MANILA, Philippines - Plastic surgery facelifts, which have been typical for Hollywood stars, are going out of fashion,” says French cosmetic surgeon and anti-aging specialist Dr. Pierre Clero. There is now a new technique to rejuvenate the face and shape, not by lifting, thermage, titan or laser, but by the use of the body’s own stem cell PRP (platelet rich plasma) enriched fat. It is a complete facial rejuvenation procedure without involving any surgery.
“Stem cell PRP facelift represents a process whereby the hidden genetic potential of adult stem cell is awakened,” Dr. Clero remarks. This revolutionary technique involves “transplanting” adult stem cells and fat from the lower abdominal area and “awakening” them, as well as the local stem cells within the face, with specific stem cell growth factors.
“During the procedure, both the donor and the recipient sites are pre-treated with growth factors. This important step leads to greatly improved “take” of the transplanted fat,” Dr. Clero explains. “Human fat has been shown to be an excellent source of adult stem cells. By transplanting carefully harvested autologous (your own) adult stem cell fat, we eliminate any potential for an allergic reaction, or any viral transmission.”
The procedure was first performed by Dr. Clero in the UAE three years ago and in Los Angeles, among his A-list clients in Hollywood. Now, he is introducing it in the Philippines.
“Over the decades, multiple procedures have been presented for rejuvenation of the face, most of them stressing the need for surgery in the form of a facelift,” Dr. Clero observes. “In the past 10 years, use of temporary fillers became a very popular avenue for temporary rejuvenation, creating the illusion of a younger, more rested facial appearance. Lately, high-tech devices under the magic generic name of ‘laser’ are being used. But after a few years of experience, it appears that they not only don’t bring any great results, they also carry a lot of complications. While claiming to be “non-invasive,” it is in fact quite invasive in the sense that it burns and destroys the tissue in order for it to be able to generate new skin.”
“In our revolutionary procedure, PRP enriched fat with growth factors is injected under the skin, serving like scaffolding under the skin, which triggers the building of new collagen. They induce the skin and fatty layer to produce more of their own cells, to multiply and restore themselves,” Dr. Clero explains. “It restores the youthful contour and shape of the face as well as skin tightness, and evens out color irregularities caused by the aging process and environmental sun exposure. It is a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to surgery. The biological material used comes from your own body. It is painless and has no side effects.”
The same technique is used in Stem Cell PRP Filling to fill up the folds in the face, especially the naso-labial fold. “This technique can also enhance the cheek bones as well as the lips without the need to use any filler to fill up the face for a long-lasting look of natural youthfulness,” Dr. Clero notes.
“Most of the time, the Stem Cell PRP Filling will be associated with the Stem Cell PRP Mesoglow for a total rejuvenation of your face,” Dr. Clero adds. The Stem Cell PRP Mesoglow is recommended for those who are not in need of a stem cell PRP facelift, who do not need fat grafting but need a reliable technique to rejuvenate their skin. “We use the growth factors injected in the mesoderm layer of the skin in order to rejuvenate your skin and eliminate your wrinkles,” Dr. Clero explains. “I also use this technique to prevent hair loss for men and women. The growth factors trigger the stem cells and induce hair growth.”
Dr. Clero upholds the holistic approach to health and beauty. “I believe in promoting good health and beauty inside out,” he says. It is a total approach to wellness. He speaks of “functional medicine,” which deals with prevention and knowing the underlying causes of illness rather than just the symptoms. “Today, the ultimate goal is to prevent rather than to cure,” he quotes Jean Dausset, Nobel prize winner in Medicine. Which brings us to the subject of genomics, “the art of well-being.”
In 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was completed. “Due to its realization, we know the number, around 30,000, the structure, and basic roles of our genes,” declares Dr. Clero. “This breakthrough has been the starting signal for the beginning of the genomic era with the use of knowledge about our genes in our everyday life.” In the past, genetics was often associated with severe inherited diseases.
However, we now know that severe inherited disorders concern less than 11 percent of our genes. We’ve also learned about the unique relations between our genes and our lifestyle and habits, and the world around us.
Says Dr. Clero, “We do not change the structure of our genes, but we modify their work or expression every time, through the kind of food we eat, fruit juices, coffee or wine that we drink, physical exercise, etc. New genetics or genetics of interactions is the major source of highly personalized prevention, which will help you to improve and keep your health.”
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The Clero Clinic is located at 219 N. Garcia (formerly Reposo St.), Bel Air, Makati City, with telephone numbers 00632-8974122 and 897-4123, and cell phone number 09188885544. Fax at 895-9317, e-mail cleroclinic@gmail.com