Understanding the Stem Cell Therapy Procedure
Stem cell therapy in aesthetic medicine harnesses the body's own regenerative capacity to rejuvenate skin, restore volume, and stimulate collagen production. The procedure follows a structured protocol that begins with biological material collection and ends with precision reinjection. Each stage serves a specific purpose in maximizing therapeutic concentration and treatment efficacy.
Stage 1: Blood Draw and Sample Collection
The procedure begins with a venous blood draw of 20-60ml depending on the treatment protocol and target area. This volume is comparable to a standard blood test and takes approximately 5 minutes. For facial rejuvenation protocols, 20-30ml is typical, while full-face plus scalp treatments require 40-60ml. The blood is drawn into specialized collection tubes containing anticoagulant to prevent clotting during the processing phase.
Stage 2: Centrifuge Processing and Growth Factor Isolation
Collected blood enters a medical-grade centrifuge spinning at 3,000-4,000 RPM for 15-20 minutes. This separates the sample into 3 distinct layers: platelet-poor plasma on top, a concentrated growth factor layer in the middle, and red blood cells at the bottom. The middle layer, rich in platelets, cytokines, and regenerative growth factors, is carefully extracted. This concentrated serum contains 5-8 times the normal platelet concentration found in whole blood.
Stage 3: Targeted Reinjection Process
The concentrated growth factor solution is loaded into precision syringes fitted with 30-gauge micro-needles, among the finest available for dermal injection. The treating aesthetic medicine specialist maps injection points across the treatment area, typically placing 5-15 micro-deposits depending on the zone. Facial treatments target the dermal layer at depths of 1-3mm, while scalp protocols reach 2-4mm to access hair follicle root zones.
Each injection deposits 0.05-0.1ml of concentrated growth factors, creating a network of regenerative micro-pools beneath the skin surface. The entire reinjection process takes 15-25 minutes. For enhanced protocols, the growth factor concentrate is combined with Eternal Booster ampoules containing additional regenerative peptides, amplifying the biological stimulus delivered to target tissue.
Comfort Measures During Stem Cell Therapy
Pain management follows a 2-layer approach. First, topical anesthetic cream containing 4% lidocaine is applied to the treatment area 20-30 minutes before injection. Second, the ultra-fine 30-gauge needles minimize tissue displacement and nerve stimulation. Most patients rate discomfort at 2-3 on a 10-point scale, comparable to light pinching. Ice packs applied immediately before and after injection further reduce sensation. The entire procedure from blood draw to completion takes 90-120 minutes, including the 20-minute anesthetic waiting period.
Session Frequency and Treatment Protocols
Treatment protocols vary based on patient goals and the specific stem cell program selected. Single-session protocols like the Ever Youth package at ₩1,990,000 ($1,530 USD) include 1 autologous blood therapy kit plus 1 Eternal Booster ampoule. Comprehensive programs such as Eternal Youth involve 4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, priced at ₩5,290,000 ($4,069 USD), incorporating Revinas 12,000 shots for combined regenerative and lifting effects.
Gangnam clinics like RE:BERRY administer stem cell therapy following standardized protocols that ensure consistent growth factor concentration across sessions. A study by Eppley BL et al. demonstrated that autologous platelet concentrates stimulate fibroblast proliferation rates 2-3 times above baseline levels. Eppley BL et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(6):1409-1422. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000239606.92676.cf