Regenerative Approaches in Aesthetic Medicine
Anna Katherine WicklundBackground:
Regenerative approaches in aesthetic medicine shift focus from traditional volume replacement toward biologically driven tissue restoration. Modalities such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell–based therapies, biostimulatory injectables, and energy-based devices aim to activate endogenous repair mechanisms through modulation of cellular signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis.
Objective:
To review the underlying mechanisms, clinical evidence, and practical boundaries of regenerative therapies in aesthetic medicine.
Methods:
A narrative review of current literature was conducted, evaluating mechanistic pathways, clinical outcomes, and safety profiles of regenerative modalities across common aesthetic indications, including facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and scar remodeling.
Conclusions:
Regenerative therapies demonstrate promising but variable clinical outcomes and are generally safe, although often adjunctive in effect. Significant heterogeneity in study design and treatment protocols limits standardization. Key challenges include appropriate patient selection, expectation management, and regulatory oversight. Future progress will require standardized methodologies, high-quality randomized controlled trials, and clearer clinical and ethical frameworks to support evidence-based integration into practice.