Stem Cell + Full Face Thread Lift (StemLift)
What Is It?
In StemLift we perform two separate treatments in the same session: full-face thread lifting and a mesenchymal stem cell treatment prepared from abdominal fat tissue. We combine them because they do different jobs. The threads carry the tissue upwards mechanically. The stem cells are aimed at supporting tissue quality biologically.
In the thread lift, dissolvable threads that we place under the skin gather the laxity in the cheek and cheekbone area upwards. On the stem cell side, our target is the tissue’s own capacity for renewal. When you have a thread lift on its own, the face is lifted, yet the texture of the skin stays the same. So we built this protocol to complete the part that is left missing.
How Is It Done?
I start the assessment with facial analysis. I note separately the degree of laxity, the vectors the threads will pull along, how much volume loss plays a part and the quality of the skin. We review your medical history, any medication you take and whether there is enough fat in the abdomen to harvest, and we request the necessary tests.
In the session we first take a small amount of fat from the abdomen under local anaesthesia and separate the fraction containing stem cells. Then we place the threads under the skin along the vectors we have planned. I deliver the cell content first to the deep plane, the layer where fat and connective tissue sit. After that I move to the surface and treat the areas with fine lines and pigmentation. The whole procedure takes about 60 minutes on average, and we build the plan as a single session.
Who Is It For?
It suits patients who notice laxity in the cheek and cheekbone area and are also unhappy with their skin quality. People who don’t want surgery, or for whom surgery is still early, ask about this protocol more often. For a patient who doesn’t want to split the two concerns into separate sessions, we address both in one. In someone who has already had a thread lift, we can also reach the same plan in stages by adding stem cells later.
Where sagging is advanced it does not meet the expectation; in that situation surgical assessment comes first. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection, a bleeding disorder and blood thinner use, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, ongoing cancer treatment and too little fat in the abdomen to harvest change the plan.
Process & Recovery
Facial analysis and preparation
We assess separately the degree of laxity, the vectors the threads will pull along, volume loss and skin quality. We look at your medical history and request the necessary tests.
Fat harvesting and separation
We take a small amount of fat from the abdomen under local anaesthesia and separate the fraction containing stem cells in the same session.
Threads and treatment
We place the threads under the skin along the planned vectors. Then we deliver the cell content first to the deep layer and then to the superficial one. The whole procedure takes about 60 minutes on average.
First 2 weeks
Swelling, tenderness and a feeling of tightness are expected, and bruising may appear. During this period we ask you to avoid exaggerated facial expressions, opening your mouth very wide, sleeping face-down, sauna and strenuous exercise.
Month 3-6 assessment
The effect of the threads settles as the swelling goes down. The change on the stem cell side develops over months; we do the photographic comparison in this period.
Results & Duration
You notice the gathering effect of the threads straight after the session. The appearance in the first days doesn’t count as final, though, because of swelling and tightness; it takes about two to three weeks to settle. The change on the stem cell side is slow and builds up over months.
The source data reports an effect range of 3-5 years. When my patients ask how long it will last, I tell them that these are their own cells, so the better they take care of themselves, the longer it lasts. Age and tissue structure also affect the duration. The threads dissolve over time and leave no permanent structure. What remains is the tissue’s own response.
What Is Not Promised
StemLift does not replace a surgical face lift, and where sagging is advanced it does not meet the expectation. It does not correct volume loss; that is a job for filler. Nor does it redesign facial proportions.
I can’t promise a particular degree of lift, skin appearance or duration. Mild asymmetry and a feeling of tightness can be noticed in the first weeks; this is a temporary period. The result is the sum of two components, and the response to each varies from person to person.
Key Benefits
- Dual effect
- Tissue renewal
- Long-term effect
“In this protocol I deliver the stem cells first to the deep plane, into the fat and connective tissue. Once the deeper layer is taken care of, I move to the surface and work on fine lines and pigmentation.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
What is StemLift?
It means we perform full-face thread lifting and a stem cell treatment prepared from abdominal fat together, in the same session. One carries the tissue upwards, the other supports tissue quality.
Why are the two done together?
They make up for different shortfalls. The threads lift the face but don’t change the texture of the skin; we add stem cells to support tissue quality.
How long does it take?
On average 60 minutes, including fat harvesting, separation and the threads. We build the plan as a single session.
Does it replace a surgical lift?
No. Where sagging is advanced it does not meet the expectation; in that case surgical assessment comes first.
When will I see the result?
You notice the effect of the threads straight away, and it takes two to three weeks to settle. The change on the stem cell side develops over months.
How long does it last?
The range reported in the source data is 3-5 years. It varies with your age, tissue structure and habits.
Do the threads stay in my face permanently?
No. The threads dissolve over time and leave no permanent structure. What remains is the tissue’s own response.
What is recovery like?
The first two weeks bring swelling, tenderness and tightness. We ask you to avoid exaggerated facial expressions, sleeping face-down, sauna and strenuous exercise.