Stem Cell (SVF) Treatment – Ataşehir, Istanbul

In this article

1. What is a stem cell?
2. Use in medicine
3. What is SVF?
4. Difference from PRP
5. Where it comes from
6. How it is done
7. After the procedure
8. Combined procedures
9. Skin rejuvenation
10. Combining with PRP and mesotherapy
11. Hair and scars
12. Sessions and factors
13. Summary
14. Treatment in Ataşehir, Istanbul
15. Frequently asked questions
16. Ask me

What is a stem cell?

Stem cells can renew themselves and, under suitable conditions, develop into different cell types. They are found in tissues such as bone marrow, cord blood and fat. Fat tissue is one of the sources studied in this field because it is relatively easy to obtain and rich in cells.

Are fat-derived stem cells used in medicine?

Stromal cells from fat tissue may contribute to cell-to-cell communication and tissue repair through the growth factors, cytokines and extracellular vesicles they release.

Their possible effects on skin renewal, wound healing, hair loss and various diseases are being researched. However, not every area under research is an established standard treatment.

What is SVF and how does it differ from stem cells?

The cellular material obtained by processing fat tissue is called the stromal vascular fraction (SVF).

SVF is not made of stem cells alone. It also contains stromal cells, pericytes, vessel-related cells and immune cells. Together these cells can provide biological signals that support tissue repair.

In tissue-type SVF (tSVF) prepared mechanically, part of the supporting tissue around the cells can be preserved. The characteristics of the product depend on the preparation method.

Is PRP also a stem cell treatment?

No. PRP is platelet-rich plasma, obtained from your own blood.

Platelets release growth factors involved in tissue repair. PRP aims to act through these signals, whereas SVF contains different cell types, so PRP and SVF are not the same treatment. For more on PRP, see What is PRP?

Where are the fat and cells taken from?

Fat is taken from your own body, usually from suitable areas such as the abdomen, waist or thighs.

Depending on technique, the fat is processed by centrifugation, emulsification, filtration and fractionation. Mechanically prepared tSVF also contains part of the supporting tissue along with the cells.

The number and type of cells in the product depend on the tissue harvested and the method used.

How is the treatment done?

The donor area is numbed with local anaesthesia. Through a small entry point, the required amount of fat is taken with fine cannulas and processed. The prepared tissue or cellular product is then injected into the target area.

If combined with PRP, PRP can also be prepared from your blood. Depending on scope the procedure takes about 45 minutes; wider or combined procedures take longer. Sedation or other anaesthesia can be considered if needed.

After the procedure

Limited treatments are usually done as day cases. Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness may occur at the donor and injection sites.

Using your own tissue is an advantage, but the procedure is not risk-free. Bleeding, infection and irregularity at the treated area can occur, and the possibility of reactions to medicines or other materials should be considered.

Results are not immediate. Changes in skin and hair are assessed over the following months, depending on the area and method.

Which procedures can it be combined with?

Fat injection: in suitable patients, part of the fat taken in the same session can be used for the face, hands or other areas with volume loss. The goals of volumising fat injection and SVF treatment are different.

Liposuction: the limited amount of fat taken to prepare SVF does not by itself give noticeable slimming. If body contouring is also wanted, liposuction can be planned in the same session.

The scope of combined procedures depends on your needs and medical suitability.

Effects on skin rejuvenation

With ageing, the skin’s collagen, elastin and moisture-holding capacity change, leading to thinning, loss of elasticity and wrinkles.

SVF and fat-derived cell treatments are being studied to support the skin’s repair processes. Studies have reported favourable findings for skin texture, elasticity and fine wrinkles; however, because methods differ, firm conclusions about the size and durability of the effect are limited (Chon et al., Aesthet Surg J Open Forum, 2025).

Stem cells, PRP or mesotherapy? Can they be combined?

Both cells and the biological signals that guide them play a role in tissue repair. PRP is considered for its growth factors, SVF for the different cells it contains.

Some protocols therefore combine SVF with PRP, and clinical studies have examined this combination in hair loss (Behrangi et al., Skin Res Technol, 2024). However, not every combination can be said to be more effective than single treatments. Use with mesotherapy products should also be assessed for product content and suitability.

Use for hair loss and scars

SVF is being studied to support repair processes around hair follicles. Some studies in androgenetic hair loss have reported favourable results for hair density (Perez-Meza et al., Stem Cells Cloning, 2017). Suitability depends on the type and duration of hair loss and the state of existing follicles. See our hair stem cell page.

For scars, the aim is to improve tissue quality and appearance. The age, depth and location of the scar and any tissue loss affect the plan.

One session? Factors that affect results

In some cases a single session is planned; others may need further sessions. The number of sessions and follow-up depend on the aim and the individual response.

Main factors that can affect results include age, sun exposure, smoking, hormonal and metabolic status, systemic diseases, genetics and nutrition.

So it is better to assess your result against your own starting point rather than compare it directly with others.

Summary

SVF is a treatment prepared from your own fat tissue that contains different cell types. It is being studied for supporting skin quality, hair loss and tissue repair.

In suitable patients it can be planned together with PRP, fat injection or liposuction. Expected effect, number of sessions and recovery vary from person to person. The basis of treatment is correct patient selection, appropriate technique and regular follow-up.

Stem cell (SVF) treatment in Ataşehir, Istanbul

Before stem cell (SVF) treatment, the aim (skin, hair or scar), donor area, other medical conditions, current medicines and alternative options are assessed together at Op. Dr. Salim Balin’s clinic in Ataşehir. Treatment is planned under sterile conditions and within current regulations. For details, see our SVF stem cell treatments in Ataşehir page.

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.

Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Ertuğrul Gazi Cad. No: 2H, Metropol İstanbul B Blok, Floor 18, No: 282, 34750 Ataşehir/Istanbul · Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 · +90 506 520 30 55 · WhatsApp · Address and directions

Ask me

Get in touch with your questions about stem cell (SVF) treatment or to request an appointment.

💬 Ask me on WhatsApp — +90 506 520 30 55

✉️ Ask me by email — info@drsalimbalin.com