A novel approach for lip rejuvenation using ASC-exosomes
Objectives: 1. To find out clinically suitable indications of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes(ASCE) other than the skin
2. To find out that ASCE can be used for lips rejuvenation.
3. To find out that ASCE could have a synergistic effect on the results when combined with lip filler injections.
Introduction: Exosomes, the most important mediator for intercellular communication, are being developed as next generation regenerative therapeutics and aesthetics to be one of the anti-aging treatment modalities for the skin. Likewise, exosomes are also expected to improve the quality of the lips which are generally considered a part of the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are widely used for lips beautification. However, according to the recent trend of pursuing natural and essential beauty, people's desire to improve the quality of their lips has become stronger rather than giving them excessive volume.
Materials / method: Human adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes were applied with Nappage technique on the lips to investigate their effect on improving the quality of the lip mucosa in patients with atrophied lips or chronically chapped lips. Additionally, the difference between the two results was investigated by comparing a group that simply underwent lip filler injections with another group that underwent lip filler injections and ASCE treatment in combination.
Results: Five patients with atrophied lips due to aging and two patients with chapped lips due to chronic dry lips were successfully treated with Nappage mesotherapy using human adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes. Five repeated sessions of treatment with 1 week of intervals led to marked improvement of the quality of the lip mucosa.
Filler injection only and filler injection combined with exosome treatments were performed on the similar lips of two different individuals, respectively. As a result, the lips looked healthier and more vivid in the patient with combination treatment.
Conclusion: 1. It is strongly suggested that ASCE can be an effective agent for lips rejuvenation, possibly with the function of skin barrier regeneration and immune-modulation.
2. It is strongly suggested that ASCE can play a synergistic role when combined with lip filler injections.
3. In addition, ASCE can be a novel promising cell-free therapeutic modality for lips rejuvenation in a natural and physiologic way.
4. However, further controlled studies with a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of this agent, as well as the optimal treatment protocol.