Anti-Aging Medicine is the branch of medicine that treats the decline in physical and mental abilities that accompanies aging through vitamins, antioxidants and hormone replacement. Regenerative Medicine is an emerging, revolutionary approach to treating degenerative conditions that occur with age by harnessing the body’s ability to heal itself. Disease states currently being treated with Regenerative Medicine include: diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, these therapies are available only in experimental trials or overseas. Still, Regenerative Medicine to treat the appearance of aging is available today at The Center for Positive Aging.
The sources for treatment with Regenerative Medicine are found in our own bodies. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is obtained by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood and isolating a high concentration of platelets. Platelets, in addition to their function as clotting agents, also secrete growth factors that activate resting stem cells and promote healthy tissue healing (versus scar tissue formation). This process has been used in orthopedic surgery to treat shoulder, heel, knee and elbow injuries. At The Center for Positive Aging, we have been using this process to treat the signs of aging on the face and hands. The Vampire Facelift® is one procedure we offer that uses this technology.
One of the most exciting discoveries in all of medicine is that our own fat is a rich source of Adult Stem Cells. Adult Stem Cells are isolated from fat obtained from a “mini liposuction” procedure. Many more cells can be obtained from fat than can be isolated from the same volume of bone marrow and most of us have plentiful “donor sites” (fat pockets). These Adult Stem Cells are distinguished from Embryonic Stem Cells that are controversial on moral and ethical grounds. There are also scientific and practical considerations as Embryonic Stem Cells must be grown in a laboratory (very expensive), and as yet, scientists do not fully understand how to encourage these cells to form the type of tissue desired, for example, skin tissue instead of muscle, bone or cartilage.
At The Center for Positive Aging, we are utilizing these Adult Stem Cells from fat (Adipose Derived Stem Cells or ADSCs) for rejuvenation of the face and hands. Fat is harvested from an area where less fat is desired, such as the stomach or “love handles,” and re-injected into areas where the patient has lost volume (fat), such as the face or hands. This powerful combination releases growth factors in large numbers that become a “personalized drugstore for your own body.” As these cells and growth factors are isolated from your own body, there is virtually no chance of allergic reaction or side effects.
In addition to the clinical procedures of the Vampire Facelift®, autologous fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, augmented with stem cells and/or PRP for face and hands, The Center for Positive Aging and Dr. Bowen are active in research in the areas of combining adult stem cells and PRP with laser treatments, improving methods for isolating stem cells, and treating medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, limb ischemia, wound healing, COPD, diabetes mellitus, MS, macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease in conjunction with one of the leading hospitals in Latin America (Hospital Angeles, Mexico).
Ask Dr. Bowen or his staff about these clinical procedures or how to participate in a research trial.
Dr. Bowen is a member of several international organizations of doctors and scientists using and researching these techniques, including the American Cosmetic Cellular Medicine Association , the International Federation for Andipose Therapeutics and Science, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He also has been a featured speaker at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), teaching other doctors these principles and techniques.
