In this article, we present a new conversation between Dr. Jorge Planas, plastic surgeon and Medical Director of Clínica Planas, and Dr. Miguel Garber, specialist in regenerative medicine.
Through this series, we explore in depth the many possibilities offered by this specialty, both in the therapeutic and aesthetic fields.
- JORGE PLANAS:
Dr. Garber, what is vascular stroma and what applications does it have in regenerative medicine? - MIGUEL GARBER:
Vascular stroma is a highly active cellular fraction found within adipose tissue, specifically in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). This fraction contains a rich diversity of cells: approximately 30% are immune system cells, and it also includes preadipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells (multipotent stem cells), endothelial cells, pericytes, and other supporting cells.
This cellular complex is key in regenerative medicine because it has:
- anti-inflammatory properties
- immunomodulatory properties
- regenerative properties
When applied to the subcutaneous tissue—that is, the layer of fat located just beneath the skin—it stimulates tissue regeneration, improves skin quality, and activates biological processes that promote the repair of damaged tissue.
- JORGE PLANAS:
And where does the vascular stroma used in these treatments come from? - MIGUEL GARBER:
Vascular stroma is obtained from the patient’s own adipose tissue, which makes the procedure autologous and biocompatible, eliminating the risk of rejection. We perform a mini liposuction—a minimally invasive procedure—to collect a small amount of fat, which is then processed using specialized technology unique in Europe, such as our Time Machine system.
During this process, the cells of the vascular stroma are separated from the rest of the adipose tissue, resulting in a cell-rich suspension of regenerative cells ready to be reimplanted in the area of the body that requires treatment.
It is important to emphasize that this application is always performed at the subcutaneous level, where the cells can interact with the tissue microenvironment to induce regeneration.
- JORGE PLANAS:
I see. And what other regenerative therapies are currently available at Clínica Planas? - MIGUEL GARBER:
In addition to vascular stroma, regenerative medicine is increasingly making use of what we call bioactive molecules.
We are referring to obtaining optimal concentrations of bioactive factors released from platelets and other blood cells.
These molecules can be used not only for skin rejuvenation, but also across multiple medical areas:
- At the joint level, for the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries.
- At the muscular and tendon level, promoting recovery from sports-related injuries.
- In pain therapy, as an adjunct treatment for chronic conditions such as lumbar or cervical disc herniations, as well as knee or shoulder pain.
- In the treatment of gynecological conditions such as vulvar atrophy and lichen sclerosus, where we have observed excellent results.
- And even in fertility treatments, where gynecologists are beginning to use these therapies to improve ovarian reserve in women with low response, promoting ovarian tissue regeneration.
- JORGE PLANAS:
Very interesting. And do these therapies also have applications in sports and aesthetics? - MIGUEL GARBER:
Absolutely. In sports medicine, regenerative therapies are widely used by high-performance athletes to treat both chronic and acute injuries, and to safely and naturally accelerate recovery times.
In the field of aesthetics, these therapies are revolutionizing anti-aging treatments. For example:
- In hair medicine, they are used to strengthen hair follicles, increase hair density, and slow down hair loss.
- At the facial level, they are applied to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, firmness, and radiance, and to treat expression lines, scars, and pigmentation.
Regenerative medicine represents a new era of personalized, safe, and effective treatments, using the patient’s own biological resources to promote health, functionality, and overall well-being.
