A research team from the Department of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand tracked autologous SVF for six months after transplanting it into the skin under the eyes (infrared area) and objectively measured changes in skin condition using a VisioScan camera.
SC301 Clinic · Stem Cell Research Series 4th Week of June · Single Paper Based · Pure SVF Direct Transplantation
Original paper information:
Pattayadeekul T, Pawcsuntorn T, Nararatwanchai T.
"The efficacy and safety of autologous stromal vascular fraction transplantation for infraorbital skin rejuvenation: a clinical prospective study"
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(1):220–226. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14069. Epub 2021 Mar 21. PMID: 33720512.
Affiliation: School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand
Under the eyes — where aging appears first and most clearly
The skin around the eyes is on the face The thinnest and most delicate partBecause it is so thin that it does not even amount to half the thickness of the body's skin, changes due to aging appear earlier and more distinctly than in any other area.
These changes, commonly referred to as 'dark circles,' 'tear troughs,' or 'sinking under the eyes,' actually stem from not a single cause but complex, multi-layered factors.
Hyperpigmentation
Darkness under the eyes due to melanin overdose, atopic dermatitis, or constitutional pigmentation
Tear Trough Deformity
Loss of the suborbital fat pad creates a tear trough groove and shadows under the eyes.
Fat Herniation
Orbital fat is pushed forward, making the area under the eyes appear bulging.
Skin Thinning
Decreased dermal collagen causes the skin to thin, making blood vessels visible or forming fine wrinkles
Skin Laxity
Loss of elastic fibers causes the skin to sag, worsening wrinkles and hollowness under the eyes.
Visible Veins
As the skin thins, veins under the eyes show through, forming bluish-purple dark circles.
As such, dark circles and tear troughs are Problems at multiple levels, not just a single causeThis is a combined result. What this research team focused on is that they approached this complex problem using SVF, which can regenerate the skin and dermis simultaneously.
The Perspective of This Study: SVF is not simply a filler that adds volume. Because it reconstructs the skin structure itself at the cellular level, it is a potential approach capable of addressing pigmentation, volume, and elasticity simultaneously.
Why the Under-Eyes Are Difficult to Treat — The Complexity of a Multilayered Structure
Anatomically, the area under the eyes (infrared) consists of multiple overlapping tissue layers, making it difficult to achieve satisfactory results with treatments that act on only a single layer.
1
Skin
Very thin and delicate. Pigmentation, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity begin in this layer.
2
Orbicularis Oculi Muscle
The muscles that close the eyes. As they sag due to aging, hollowness and wrinkles under the eyes become more severe.
3
Orbital Fat
Fat pads that protect the eyes. Loss forms a tear trough groove, and herniation makes the eyes appear swollen.
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Orbital Septum & Bone
Orbital rim structure. Bone resorption accelerates sunken eyes.
The reason SVF is receiving attention in this multilayer structure is, Transplanted SVF cells simultaneously affect multiple layers such as the skin, dermis, and blood vesselsThis is because it can have an impact. It is a different approach from fillers that simply add volume or lasers that only stimulate the surface.
Limitations of Existing Treatments and How SVF Is Different
Existing under-eye treatments
● Topical Whitening Agents: Target only pigments, structural issues unresolved
● Hyaluronic Acid Filler: Adds volume, absorbed over time
● Laser: Surface improvement, deep layer structure limitations
● Standard Fat Grafting: Volume replenishment, significant variation in engraftment survival rate
Approach to SVF transplantation
● Minimally Manipulated Cell Therapy — Autologous Tissue
● Improves skin nutrient supply through blood vessel formation
● Stimulation of collagen synthesis → Reconstruction of skin structure
● Expect simultaneous volume replenishment + skin regeneration
The research team in this paper particularly [focused on] SVF Minimal Processing cell groupIts value is emphasized in this regard. SVF, which is isolated immediately from adipose tissue without culture or amplification, contains various cell types necessary for regeneration intact while minimizing cell manipulation.
How the Research Was Conducted — Prospective Clinical Trial in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Thailand
This research is from Mae Fah Luang University in Bangkok, Thailand. School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative MedicineThis is a Clinical Prospective Study conducted at [location]. It was reported to the academic community as one of the first clinical studies to transplant autologous SVF into aging skin under the eyes and track the results.
SVF transplantation process
STEP 1
fat harvesting
Small amount of autologous fat tissue suction from the abdomen, etc.
STEP 2
SVF separation
Immediate extraction of SVF with minimal operation
STEP 3
Quality verification
Confirmation of cell viability and phenotype
STEP 4
Under-eye graft
Direct implantation of infrared-induced aging skin
What is the VisioScan camera?
Photograph the skin surface under a high-resolution UV light source Skin texture, wrinkle depth, moisture, skin brightness, pigmentation distribution This is a skin analysis device that quantitatively measures the skin. It provides objective numerical data rather than simple visual evaluation or comparison of clinical photos, allowing for a scientific comparison of before-and-after changes in skin condition.
In this study, repeated measurements were taken at three time points: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months later.
Changes that occurred under the eyes after SVF transplantation
Key results confirmed
skin under the eyes after autologous SVF graft Phenotype improved in physician evaluationIt's done, The clinical results were generally satisfactory, and there were no serious adverse reactions. In particular, tissue recovery was delayed, and the results became more pronounced three months after transplantation.
1
Improved appearance of skin under eyes — Doctor's clinical evaluation
The appearance of the skin under the eyes (infrared) after SVF transplantation Confirmed to be improved in doctors' clinical evaluationsThat is it. Along with quantitative measurements using the VisioScan camera, positive changes were also observed in direct evaluations by dermatologists.
2
The effect becomes more pronounced after 3 months.
One of the important findings in this study is, Tissue recovery was delayed, and the results became more pronounced after 3 months.This is the point. It shows that rather than expecting immediate volume changes right after SVF transplantation, time is needed for the cells to settle and form collagen.
3
Overall satisfactory clinical results
In the conclusion of the paper, the research team "The clinical results from the preliminary data were generally satisfactory."It was specified that although it is not as immediate as fillers, gradual improvement as the cells work has been confirmed.
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No serious adverse reactions — Safety confirmed
No serious side effects were observed in any of the 19 participants. The research team "SVF cells are safe for clinical rejuvenation use."We concluded that the risk of immune rejection was also low due to the nature of using autologous tissue.
Why can SVF change the skin under the eyes?
The area under the eyes is difficult to regenerate due to its thin skin and limited blood supply. The key pathways through which SVF acts in this area are as follows.
local neovascularization
Vascular endothelial cells form a microvascular network under the eyes, improving the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Stimulation of collagen synthesis
Activation of fibroblasts through the secretion of growth factors by ADSCs, increase in dermal collagen density
skin brightness improvement
Influences pigment changes related to dark circles through improved blood flow and inhibition of melanin synthesis
Extracellular matrix reconstruction
Restoration of thinned dermal structure through increased synthesis of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin
Unlike conventional topical whitening agents that focus only on pigmentation and fillers that focus only on volume, SVF can intervene in these multiple pathways simultaneously. The research team [analyzed] SVF for under-eye aging Comprehensive ApproachThis is the reason for proposing it.
The conclusion reached by the paper
As a result of transplanting autologous SVF into the skin under the eyes (infrared side), In the preliminary data, the clinical results were generally satisfactory and there were no serious adverse reactions. Tissue recovery after transplantation was delayed, and the results became more pronounced after 3 months.
SVF cells are safe for use for clinical regenerative purposes. The authors call for future evidence-based controlled studies focusing on the efficacy and safety profile of SVF.
Stories from SC301 Clinic
Dark circles and tear troughs are not simply problems caused by lack of sleep. They are complex phenomena resulting from the overlapping of multiple layers of issues, such as skin thinning, volume loss, pigmentation, and visible blood vessels. Therefore, it is difficult to resolve them 'perfectly' with a single treatment.
The potential of SVF demonstrated by this study lies in its ability to simultaneously intervene in multiple layers of pigment, volume, and dermal structure. While not as immediate as fillers, A more fundamental approach to changing the skin environment at the cellular level.
물론 이 연구는 예비 단계이며, 더 많은 검증이 필요합니다. SC301의원은 SVF의 눈 아래 적용 가능성을 포함해 줄기세포(SVF) 치료의 다양한 최신 근거를 지속적으로 살펴보겠습니다.
Questions (QnA) regarding the paper
Q1. What is the difference between SVF grafting and hyaluronic acid fillers or regular fat grafting?
A. All three can be used under the eyes, but their mechanisms of action differ. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate volume but are temporary fillers that are absorbed and disappear over time. Conventional fat grafting replenishes volume by transplanting whole autologous fat tissue, but it has limitations due to significant fluctuations in engraftment rates. On the other hand, SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) is a group of cells isolated from fat tissue; rather than simply filling space, it works by stimulating angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to regenerate the skin structure itself. This is why this study viewed SVF as an approach that allows for both volume replenishment and skin regeneration simultaneously. However, the speed of effect onset is slower than that of fillers.
Q2. When do the effects appear, and is there immediate improvement right after the procedure?
A. It is difficult to expect immediate changes. One of the key findings of this study is that tissue recovery appears 'delayed.' This is because transplanted cells require time to settle in the area, form blood vessels, and produce collagen. The study reported that results became more pronounced three months after transplantation and tracked patients up to the six-month mark. Therefore, it should be understood as a process of gradual improvement over several months, rather than seeing effects on the day of the procedure like with fillers. Those seeking immediate results may need to adjust their expectations.
Q3. Is it safe? Is there no risk of side effects?
A. In this study, no serious adverse reactions were observed in any of the 19 participants, and the research team concluded that SVF is safe for clinical regenerative use. The key reason for this safety is the use of autologous tissue, specifically cells derived from the patient's own fat. Since it is not another person's tissue or an artificial substance, the risk of immune rejection is relatively low. However, as these results were observed in a small group of 19 participants, it is more accurate to view this as a stage requiring further large-scale verification rather than concluding that there are absolutely no side effects for everyone. Additionally, general risks associated with the procedure itself—fat harvesting and transplantation—such as bruising and swelling must be considered separately.
Q4. Can dark circles and tear troughs be resolved at once?
A. It is difficult to completely resolve this area with a single treatment. As explained in the text, dark circles and tear troughs are the result of a complex interplay of multiple layers of causes, including pigmentation, grooves caused by the loss of orbital fat pads, skin thinning, and visible veins. SVF is gaining attention because of its potential to simultaneously intervene in multiple pathways: volume, dermal structure, and pigmentation (through improved blood flow). Therefore, the research team proposes this as a 'comprehensive approach.' However, this is merely a potential, and since the perceived effectiveness may vary depending on the proportion of the underlying cause (e.g., whether pigmentation or hollowness is the primary cause), an individual diagnosis must be performed beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VisioScan camera?
This is a skin analysis device that captures the skin surface under a high-resolution UV light source to quantitatively measure skin texture, wrinkle depth, moisture, skin brightness, and pigmentation distribution. It provides objective numerical data rather than simple visual evaluation or comparison of clinical photos, allowing for a scientific comparison of before-and-after changes in skin condition.
Why can SVF change the skin under the eyes?
The area under the eyes is difficult to regenerate due to its thin skin and limited blood supply. The key pathways through which SVF acts in this region are as follows: Local angiogenesis, where vascular endothelial cells form a microvascular network under the eyes, improving nutrient and oxygen supply to the skin; stimulation of collagen synthesis; and activation of fibroblasts through the secretion of growth factors by ADSCs, leading to an increase in dermal collagen density.
