Did you know we lose 1% of collagen every year after the age of 20?

Your skin in your 20’s is firm.

Your skin in your 30’s is prone to damage from the environment and from daily expressions.

Your skin in your 40’s is sagging due to more noticeable volume loss.

Your skin in your 50’s is looser and saggier.

Your skin in your 60’s is more damaged and saggier and with more noticeable volume loss.

The question is, what can one do to replace and restore the collagen and elasticity we lose? As Haute Beauty expert Dr. Anna Avaliani shared, we need to invest in our skin and not call it an expense, and exosome treatment is the perfect start. If you’re wondering what exosomes are and if they even work, don’t worry; we were, too, until we sat down with Dr. Avaliani and got the answers. Here’s a comprehensive question-and-answer session on exosomes.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are often referred to as (Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are human placenta, and umbilical cord lining-derived cells with the self-renewing ability and can differentiate into various cell lineages. Multiple studies have reported that MSCs could elicit therapeutic effects via differentiation and/or secretion of factors such as growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines.

They consist of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and are acellular. Studies have confirmed that these extracellular vesicles have beneficial effects on inflammation, autoimmunity, and regeneration, and contain over 300 growth factors responsible for wound repair and tissue regeneration.

Advantages of Exosomes for Skin Regeneration and Restoration

• No blood draw or spinning of centrifuge for people who are afraid of needles
• Acellular – no live cells, no risk of rejection.
• Over 300 Growth factors
• Contains Hyaluronic Acid
• Topical and sub-dermal application
• Anti-inflammatory
• No reconstituting or matrix needed
• Noninvasive holistic approach to skin regeneration
• Has the potential to increase the thickness of the dermal skin layer and repair the environmental damage

Photo Credit: Dr. Anna Avaliani

What are some of the many important functions of exosomes?

1. They come into the body ready to support the DNA structure that already exists in the body, not to implement new ones.
2. They help internally with cell-to-cell communication.
3. They carry Immunoprotective properties and help the body protect cells from bacteria and viruses.
4. They are Immune Privileged, meaning they cannot be rejected by a third party.
5. When used as IV therapy, they have the ability to cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier without the use of mannitol, which many substances depend on to foster their healing properties.
6. They carry a lot of TGFß3 Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 – The most important anti-inflammatory protein.
7. They carry Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Microbial, and Anti-Inflammatory properties.
8. They are acellular, meaning there are no live cells, and they cannot be rejected by the body; Hence they do not carry the risk of Graft vs Host disease.

What is the source of exosomes?

The donor of the tissue used to produce this product is eligible to donate tissue for transplantation based on meeting the following criteria:

1. Donors are pre-screened through medical record review and evaluation of prenatal tests.
2. Eligibility contingent on confirmation of-Behavioral risk assessment-Physical assessment-Donor medical history-Blood test results-Communicable disease testing.

Discussions with physicians and /or the donor mother are conducted to identify circumstances that may lead to the exclusion of the donor or donated tissue. The blood sample test results, donor medical history, behavior risk assessment, physical assessment, and information from other sources or records, which may pertain to donor suitability, have been evaluated by a Medical Director. The results are used to determine that the donor suitability criteria at the time of tissue recovery have been met and that the tissue is acceptable for transplantation.

How can exosomes be delivered to your skin?

The exosomes can be injected subdermally or applied topically after a laser resurfacing or a Microneedling treatment session.

Can exosomes be injected into the skin?

Yes, they can, and it can either be done by a needle or a laser-assisted delivery.

Can exosomes be applied topically?

Yes, but better results are seen when they can be delivered deeper into the skin either by needle or laser.

Which laser treatments work best with exosomes?

RF Microneedling was found to deliver the best results in combination with exosomes, as the depth of the needle can be adjusted.

Can exosomes be injected around the eyes?

Absolutely yes. Just look at the result below.

Photo Credit: Dr. Anna Avaliani

How often can I do exosome treatments?

The best interval between treatments is between 6 months up to 1 year.

What areas can I apply exosomes on my face and body?

Exosomes are absolutely safe to be applied to any facial or body area that desires to have improved skin. Dr. Avaliani is a body contouring expert in NYC specializing in making the skin everywhere look amazing. She treats the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, abdomen, thighs, elbows, knees, etc. Any area where you have a concern can be treated with exosomes as they thicken the skin, which loses 1% of collagen every year.

Can you get exosomes if you had dermal fillers?

Yes. There is no contraindication to receiving.

How soon can I get Botox or fillers if I had exosome treatment?

Dr. Avaliani cannot speak for other providers, but she recommends that her patients wait at least 1 month before resuming Botox/Dysport and dermal filler treatments.

Can I get exosomes treatment if I had recently had Ultherapy?

There is no contraindication in receiving exosome treatment after having Ultherapy, HIFU Ultrasound skin tightening procedures.

Photo Credit: Dr. Anna Avaliani

Can I get exosomes if I recently had PDO/Sugar/Mint Threads procedure?

This is not medical advice, and the answer depends on many factors. This must be discussed with your treating doctor. If you are a patient of Dr. Avaliani’s, then most likely you can receive exosome treatment only after 3-6 months after your thread procedure. You must allow time for the threads to be absorbed and integrated and not move them.

Can I get exosome treatment if I am pregnant?

There have been no studies of exosomes on pregnant women. Dr. Avaliani would not recommend any injections to the face or the body while pregnant as one could not yet predict infections, allergic reactions, or the effect on the developing baby.

Can I get exosomes if I had Botox/Dysport treatment?

Yes, you can. If you just had it done, please ensure it’s been at least 2 weeks after your treatment before considering injections of exosomes or laser treatment with exosomes.

How long do results last after exosomes for skin treatment?

The results of skin rejuvenation and thickening last up to 1 year and depend on how well you protect your skin investment outside of the exosome treatment.

How fast can you see results in the skin after exosome treatment?

You will notice your skin glowing a few days after the treatment, and the best and final results take a few weeks to months to develop.

Do exosome injections hurt?

With the right care protocol, there is no pain at all. Dr. Avaliani uses her signature custom-formulated numbing cream and the smallest needles on the market to ensure the most comfortable experience.  For extra comfort, the office offers a nitrous oxide Pro-Nox system to make it a very fun experience.

What to expect during exosome treatment?

You will receive a series of tiny injections under the skin, or you will receive a radiofrequency Microneedling treatment, which will create tiny pricks into the skin, and then exosomes will be applied topically without any additional needles or discomfort and no bruising.

Do exosome injections cause bruising?

The general rule is if the mode of delivery involves a needle, then one should expect bruising, which is very tiny. To avoid bruising, use radio frequency Microneedling to create tiny pinpricks in the skin and then topically apply exosomes over the surface area to allow them to be absorbed.

What are some of the contraindications to receiving exosome treatments?

• Having active infection at the site of the injection
• Being pregnant or breastfeeding
• Having active malignancy and receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments
• Having a history of anaphylaxis to Exosomes treatments in the past

How do I know if exosomes are right for me?

It is highly recommended to schedule your expert in-person consultation with Dr.Avaliani to have a full and proper assessment of the quality of the skin you have and also the best possible treatments available to help out there. Dr. Avaliani’s office carries a full range of ‘everything under the sun,” and Dr.Avaliani is a master of creating custom-tailored treatment plans to help achieve the best and only natural results.

Dr. Avaliani’s office also offers virtual consultations for those who live outside of NYC or the country and will be more than happy to help you schedule your virtual visit.