03 Nov Exosome Therapy by Holly Sheppard

All You Have Wanted to Know about Exosome Therapy!

By: Holly Sheppard, L.E. & CLT

Exosomes are a medical and internet buzzword right now, are these something you should consider?

Although the human body is equipped to heal itself, the addition of regenerative therapies encourages the body to do so more effectively and can add increased benefits. Most of us have heard of Stem Cells but not Exosomes. Are these the same? The answer is no. They are distinctively different.

Hold on to your seats while we get science-y for a minute.

Stem Cells

Stem cells must be captured from an actual cell for use, these may include cells from embryos, umbilical cords, adult bone marrow, or fat. The cells are then used to self-regenerate and become any cell in the body that needs to be repaired due to injury, disease, or normal aging of the body. Over time they grow and divide, which allows your system to create healthier cells.  Stem cells can be used in the treatment of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.  

Exosomes

Exosomes are a therapy derived from a donated stem cell and then sterilized, freeze-dried, and pumped full of additional essential ingredients. They do not contain the actual stem cell itself.  Exosomes are small vesical secreted by various cells. Meaning it is a little bubble that is released from the stem cell making it a messenger, that is used to communicate information to another cell on what it wants it to do. It is a concentrated and diverse source of powerful growth factors. Think about a cup of brewed coffee (in this instance the coffee is the stem cells) or a coffee concentrate (in this case exosomes) with concentrated coffee you must dilute and add water to make it palatable, you cannot drink it alone. Exosome therapy is the same, you must add in the addition of growth factors, peptides amino acids and vitamins to encourage a more desirable result.

Okay now that that is out of the way. Let’s discuss specifically why exosomes are so great for you!

The natural aging process inhibits the way our body communicates to cells and tissues. Compared to stem cells, exosomes contain nearly three times the amount of growth factors. So, what exactly does this mean for you?

Exosomes are primarily used to accelerate wound healing, these little messengers are attracted to inflammation, and once they seek out the inflammation, they go into turbo mode to heal. Doing so can promote a reduction in scars. Not only does it help with scars, but the cascade of growth factors in exosome therapy promotes more collagen and elastin resulting in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. But, because Exosomes contain such power elements, they can also restore other various cells throughout the body, even regrow cartilage in joints and reestablish stronger hair follicles!

You may be thinking that exosomes must be a new discovery, but they are not! Exosomes were discovered nearly 25 years ago, once discovered they thought of them as waste. It has since been discovered that they are quite magical for regenerative therapy. We love using them at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center.

Preparing Exosomes for aesthetics use is quite easy. Generally, there are two vials, one is freeze-dried and contains exosomes. The second contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, additional growth factors, peptides, and vitamins. Because Exosomes are like a suitcase, you can put whatever pertinent ingredients you want in them, and then they will be carried to those cells that need healing.  Various companies may choose to add fewer or more ingredients. These two vials are combined and then applied topically.

Treatments such as laser or microneedling create a controlled injury. Hence the use of exosomes to excel in more efficient healing for your body, which in turn allows shorter downtime and a major increase in collagen and elastin, studies have shown the increase can range from about 180% more collagen and 300% more elastin.

Exosomes can also be used outside of aesthetics to help with cancer therapies, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, osteoarthritis, chronic pain and can be used not only in humans but also in the treatment of animals (if it’s good for me and my dog, I’m in).

So, what do you think? Are you ready to elevate your laser and microneedling treatments using exosomes with me, Holly Sheppard at Dr. Shaun Parson Skin Center? I know I am.

Make the Most of Exosomes!

To find out more about Exosomes, schedule a consult with Holly Sheppard or book an appointment at Parson Skin Center today. Call the office during business hours at 480-282-8386  or book online now here.