How Exosomes are Revolutionising the Future of Regenerative Aesthetics

PBL Columnist, Dr Yannis is a triple board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Founder and Medical Director of 111 Harley St. in London’s highly respected medical area. Under the guiding hand of his expertise, the clinic specialises in plastic surgery procedures, aesthetic treatments, and injectables, with ongoing research and an ever-evolving treatment menu incorporating the latest technologies and techniques.

Introducing Exosomes

Exosome therapies first caught my attention when I heard of the claims surrounding their regenerative properties in medical journals. The possibilities of what these could do to elevate the treatment plans we were already offering at 111 Harley St. and what this could do for my patients’ skin quality held huge appeal.

With research-backed claims to promote cell-to-cell communication within the skin, these nanoparticles deliver excellent results and are increasingly something myself and my practitioners incorporate into treatment plans to address a multitude of concerns.

Since exosomes first emerged, it became obvious that this groundbreaking advancement in regenerative medicine had huge potential to change the field of aesthetics. I see personally how these next-level treatments are gaining in popularity at my Harley Street clinic – and with good reason.

Patients across my non-surgical clinic are increasingly adding exosomes to their treatment plans, thanks largely to their power to improve skin and gain visible results from the first session. It’s not just non-surgical patients, however. I have recommended many of my surgical patients have these treatments to boost their skin quality and to treat concerns such as skin laxity and pigmentation.

What are exosomes?

Small but mighty, exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nanometres in diameter. They are released by various cell types within the body and are rich in proteins, lipids, and ribonucleic acid (also known as RNA).

Their primary function is to facilitate intracellular communication, which in turn influences processes within the body, meaning they play a key part in the pathways that signal inflammation, tissue repair, and immune responses.

Naturally released by the skin cells, exosomes contain amino acids, peptides, and growth factors, and like collagen and elastin, they play an essential role in keeping skin plump, which gives a youthful impression.

The exosomes I selected to use at my clinic are plant-based, having been derived from the Damask Rose and harvested from the stem cells within the plant. The Damask Rose is widely known to hold antioxidant and anti-ageing properties that prove beneficial to the skin, and exosomes from this source are a powerhouse of positive skin benefits.

How do they work?

By travelling between fibroblasts within the body and subsequently transferring their signals – growth factors, cytokines, and peptides – the production of collagen and elastin in the skin is dramatically increased. When delivered into the skin, these super-charged treatments can achieve outstanding results and give the skin an enhanced ability to regenerate.

Exosomes are extremely powerful when it comes to collagen and elastin production, and when incorporated into aesthetic treatments can increase collagen by 300% and elastin by 100%.

What does this mean in plastic surgery?

In the context of my role as a Plastic Surgeon with a particular interest in facial surgeries and skin, this means we have an advanced treatment option that plays a significant role in skin quality, and we are able to further improve patient results compared to previously.

When I consider surgical patients who are looking to improve their overall appearance, I consider all aspects, not purely facial anatomy and the results that can be achieved from a surgical procedure alone. I believe it’s important to look at the quality of the skin and how less invasive, non-surgical interventions can be used to improve the overall appearance of the skin. I also contemplate how I can strengthen the skin to create longer-lasting results.

Patients are consistently seeing good improvements for the treatment of widened pores, pigmentation (including sun damage), and skin laxity concerns, all of which contribute to a less youthful appearance. In addition, we see positive changes to the overall vitality of the skin from exosome treatments.

How do exosomes help sensitive skin?

The regenerative powers of exosomes are well documented, with much research backing their ability to treat sensitive or compromised skin effectively. When the skin is weakened, it can lead to many different problems, and my non-surgical team consult regularly with patients who experience skin issues due to a compromised skin barrier. Exosome treatments allow us to tackle signs of stress thanks to their tissue repair capabilities.

Are they a new treatment?

We first introduced these treatments in 2023, but they’ve been around for a little while – as with any new treatment, my team and I will spend time researching and understanding the capabilities and potential results before we add them to our offering. It’s also essential to understand if any new treatment or product has enough research backing its claims and, of course, any relevant approvals for the local market. From their initial introduction to my patients, the results spoke for themselves from the first treatment, and we have since extended the offering to encompass different delivery methods and treatment areas, with exosomes for hair and scalp concerns being the most recent addition.

How are exosomes used in treatment?

This will vary depending on the practitioner’s chosen method of administering exosomes, which will depend on a number of factors, including the patient’s concerns and the areas being treated. One of the preferred ways to treat using exosomes in my clinic is via RF Microneedling. This method allows for the creation of channels in the skin and the exosomes to safely reach greater depths, making them all the more effective.

Are exosomes the future for aesthetics?

Without doubt, this innovative breakthrough in skin technology will continue to grow in popularity, not just on Harley Street but globally. The regenerative power of these products, coupled with their versatility, enables the practitioner to use them across many different concerns and in a variety of safe, efficacious treatments. I fully anticipate seeing further developments in this area and expect exosomes to be on the aesthetic landscape long into the future.