STRATEGIES FOR USING STEM CELLS IN PLASTIC SURGERY

Abstract

Stem cells (SCs) are defined by their undifferentiated or unspecialized nature, having the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell types (multilineage), both from the same tissue and from different tissues, performing varied functions. The objective of this review is to deepen the use of stem cells in the field of plastic surgery. A literature review was carried out in the main medical databases using the descriptors “stem cells” and “plastic surgery”, using the Boolean operator “AND”. All articles published between 2020-2025 were included in the primary analysis. It is observed that stem cells obtained from adipose tissue represent a significant advance in plastic surgery, as they have the ability to transform into several other tissues, being highly effective in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. It is seen that, when grafted, they also contribute to angiogenesis, accelerating healing and increasing the success rate of treatments. Furthermore, as it is an autologous transplant, there is a reduced risk of rejection and disease transmission. However, it is important to emphasize the importance of this technique being applied by qualified professionals, highlighting the need for plastic surgeons to study and master the method, thus ensuring safety and effectiveness in the procedure.