Questions

What are Exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles (tiny bubbles) that are naturally produced by stem cells. These vesicles carry messages and essential cargo such as proteins, growth factors, mRNA, and cytokines which are responsible for cell-to-cell communication, thus telling the cells what to do. Studies suggest that the body already has the cells that are needed to repair, but that these cells require proper signaling to function optimally. Exosomes provide that signaling, thereby telling cells when and how to behave.

Are Stem Cells and Exosomes the same?

No. In simple terms, exosomes are derived from stem cells.

Stem cells contain genetic material and can become any type of cell within the body. They serve as building blocks and repair the body.

Exosomes are tiny sacs or bubbles, called extracellular vesicles, which are released by all types of cells in the body, including, but not not exclusively, from stem cells. Exosomes carry important messages and signals such as growth factors to other cells. Exosomes carry 3 times the growth factors than stem cells.

In contrast to stem cells, exosomes are acellular and can not self-replicate, eliminating concerns about potential tumor formation.

What is the difference between Autologous Growth Factors (AGF) and Exosomes?

• AGF are derived from your blood. Exosomes are laboratory derived from donor tissue.
• AGF requires a blood draw, exosomes do not.
• Both contain growth factors or signals that tell your cells how to behave.
• Exosomes have 30-100x more growth factors than AGF, and thus are more potent.
• AGF potency depends on your age and various other factors including health status, stress, environmental factors, medications, and is not always predictable, AGF potency declining with age.

Are Exosomes FDA approved?

• No

Who is not a candidate for Exosomes?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• History of skin cancer within the past 5 years

How are the exosomes processed, and are they safe to use?

We use exosomes which are procured and processed in the United States according to standards and regulations established by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), and the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All of the donors are in the United States.

Can the patient take NSAIDS or other anti inflammatories?

No. It is ideal for the patient to stop taking NSAIDS 7 days prior to the exosome treatment and for 3 weeks after. NSAIDS will NOT destroy the exosomes but they can potentially lessen the effects. Other anti inflammatories to avoid include antihistamines (Benadryl, allergy medications), and supplements that are anti inflammatory (turmeric, fish oils). If you need a pain reliever, Tylenol is recommended.

How are Exosomes used in Aesthetic Medicine?

Exosomes are gaining attention in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic medicine due to their potential regenerative and rejuvenating properties. The use of exosomes in this context primarily revolves around their ability to promote tissue repair, stimulate collagen production, enhance skin health, and stimulate hair growth.

Here's a closer look at their use in aesthetic and cosmetic medicine:

• Skin Rejuvenation: Exosomes derived from stem cells or other cell types can be utilized to enhance skin rejuvenation. When applied topically or injected into the skin, exosomes can promote the production of collagen and elastin, which contribute to improved skin texture, elasticity, and firmness. They may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and scars. 
• Wound Healing: Exosomes have regenerative properties that can aid in wound healing. They promote the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of skin cells, thereby accelerating the healing process and minimizing scar formation. Exosomes may also modulate inflammation and enhance tissue regeneration in the treated area. (decreases healing time of aesthetic procedures)
• Hair Restoration: Exosomes have shown potential in stimulating hair growth and combating hair loss. When applied to the scalp or injected into the hair follicles, they can promote the proliferation of hair follicle cells, improve blood circulation, and nourish the hair follicles. This may lead to thicker, healthier hair and reduced hair loss.
  
• Pigmentation Disorders: Exosomes have been studied for their potential role in treating pigmentation disorders, such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They can help regulate melanin production and promote a more even skin tone by modulating the activity of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).
  

What kind of exosomes do we offer?

Exosomes are extracted from stem cells which are derived from donor tissue in a laboratory. The donor tissue has been screened and tested for all diseases, is derived from non-vaccinated tissue, and abides by strict FDA and AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks) standards for tissue donation. We offer two different types of exosomes, one specific for skin rejuvenation, and one more selective for hair restoration.

• Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation: These exosomes are derived from dermal fibroblasts from infant foreskin. Dermal fibroblasts are cells within the dermis layer of the skin and are responsible for generating connective tissue and allowing the skin to recover from injury. These exosomes are skin specific and trigger or signal the production of collagen and elastin, a connective tissue which gives skin its firmness, plumpness and tightness. These can also help remodel scars, improve pigmentation, improve pore size and skin texture.
• Exosomes for Hair Restoration: These exosomes are from Wharton jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood. These exosomes are more specific for hair restoration. These are injected into the scalp and have been shown to promote healthier, stronger hair follicles and may stimulate hair growth in both men and women.

Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation highlights

• Derived from Dermal Fibroblast Stem Cells from infant foreskin (skin and collagen specific)
• Can be used topically after skin rejuvenation (Morpheus8) or injected into area of concern (under eye or around the mouth)
• Series of 3-4 treatments done 4 weeks apart, then reassess
• Improves skin thickness, elasticity, texture, pore size, pigmentation, radiance
• Reduces appearance of and remodels mature scars and acne scars
• Reduces healing time after Morpheus8
• Can be used on face and body after Morpheus8
• Exosomes are 30-100x potent than Autologous Growth Factors
• Results seen in 3-6 months (we are growing your own collagen and this takes time)

Exosomes for Hair Health highlights

• Derived from Wharton jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood
• 1 treatment every 4 weeks for 4 treatments, then one treatment every 3-4 months for maintenance
• Results can be seen in approximately 3 months (you are growing hair which takes time). New hair growth can continue over the course of a year, with most noticeable results at 6 months
• First you will see increased thickness of hair, then more hair follicles and number of hairs per follicle
• Results vary but most patients see approximately 30% improvement of hair thickness and number of hairs
• Injected into the scalp
• ProNox Nitrous Gas is included with the procedure for comfort
• Optimal results when used in conjunction with Nutrafol supplement (4 tabs per day)
• Will not work if you are already bald, it is best to start treatment when you see hair thinning
• Exosomes are 30-100x more potent than Autologous Growth Factors
• You may experience scalp soreness for a day or two following treatment, no downtime is required, no restrictions following treatment

*For the above treatments, individual results may vary. Optimal results seen when combined with a complete, comprehensive skin care program. Multiple sessions may be part of a treatment plan.