procedure, patients may experience some reddening and soreness around the injection sites, which usually fades after about a day, and in over 1200 patients treated, there have been only a few cases of slight hypersensitivity to the injection. Recell® With the Recell® procedure, the skin will be red and some scabs may form. Your practitioner will advise you on necessary pain medication and what creams you are allowed to use on the treated area. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with ReCell®. These include: reactions to the anaesthetic, post-surgical infections (requiring antibiotics to treat), the need to undergo more surgery to correct the original defect or the possibility of additional scaring.
Vavelta® There may be some side effects with VAVELTA®, although not everyone experiences them. Very common side effects include immediate pain and discomfort at the injection site, transient redness, swelling, itching, tenderness, bruising or skin discolouration lasting for several days. There may be a delayed reaction at the injection site commencing approximately one week following injection. This may include redness, swelling and itching. These symptoms may persist for several days before resolving spontaneously.
It is very important that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully after treatment to help make the procedure as successful as possible and to reduce the risk of complications.
Post – treatment advice for Isolagen® may include:
Post – treatment advice for VAVELTA® may include:
There are no major specific contra-indications for treatment with Vavelta®. Recell® should not be used on:
Photographs courtesy of Dr David Eccleston
Photographs courtesy of Dr Mark Palmer
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
Photographs courtesy of Isolagen Europe Limited.
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
Procedures using Isolagen® should only be performed by trained physicians such as doctors, dermatologists or surgeons. Procedures involving the use of ReCell® must only be performed by surgeons with formal qualifications in plastic or reconstructive surgery.
Please go to our Find a Clinic section to find a clinic or practitioner specialising in this treatment.
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
Autologous Cell Therapy is simply a technique of using your own healthy cells to help repair areas of damaged cells. The Isolagen® process, which is being used primarily for wrinkle and scar reduction and general facial rejuvenation (giving an overall fresher look), as well as some use with burns. Isolagen® requires injection as a means of delivering the new cells so is ideal for small treatment areas.
Recell®, a newer market entrant, which uses a spray mechanism to deliver the cells, is currently being used mainly for larger, more medical wounds and defects, such as scarring (from injury or surgery etc.), burns, scalds and pigmentation problems like vitiligo. There is some use of it in conjunction with invasive cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and ablative lasers, to help speed healing. This treatment is not currently widely available in the
VAVELTA® is unique in its approach to skin repair and rejuvenation. It uses whole, live cells; human derived dermal fibroblasts which lay down new collagen within the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and which reverse the changes in the skin’s support matrix.
Its effects are natural looking; a gradual improvement in the quality and texture of the skin which are expected to be long-lasting.
The repopulation of the dermis with live, active cells provides an additional innovative procedure to add to the aesthetic medical practitioner’s range of non-surgical treatments for damaged, scarred or ageing skin.
Update: 17th Jan 2007 - Isolagen Europe Ltd will be closing it's manufacturing facility on 31st January 2007. Isolagen will no longer be offered as a product in either the UK or Europe from this date.
It is highly unlikely that anyone considering Cell Therapy would be able to access this free of charge on the National Health Service (NHS). However, in cases of burns or severe trauma, there are some schemes funded by the manufacturers of these devices or by the NHS.
In such cases we would recommend that you visit your General Practitioner before embarking upon private treatment.
For Isolagen® prices start from approximately £2,900 for 2 x 2ml treatments, which are enough for two areas of the face (sometimes marketed as a focus treatment), to £4,000 for 2 x 3ml full face treatments for wrinkles or acne scarring (sometimes marketed as a foundation treatment). For Recell® prices start from approximately £ to be confirmed
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