What are the differences between all the variety of exosome products available?

There are a lot of exosome brands on the market. The primary differences between these manufacturers' exosomes are the concentration (or number) of exosomes in the end product and the source of the exosomes themselves. The current common sources of exosomes used in most other aesthetic medical treatments are generally non-autologous - meaning they are taken from a human donor, including placental stem cells, adipocytes and platelets. As using exosomes from human donors is banned in the UK (and many other countries), plant-derived and salmon-derived exosomes are also available. Effective exosomes are from live cells. However, they either require storage in a special deep freezer and need to be defrosted before use, or need to be kept refrigerated and then reconstituted before use. Anything with true exosomes will not be very shelf stable and will have a short lifespan. Plant-derived exosomes are small vesicles released by plant cells. While they share similarities with exosomes from animal cells, they have their own unique properties, and are increasingly explored for use in skincare products and nutraceuticals. Marine-derived and salmon-derived exosomes are also gaining attention in skincare and biomedicine, each with their own unique properties and potential applications. It's important to note that research on exosomes is still in its early stages. Despite an increasing surge of exosome use throughout the aesthetic arena, a paucity of published exosome-based literature exists, and no exosome-based products are currently USA FDA approved - so exosomes are an off-label use, much like some areas of anti-wrinkle injections and hyaluronidase.

The short answer is yes, with the longer answer being that the scientific community isn't so sure yet, due to limited information. It's worth considering some of the common potential fears of being treated with exosomes. One such concern is that your body could reject them - that's why, when you get PRP, it has to be sourced from your own body, since a foreign cell incompatible with your body would be attacked by your immune system. Remember though: exosomes are not cells, which is why they can be extracted from various sources and used by anyone to treat a broad range of concerns. Another concern is the health or safety of the sourced material. That shouldn't be a worry with autologous exosome treatments, since they are derived from your own blood. The real question with exosome safety has to do with your own health, which is why we do not offer this treatment to patients who have any of the following: - Platelet dysfunction syndrome - Critical thrombocytopenia - Hemodynamic instability - Septicemia - Cancer, especially haematopoietic or bone - HGB <10 g/dl, platelet count <105/ul

What is the scientific evidence?

Recent studies evaluating topical exosomes in conjunction with nonsurgical facial treatments have displayed synergistic effects. Chernoff et al. found that combining topical exosomes with facial micro-needling produced greater skin quality, tone, texture, vascularity, clarity, and overall higher patient satisfaction compared with micro-needling alone. Duncan et al. added topical exosomes after facial rejuvenation procedures such as laser resurfacing, resulting in faster recovery and fewer side effects compared with laser resurfacing alone. A clinical trial conducted by Cho et al. for hyperpigmentation treatment using adipose-derived stem cell exosomes showed a significant decrease in melanin content in the treatment group, though the effect was short-lived. Studies have also shown the regenerative effect of exosomes to be dose-dependent, with key benefits including high stability, non-immune rejection, and direct stimulation of target cells.

Why are exosomes controversial?

Autologous exosomes have been studied and used in various medical applications, including regenerative medicine, tissue repair and the treatment of specific conditions, to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, or promote tissue regeneration. Safety: autologous exosomes are considered safe from an immunological perspective, as there is no risk of immune rejection or allergic reactions when using one's own exosomes. Medical conditions: autologous exosomes have been explored in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and neurological disorders. However, the clinical evidence for their effectiveness is still evolving, and research is ongoing. Regulatory considerations: the regulatory status of autologous exosome therapies can vary by country and region, and may evolve over time as agencies monitor developments in the field. But plenty of experimental and well-regarded aesthetic treatments are not cleared by the FDA - including PRP, which is only FDA-approved for wound care; using it for facials or hair growth is off-label. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars and often decades to achieve FDA approval. Exosomes hold promise for skin rejuvenation, but the scientific research and clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in skincare are still in the early stages, and results can vary among individuals.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) vs exosomes

Doctors have reported seeing more hair growth three months after a single session of exosome therapy than with PRP, which needs multiple treatments. We often use exosomes as a replacement for, or in conjunction with, PRP, because they have over 100 growth factors and therefore more regenerative potential than PRP, which contains 8 to 10 growth factors. Exosomes send signals which kickstart the cells in the treatment area - in the skin, they can 'awaken' keratinocytes and melanocytes, and aid in promoting new collagen production. PRP is a concentrated, autologous-derived product used as an adjunct for regenerative potential; although reported PRP-based outcomes are via growth factors, the exosome itself stimulates the production of natural growth factors via mRNA activation. The current limited evidence suggests that the cell-free characteristics of exosomes may minimise the risk of unpredictable patterns associated with stem-cell-based therapies, though definitive comparative evidence is still lacking.

Autologous Exosomes Skin & Hair Rejuvenation

Q: What is the scientific evidence?

Recent studies evaluating topical exosomes in conjunction with nonsurgical facial treatments have displayed synergistic effects. Chernoff et al. found that combining topical exosomes with facial micro-needling produced greater skin quality, tone, texture, vascularity, clarity, and overall higher patient satisfaction compared with micro-needling alone. Duncan et al. added topical exosomes after facial rejuvenation procedures such as laser resurfacing, resulting in faster recovery and fewer side effects compared with laser resurfacing alone. A clinical trial conducted by Cho et al. for hyperpigmentation treatment using adipose-derived stem cell exosomes showed a significant decrease in melanin content in the treatment group, though the effect was short-lived. Studies have also shown the regenerative effect of exosomes to be dose-dependent, with key benefits including high stability, non-immune rejection, and direct stimulation of target cells.

Q: Why are exosomes controversial?

Autologous exosomes have been studied and used in various medical applications, including regenerative medicine, tissue repair and the treatment of specific conditions, to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, or promote tissue regeneration. Safety: autologous exosomes are considered safe from an immunological perspective, as there is no risk of immune rejection or allergic reactions when using one's own exosomes. Medical conditions: autologous exosomes have been explored in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and neurological disorders. However, the clinical evidence for their effectiveness is still evolving, and research is ongoing. Regulatory considerations: the regulatory status of autologous exosome therapies can vary by country and region, and may evolve over time as agencies monitor developments in the field. But plenty of experimental and well-regarded aesthetic treatments are not cleared by the FDA - including PRP, which is only FDA-approved for wound care; using it for facials or hair growth is off-label. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars and often decades to achieve FDA approval. Exosomes hold promise for skin rejuvenation, but the scientific research and clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in skincare are still in the early stages, and results can vary among individuals.

Q: PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) vs exosomes

Doctors have reported seeing more hair growth three months after a single session of exosome therapy than with PRP, which needs multiple treatments. We often use exosomes as a replacement for, or in conjunction with, PRP, because they have over 100 growth factors and therefore more regenerative potential than PRP, which contains 8 to 10 growth factors. Exosomes send signals which kickstart the cells in the treatment area - in the skin, they can 'awaken' keratinocytes and melanocytes, and aid in promoting new collagen production. PRP is a concentrated, autologous-derived product used as an adjunct for regenerative potential; although reported PRP-based outcomes are via growth factors, the exosome itself stimulates the production of natural growth factors via mRNA activation. The current limited evidence suggests that the cell-free characteristics of exosomes may minimise the risk of unpredictable patterns associated with stem-cell-based therapies, though definitive comparative evidence is still lacking.

We are the first & only clinic in the UK to be offering autologous (your own) platelet-derived exosomes, using a unique combination system of centrifugation and ultrafiltration to harvest high quality exosomes.

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Autologous Exosomes Skin & Hair Rejuvenation

At a Glance

Duration: 60-90 Minutes
Anaesthesia: Numbing cream
Down time: 1-7 days bruising/swelling
Yield: 5-6ml exosome cocktail from 60ml blood
Cost: From £1,200

Why choose this treatment

Advantages of Autologous Exosomes Skin & Hair Rejuvenation Treatment

Anti-Aging Properties

Growth factors and signalling molecules may stimulate collagen and elastin formation, improving elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin Repair

Promotes tissue repair by enhancing the skin's ability to regenerate and heal, beneficial for damaged or scarred skin.

Skin Hydration

Helps improve skin hydration by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturising factor.

Reduction of Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce skin inflammation and redness, suitable for rosacea-prone or sensitive skin.

What are Exosomes?

Exosomes are the latest buzz word in the field of regenerative medicine and skincare, offering innovative potential in skin rejuvenation. Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by various cell types, including stem cells. They contain bioactive molecules such as growth factors, cytokines, and microRNAs, which can influence cellular communication and regeneration. When used in skincare, exosomes are often derived from stem cells and can have several potential benefits for skin rejuvenation, including:

Anti-Aging Properties: exosomes are believed to contain growth factors and signalling molecules that may stimulate collagen production and elastin formation, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Repair: exosomes may promote tissue repair by enhancing the skin's ability to regenerate and heal, particularly beneficial for damaged or scarred skin.
Skin Hydration: exosomes can help improve skin hydration by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturising factor that retains water in the skin.
Reduction of Inflammation: exosomes have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce skin inflammation and redness, making them suitable for conditions like rosacea or sensitive skin.
Pigmentation: exosomes may help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation by influencing melanin production and distribution.
Enhanced Penetration: exosomes can serve as carriers for other active ingredients, helping them penetrate the skin more effectively.
Minimal Risk of Allergic Reactions: exosomes are typically well-tolerated by the skin, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or a history of reactions to other skincare ingredients.

They can also be used in promoting hair growth and improving hair quality, by stimulating hair follicle stem cells to encourage growth and thickening. A 2021 study (Yang GH, Lee YB, Kang D, et al. Overcome the barriers of the skin: exosome therapy. Biomater Res. 2021) showed that exosomes stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and promote angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels. This combination of characteristics is used in:

Skin regeneration and treating dermatological conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis
Hair loss reduction
Wound/scar repair

What are Autologous Exosomes?

Autologous exosomes are exosomes derived from an individual's own body, making them "self-derived" or "self-sourced." These exosomes are obtained from the person's tissues or cells and then used for various therapeutic or regenerative purposes. The term "autologous" signifies that there is no risk of immune rejection or adverse reactions, as the exosomes are derived from the same person who will receive the treatment.

What is the Treatment Procedure with Autologous Exosomes?

Here are some key points to understand about autologous exosomes and how we harvest them. Plan to be in the clinic for 60-90 minutes. You can be a bit bruised and swollen for between 1-7 days after the treatment, so factor that into planning.

Source: autologous exosomes are typically isolated from a patient's own blood cells. We take 60ml of your blood - a relatively painless procedure, similar to blood being taken from a vein for a blood test. We request you eat food 1-2 hours prior to treatment and are well hydrated with water, and avoid alcohol 24 hours prior.
Production Process: to obtain autologous exosomes, the patient's cells are centrifuged and then concentrated and purified using ultrafiltration for immediate therapeutic use. We get a final 5-6ml of the exosome cocktail for injection from 60ml of blood collected.
Treatment Procedure: the skin of the face and neck, or the scalp, is numbed for 20-30 minutes while the exosomes are being prepared. The skin is cleansed, and multiple fine, painless injections are performed using an invisible needle to inject the exosomes into the dermis of the skin or into the scalp.

If the treatment is being performed after micro-needling or laser, the exosomes are simply applied into the treated skin.

Note: we prepare and inject autologous exosomes immediately, thus ensuring high viability.

Summary

Literature review over 10 years showed promise in animal and cell models and in early clinical trials for skin rejuvenation, scar revision, hair restoration, and fat graft survival. Exosomes show promise in several areas of nonsurgical rejuvenation; however, further studies are warranted to determine whether this modality is superior to PRP and fat grafting.

Meet the Expert: Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai

Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai is the founder and Medical Director of Perfect Eyes Clinic. With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, she is considered one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK.

Her extensive training, combined with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. Dr Sabrina appears consistently in Tatlermagazine as one of the UK's “Best Eye Surgeons” and “Top Doctors” since 2019.

Learn About Dr Sabrina

Royal College of Surgeons of England - register of Board-Certified Cosmetic SurgeonsBest Aesthetic Doctor - Safety in Beauty 2023Consultant Surgeon of the YearBest Surgical Result - Aesthetic Awards 2021Tatler Best Eye Surgeon 2019-2026

Transparent pricing

Autologous Exosomes Skin & Hair Rejuvenation Cost in London

Prices are a guide; your surgeon confirms the total during consultation.

Skin or Hair Rejuvenation - £1,500 per treatment
Tear Trough Rejuvenation (i-PRF) - £1,200 per treatment

Important: all cosmetic procedures incur 20% VAT. Fees are estimates and will be confirmed after medical consultation.

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Patient Questions About Autologous Exosomes Skin & Hair Rejuvenation

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions patients ask most often, answered by the clinic. If yours isn’t here, ask us directly - we would be delighted to help.

There are a lot of exosome brands on the market. The primary differences between these manufacturers' exosomes are the concentration (or number) of exosomes in the end product and the source of the exosomes themselves.

The current common sources of exosomes used in most other aesthetic medical treatments are generally non-autologous - meaning they are taken from a human donor, including placental stem cells, adipocytes and platelets. As using exosomes from human donors is banned in the UK (and many other countries), plant-derived and salmon-derived exosomes are also available.

Effective exosomes are from live cells. However, they either require storage in a special deep freezer and need to be defrosted before use, or need to be kept refrigerated and then reconstituted before use. Anything with true exosomes will not be very shelf stable and will have a short lifespan.

Plant-derived exosomes are small vesicles released by plant cells. While they share similarities with exosomes from animal cells, they have their own unique properties, and are increasingly explored for use in skincare products and nutraceuticals. Marine-derived and salmon-derived exosomes are also gaining attention in skincare and biomedicine, each with their own unique properties and potential applications.

It's important to note that research on exosomes is still in its early stages. Despite an increasing surge of exosome use throughout the aesthetic arena, a paucity of published exosome-based literature exists, and no exosome-based products are currently USA FDA approved - so exosomes are an off-label use, much like some areas of anti-wrinkle injections and hyaluronidase.
The short answer is yes, with the longer answer being that the scientific community isn't so sure yet, due to limited information.

It's worth considering some of the common potential fears of being treated with exosomes. One such concern is that your body could reject them - that's why, when you get PRP, it has to be sourced from your own body, since a foreign cell incompatible with your body would be attacked by your immune system. Remember though: exosomes are not cells, which is why they can be extracted from various sources and used by anyone to treat a broad range of concerns.

Another concern is the health or safety of the sourced material. That shouldn't be a worry with autologous exosome treatments, since they are derived from your own blood. The real question with exosome safety has to do with your own health, which is why we do not offer this treatment to patients who have any of the following:

- Platelet dysfunction syndrome
- Critical thrombocytopenia
- Hemodynamic instability
- Septicemia
- Cancer, especially haematopoietic or bone
- HGB <10 g/dl, platelet count <105/ul
Recent studies evaluating topical exosomes in conjunction with nonsurgical facial treatments have displayed synergistic effects. Chernoff et al. found that combining topical exosomes with facial micro-needling produced greater skin quality, tone, texture, vascularity, clarity, and overall higher patient satisfaction compared with micro-needling alone. Duncan et al. added topical exosomes after facial rejuvenation procedures such as laser resurfacing, resulting in faster recovery and fewer side effects compared with laser resurfacing alone.

A clinical trial conducted by Cho et al. for hyperpigmentation treatment using adipose-derived stem cell exosomes showed a significant decrease in melanin content in the treatment group, though the effect was short-lived. Studies have also shown the regenerative effect of exosomes to be dose-dependent, with key benefits including high stability, non-immune rejection, and direct stimulation of target cells.
Autologous exosomes have been studied and used in various medical applications, including regenerative medicine, tissue repair and the treatment of specific conditions, to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, or promote tissue regeneration.

Safety: autologous exosomes are considered safe from an immunological perspective, as there is no risk of immune rejection or allergic reactions when using one's own exosomes.

Medical conditions: autologous exosomes have been explored in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and neurological disorders. However, the clinical evidence for their effectiveness is still evolving, and research is ongoing.

Regulatory considerations: the regulatory status of autologous exosome therapies can vary by country and region, and may evolve over time as agencies monitor developments in the field. But plenty of experimental and well-regarded aesthetic treatments are not cleared by the FDA - including PRP, which is only FDA-approved for wound care; using it for facials or hair growth is off-label. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars and often decades to achieve FDA approval.

Exosomes hold promise for skin rejuvenation, but the scientific research and clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in skincare are still in the early stages, and results can vary among individuals.
Doctors have reported seeing more hair growth three months after a single session of exosome therapy than with PRP, which needs multiple treatments. We often use exosomes as a replacement for, or in conjunction with, PRP, because they have over 100 growth factors and therefore more regenerative potential than PRP, which contains 8 to 10 growth factors.

Exosomes send signals which kickstart the cells in the treatment area - in the skin, they can 'awaken' keratinocytes and melanocytes, and aid in promoting new collagen production. PRP is a concentrated, autologous-derived product used as an adjunct for regenerative potential; although reported PRP-based outcomes are via growth factors, the exosome itself stimulates the production of natural growth factors via mRNA activation. The current limited evidence suggests that the cell-free characteristics of exosomes may minimise the risk of unpredictable patterns associated with stem-cell-based therapies, though definitive comparative evidence is still lacking.

Call or email us today, we would be delighted to answer your questions.

Ask a Question or Book an Appointment

Patient stories

Rated five stars by patients across the globe

4.8out of 5 from 240+ Google reviews

Desi Stevens

“Simply the best dermatologist for skin care and eye surgery. She is a safe and skilled doctor who is highly experienced and will meet your needs, her approach is a soft and natural aesthetic. She listens and communicates clearly, professionally and in a kind and personable manner. I have been looked after by Dr Sabrina for many years have always been extremely happy with her advice, procedures and results. Highly recommend, she is a talented Dr you can trust.”

Kealey Hessey

“Dr Sabrina is the magic eye fairy. Only 10 days after my lower lid bleph and midface lift and nearly all bruising and swelling has gone. After a lot of research, I knew after my initial consultation with Dr Sabrina she was the one I trusted. Such a warm & kind woman. I am so pleased I put my Trust in Dr Shah. Immensely happy with the results and will be back to get my upper eyes done in the future. Thank you to the whole team.”

Jo Kirby

“I had been recommended Dr Sabrina by a medical colleague & am extremely glad I made the journey from Southampton to the Perfect Eye Clinic in London to discuss blepharoplasty. The team were all so friendly & very professional and most importantly, Dr Sabrina informed me that I had a bilateral eye ptosis. This explained a number of issues I was experiencing. I will definitely be booking to have a correction of bilateral eye ptosis and upper blepharoplasty. Can't recommend enough.”

Shirley Ford

“I am so very happy with my experiences at Perfect Eyes. Dr Sabrina is an absolute Star. Extremely talented, very personable I just couldn't be happier with my results and her overall professionalism. But a big part of my review is how lovely the support staff are too. Namely Safiya and Lisa who greet you with such warmness and respect. I highly recommend this clinic as I have done so with many friends.”

Radhika Rajan

“Top notch surgeon. Dr.Sabrina Shah is the best. Very meticulous and focused. Very experienced and very skillful. Supported by a great team, Irvana at the office is efficient and directs empathy as well towards nervous patients like myself . All in all a great experience.”

Tina Stonely

“Dr Sabrina is so so kind and thorough in really assessing and understanding my needs and explaining in detail what works and the pros on cons of each treatment. I trust her implicitly and know she is the best physician in the UK and trainer to physicians for all aesthetic treatments. I cannot recommend her enough. You will not be disappointed choosing Sabrina.”

Tanya Del Federico

“Perfect Eyes provides an exceptional experience from start to finish. The team is warm, professional and highly knowledgeable, and every aspect of the consultation feels thorough and personalised. Sabrina combines outstanding surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to achieving natural, elegant results, taking the time to explain every option and ensure patients feel completely at ease. The care, attention to detail and standard of service are second to none. I would highly recommend Perfect Eyes to anyone looking for expert oculoplastic and aesthetic care.”

Minda Wang

“I am so happy with my experience. The results look natural, and I feel like a fresher version of myself since having my Biostimulation treatment with Doctor Sabrina. The whole experience was comfortable and professional, and I felt supported and well cared for throughout. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone looking for a natural-looking boost.”

Samantha Andrews

“Amazing. I’m so happy with the results. Sabrina is a master. She also has a wonderful bedside manner. I can’t recommend Sabrina and her team enough. Worth double the money. 👏🏻”

Hayley Pearson

“I was lucky enough to first meet Sabrina 9 years ago & have never used anyone else since. She has helped transform my appearance; with natural looking aesthetics. I currently live abroad, however remain dedicated to stay a patient of Sabrina. What’s 3,500 miles when you have found the best in the business!”