What are exosomes? How is exosome therapy done?
Short answer: Exosomes are microscopic vesicles of 30–150 nanometres that let cells communicate. In exosome therapy, mostly stem-cell-derived exosome solutions are applied to the skin or scalp by microneedling or mesotherapy. They are used to support skin renewal, the look of spots and scars, and hair loss; a session takes 30–60 minutes and 3–4 sessions 2–4 weeks apart are usually planned. Their use in aesthetics and surgery is promising, but much of the evidence still comes from laboratory and small clinical studies.
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are microscopic vesicles that let cells communicate and carry information around the body. These 30–150 nanometre structures are released outside cells and interact with neighbouring cells through biochemical signals. Containing proteins, lipids, enzymes and genetic material, exosomes – especially stem-cell-derived ones – are valued in regenerative medicine and act like a natural repair mechanism.
In recent years they have been used in anti-ageing, skin rejuvenation and hair loss as a more biological option, and their place among non-surgical treatments has brought them to the fore in aesthetic and medical practice.
What is exosome therapy?
Exosome therapy is an advanced biological method that supports cellular repair. Exosomes isolated in the laboratory, usually from stem cells, are applied as special solutions to the skin or scalp. The aim is to support collagen production, reduce signs of ageing, speed tissue recovery and improve elasticity; on the scalp it may slow shedding by supporting hair roots.
Applied by mesotherapy or microneedling, it is non-surgical with short recovery. Beyond aesthetics, it is also being researched in some autoimmune and neurological diseases.
What do exosomes do for the skin?
Their main role in skin is to speed cell renewal and strengthen the skin barrier. With age, collagen and elastin fall and renewal slows, leading to wrinkles, dullness, sagging and spots. Exosome therapy aims for brighter, firmer and more even skin, and its anti-inflammatory effect may help sensitivity, redness and acne marks. Evening out tone, reducing the look of pores and smoothing texture are among its aesthetic gains.
When is exosome therapy used?
It is chosen in many aesthetic and medical situations that need repair and renewal at cell level, including before and after hair transplantation and, more recently, as support in wound healing, rosacea and connective tissue weakness.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Spots and uneven tone
- Acne marks and scars
- Hair loss and thinning: see exosomes for hair
- Weak barrier and moisture loss
- After aesthetic procedures such as laser, mesotherapy or peeling
How is exosome therapy done?
- A local anaesthetic cream is usually applied for comfort.
- Under sterile conditions, exosomes are delivered to the target area by microneedling or injection.
- Devices such as a dermapen or mesotherapy gun may be used.
- The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Mild redness or swelling may last a few days and is temporary; recovery and radiance become noticeable in the first weeks.
How long does it take and how many sessions?
A session usually takes 30–60 minutes. For light renewal 1–2 sessions may be enough; for marked wrinkles, heavy pigmentation, acne scars or hair loss a 3–6 session plan may be made, usually 2–4 weeks apart. Renewal typically starts from week 2 and effects last about 6 months; regular care helps maintain results. A doctor should assess you and tailor the plan first.
What are the benefits?
- Evens skin tone and reduces discolouration
- Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Supports elasticity by increasing collagen
- Minimises the look of enlarged pores
- Softens acne and scar marks
- Smooths skin texture
- On the scalp, supports hair growth and may slow shedding
- Non-surgical with a short, comfortable recovery
Side effects and aftercare
Being non-surgical, exosome therapy is generally considered safe; side effects are mostly temporary. Done by a doctor under sterile conditions, serious complications are very rare.
- Temporary redness, swelling or tenderness
- Rarely bruising or minor irritation
- Itching or stinging
- Allergic reaction in people sensitive to ingredients
- Infection risk in non-sterile settings
Aftercare: do not wash the face or wear make-up for 24 hours; use high-factor sunscreen; avoid very hot water, sauna and hammam for a few days; use the recommended products; see your doctor if an unexpected reaction occurs.
Use of exosomes in aesthetics and surgery
Because of their regenerative properties, exosomes are being researched in aesthetics and surgery, mainly for:
- Skin renewal and rejuvenation
- Post-operative wound healing by regulating inflammation and supporting new vessel formation
- Scar treatment: hypertrophic, atrophic and post-surgical scars
- Hair restoration
- Flaps and skin grafts: preclinical work on graft and flap viability
In a recent small clinical study, adipose-derived exosomes applied to part of a surgical scar after rhinoplasty showed some favourable results for pigmentation, pliability, height and thickness. With only 10 patients, larger and longer studies are needed.
Is exosome therapy a routine treatment?
Research is growing, but most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and human studies are few and small. Exosome therapy should therefore not yet be seen as a standard, proven treatment in these fields; efficacy, safety, dosing, application method and long-term outcomes need more clinical research.
Exosomes are regarded as one of the promising regenerative medicine approaches in aesthetics and surgery.
Exosome therapy in Ataşehir, Istanbul
At our clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul, the skin or scalp is examined before exosome therapy and the product, number of sessions and intervals are planned individually, alongside options such as mesotherapy, hair PRP or skin boosters where appropriate. See our exosome treatments and exosomes for hair pages.
The clinic is in Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, in Metropol İstanbul Block B. Besides the Barbaros, İçerenköy, Küçükbakkalköy, Kayışdağı, Yenisahra and Ferhatpaşa neighbourhoods of Ataşehir, we see patients from Kadıköy (Kozyatağı, Bostancı, Göztepe, Erenköy), Ümraniye, Maltepe, Çekmeköy, Sancaktepe, Üsküdar, Kartal and other districts of Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are 30–150 nanometre vesicles that let cells communicate, carrying proteins, lipids and genetic material.
How is exosome therapy done?
After a numbing cream, the exosome solution is applied to the skin or scalp by microneedling or mesotherapy under sterile conditions; it usually takes 30–60 minutes.
How many sessions are needed?
1–2 sessions may suit light renewal; marked wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars or hair loss may need 3–6 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart.
When does it start working and how long does it last?
Renewal usually starts from week 2 and effects last about 6 months; regular care helps maintain results.
Does exosome therapy have side effects?
Usually temporary redness, swelling or tenderness, and rarely bruising or itching. Allergy is possible in sensitive people, and infection in non-sterile settings.
Do exosomes help hair loss?
They may help slow shedding and support regrowth by stimulating hair roots. The cause of hair loss should be assessed first.
Is exosome therapy a proven standard treatment?
No. Its use in aesthetics and surgery is promising, but most evidence is from laboratory, animal and small clinical studies.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
Jeong KH et al. A Split-Scar Study: Study of Surgical Scar Using Exosomes (adipose-derived exosomes on surgical scars after rhinoplasty, 10 patients). 2026 ↗Exosomes: A Comprehensive Review for the Practicing Dermatologist. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025 ↗This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any new care or treatment.
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