My view on the emerging biology based treatments for anti ageing and the future.

Applying the Science

Our own bodies hold the key to unlocking some very successful and effective anti ageing treatments. Biology based treatments are becoming more and more popular as medical experts and scientists around the world unlock the potential breakthroughs for anti ageing therapies and procedures. For those of you not quite familiar with such treatments let me briefly describe a few here.

Biology based therapies are becoming more and more sophisticated and more and more prevalent. Dracula therapies (also known as Vampire Facials) refers to the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a anti-ageing treatment. Although often depicted in the media as a gruesome procedure this is not the case. A tiny amount of a patient’s blood – less than 20 mls – is taken and placed in a centrifuge in order to separate the plasma form the red blood cells and serum. The red blood cells are removed leaving a yellowish serum, which is then injected into the areas of the face where it is most needed. It is the platelets that are important as they play a crucial part in rejuvenation.

The face is numbered with cream and the needle used is very small, and so only a small amount of discomfort is experienced. Any soreness or bruising experienced will have dissipated by the next day. Only 2 treatments a year are recommended in order to sustain results. These PRP therapies have been the subject of over 3000 research studies and has been found to be safe and effective. These therapies are evidence of the significant breakthrough in anti ageing treatments that rely on the body’s own workings in order to rejuvenate.

The use of stem cells also has a significant part to play in anti-ageing. A big part of ageing is due to the body being attacked by inflammation and oxidative stress and it is thought that using someone’s own stem cells can delay this process. Human cells react to oxygen and other molecules and produce an oxidation reaction – similar to when you leave an apple in your fridge and it turns brown.

The treatment involves using someone’s own stem cells by removing them, activating them, multiplying them and then giving the cells back. The stem cells then do as nature intended – they communicate with other cells and facilitate regeneration. They can then be applied directly to the fine lines and wrinkles to fill in new collagen and elastin tissue, to reverse signs of aging, naturally. Stem cells have the ability to change in most kinds of tissue in the human body. The cells will regenerate the basic structures of organs and systems that have faltered over time.

In the longer term the future of anti-ageing therapies may lie in telomeres – segments of DNA at the end of chromosomes. Research is this area is ongoing, but it’s though that stopping the telomeres from shortening can be the key to anti-ageing.

Advances in technology and techniques will continue apace and non-surgical procedures are likely to continue to grow exponentially. There will probably be a move away from surgical interventions towards non invasive ones – in particular in terms of anti ageing and facial rejuvenation, and body sculpting and cellulite reduction techniques.

The use of lasers for skin rejuvenation and things such as hair removal, and scar and tattoo removal will proliferate. Lasers have been used for a long time but they have improved immensely recently and will continue to evolve and develop. Lasers are usually the first choice for improving complexion and texture of the skin and treating sun damage, broken capillaries, acne scars and pigmentation amongst other things. Laser assisted delivery of anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and E will become commonplace.

There is increasing demand for products with long lasting effects with minimal need for repeat treatments.

In terms of fillers, it’s likely there will be a move away from synthetic fillers towards more natural ones that work with the body’s own collagen. The dermal filler market is likely to continue to expand.

Cryoneuromodulation (think of Frotox) uses a probe to freeze nerves so the muscle causing wrinkles cannot be activated. Unlike injections, which can take up to seven days to take full effect, cryoneuromodulation has an instant effect. It is currently being assessed in the US and is likely to become commonplace in the next few years.

Many more developments in biology based treatments will continue to evolve and develop in the near future indicating that perhaps it is our very own bodies that hold the key to unlocking the secrets of eternal youth.