Bella Milagros Clinic, Inc
17822 Beach Blvd.
Suite 325
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
United States
ph: 714-465-9677
alt: 714-465-9673
AMSCGF: Adipose (fat) - Stem Cells - Growth Factor Grafting
Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth Factor - AMSCGF
AMSCGF grafting is an effective way to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, diminish acne scarring and regain a more youthful appearance.
By grafting your AMSCGF obtained from your own body, Dr. Steven Dominguez can restore facial volume, fill deep creases, soften facial creases and wrinkles, plump lips and build up shallow contours. AMSCGF grafting may also fill deep acne scars, cellulite depressions, and breast volume loss. AMSCGF grafting may also be used for breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, scar remodeling, and wound care.
Dr. Steven Dominguez believes this is truly a combination of the art of Plastic Surgery with science of Regenerative Medicine illustrating "Beauty is Art and Science"®
Before & After Photos of Dr. Steven Dominguez Patients:
Before and After AMSCGF - Complete Facial Restoration
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Before and After AMSCGF - Selective Placement
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Before and After AMSCGF - Complete Facial Restoration
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Before and After AMSCGF - Selective Placement
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Before and After AMSCGF - Complete Facial Restoration
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Before and After AMSCGF - Selective Placement of AMSCGF for Whistler Deformity (Scar secondary to childhood trauma -dog bite)
Am I candidate for AMSCGF grafting?
Unlike other cosmetic injectables that are made from synthetic products, AMSCG grafting does not pose a possibility of an allergic reaction because the AMSCGF tissue is taken from your own body. While AMSCGF grafting do not stop the aging process, facial augmentation with human AMSCGF may help delay the need for more invasive procedures, such as a face lift, forehead/eyebrow lift or other types of surgery. AMSCGF grafts are also a beneficial addition to other aesthetic plastic surgery procedures.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for a AMSCGF grafting is through a consultation with Dr. Steven Dominguez in LA/OC or at UCSD.
AMSCGF grafting by Dr. Steven Dominguez is a good option if you:
How do I prepare for AMSCGF grafting?
Dr. Steven Dominguez AMSCGF grafting is a more extensive procedure than the use of common cosmetic injectable fillers because liposuction and surgical grafting techniques are involved.
AMSCGF is harvested by hand liposuction, processed carefully to preserve the mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors, and then expertly transplanted using micro-cannulas for optimal placement, retention, and growth. Dr. Steven Dominguez has over 30 years of both research and patient care experience in fat and mesenchymal cell physiology in animals and humans under normal (aesthetic) and abnormal conditions (chronic wounds) during harvest, processing, and grafting.
AMSCGF grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is usually completed with local anesthesia.
Preparing for your AMSCGF grafting MAY include:
However, you MUST:
How is AMSCGF grafting performed?
AMSCGF grafting procedures by Dr. Steven Dominguez are generally performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthestic. The procedure usually takes 90 minutes to two hours, or more, depending on the patient, the volume to be grafted, and additional procedures that are being completed at the same time.
Dr. Steven Dominguez obtains AMSCGF from certain areas of the body (typically the abdomen, flanks, hips, or knees), either by using AMSCGF collection cannulas on a hand-held syringe or through techniques similar to those used during traditional liposuction BUT using special AMSCGF cannulas and suction device settings. Dr. Steven Dominguez says the AMSCGF collection process is critical in assuring AMSCGF survival since traditional debulking liposuction techniques result in the death of viable fat cells.
Dr. Steven Dominguez may gently centrifuge or wash the AMSCGF since modified spinning and washing the AMSCGF separates the fat, stem cells, and growth factors away from the triglyceride and other substances that damage fat cells and recipient site tissue, thus leading to greater ADSVF graft retention.
In some instances where very small amounts of AMSCGF are needed, no centrifugation is conducted. The anesthetic fluid and liquid fat is decantered before AMSCGF grafting.
Dr. Steven Dominguez emphasizes a gently process to preserve the intact adipocytes WITH the a. stroma, b. stem cells, and c. growth factors. According to Dr. Steven Dominguez, in the 1980-90's these three were once thought of as “imputies” and were aggressively removed from fat tissue before fat transfer, but in reality they are now known of as the netting that holds, feeds, and promotes fat cell survival.
The AMSCGF is then grafted by Dr. Steven Dominguez into areas needing augmentation through an AMSCGF grafting cannula that is usually passed in and out of the specific areas multiple times. This creates a ‘grid’ of threads of AMSCGF graft.
What results can I expect from AMSCGF grafting?
Dr. Steven Dominguez end result is a soft and supple restoration of volume, and improved skin color-tone-texture. A natural look and feel!
You will see immediate results from your AMSCGF graft, and the treated areas may appear too augmented at first due to swelling.
Over time, the swelling will subside, and you will usually be able to see your true results in three to four months. During this period of time, you may lose fat volume from the grafted areas as your body metabolizes it. This effect is minimized with the AMSCGF due to the inclusion of your stem cells and growth factors.
In general, about half of the grafted AMSCGF is absorbed back into the body in three to six months. The remaining AMSCGF is retained for 36 months or longer. A healthy adipose (fat) cell has a life span of five years. Follow-up with me is the best way to ensure long-lasting results. A touch-up may be performed after the first three months, if indicated or desired.
What is involved in AMSCGF grafting recovery?
Patients who undergo AMSCGF grafting can usually return to their normal daily routines soon after treatment. Bruising, swelling or redness in both the donor and injected areas are expected, but typically lasts only a few days to weeks.
The recovery period may be longer based on whether traditional liposuction is used with large amounts of AMSCGF removed (for grafting to breast and butt). During recovery, you should avoid sun exposure and may wear makeup with UV protection to disguise and protect the effects of the procedure.
Are AMSCGF grafts safe?
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible complications from volume AMSCGF grafting include:
When will the stitches be removed from my donor site and does this hurt?
Depending upon what other procedures are performed and which surgical approach Dr. Steven Dominguez uses, you may or may not have sutures in the donor site.
Dr. Steven Dominguez may close the lip augmentation or breast augmention entry site after AMSCGF grafting with sutures, if indicated.
Do AMSCGF grafts last?
When AMSCGF is properly harvested and grafted, AMSCGF grafts can have long-lasting results. However, the “take” or volume retention is somewhat unpredictable. Since fat cells undergo normal degradation, Dr. Steven Dominguez may “overcorrect” or graft more AMSCGF than is initially needed, leading to a better end result.
In general, about half of the grafted fat in a traditional fat transfer is absorbed back into the body in three to six months. Using Dr. Steven Dominguez techniques, the average retention is 80% at three months with the remaining AMSCGF retained at 50% at for 36 months or longer.
There are many factors that will determine the longevity of the AMSCGF transfer. Smoking and sun exposure will significantly decrease the longevity of the AMSCGF. Rapid or significant weight loss from dieting or illness will also lead to a significant decrease in the longevity of the AMSCGF. Normal degradation of the transplanted cells will occur (a fat cell may live up to five years) and at times the degradation is not symmetrical. Follow-up evaluations and touch-ups may be necessary.
Dr. Steven Dominguez research has shown that some individuals with diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, and other metabolic conditions do not retain the fat transplant as easily nor as long as others. These individuals may benefit from additional ADSVF or PRP in the AMSCGF.
How is AMSCGF grafting different from cosmetic injectable fillers, like Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra?
Compared to cosmetic injectables, AMSCGF grafts are a more involved procedure because the AMSCGF is harvested from another part of the body. But, unlike cosmetic injectables, AMSCGF grafts can easily and economically be used in larger amounts to fill larger defects – and there is no risk of an allergic reaction.
Restylane/Perlane/Juverderm/Belotero are hyaluronic acid particles of various sizes that add volume by adhering to water molecules. Hyaluronic acid is normally found in joints and as such will be degraded the same as joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid may be used for correction of mild to moderate wrinkles and lip augmentation. Complications of hyaluronic acid injections typically are due to superficial injections resulting in a bluish discoloration of the skin known as the Tyndall Effect (except Belotero). Clinical effects of wrinkle or volume loss correction typically will last 9 - 12 months. Cost is $500 -$600 per 1 cc syringe.
Radiesse is 30% calcium hydroxyapatite and 70% inactive carrier gel. Normal degradation occurs with clinical effects of deep wrinkle reduction or deep injections for severe volume loss. Clinically visual correction typically lasts about 12 months. Complications noted are large lumps and superficial nodules that tend to disappear within 9 - 12 months. Radiesse is not to be used in lip augmentation. Cost is $600 - $700 per 1cc syringe.
Sculptra is injectable poly-L-lactic acid beads. Initially designed for severe fat loss in chronic debilitated individuals (AIDS), Sculptra is now cleared for use in healthy individuals with moderate to severe nasolabial wrinkles. Multiple (4) injection sessions are required. Complications noted at 12 - 36 months are nodules, granulomas, large lumps, and skin discoloration. Cost is $900 - $1200.
Bellafil (was Artefill) Bellafill is a PERMANENT filler. Initially designed as a permanent filler for severe HIV fat loss. This is a nondegradable combination of microsphere enhanced bovine collagen with the local anesthetic lidocaine. The microspheres are produced from a synthetic implant material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and are roughly 30 to 50 microns in size. An allergy skin test is required prior to use due to anaphylaxis from the cow collagen antigens. Both the cow collagen and the plastic unite to create an inflammatory response that stimulates new collagen bundles around the plastic. The plastic is not degraded, it is permanent and its' removal requires surgery. Complications noted at 12 - 36 months are hypertrophic - keloid scars, nodules, granulomas, large lumps, and skin discoloration. Cost is $1500 - $2500.
How much does AMSCGF grafting cost?
The cost of ADSVF grafting ranges from $1,750 to $6,000, depending on the area(s) to be grafted.
Why Choose Dr Steven Dominguez
If you’re considering traditional fat grafting, Dr. Steven Dominguez has specialized training and significant experience performing these procedures since 1988. While Dr. Steven Dominguez was at the Cleveland Clinic, he was one of the pioneer researchers in the selective placement of small amounts of fat into the face for the purposes of either cosmetic surgery or after cancer surgery reconstruction. Today, Dr. Steven Dominguez leads the research team that has defined AMSCGF as the gold standard for fat-stem cell-growth factor harvest, processing, and transplantion. Large volume AMSCGF harvest, processing, and transplant are performed at UCSD or in a Surgery Center.
Is AMSCGF procedure covered by health insurance?
Cosmetic AMSCGF harvest and grafting procedures are not covered by health insurance.
Under special circumstances some insurance companies may pay for AMSCGF harvest and grafting, these special circumstances may include Breast Cancer reconstruction, Parry-Romberg Syndrome, Tessier procedures, Whistler's Defects, and trauma. These special circumstance cases are seen and treated at UCSD Plastic Surgery.
Do you use PRP with the AMSCGF?
Dr. Steven Dominguez has performed thousands of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Fibrin Matrix Clot procedures for wound care, and facial restoration both as stand-alone procedures or in conjunction with AMSCGF.
PRP is beneficial in producing excellent short-term skin improvement in color-texture-tone from 4 to 24 weeks, and because of the additional growth factors promotes an increase in fat graft viability and outcome of AMSCGF in mature patients and patients with metabolic diseases such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.
Dr. Steven Dominguez believes there is a role for the dual use of PRP with AMSCGF in failed fat grafting cases and in chronic wound care.
References:
This is the most current and valuable resource:
Understanding Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction (AD-SVF) ...
We will provide the reference links for our research upon publication.
South Gate office Lake Forest office
8406 State St 25411 Trabuco Rd
South Gate, CA 90280 Suite 222
562-399-1926 Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-903-3799
Copyright 1988 -2022 Dominguez Plastic Surgery and Bella Milagros Clinic. All rights reserved. All photographs are of actual patients.
Bella Milagros Clinic, Inc
17822 Beach Blvd.
Suite 325
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
United States
ph: 714-465-9677
alt: 714-465-9673