The common perception of stem cells in general is that these cells arise  only from sources such as embryo or fetal or umbilical blood.  Stem cells, however, are present in some form in nearly all adult tissues.

Fat is one of the greatest reservoirs of adult stem cells. In essence, a fat cell transfer to the face is becoming better known as a stem cell facelift.  Dr. Bednar has been performing such transfers for over a decade for facial rejuvenation and facial contouring procedures alone or often in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures.

“We still don’t understand all of the basic science of fat transfers but we do know that the stem cells and the tissue growth factors and molecular signals that are carried with fat transfer, work to restore a great number of the features of youth.  Don’t be fooled that it is an end all to the fountain of youth,” emphasizes Dr. Bednar.  “It is simply another tool in our arsenal to combat the signs of aging.”

Dr. Bednar stresses that a comprehensive and individualized plan for facial rejuvenation is the most realistic approach.  Selected candidates may be able to have a fat transfer under local sedation.  (Fat is taken from one part of the body, such as the abdomen and then transferred to the face where it develops a blood supply).

“Like so many of the facial rejuvenation procedures, it demands an artistic approach and a great attention to detail to identify  the changes to the topography of the face that occurred with the aging process of each individual.

Dr. Bednar applies his award-winning artistic aptitude to these subtle details as he has been painting, carving and sculpting since he was eight years-old.

“When I am painting a portrait or sculpting a bust in clay, I set out to understand, then achieve the subtle differences in the facial planes and the topography of that individual’s face so that I can accomplish the likeness and character of that person.  If this is not done, then people don’t recognize the person in that painting or bust.  The same holds true with a fat transfer for a stem cell facelift.  This is where the art gets overwhelmed by the science of the technique as so amply demonstrated in the distorted faces of so many celebrities.  A youthful and natural likeness can be achieved but the devil is in the details and the surgeon’s experience and artistic aptitude.”