CC BY-NC 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2013; 40(06): 666-675
DOI: 10.5999/aps.2013.40.6.666
Review Article

Stem Cells in Plastic Surgery: A Review of Current Clinical and Translational Applications

Ara A Salibian
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
,
Alan D Widgerow
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
,
Michael Abrouk
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
,
Gregory RD Evans
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
› Author Affiliations

Background Stem cells are a unique cell population characterized by self-renewal and cellular differentiation capabilities. These characteristics, among other traits, make them an attractive option for regenerative treatments of tissues defects and for aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. As research regarding the isolation, culture and behavior of stem cells has progressed, stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, have shown promising results in both translational and clinical applications.

Methods The purpose of this review is to evaluate the applications of stem cells in the plastic surgery literature, with particular focus on the advances and limitations of current stem cell therapies. Different key areas amenable to stem cell therapy are addressed in the literature review; these include regeneration of soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and peripheral nerves, as well as wound healing and skin aging.

Results The reviewed studies demonstrate promising results, with favorable outcomes and minimal complications in the cited cases. In particular, adipose tissue derived stem cell (ADSC) transplants appear to provide effective treatment options for bony and soft tissue defects, and non-healing wounds. ADSCs have also been shown to be useful in aesthetic surgery.

Conclusions Further studies involving both the basic and clinical science aspects of stem cell therapies are warranted. In particular, the mechanism of action of stem cells, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and their long-term fate require further elucidation. Larger randomized trials are also necessary to demonstrate the continued safety of transplanted stem cells as well as the efficacy of cellular therapies in comparison to the current standards of care.



Publication History

Received: 22 September 2013

Accepted: 25 September 2013

Article published online:
01 May 2022

© 2013. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, permitting unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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