The Latest Regenerative Treatments

An overview of the latest regenerative treatments taking the industry by storm.

 

If there’s a buzzword in aesthetic medicine at the moment it has to be ‘regenerative’. Many of the leading clinics offering non-surgical aesthetic procedures are raving about this new group of treatments, which promise to ‘transform skin from within’. 

 

 

“Regenerative medicine has been around for many years,” says ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Miss Jenny Doyle, explaining that while techniques have traditionally been used in general medicine to repair wounds and damaged tissue, they’ve gained traction in the world of aesthetics thanks to their ability to heal the damage – such as lines, wrinkles, dehydration and sun damage – caused by ageing. 

 

Many can also treat thinning hair and poor scalp condition, while some can even be used in the intimate area. 

 

Two of the most popular regenerative treatments to emerge over the last year or so are known as polynucleotides and exosomes.

 

 

Using highly purified and sterilised DNA from fish, polynucleotides are injected into the areas of skin requiring treatment with the aim of reaching the fibroblasts. Dr Amado explains that fibroblasts are the cells responsible for our skin quality. “As we age, they get damaged and do not function as well, which leads to a decline in collagen and elastin production,” she explains, adding, “When the polynucleotides reach the fibroblasts, they are able to regenerate them or, in other words, get them working normally again.” As a result, we see an improvement in lines, wrinkles, sun damage, redness, acne, scarring and other skin concerns. 

 

As an eye specialist, Miss Doyle loves how polynucleotides can improve the appearance around the eyes. “There are many treatments that we can’t use in this area for various reasons, but polynucleotides can be used safely and effectively. As they come in different strengths, we can tailor treatment for the more sensitive skin under the eyes and they can produce excellent results for those with dark circles, and hollowing and puffiness – although patients should expect additional puffiness to start with.” 

 

Certain polynucleotide ranges also have products specifically for different areas of the body. Higher strengths are used to target concerns on areas such as the arms, thighs and knees, while products designed for the intimate area aim to tighten lost elasticity in the labia majora (the outer lips of your vulva).

 

In terms of hair, polynucleotides target the hair follicles which are responsible for producing healthy hair. When these are damaged, hair growth is restricted, and hair and scalp quality is poor – we often see dry, brittle hairs coming through. By regenerating hair follicles, we can stimulate hair growth and ensure that hair comes back stronger, thicker and healthier looking. 

 

Known as the ‘good’ messengers between cells in your body, Dr Amado explains that exosomes work by fusing to damaged cells to deliver essential proteins, amino acids and growth factors to repair and regenerate them. “They also hunt out other proteins that may be floating around the body and direct them to damaged cells to further help with rejuvenation,” she says. 

 

Most practitioners will deliver exosomes to the areas requiring treatment via a process called microneedling. This involves creating tiny punctures in the skin (or scalp if you’re having your hair treated) with small needles attached to a pen, stamp or roller. The exosome solution can then penetrate the skin to start the regeneration process.

 

Again, exosomes can treat a wide range of concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, sagging skin, uneven texture, restricted hair growth and poor scalp condition. 

 

With any regenerative procedure, a course of treatments is always recommended. One of the best things about regenerative treatments is that they come with minimal risk. 

 

Dr Amado and Miss Doyle agree that regenerative treatments are also an excellent way to treat menopausal skin and hair, having seen fantastic results amongst their patients. They highlight that as well as being used on their own, you can combine regenerative techniques with other procedures such as dermal fillers to truly transform your ageing appearance.