George · The Biohack Diaries
Stem Cells for Face
As we grow older, our natural stem cells gradually and inevitably diminish, and with them the body's ability to produce new replacement cells, including in the face. At the level of the epidermis, the skin becomes thinner, more sensitive to irritation, and more prone to wrinkles, freckles and age spots.
Stem Cells for Face delivers living, high-quality mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue directly into the facial skin, to improve skin quality, texture and firmness. Stem cell therapy has been described as a breakthrough within the medical community for its reparative properties, and the aesthetics field in particular has applied it in anti-aging treatment to help turn back the hands of time. The treatment is non-surgical: there is no incision, and it reduces the need for surgery or temporary fillers.
We think of stem cell facial therapy as part of aesthetic longevity. We do not perform invasive aesthetic procedures, because we firmly believe no one should risk their health for the sake of beauty. Our idea of beauty is tied to health and longevity: safe, natural and sustainable. Think of how children look, beautiful and youthful without any makeup or filters. That kind of healthy radiance is what we aim to support.
What it is and how it works
What stem cells are
Stem cells are the body's raw materials: the cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Given the right conditions, stem cells divide to form more cells, called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cell in the body has this natural ability to generate new cell types. Of the trillions of cells that make up the human body, stem cells are among the few that can transform between cell types, become a needed cell type, and replace worn and damaged cells they encounter.
At a fundamental level, live stem cell therapy supports the replacement of old cells with healthy new ones. New stem cells recharge the ability to repair older cells in the body, or in a treated area such as the face and skin. The result is younger-looking skin, an improved complexion and a brighter skin tone.
Types of stem cells
There are several varieties of stem cells. The main distinction is where the cells come from.
Adult stem cells (ASCs). These come from already-formed ("adult") tissue; the name is not about the age of the donor. Newborn babies have adult stem cells just as we do; in fact they have 10 times more than an average teenager and 100 times more than a middle-aged person. Adult stem cells generally already have a specific function and fall into five groups: hematopoietic stem cells (which make blood), neural stem cells (brain and nerve cells), epithelial stem cells (which form the lining of internal organs), skin stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Pros: no destruction of an embryo, moderate cell division, may have a specific function, and they can be drawn from the patient (autologous), which reduces the chance of rejection. Cons: they cannot create as many daughter cells, so a treatment may fail (not enough cells to succeed) or take too long.
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In the first few days after an egg is fertilized, the blastocyst (which eventually becomes an embryo and then a baby) is filled with the stem cells needed to build a human body. Embryonic stem cells are drawn from blastocysts created in a laboratory for research purposes, never from a woman's womb. Pros: unlimited cell division, can serve any function (pluripotent), little chance of rejection. Cons: an embryo is destroyed, they may not become the right type of cells, and they may cause tumors.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These are man-made stem cells, created in a laboratory by genetically reprogramming other cells (skin cells, for example) to act like stem cells. The technique shows great promise but is still relatively new, first discovered in 2007. Pros: no destruction of an embryo, unlimited cell division (in theory), can serve any function, and can be drawn from the patient. Cons: they may not become the right type of cells, and they may cause tumors.
How mesenchymal stem cells can make you look younger
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the remarkable ability to turn into various types of cells in the body. They are considered universal donor cells, which can be used in any patient without risk of rejection, and are therefore well suited to cell therapy.
In aesthetic rejuvenation, MSCs can act as the initial building blocks for skin and connective tissue, including collagen and elastin, as well as for blood vessels and fatty tissue. Injected into the skin, they can produce collagen and elastin, acting as collagen and elastin "factories". They stimulate the skin's natural healing abilities, boost collagen and elastin production, strengthen the skin's extracellular matrix and repair visible signs of aging. The aim is to make the body create more collagen and fill in tissues with healthy blood flow, helping the skin become more resilient, feel smoother and appear brighter.
This matters because skin aging comes with changes in collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix, such as elastin. Collagen cannot be synthesized in a laboratory, and while botox and fillers can reduce wrinkles, they cannot improve skin quality. Stem cell treatment instead aims to restore skin quality by increasing the skin's own collagen and elastin production.
Why young stem cells
Stem cells are not immune to aging. Their function is strictly regulated by their surrounding environment, known as the stem cell niche. Studies have shown, for example, that blood stem cells lose functional potential with advanced age. The decline of aged stem cells comes from many factors: external ones such as UV radiation, genotoxic chemicals and ionizing radiation, and internal ones such as oxidative stress and telomere shortening. With age, stem cells accumulate DNA damage, and depending on its type and extent, this damage can drive cells toward aging, death or tumor formation. Because aging is linked to a loss of regenerative ability within our own stem cells, rejuvenation by transferring young stem cells has become an area of great interest. This is why we use mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue, which are present from day one of life.
How the package works together
To help the stem cells do their job of repair as thoroughly as possible, the Stem Cells for Face package can include, at no extra charge and as your doctor considers suitable, an exosome facial, Lab-prepared PRP, microneedling or fractional laser, and Ultra-lift focused-ultrasound lifting. These work together to signal the stem cells to get to work across all layers of the skin. This combination is one of the quiet secrets behind our results. Not every patient receives every element; your doctor chooses what suits your skin.
What it is for
Stem Cells for Face is for skin quality, texture and firmness. The effects described by our patients and in our sources include:
Slows, and can even reverse, visible signs of aging
Revives skin cells, lessening fine lines and wrinkles
Returns natural moisture to the skin
Returns resilience and firmness to the skin
Increases the thickness of collagen beneath the skin and gradually increases natural collagen and elastin production
Gives the skin a smooth, fresh, healthy appearance and better texture
In some cases, makes blemishes and freckles less visible
Helps improve skin color and irregularities caused by normal aging, and marks caused by exposure to the sun and environment
Can add volume and structure to the face: helping to repair lines, fill in sunken cheeks and reduce bags under the eyes
A totally natural approach, free of artificial components, that gives a youthful profile
It is a complete, non-surgical facial rejuvenation that helps "lift" the skin itself without any open incision.
Who it is for
The treatment is well suited to people with early or mild signs of facial aging who want to rejuvenate their skin without going under the knife: for example, those who want shallower wrinkles, more defined cheekbones, or to address other early or moderate signs of aging.
It can also be a helpful option for some patients with facial redness and sensitive skin. Rather than only calming the surface, a regenerative approach supports the skin's own repair and resilience over time, which may reduce reactivity. A patient who traveled from the Middle East to Bangkok for the first time specifically for this treatment had long struggled with persistent facial redness and sensitivity; the gentle, repair-focused approach was what her skin needed, and she left already planning her return to continue treatment.
Suitability always depends on a proper assessment of your skin and health at an in-person consultation.
Who should not have it
The general contraindications for stem cell therapy are:
Active infections, such as active diarrhea, a severe soft-tissue infection, or an active, uncontrolled viral infection such as hepatitis.
Cancer. Stem cell therapy is not a cancer treatment. Once you have been declared cancer-free, it can be a beneficial choice for your recovery.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period. Stem cell therapy can begin 6 months after giving birth.
Uncontrolled autoimmune conditions. Active autoimmune diseases, such as active SLE or active inflammatory bowel disease, should settle before therapy is considered.
Unrealistic expectations that the therapy cannot fulfill.
The treatment
The session takes 60 to 90 minutes. Every treatment starts with a doctor consultation, and your doctor plans the treatment regime that best suits your skin and goals.
Steps
Your face and neck are cleansed.
Numbing cream is applied for 45 minutes to reduce discomfort, and ice is applied before the injections.
The stem cells are injected into a specific layer of the skin all over the face.
In the same session, your doctor adds the complementary treatments considered suitable for you.
The procedure is simple and fast, mostly free of pain or discomfort, and does not require a hospital visit.
What the package can include
At no extra charge, and as your doctor considers suitable:
Exosome facial. Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by stem cells that carry messenger molecules such as RNA, proteins and growth factors, instructing other cells to repair, regenerate or calm inflammation.
Lab-prepared PRP. Platelet-rich plasma prepared by the same laboratory that produces our stem cells. It is not drawn from your own blood on the day.
Microneedling or fractional laser (microneedling is used more often). Microneedling creates thousands of micro-punctures in the skin, stimulating its natural healing process and inducing collagen production; the result is smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin with improved texture and tone. It is safe and minimally invasive, and our patients report a 100% satisfaction index with it. Fractional laser resurfaces the skin in tiny columns, triggering fresh collagen.
Ultra-lift. Korean focused-ultrasound technology that reaches the deep lifting layer of the skin with no incision. It lifts and tightens as new collagen builds over the following months.
Results and how long they last
Visible results start at 2 to 4 weeks and become outstanding within 2 to 3 months after treatment. Stem cells can support the repair and rejuvenation of the skin for up to 18 months, because they can recognize and repair damaged tissue. Patients who have had stem cell facial treatment with us report that their skin is thicker and more radiant, and that the benefits last up to a year.
How long results last depends on how much aging the skin has already undergone. Other factors that affect the outcome include poor eating habits, sun exposure, smoking and skin care.
Number of sessions
Repeat treatment is generally recommended every year. The number of sessions is always set by your doctor after an in-person assessment.
Before and aftercare
Before your treatment
Try to avoid smoking, drinking and strenuous exercise in the week leading up to your treatment.
Let us know immediately if you think you are coming down with something, such as a cold or flu.
Tell us if you take blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, Plavix or warfarin.
Mesenchymal stem cells have a limited lifespan, so your cells are prepared specifically for you and your treatment day.
After your treatment
Recovery time is 1 to 3 days, depending on skin type.
Minimal redness and mild swelling can occur and resolve within 3 to 5 days.
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of treatment. You can usually resume regular activity the day after.
Avoid high temperatures, such as a sauna, for 2 weeks.
Quality and safety
Why our cells:
Mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue, grown xeno-free (no animal-derived materials), so no animal-related risks can contaminate the cells.
Each batch is tested for sterility, viability and cell count before every procedure.
A Certificate of Analysis for every case, related to the specific stem cells used in your treatment.
No additives or anti-rejection drugs.
Our cells are produced in a Lab class 100 laboratory, a standard known for producing purified medications for injection. Umbilical cord tissue is selected only from young mothers after healthy, full-term pregnancies, and harvested from cesarean deliveries to avoid contamination. Cord tissue that was previously discarded after childbirth is used, which removes ethical concerns about the source. The laboratory screens for pathogens and verifies stem cell markers by flow cytometry, so that you receive genuine, purified stem cells.
The science
How the face ages
To restore a youthful face, it is essential to understand how facial anatomy changes over time. Changes to the facial skeleton, soft tissue, ligaments, fat compartments and skin all contribute to facial aging to different degrees, depending on internal and external factors (Farkas, Pessa, Hubbard, Rohrich, "The Science and Theory behind Facial Aging", Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, April 2013, 1(1):8–15).
Bone. The facial skeleton changes with time, causing the overlying soft tissue and supporting ligaments to shift. Combined with redistribution of youthful fat and volume loss, and together with soft-tissue laxity and atrophy, this produces the appearance of facial aging.
Fat and soft tissue. Collapse and loss of the facial fat compartments make skin laxity look worse and create deep creases around the nose and mouth, around the eyes and at the jowls.
Skin. The skin is the canvas of the face and ages from both internal and external causes. Repeated muscle contractions from facial expressions create deep and shallow wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, on the forehead and between the brows. Sun damage and smoking increase oxidative stress on skin cells, thinning the skin and breaking down collagen.
External factors associated with facial aging include body mass index, hormones, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and unprotected sun exposure.
How stem cells act on the skin
Stem cells were introduced around two decades ago as a novel and promising treatment for many diseases, and their applications in the skin are now being explored extensively. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered an ideal source for tissue engineering because they raise fewer ethical concerns and can be extracted and expanded by an increasing number of methods. Their mechanisms in the skin include:
Self-renewal and differentiation. Stem cells can renew themselves and turn into multiple cell types that contribute to skin repair.
Paracrine effect. Stem cells can speed up wound healing by producing the substances cells need to repair and regenerate, such as growth factors and cytokines. Studies report that stem cells adjust the tissue microenvironment by releasing soluble factors into the repair process.
Immune modulation. Stem cells can modulate immune and inflammatory responses to enhance skin healing. Mesenchymal stem cells applied to the skin reduce inflammatory cells and increase the formation of new blood vessels, so the underlying structures receive more of the nutrients needed for repair. MSCs also secrete cytokines that inhibit inflammation and modulate the immune response.
Homing. After a skin injury, stem cells mobilize from the blood, migrate to the site of injury and modulate repair at the cellular level.
Anti-aging effects. Mesenchymal stem cells reduce melanin production after ultraviolet exposure, so the skin becomes lighter. Their anti-aging effect may also come from reduced cellular sugar metabolism, antioxidant action and a nutrient-provider effect, which together restore and rejuvenate the functional capacity of the skin.
Taken together, stem cells contribute to skin repair through cell differentiation, secretion of active substances and immune modulation, which makes them an attractive tool for skin treatment.
Umbilical cord sources
Amniotic fluid stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells and Wharton's jelly stem cells have also been used in skin disorders. These cell types show greater cell division and a wider range of transformation potential than mesenchymal stem cells from fat or bone marrow. Wharton's jelly, the gel-like material inside the umbilical cord, has become a good source of stem cells: it is widely available, collection is non-invasive and painless with no risk to the donor, there is no ethical issue, it has immune-privilege potential, and its cells grow and multiply easily.
Scars and wound healing
(Nowacki M, Kloskowski T, Pietkun K, Zegarski M, Pokrywczyńska M, "The use of stem cells in aesthetic dermatology and plastic surgery procedures. A compact review of experimental and clinical applications", Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2017 Dec;34(6):526–534)
Two million mesenchymal stem cells were injected directly into a scar from open-chest surgery, three times in total. Significant tissue regeneration and pain reduction were observed about 12 weeks after treatment started.
In another study, mesenchymal stem cells from fat were tested for full-thickness wound repair. Compared with controls, the stem cell group had smaller scars and better skin color, quality and pliability. Mesenchymal stem cells have also been used to treat facial scars.
The patient's own fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells, delivered in a fibrin spray, were used to treat acute and chronic poorly healing wounds in 10 patients. Acute wounds healed completely 7 to 8 weeks after treatment, and chronic wounds within 16 to 20 weeks.
Mesenchymal stem cells injected into a hypertrophic scar were used to prevent skin-graft contraction after transplantation; after a 2-year follow-up, contraction had decreased.
After intravenous administration, mesenchymal stem cells migrated to the wound site and started wound repair in a mouse trial, suggesting high potential for soft-tissue regeneration and repair.
A number of studies show stem cells promote better and faster wound healing, with more effective repair of the uppermost skin layer. With amniotic-fluid stem cells, wound closure, new blood vessel formation and repair of the uppermost skin layer were faster than with fibrin-collagen gel alone. This effect came from the important factors the cells release rather than direct contact, and the cells also increased vascular regeneration in wounds.
Burns
Stem cells have recently been used to improve the healing of burn wounds. They have been shown to produce faster and better healing, to reduce inflammation, and to reduce scar fibrosis and its progression (Ghieh F, Jurjus R, Ibrahim A, Geagea AG, Daouk H, "The Use of Stem Cells in Burn Wound Healing: A Review", 2015, Article ID 684084; Lu W, Zhang YJ, Jin Y, "Potential of Stem Cells for Skin Regeneration Following Burns", Expert Rev Dermatol. 2009;4(2):97–99). Stem cells are commonly derived from the umbilical cord, bone marrow or skin; one research team even used part of the burn wound itself as a source, and the dermal stem cells it produced reduced wound contraction and improved skin repair.
In conclusion, stem cells enhance healing through a complex series of pathways that promote new blood vessel formation, collagen deposition and new tissue formation. They reduce the severity of the inflammatory reaction, which may reduce the risk of infection, and they are important in regenerating skin structures such as sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which improves aesthetic outcomes (Francis E, Kearney L, Clover J, "The effects of stem cells on burn wounds: a review", Int J Burns Trauma. 2019;9(1):1–12).
Combining treatments
Published research on PRP for the skin reports that combining PRP with microneedling (or with hyaluronic acid) gave greater improvement in skin elasticity and appearance than either approach alone (Use of platelet rich plasma for skin rejuvenation, Skin Research and Technology, 2024). This is one reason we pair treatments thoughtfully rather than relying on a single tool.
Stem cells and exosomes compared
Stem cells and exosomes are complementary tools, not competitors, which is why an exosome facial can be part of this package.
Stem cells are live regenerative cells. At the clinic they are mesenchymal stem cells, ethically sourced and expanded in a Lab class 100 laboratory. Their benefits include anti-inflammatory effects that reduce tissue damage, tissue regeneration, immunomodulation that helps rebalance the immune system, and longevity support through cellular repair. They replicate in the body temporarily. Treatment is more complex, with preparation and aftercare, and results typically begin in 2 to 6 weeks.
Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles released by stem cells, carrying RNA, proteins and growth factors that instruct other cells to repair, regenerate or calm inflammation. Unlike stem cells, they contain no DNA and do not replicate. They suit patients who want a lighter, non-cellular protocol, faster recovery and minimal risk, and are used for skin and hair rejuvenation. Results typically begin in 1 to 4 weeks.
References: Vizoso FJ et al., "Exosomes in Therapy: Clinical Applications", Cell & Tissue Research, 2021; Caplan AI, "Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Time to Change the Name", Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
Is stem cell facial rejuvenation safe and non-invasive?
Our philosophy is that beauty should never come at the cost of health, so we focus on non-invasive, regenerative approaches. There is no surgery and no incision; the cells are delivered by injection after numbing cream and ice. Every plan is personalized after a thorough consultation to make sure it is appropriate for you.
What is included in the Stem Cells for Face package?
Alongside the stem cells, and at no extra charge, your doctor can add an exosome facial, Lab-prepared PRP, microneedling or fractional laser, and Ultra-lift, as considered suitable for you. These treatments help signal the stem cells to repair across all layers of the skin. Not every patient receives every element.
Is the PRP in this package made from my own blood?
No. The package uses Lab-prepared PRP, which comes from the same laboratory that produces our stem cells. It is not drawn from your blood on the day. This is different from our stand-alone PRP / PRF Face treatment, which uses your own platelets.
How is PRP different from stem cell treatment?
Both are regenerative. PRP concentrates platelets and the growth factors they carry, while stem cell therapy uses living regenerative cells. They are complementary tools, and the right choice depends on your goals and a proper assessment.
Can stem cell treatment help with facial redness and sensitive skin?
It can be a helpful option for some patients. Rather than only calming the surface, a regenerative approach supports the skin's own repair and resilience over time, which may reduce reactivity. Suitability depends on a proper assessment of your skin and health.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Visible results start at 2 to 4 weeks and become outstanding within 2 to 3 months. Patients report thicker, more radiant skin with benefits lasting up to a year, and stem cells can support repair of the skin for up to 18 months. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, diet and skin care affect how long results last.
Can I combine the face treatment with IV stem cells?
Yes. Many patients combine treatments, for example IV stem cells with an exosome facial, to target inflammation throughout the body as well as regeneration of the skin surface.
George writes about his own experience with this on Stem cells for skin and face.
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