How Your Own Cells Can Combat Skin Aging
The secret to younger-looking skin might be hidden in your own cells.
Imagine a world where reversing the signs of skin aging doesn't involve invasive surgery or synthetic fillers, but instead uses your body's own natural regenerative processes. This isn't science fiction—it's the reality of SPRS-therapy® (Service for Personal Regeneration of Skin), an innovative approach that harnesses the power of autologous dermal fibroblasts to correct age-related skin changes1 . Based on robust clinical trials and post-marketing studies, this groundbreaking technology offers a scientifically-backed method to truly rejuvenate skin from within, with results that progress and persist for years1 6 .
To understand how SPRS-therapy works, we first need to understand what happens to our skin as we age. The skin is the body's largest organ, with a complex structure where the dermis plays a key role in maintaining youthfulness and elasticity3 . The main cellular residents of the dermis are fibroblasts, often described as the "key link in skin biology"3 6 .
These remarkable cells are the master architects of your skin's structural integrity. They continuously produce and organize crucial components of the extracellular matrix (ECM).
As we age, particularly after 35, this carefully maintained system begins to falter6 . Research shows that the number of fibroblasts decreases by approximately 35% in aged skin, and their biosynthetic activity plummets even more dramatically6 . Collagen production in the skin of older people is, on average, 75% below that of young people6 . This imbalance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix leads to the familiar signs of aging: thinner skin, loss of elasticity, and the formation of wrinkles6 .
SPRS-therapy represents a fundamental shift from conventional aesthetic approaches. Instead of temporarily filling wrinkles or paralyzing muscles, it addresses the root cause of skin aging: the depletion and decreased function of your fibroblast population6 7 .
Developed by the Human Stem Cells Institute in Moscow, this technology was officially approved in Russia in 2011 and has since been used to treat hundreds of patients1 6 . The therapy involves extracting, cultivating, and reintroducing a patient's own fibroblasts to replenish the dermal population of these vital cells1 .
Unlike temporary solutions, transplanted fibroblasts fully integrate into the dermis and maintain their biosynthetic activity for at least 12 months, leading to progressive improvements that can last two years or more1 6 .
The SPRS-therapy protocol is a meticulous process that spans several weeks:
A small skin sample (approximately 5mm in diameter) is taken from behind the patient's ear, an area typically protected from sun damage7 .
The sample is transported to a specialized GMP laboratory where fibroblasts are isolated and cultured under controlled conditions to expand their numbers1 7 .
A unique aspect of SPRS-therapy is the Skin Passport® diagnostic service, which evaluates the morpho-functional properties of the patient's fibroblasts and helps build an individualized treatment program1 .
A portion of the cultured fibroblasts is cryogenically preserved, creating a personal cell bank for future treatments without additional skin sampling1 .
The cultivated fibroblasts are injected into the dermis of the treatment areas using fine needles. Typically, a course consists of two procedures with an interval of 4-6 weeks.
The efficacy and safety of SPRS-therapy are supported by rigorous clinical investigation. A pivotal study followed patients for two years to evaluate the long-term impact of autologous fibroblast transplantation.
The research employed a comprehensive array of objective measurement techniques to quantify changes in skin properties2 6 :
Seventeen patients aged 45-65 years received intradermal administration of their own cultured fibroblasts in areas showing age-related changes2 . The study design included follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment6 .
The findings revealed significant, progressive improvements across multiple skin parameters:
| Parameter | 1 Month | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermis Thickness | +15-20% | +25-30% | +45-50% | +62.5% |
| Skin Elasticity | +8-10% | +12-15% | +18-20% | +24% |
| Wrinkle Reduction | +10-12% | +20-25% | +35-40% | +46% |
| Patient Satisfaction | 88% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
The histological findings were particularly revealing. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated prolonged biosynthetic activity of transplanted fibroblasts for at least 12 months, with evidence of new collagen formation and remodeling of the dermal microstructure6 . Silver nitrate impregnation techniques specifically detected newly formed collagen fibers, confirming that the introduced cells were actively rebuilding the skin's foundation6 .
| Time Point | Key Clinical Observations |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | Initial improvement in skin texture and hydration; 88% patient satisfaction |
| 3-6 Months | Noticeable reduction in wrinkle depth; increased skin density and firmness |
| 12 Months | Maximum dermal thickness achieved; significant wrinkle reduction (46%); 100% patient satisfaction |
| 24 Months | Effects maintained despite natural aging process; continued structural integrity |
The safety profile was equally impressive. Since the therapy uses the patient's own cells, no allergic reactions or rejections were reported. The procedure was well-tolerated with minimal downtime, representing a significant advantage over more invasive rejuvenation techniques.
The development and implementation of SPRS-therapy relies on specialized laboratory techniques and materials. Here are the essential components that make this cellular rejuvenation possible:
| Component | Function in SPRS-Therapy |
|---|---|
| Skin Biopsy Material | Source of autologous dermal fibroblasts; typically taken from postauricular area |
| Cell Culture Media | Nutrient-rich solution supporting fibroblast growth and proliferation ex vivo1 |
| Cryopreservation Solutions | Specialized media containing cryoprotectants for long-term storage of fibroblasts1 |
| Cell Characterization Assays | Tests to evaluate fibroblast viability, proliferative capacity, and biosynthetic potential1 |
| Sterility Testing Kits | Materials for bacterial and viral testing to ensure safety of the cellular product |
| Specialized Injection Systems | Fine needles for precise intradermal placement of fibroblast suspension |
While SPRS-therapy has shown remarkable success in cosmetic applications, the implications of fibroblast therapy extend far beyond aesthetic medicine. Research is exploring the use of autologous fibroblasts for:
Diabetic foot ulcer and venous leg ulcer management5 .
Scar revision and wound healing enhancement.
Periodontal tissue regeneration through a related technology called SPRG-therapy6 .
The successful integration of transplanted fibroblasts and their sustained biosynthetic activity opens new possibilities for regenerative medicine across multiple tissue types5 8 .
SPRS-therapy represents a convergence of cell biology, tissue engineering, and aesthetic medicine. By addressing skin aging at its fundamental cellular level, it moves beyond temporary corrections to offer genuine structural rejuvenation.
"The use of cultured autologous dermal fibroblasts allows us to replenish the decreased fibroblast population by introducing specialized, functionally active cells into the skin of the patient"6 .
This approach aligns with the principles of regenerative medicine, aiming to restore tissue function rather than merely masking symptoms.
With continued research and technological refinements, autologous cell therapies like SPRS may become more accessible, potentially combining with other regenerative approaches such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and laser technologies to create comprehensive rejuvenation protocols3 . The future may even see the integration of cellular reprogramming techniques to further enhance the regenerative potential of transplanted cells6 .
What makes SPRS-therapy particularly compelling is its foundation in rigorous clinical science. As we've seen, the treatment doesn't rely on subjective claims but on measurable, quantifiable improvements in skin structure and function—a testament to the power of addressing aging at its cellular roots.