Adipose-Derived Cultured Stem Cells (AD-MSC)
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Subcutaneous fat contains mesenchymal stem cells in far greater numbers than blood. A small volume of fat is collected, the stem-cell-rich fraction is separated, and the cells are expanded in culture under GMP-grade conditions before being returned to the patient.
Collection and culture
- Small-volume fat collection. Under local anaesthesia, 10–20 mL is taken through a fine cannula.
- Cell separation. Centrifugation separates the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which is rich in stem cells.
- GMP-grade culture. Cell numbers are expanded over 2 to 3 weeks in a GMP-grade facility.
- Quality and safety testing. Bacteria, mycoplasma, and endotoxin are confirmed negative, and marker expression (CD73+, CD90+, CD105+) is tested.
- Administration. Microinjection, layered injection, or intravenous infusion, selected according to skin condition.
Proposed mechanisms
- Paracrine effect
- Secreted growth factors and cytokines are associated with collagen and elastin formation.
- Immune modulation
- T-cell and macrophage balance is associated with reduced chronic inflammation and a more stable skin barrier.
- Antioxidant activity
- Reduction of reactive oxygen species and protection against cell damage.
- Direct differentiation
- A proportion of cells differentiate into fibroblasts within the dermal structure.
These are the mechanisms described in the literature. Results and duration vary with individual skin condition and lifestyle.
Cell banking
Because cultured cells can be stored, one collection can supply several sessions. Patients therefore do not undergo fat collection each time; subsequent sessions use cells already stored under the patient's own record. Storage terms are set out at consultation.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | 10–20 mL of autologous fat under local anaesthesia |
| Separation | Centrifugation to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) |
| Culture | 2 to 3 weeks in a GMP-grade facility |
| Quality testing | Bacteria, mycoplasma, endotoxin negative; CD73+, CD90+, CD105+ marker expression tested |
| Administration | Microinjection, layered injection, or intravenous infusion |
| Repeat sessions | Cell banking allows repeat sessions from a single collection |
| Combined with | Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and LED after administration |
| Regulatory basis | Performed under the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act as a designated institution |
| Directed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — history, medication, indication, and regulatory eligibility are reviewed.
- Small-volume fat collection under local anaesthesia; same-day discharge.
- SVF separation, then expansion culture over 2 to 3 weeks in a GMP-grade facility.
- Sterility and marker testing before release.
- Administration by the selected route, with hyperbaric oxygen and LED afterwards.
- Photographic follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults seeking a cell-based regenerative approach where a larger cell quantity or repeat sessions are planned.
- Limited benefit
- Culture takes 2 to 3 weeks, so this is not a same-day treatment. Patients who cannot return, or who prefer to avoid fat collection, may be better suited to the blood-derived route.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active malignancy, active infection, uncontrolled bleeding disorder, certain autoimmune conditions. Confirmed at consultation.
- Side effects
- Bruising and tenderness at the collection site; transient swelling at injection sites. Because the tissue is the patient's own, immune rejection risk is very low. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How much fat is taken?
10 to 20 mL, through a fine cannula under local anaesthesia. This is a small volume compared with liposuction for contouring.
Why does culture take 2 to 3 weeks?
Because cell numbers are expanded and then tested before release. Sterility, mycoplasma, endotoxin, and marker expression are all confirmed before the cells are used.
Do I need fat collected every time?
No. Cultured cells are stored under a banking system, so repeat sessions use cells from the original collection.
How is this different from blood-derived stem cells?
More cells, suited to expansion, but collection is more involved. See Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for the comparison.
What testing is done before the cells are used?
Bacteria, mycoplasma, and endotoxin are confirmed negative, and CD73+, CD90+, CD105+ marker expression is tested.
Can international patients plan this in one trip?
Usually not in a single visit. Because culture takes 2 to 3 weeks, either two trips or an extended stay is required. The schedule is planned in advance by messenger.
Is this legally permitted in Korea?
Only at designated institutions. Cellon is a designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine institution. See what the designation means.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Advanced Regenerative Medicine Designation
- Related: Peripheral Blood Stem Cells