Harnessing regenerative strength

The human body has a remarkable ability to regrow damaged cells, tissues, and even organs. The relatively new field of regenerative medicine is looking at ways to harness those regenerative capabilities, and dermatology is at the forefront of that research.

Neil Sadick, MD, FAAD, FAACS, FACP, FACPh, founder and president of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, said regenerative medicine has immense potential in the dermatologic field, offering innovative approaches to treating multiple skin conditions and promoting rejuvenation.

Neil Sadick, MD, FAAD, FAACS, FACP, FACPh“One promising application is the use of stem cells, such as adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), for regenerating damaged skin tissues and improving wound healing,” he said. “Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained traction as regenerative therapies, harnessing the power of growth factors and signaling molecules to stimulate cellular processes like collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and hair follicle regeneration.”

The journey continues

But Dr. Sadick said the possibilities don’t end there. Research is happening in some unexpected areas.

“Regenerative scaffolds like hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite are also being explored for aesthetic purposes, such as facial contouring and rejuvenation,” he said. “Overall, regenerative medicine offers innovative solutions for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and treating conditions like chronic wounds and scarring.”

For aesthetic dermatology in particular, regenerative medicine holds a lot of promise — from using ASCs and nanofat grafting to regenerate and rejuvenate aging or damaged skin tissues, to using PRP, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and EVs to provide biochemical cues rich in growth factors that can stimulate collagen production, angiogenesis, and hair follicle regeneration.

“Additionally, regenerative scaffolds like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid are being explored for facial contouring, volumizing, and rejuvenation procedures in aesthetic dermatology,” Dr. Sadick added.

Past, present, and future

Traditional dermatologic therapies have largely sought to manage symptoms or provide temporary relief. However, regenerative techniques seek to address the underlying causes of diseases or injuries by stimulating the body’s innate healing mechanisms or by introducing new cells or biomaterials to facilitate that regeneration, Dr. Sadick said.

“This can involve the use of stem cells, growth factors, biomaterials, gene therapies, or a combination of these approaches to promote tissue regeneration, restore function, and potentially provide long-lasting or curative solutions,” he said. “By leveraging the body’s intrinsic ability to self-renew and regenerate, regenerative medicine offers a paradigm shift from traditional treatments toward more targeted, personalized, and potentially transformative therapies.” 

The use of ASCs and PRP for skin regeneration, facial contouring, and hair restoration is one of the most prominent areas of regenerative medicine being used today.

“ASCs can differentiate into various cell types, promoting tissue regeneration, while PRP provides growth factors that stimulate collagen production and angiogenesis,” Dr. Sadick said. “Additionally, EVs derived from stem cells are being explored as potential regenerative therapies, harnessing their ability to modulate cellular processes.”

But there are plenty of other avenues being explored beyond stem cells that could transform the way some dermatologic procedures are done.

“Gene therapies and tissue engineering approaches, such as bioprinting and 3D skin constructs, are emerging as promising avenues for treating various skin conditions and injuries,” Dr. Sadick said. “These offer exciting avenues for developing personalized skin constructs and modeling skin diseases, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of severe burns, chronic wounds, and genetic skin disorders.”