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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812020
Systematic Review

Systematic Review of Stem Cells in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery: Clinical Application in Anti-Aging Medicine

Authors

  • Huntal Napoleon

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstruction, and Esthetic Surgery, Indonesia Police Central Bhayangkara Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

  • Putra B. Djohan 

    2   Department of Medicine, Indonesia Police Central Bhayangkara Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

  • Evelyn Evelyn

    3   Department of Pharmacy, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta, Indonesia

  • Laveda Lypinsky

    4   Department of Medicine, Pelita Harapan Faculty of Medicine, Banten, Indonesia

  • Stefani Luziani

    5   Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia

  • Magistra C. Margaretha

    2   Department of Medicine, Indonesia Police Central Bhayangkara Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Abstract

Background

The application of stem cells in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery has emerged as a promising frontier in anti-aging medicine. Stem cells, particularly adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are increasingly utilized for their regenerative properties, offering innovative solutions for a range of aesthetic and reconstructive challenges.

Objective

This review explores the current and potential clinical applications of stem cells in plastic surgery, focusing on their role in grafting, facial rejuvenation, wound healing, soft tissue reconstruction, and hair restoration.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted using the PRISMA algorithm, examining studies and clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of stem cell-based therapies in plastic surgery. Emphasis was placed on the therapeutic mechanisms of stem cells, including their ability to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce scarring, and improve graft survival.

Results

Out of the 5,117 studies identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria, highlighting the diverse applications of stem cells in plastic surgery. These studies reported significant advancements in aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapies represent a transformative approach in plastic surgery, offering significant benefits in aesthetic enhancement and functional restoration. While current applications show promising results, ongoing research is essential to address regulatory issues, ethical considerations, and the need for standardized treatment protocols.

Keywords

stem cells - plastic surgery - anti-aging - facial rejuvenation - wound healing - soft tissue reconstruction - cartilage regeneration - hair restoration

Ethical Approval

This study is a systematic review that used only data from previously published studies in the public domain; no new human participants were recruited and no identifiable individual-level data were used.


Patients' Consent

Not applicable.




Publication History

Article published online:
10 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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