Regenerative medicine in Switzerland.

Our team is at your disposal to implement a strategy regarding regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is booming, currently in Switzerland you are offered the use of stem cells in aesthetic applications. It is thus possible to use the cells contained in the stromal vascular fraction to improve the quality of the skin. In addition, these clinical procedures benefit from numerous publications with bundles of arguments concerning the clarification of tasks. So, they can be used for areas like dark circles. The use of stem cells is strictly regulated by Swissmedic. It is also possible to store stem cells, between 10 and 30 years, for the purpose of aesthetic use in therapeutic settings for the future. Currently, however, the use of regenerative medicine to treat disease is strictly regulated by research protocols.

A scientific world in motion. Why believe in regenerative medicine?

The surgeon has a scientific approach to the subject, it is in this context that he does not do cell culture. Cell culture is a technique for increasing the number of stem cells. Studies are underway to prove its safety. Simple storage and transfer does not include significant manipulation of the cells, thus guaranteeing identical safety to simple fat transfer, which has been carried out routinely for more than 20 years as part of lipofilling.

Storage: 10 to 30 years?

Dr. Smarrito is an expert in regenerative surgery, having worked on this subject for over 15 years. He began his career in France, where he already worked with extensive experience in adipose stem cells (from fat). Currently, it is possible to store them using mini sampling. This mini sampling is similar to a mini liposuction, we need approximately between 100 and 300 ml of fat to be able to isolate the cells which are contained in the fat. Thus, once isolated, they are stored in a biotechnology bank in Switzerland, to guarantee their use over a period of 30 years.

Currently, the use is aesthetic and many articles agree on the fact that stored samples can be used to carry out organ repairs and disease treatments. Research is evolving very quickly. On the other hand, the legislation is very strict; today it is not possible to inject into the veins in the therapeutic context. It should also be noted that numerous cosmetic surgery publications declare the interest of this technology, particularly for the healing of chronic wounds. These methods are already used in other countries for the repair of cartilage, such as knee cartilage.

This use is not authorized in Switzerland, which remains cautious about medical indications.

How is the sampling carried out for this skin regenerative medicine?

An initial consultation is necessary with the doctor who will check for any contraindications. Indeed, certain contraindications exist in relation to storage, such as positive serologies or chronic illnesses. Furthermore, you must be able to have enough fat to take a sample. The sample can be taken from different areas of the body such as the knee, saddlebags, stomach. The doctor will be able to explain to you the most discreet and efficient area for storage.

The technique can be performed on an outpatient basis (i.e. without hospitalization) and the patient can choose between general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

How many cells should be stored?

The answer is simple, as much as possible. Knowing that there are variations between individuals, we believe that, from a scientific point of view, it is preferable to store stem cells as young as possible. That said, it is interesting to stockpile at a later age, provided that the disease that we want to treat in the future is not yet present.

We store stem cells from fat. They are different from those from blood (hematopoietic) or from those taken from bone. The sampling is also much more comfortable at the level of the fat, the patients generally do not feel anything at all in the post-operative period, the sport stoppage is for a few days and generally have very few bruises depending on the technique. developed by our doctor, who has long been responsible for treatments by cell therapy at the La Prairie clinic in the context of aesthetics.

There is almost no convalescence to be expected with this technique. Once the fat has been removed, a stitch which will disappear on its own after a week is put in place as well as a light waterproof dressing. The technical strains by the Swiss biotech bank and are stored. A report is then sent with the number of storage boxes between 5 and 10 and the vitality of the stem cells. A certificate is given to the patient since the stem cells belong to the patient himself and not to the operator.