Acne.org Products
It seems that Regenexx, based in Broomfield, CO, is already treating patients using MSC.Watch this video:
http://www.regenexx.com/about-regenexx/regenexx-videos/
Unfortunately, they solely treat muscle-skeletal diseases. Perhaps they would consider expanding their focus to scar repair.
Hello FT,
I think identifying doctors in North America who are already working with AMSC, even if not currently in the area of scar revision, can be very helpful. Because they can be the fist ones for us to approach to get some recommendations (potential names/contact) of their contemporaries and colleagues in the SCT field, who may have interests and the specialized background in using AMSC for scars.
BTW, I have contacted Cytori Therapeutics (manufacturer of Cellution technology) for a list of doctors/clinics worldwide to whom they had sold the technology. I will post result once they get back to me.
Unfortunately, the FDA approval of Cellution for clinical use still has a way to go, but Cytori representative says it is in process.
Discussion on the future of Regenexx: http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.p...topic=40048.105
How the FDA deals with Regenexx will almost certainly determine whether or not other docs in the US will use MSC's to treat other conditions. Perhaps we should wait until the FDA loses it's case against Regenexx before we approach US docs.
NO. I don't expect the taxpayer to pay for my cosmetic procedure in the world we live today, as I expect very little from the state of society/authority in its present condition.
But YES I do BElIEVE that I (and any human being) should be fully supported (by governments and humanity) in our efforts to resolve our suffering from any illness and condition (acne scars included). Just as I, as a taxpayer and a human being, BELIEVE you should be best supported in your efforts to cure the Ankylosing Spondylitis you suffer from....
And that is true for ANYONE suffering from any DIS-EASE (physical or otherwise).
Just as I BELIEVE that any child should be provided with a healthy life, best and free medical care and education; any abused/battered women should be given full support, financial and otherwise, to protect herself and her children; all living in poverty/pain should be given the resources necessary to help them get out of poverty/pain; anyone struggling just to survive should be given what's need for one to truly thrive in life...
I BELIEVE, YES, ALL should be compassionately supported, with the best resources available by our governments and the entire humanity, to be free from suffering. This is not exactly "free" as you call it in terms of a price tag. For I believe, in a truly humanitarian society based on the above ideas, it's only natural for all to be giving support to others in pain, and all, in return, deserve the support by others.
Now, what I don't believe are: governments using obscene amount of taxpayers' money to develops weapons that kill, invest in/profit from wars, or feed their own need of power or control AND giving giant corporations huge tax breaks, AND allowing them to violate human rights to exploit cheap labors in the third world counties for profit.....etc.
You get the picture.
There are more than enough resources and money (not to mention lives) lost, stolen and abused in the above named legal crimes -- to help many human beings worldwide to access the technologies/resources available that would best alleviate their suffering.
Yes, what I BELIEVE is radically different from what I can expect from the current societal conditions all around. But that doesn't change my beliefs the least bit, and I live to to focus my energy in bringing them a little closer into reality.
And I think that's the point you are completely missing from this whole thread.
I really hope you WILL receive your stem cell transplant very soon and cure your Ankylosing Spondylitis with great success. Please keep us posted.
BRD,I have mild systemic inflammatory diseases (hypothyroidism, seborrheic dermatitis, chrohn's, and psoriasis) which explains why I healed so poorly from surgery. Can MSC's and ECM materials work as good for me towards achieving scar-free healing as with anyone else or am I in a hopeless situation?
Could I even use my own MSC's for the purpose of acheiving scar repair or would they be considered "impure" becucase of my autoimune conditions? Would I have to be cured of these conditions first (using MSC's) before using MSC's for my scar?
Hi FT,
No your situation is by no means hopeless. It's just that it is very important to get your inflammation under control. When I say that I don't mean you should be taking corticosteroids and/or NSAIDS, etc... In fact I absolutely detest these drugs unless they are the last resort in an acute flare-up of a chronic condition such as Terminal Ileitis (Crohn's). BTW, is your Crohn's mostly localized to your Terminal Ileum? Is it mild, moderate or severe?
When the GI tract is not functioning well, many important processes in the body start to function in a less than ideal fashion. As they say, all sickness starts with gut! Your skin will show it... Anyway, I am obviously not as capable as a gastroenterologist in being able to fashion a treatment plan for you, but I can simply say that the gastrointestinal mucosa functions a lot like our dermis in many respects. As such similar treatment methodoligies can be applied to one or the other.
One of my former research projects involved "Inflammation Suppression in the Salamander Blastema" which had everything to do with determining ways of duplicating this inflammatory suppression in the human dermis (and as a curiosity in other parts of the body). One of the findings showed that the localized dermal effect was also expressed systemically, which could very well benefit you. I think I may be able to give you novel advice which could provide you with some relief. I can write you a PM since I am certain this is a very personal matter for you that is best not discussed in a public venue. Just give me a few days and you'll have the said message in your inbox. I am simply replying to people in the given order that their messages have come in.
We'll chat soon. All the best...
PS: Great find with Regenexx... I checked it out and I find it interesting that the US FDA allows dangerous procedures to be practiced with little regulation on a daily basis, while something like autologous MSC injections is being controlled in the strictest of manners. I believe their issue has to do with the fact that Regenexx cultures the extracted stem cells. From what I understand, if they choose not to culture them, the FDA would not be putting up a fight at the moment.
Also melbourne australia...a girl posted the office on the thread dedicated to PRP.
-I suggest you don't inject yourself because there are some risks involved. Are there no doctors where you live that do PRP? Either way, use 30 gauge needles to inject. These are very fine and will not cause any permament damage to your skin.
Hello, BRD
Thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately, so far the only countries I know where PRP injection is available are South Africa, England, France, Japan and maybe Bulgaria (or wherever you are.... 
) I have not been able to find PRP injection offered locally (I am in Vancouver, Canada), or local doctors willing to do Autologous blood injection for me 
I have had to postponed my originally schedule needling session tomorrow, in hope to find availability of PRP injection near me, so I can do them on the same day for them to work in synergy.
If anyone here know of any doctor offering PRP injection in North America (or any other places not mentioned here), please post info here -- greatly appreciated!
From my research, it seems there are various devices and methods that can be used to generate PRP for injection. Not all of them produce equally high-quality PRP with a history of predictable efficacy and measured outcomes. So this is a point of consideration for all considering PRP injection treatment.
BRD, if you have any evaluation criteria or tips to offer on what methods of PRP generation are safe, reliable and yield the appropriate level/quality of platelets and platelet derived growth factors, please share them with us. So those considering PRP injection can use them as a search criteria to make sure we will be getting high-quality treatments.
Also, I assume since PRP generation is best done on site, immediately after extraction of blood and re-injected to the patient, then, courier the extracted blood/generated PRP to far-away destination, in special tubes/device designed for bio-preservation, would not be feasible AND not likely allowed across international borders?
I know this is a far-shot idea, but I am just pushing the limits to brain storm possibilities, so I had to ask.
BTW, BRD, I have been trying to send you a PM in reply to one of your earlier post. But your inbox has been consistently full... that I almost feel guilty in trying to add more to it. But I really would like to see you in ¥°§£ again soon, so despite my guilt, I will patiently wait until the time when I can manage to squeeze it into your inbox.
¥¸Å’¦Å“º¤½ § §©¶¥™Å’¦²»§„¥·¥¤½Å“¤¸‚¥†¡© ¥†©¯¼Å’¥¸¸¥¸¸¦Å“°¦©Å¸¦Å“’¨ªª¦„®©‚Å¡¨©±£‚ §Å¸¦´»¥¦¦¦»¿¥“Å“¦¦£‚
Also I believe icaretohelp is due to get his treatment this week so i hope he updates us all!!!
Also melbourne australia...a girl posted the office on the thread dedicated to PRP.
-I suggest you don't inject yourself because there are some risks involved. Are there no doctors where you live that do PRP? Either way, use 30 gauge needles to inject. These are very fine and will not cause any permament damage to your skin.
Hello, BRD
Thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately, so far the only countries I know where PRP injection is available are South Africa, England, France, Japan and maybe Bulgaria (or wherever you are....
If anyone here know of any doctor offering PRP injection in North America (or any other places not mentioned here), please post info here -- greatly appreciated!
From my research, it seems there are various devices and methods that can be used to generate PRP for injection. Not all of them produce equally high-quality PRP with a history of predictable efficacy and measured outcomes. So this is a point of consideration for all considering PRP injection treatment.
BRD, if you have any evaluation criteria or tips to offer on what methods of PRP generation are safe, reliable and yield the appropriate level/quality of platelets and platelet derived growth factors, please share them with us. So those considering PRP injection can use them as a search criteria to make sure we will be getting high-quality treatments.
Also, I assume since PRP generation is best done on site, immediately after extraction of blood and re-injected to the patient, then, courier the extracted blood/generated PRP to far-away destination, in special tubes/device designed for bio-preservation, would not be feasible AND not likely allowed across international borders?
I know this is a far-shot idea, but I am just pushing the limits to brain storm possibilities, so I had to ask.
BTW, BRD, I have been trying to send you a PM in reply to one of your earlier post. But your inbox has been consistently full... that I almost feel guilty in trying to add more to it. But I really would like to see you in ¥°§£ again soon, so despite my guilt, I will patiently wait until the time when I can manage to squeeze it into your inbox.
¥¸Å’¦Å“º¤½ § §©¶¥™Å’¦²»§„¥·¥¤½Å“¤¸‚¥†¡© ¥†©¯¼Å’¥¸¸¥¸¸¦Å“°¦©Å¸¦Å“’¨ªª¦„®©‚Å¡¨©±£‚ §Å¸¦´»¥¦¦¦»¿¥“Å“¦¦£‚
Here is a "Cell Therapy Blog" discussing companies using regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and gene therapy: http://www.celltherapyblog.com/
According to Barbara, the forum moderator at http://www.stemcellpioneers.com/showthread.php?t=1408 their forum will be hosting an "Ask the doctor" session this month with one of the docs working at Regenexx. This would be a great time for us to inquire about scar repair. The mod even states "the questions would not have to be restricted to orthopedic issues because what this company is doing could very well be expanded into other areas".
BRD,I have mild systemic inflammatory diseases (hypothyroidism, seborrheic dermatitis, chrohn's, and psoriasis) which explains why I healed so poorly from surgery. Can MSC's and ECM materials work as good for me towards achieving scar-free healing as with anyone else or am I in a hopeless situation?
Could I even use my own MSC's for the purpose of acheiving scar repair or would they be considered "impure" becucase of my autoimune conditions? Would I have to be cured of these conditions first (using MSC's) before using MSC's for my scar?
Hi FT,
No your situation is by no means hopeless. It's just that it is very important to get your inflammation under control. When I say that I don't mean you should be taking corticosteroids and/or NSAIDS, etc... In fact I absolutely detest these drugs unless they are the last resort in an acute flare-up of a chronic condition such as Terminal Ileitis (Crohn's). BTW, is your Crohn's mostly localized to your Terminal Ileum? Is it mild, moderate or severe?
Yes, my Crohn's is localized and only affacts a small portion of my intestine. I'm on the lowest dose of the most mild medication (600 mg Pentasa in 2 divided doses). My gastroenterologist said that my intesinte is healing nicely from the Pentasa but that I will have to stay on the med until something more effective and safer comes along.
When the GI tract is not functioning well, many important processes in the body start to function in a less than ideal fashion. As they say, all sickness starts with gut! Your skin will show it... Anyway, I am obviously not as capable as a gastroenterologist in being able to fashion a treatment plan for you, but I can simply say that the gastrointestinal mucosa functions a lot like our dermis in many respects. As such similar treatment methodoligies can be applied to one or the other.One of my former research projects involved "Inflammation Suppression in the Salamander Blastema" which had everything to do with determining ways of duplicating this inflammatory suppression in the human dermis (and as a curiosity in other parts of the body). One of the findings showed that the localized dermal effect was also expressed systemically, which could very well benefit you. I think I may be able to give you novel advice which could provide you with some relief. I can write you a PM since I am certain this is a very personal matter for you that is best not discussed in a public venue. Just give me a few days and you'll have the said message in your inbox. I am simply replying to people in the given order that their messages have come in.
We'll chat soon. All the best...
PS: Great find with Regenexx... I checked it out and I find it interesting that the US FDA allows dangerous procedures to be practiced with little regulation on a daily basis, while something like autologous MSC injections is being controlled in the strictest of manners. I believe their issue has to do with the fact that Regenexx cultures the extracted stem cells. From what I understand, if they choose not to culture them, the FDA would not be putting up a fight at the moment.
Regenexx is treating players of the Denver Broncos and either the New York Jets or Giants. Surely, if the treatment is working they will hopefully allow it to continue.
dear bulgarian derm guy.....hey with the current treatments that do little but empty our bank accounts and make a rich doctor richer...do you really think we will ever have fully regenerate medicine for scarring?i have heard a lot of tech talk but no clinical trials for use on scars.it can't be any worse than people who have had dermabrasions,co2's,ect ect.too bad our skin couldnt have stayed inflammed right after a co2 procedure because the swelling made the apearance of the scarring to go away.maybe we could have some type of a better filler that levels the skin.i am getting older and have even gone to tijuana for dermatology twice.i want to know when i can get something that works?
BRD,
How are so-called "smart cells" which are programmed (for lack of a better word) by companies such as http://www.garnetbio.com/ different from traditionally derived MSC's? Is it that the "smart cells" can be injected through IV whereas MSC's not programmed to target certain tissues, cartilage, and muscle have to be injected right into the site of injury?
Garnet Biotherapeutics will be starting Phase II trials soon for scar reduction after surgery or dermatological procedures using stem cells.
I guess I will respectfully disagree with your approach. And going on and on about abused women and kids is a lot of hyperbole in relation to what we are discussing. I believe in personal accountability not government rescueing us and providing us with everything we want. Even cosmetic surgery? Right now goverments are trying to save people from their job losses and home losses so I'm sure acne scar repair would be way down on priorities for them.While I think we can find solutions to things like scar repair my approach after years of personal suffering with it is to trascend the issue itself. Being obsessed and depressed over the issue is the biggest problem. The problem is not the "scars". The problem is allowing it to overcome eveything in your life and suffering because of it. Looking for that magic bullet IMO is the wrong approach. Everyone in life has something to deal with we always think our problems are the worst. I still try to improve my features but I have a healthy perspective of myself finally after all these years. I am not my acne scars. I am a wonderful healthy human being. It's really sad reading on this board of how people beat themself up and allow themselves to be so depressed over the issue. Desperation leads to false hopes. I hope if anything I provided some levity.
Hi, thunderbay
I understand you don't agree with my radical beliefs and wild vision of an all-encompassing compassion-based society. I also respect our differences. The undue "hyperbole" you referred to is used primarily to get my point across, but also has much personal significance for me.
I work with abused women/children, and people living on the streets of NA's poorest urban neighborhood, supporting them to cope with the atrocity and injustice they face. I used to secretly resent myself for my inability to "transcend the issue" of my feelings about my acne and scars, for it was, I thought, insignificant compared to the devastation I witness on a daily basis.
But I don't anymore. If anything, supporting the abused/disadvantaged to reach for change has taught me the importance of not denying, despising or burying the source of pain in our lives -- no matter how insignificant others in our lives or the society around us may deem our pain to be, or simply choose to ignore it. Facing one's pain with brutal honesty, reaching for help, and doing the hard work it takes to break free from it -- that, to me, is personal accountability.
I do believe, for ALL, such effort should be supported to the best it can be. That, in my view, is the proper function of governments and social institutions afforded by taxpayers money. Loss of jobs and homes by many, in no way, makes the lives of individuals suffering bad acne/scars (or anything, for that matter) without access to proper treatment any less painful. Comparing pain and attached it with a value tag is not always helpful. I believe, what will ultimately inspire all to give help and encourage all to reach for help they need -- is our collective, unfailing commitment to not exclude anyone's suffering. And any government's "priority list" (albeit ultimately only reflects the true agenda of its maker) is in no way objected, but rather included and supported, by this ALL-INCLUSIVE attitude and commitment towards alleviating suffering. An overall paradigm-shift, in which such attitude and commitment will be built into the very foundation of our education, economy, politics, and society as a whole, is what I believe will transform our world.
You probably think I am a hopeless dreamer of a Utopian society. But, just like the search for cure of acne and scars, as long as there are committed individuals making continued efforts and determined to make it a reality, there will always be a pure and positive force flowing steadily towards its fruition. And there are many on this board that embody such pure and positive force, whom I must thank for the source of inspirations they are.
On the subject of making peace with my scars and not to let their negative impact run my life? That has always been an ongoing effort in my life, how could it not be? I think all suffering from scars are trying to cope the best they can, by the very default of living with them. But still there are, as you mentioned, so many sad voices of despair on this board... Why? They are reminders of people's real needs for help beyond the rhetoric of "transcending the issue...".
It's good to know that your "healthy perspective" hard-earned from your battle with scars exemplify the better of that message. But at its worst, the same message can lead someone to internalized, unconscious self-violence of resenting and despising one's own pain under the illusion of transcendence -- which only creates more pain. For years I did nothing to my scars and just kept telling myself to rise above the shadow they cast on my psyche. But since I've finally come to honestly face my feelings AND resolved to actively focus on seeking help to improve my scars --- I now feel more activated/positive than I had felt for a long time and more empowered to help myself and others.
I hope for the poor burn victims in Australia that those involved in stem cell research will come to their aid. I have family in OZ that were impacted by the fires. Luckily they just lost material items but I cant imagine those who are suffering from severe burns in addition to losing their homes and families. I read the account of one man who tried to save his daughter and his skin was described as "hanging off him." Australia is pretty progressive so fingers crossed.
icaretohelp
I bet you're excited, good luck !!!
In my still ongoing search for PRP injection treatment in my area, I realized even PRP therapy is quite unavailable in North America, the most available procedure using PRP or just autologous blood in NA seems to be for sports injury by some physiotherapists. So I am trying to compile info on PRP treatment for facial rejuvenation to present it to a local Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor... who already uses PRP for sport injury and see if he will agree to use PRP to help me with my scars. Since he also do mesotherapy so he may actually have a mesogun too for injecting the PRP, rather than using traditional suringe
Question for BRD:
if I do get someone to do PRP on my face, it would likely be a physio or naturopath etc, who does not perform cosmetic procedure in general neither dermatological ones. So I would actually have to tell them what to do. From what I have read in the Autologous Blood Injection thread:
1) Use 30 gauge needle (or a mesogun? See a video with Mesogun PRP injection below in the following post)
2) Inject from different directions for each scar (say 4 directions East/West/South/North)
3) Enter the needle point around the edge of the scars, so that when the needle is inside the skin the needle point is right below the scar. So I would assume, for a bigger scar, if use 4 injections per scar, then each injection should be done at slightly different point within the scar -- in order to cover the whole scar?)
4) Inject at different intradermal depth. Could you give me some numbers to work with so I can tell the practitioner the exact depth to inject, say for example 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm. and 2 mm, so basically anywhere between 0.75 mm-2 mm, is that a good range?
If he uses a mesogun, then perhaps it will all be injected at the same depth, unless these is a depth adjustable setting on the mesogun.
5) Volume: 1 ml of PRP is good for 4-5 scars (of 1 mm-4 mm in diameter)?
Please let me know if these instructions are correct, THANK YOU.
Also in the REGE lab PRP treatment, it seems that extra GFs are mixed with the PRP before injecting... Do you combine extra GFs with PRP in your treatment for your patients? Where can I get injectable GF? Will it greatly enhance the result?
Thank you.
If anyone, like me, is having difficulties finding PRP injection in your local area and couldn't persuade a MD to do it for you. I suggest you look into a skillful and informed naturopath, physiotherapists/sport therapist, or mesotherapist, even Acupuncturist, etc., who are already using PRP to treat other conditions. And show them the literature on PRP's use for facial rejuvenation.
In my research, I ran into the REGEN Lab, a biotech company based in Switzerland focusing on Autologous Cell therapies. They have a website designed for medical professionals.
Below your will find some quick links to some well-presented info (with videos/photos/charts/graphs/text) on PRP regeneration treatment. All links can be found on the above mentioned website.
BTW, I have no affiliation with Regen lab whatsoever, so this is not an advertising in anyway. I simply find that the info on their website is very well-presented, in-depth but at the same time easy to understand. It explains the PRP theory and application very well -- so, perfect for trying to convince someone who has never done this before but at least has some understanding and acceptance already of PRP. For more medical studies and academic papers on Autologous Blood Injections, BRD gave some great links under the Autologous Blood Injection thread.
If you do find any local doctors, or manage to persuade any medical professional to perform PRP for you in your area, please post their contact info here for others who have not been able to locate PRP treatment. Thank you.
On the home page, Regen lists 3 types of medical device for autologous cell therapy:
1) device for PRP, blood cell therapies
2) device for bone marrow cells & stem cells
3) device for adipocytes cells & stem cells
But most info I could find on that website deals with 1), I could not find any info on 2) and 3). 
However, In their product list (see below), there are simple kits designed to extract bone marrow stem cells, so, perhaps combing bone marrow stem cells and PRP for facial rejuvenation is not that far from being done.
Quick Links
Powerpoint presentation of Regen PRP injection therapy
http://www.regenkit.com/publication/2007_D...TH_REGENLAB.pdf .
Regen PRP-kit info
http://www.regenkit.com/doc/RegenPRP-Kit_english.pdf
Theory and Application of PRP
http://www.regenkit.com/doc/Theory&App...%20RegenPRP.pdf
List of RegenKit Products
http://www.regenkit.com/doc/RANGE_LIST_OF_...IT_PRODUCTS.pdf
Video links
PRP injection treatment full procedure
http://www.regenkit.com/video/4/flvplayer.swf
PRP injection using a mesogun (in part French and part English)
http://www.regenkit.com/video/7/flvplayer.swf
This video is Entitled "Histoire de Plaquettes" (story of platelet) - a video showing an "end-product" taken out from the tube after centrifuge and mixed with CaCL2 and C2H5OH...? I am very curious what is the "end-product" shown and used for in this video.
http://www.regenkit.com/video/8/flvplayer.swf
Regen Lab PRP news feature (in French)
http://www.regenkit.com/video/5/flvplayer.swf
Italian TV report (this one is only valuable if you or your doctor speak Italian)
I hope for the poor burn victims in Australia that those involved in stem cell research will come to their aid. I have family in OZ that were impacted by the fires. Luckily they just lost material items but I cant imagine those who are suffering from severe burns in addition to losing their homes and families. I read the account of one man who tried to save his daughter and his skin was described as "hanging off him." Australia is pretty progressive so fingers crossed.
icaretohelpI bet you're excited, good luck !!!
Sorry to hear your family was involved in the fire . Australia is quiet good with regards to burns, they have the famous Dr Fiona Woods who invented the spray on skin for burn victims.
2012,
Why not try a cosmetic surgeon already using PRP in his/her practice? There are several in Florida, for example, who use PRP or a "platelet rich plasma gel" in connection with their procedures to speed healing, minimize bleeding/swelling/bruising, etc. They would already be familiar with the extraction/centrifuge process and in addition would be skilled (hopefully) in injecting dermal fillers and the like.
http://www.drclevens.com/platelet-healing-gel.html
http://www.drman.com/articles_details_11_t...ich_plasma.html
There is also a cosmetic surgeon in Orlando, Dr. Joseph Greco, who specializes in hair transplants, but who authored the article about micro needling and PRP that munsoned listed in his thread on needling.
I don't know whether any would be willing to perform your injections, but at least you wouldn't have to educate them from scratch about the benefits of PRP.
ok so ive done it
the procedure..i got my face numbed..then around 25 min later dr khan took a good chunk of my blood..stuffed it in this funky machine..for around 10 min or more..i was talking to the nurse so i lost track..then the procedure itself..he started wth the main scarring..i wont lie it hurt a bit cos i dont think the nurse put the numbing cream on early enough..so i did get teary..he then did blotchy areas with superficioul irregularities..my skin right after he was done ..it felt like there was something living right under my skin..lol..he then slapped something on my face which im supposed to leave on till 2morrow morning
right now i look RED..as expected..he said by 2 weeks the improvments should be pretty noticable..im seeing him again on the 9th of april..if i need anything..he said he would do PRP and Adiopse derived stem cells from my abs.
ill keep you all updated
cost was 600 pounds.