Einleitung
The wish for eternal youth is as old as mankind. With the use of regenerative cells in aesthetic medicine, this goal is getting a little closer. Dr Sophie Menkes, Medical Director of the Center of Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine at Clinique Nescens, explains how she uses the body’s own regenerative cells in a new procedure to achieve convincing long-term results.
Why did the use of regenerative cells in aesthetic medicine convince you?
Regenerative cells have the ability to renew and revitalise the skin. That is what is special about the nanofat method. It rejuvenates the skin quality, improves the moisture content of the skin and makes small wrinkles disappear. Previously known methods of beauty medicine tighten the skin or artificially pad volume. With this new method, regenerative cells settle in the skin and multiply there. In this way, the skin’s appearance changes from the inside out, and the effect lasts for a long time.
Regenerative cell treatment is like a transplantation of new cells. All it takes is one treatment.
Can you describe the nanofat grafting treatment procedure for us?
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia. First, a quantity of the body’s own fat, about the size of a fingertip, is removed from the inside of the knee, the buttocks or the outside of the thigh. The fat tissue is then dissolved so that the regenerative cells they contain can be extracted. Using a fine cannula, the so-called nanofat is gently injected in the skin through four puncture sites. The treatment is hardly visible on the face, only the extraction site may bruise at first. However, the treated persons do need a short recovery time until the evening, and then they can immediately take part in everyday life again.
Nowadays, patients want to look natural and prefer low-risk therapy methods without artificial fillers.
Does cell regeneration therapy replace conventional methods of beauty medicine?
No, nanofat therapy is a supplement and can help to avoid conventional methods altogether if used early. If necessary, we combine classic treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, Botox injections, peelings or even facelifts with cell regeneration treatment. However, the trend is clearly moving away from highly invasive procedures towards more gentle ones.
In which areas is cell regeneration therapy used?
We most commonly use nanofat grafting for facial rejuvenation and to treat hair loss. Regenerative cells injected in the scalp stimulate hair growth again and maintain the hair’s splendor after a hair transplant. Another area of application is the intimate area of women. Hormonal changes lead to complaints which cell regeneration therapy together with a microfat grafting or a vampire lift can convincingly improve. Volume is built up again in the thinnedout intimate area, and the nano-transplantation additionally improves the moistening of the mucous membrane.
We don’t just want to replace lost volume in the tissue rather help the aging cells to renew themselves.
Where do you see further promising research approaches in the field of beauty medicine?
Switzerland is involved in numerous research projects and supports innovative ideas. The Clinique de Genolier is in the process of setting up a large centre for integrated innovations in the field of medical technology, pharmaceuticals and life sciences (Genolier Innovation Hub). In addition to regenerative cells, exosomes will certainly be the talk of the town in the coming years. Exosomes are small transport vesicles that are responsible for communication between cells in the body. In my opinion, the future lies in these tiny structures.
You work at the Clinique Nescens. What special features does this clinic offer?
This is not only a place for medical treatment, but also a place for relaxation and recreation. The exclusive suites overlooking Lake Geneva offer the highest level of comfort as well as absolute privacy. The clinic is close to various tourist activities and so entertainment is available for accompanying guests. The clinic’s own international concierge service takes care of guests’ concerns and organises the entire stay, from medical procedures to helicopter arrival options.
We tailor the treatment programme to the needs and available time of the international guests. Thus, the therapy lasts between one or two days up to two weeks.
What is it about treatment at a Swiss clinic that convinces international guests?
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world and has an excellent healthcare system. As the example of the nanofat grafting at the Clinique Nescens shows, Swiss clinics combine the latest innovations with the best service. As an attractive destination with the highest medical standards, Switzerland is ideal for health stays.
Interivew by Dr Kathrin Zimmermann
Member of numerous professional societies
Dr Sophie Menkes is Medical Director of the Centre for Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine at the Clinique Nescens and originally comes from France. She is a specialist in general and aesthetic medicine and a member of numerous national and international professional societies. She has also become an expert in functional an aesthetic gynaecology and her unique cell regeneration therapy procedure has been published in the American journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Due to her broad expertise, she can respond individually to the needs of female and male patients.
I came to Switzerland because it offered me better opportunities to work in my area of interest. I wanted to specialise in regenerative and aesthetic medicine.