What Is DermaCell? Why It’s a Dermal Matrix, Not a Stem Cell Treatment
Medical information notice: This article is general information. It cannot replace an individual diagnosis or prescription. Whether this material suits you, and how long recovery takes, depends on what your doctor finds at consultation.
Is DermaCell a stem cell treatment?
No. DermaCell does not involve implanting living stem cells. The name refers to a human acellular dermal matrix (hADM), which is made by removing the cells from donated human skin. Search results often put DermaCell next to stem cell treatments. Before any procedure, confirm whether the sheet or syringe being used that day contains cells at all.
What materials can the name “DermaCell” refer to?
As a product, DermaCell is a surgical sheet. Once the cells are stripped from the donated dermis, what remains is a structural framework of collagen and elastin. The paper that describes this processing method was written by an author affiliated with the organisation that supplies the material.
Clinics may also use “DermaCell” as a procedure name, and the material behind that name can carry a different product name. Always check the name against that day’s product documents.
|
Name or material |
What is is |
Form |
|
DermaCell (product) |
Acellular matrix made from donated dermis |
Surgical sheet |
|
“DermaCell” as a clinic procedure name |
May use a material sold under a different product name |
Confirm in the product documents |
|
SVF |
A mix of cells from the patient’s own fat |
Collected and applied on the same day |
International societies draw a line between SVF and culture-expanded cells. SVF is a mix of stromal, vascular and immune-lineage cells. Note that some authors of the joint statement that sets out this distinction have advisory or founding ties to cell therapy companies.
DermaCell sheet vs injection: what changes on treatment day
The same name can describe quite different procedures. With a sheet, the discussion centres on anesthesia and how the sheet will be secured. With an injection, it centres on which skin layer is targeted and what else goes into the syringe.
PRF is different again. It is made from your own blood, so it begins with a blood draw. Your consent form should state clearly which material is used: donated dermis, your own fat, or your own blood.
|
Procedure type |
How it is used |
What to discuss |
|
Surgical sheet |
Covers or reinforces the treatment site |
Anesthesia and fixation |
|
Injection |
Placed in portions into a planned skin layer |
Target layer and any mixed-in ingredients |
|
SVF |
Fat is harvested and applied the same day |
Harvest site and cell isolation method |
DermaCell side effects and when to seek care
- At injection sites: temporary redness, swelling and bruising are common.
- In breast reconstruction: seroma and infection have been recorded with this sheet. Note that the source reporting these cases is a small series of consecutive patients.
Contact the clinic straight away if you notice warmth that spreads, a fever that won’t go away, shortness of breath or hives.
Aftercare: avoid saunas and strenuous exercise until the period you were given has passed. Go back to washing your face and wearing makeup only when your written aftercare instructions say so.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- What is the current product name, and is it material made by removing cells from donated dermis?
- Will it be a sheet or an injection? If an injection, what is mixed in?
- Which anesthesia method will be used? Beyond redness and swelling, which symptoms mean I should call right away?
- Have my pregnancy or breastfeeding status, any active infection, use of anticoagulants or immunosuppressants, autoimmune conditions and severe allergies been noted in my record?
- What does the quote cover for the application and follow-up checks?
Warning sign: be cautious if several treatment sites are explained under a single “stem cell” label and a single material.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is DermaCell a stem cell procedure?
No. It is donated dermis with the cells removed. Having that day’s product name written down helps avoid confusing it with fat-derived cells or fibrin made from blood.
Does DermaCell hurt?
For a sheet, surgical anesthesia is discussed separately. For an injection, the anesthesia is matched to how deep the material will be placed.
How many sessions are needed?
There is no set number. A sheet is applied once, at a single surgical site. For minced injectable material, the number of sessions follows the product documents.
Can DermaCell be combined with SVF or PRF?
They are different materials, so they are not applied on the same day. The interval and order are decided first, and then the next appointment is booked.
What could delay my treatment?
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, an active infection, use of anticoagulants or immunosuppressants, an autoimmune condition, or a severe allergy. Also tell your doctor about any medications you take and any recent facial procedures.
Results, how long they last and suitability all vary with skin condition, age and lifestyle, and no outcome can be guaranteed. Temporary redness or swelling may occur, and some people have contraindications. This article does not replace individual medical care.
Sources
- Moore MA et al. (2015). Decellularization of human dermis using non-denaturing anionic detergent and endonuclease: a review. Cell Tissue Bank. PMID 25163609. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25163609/
- LifeNet Health. DermACELL product information. https://www.lifenethealth.org/regenerative-wound-solutions/dermacell
- Bullocks JM et al. (2014). DermACELL in tissue expander and implant-based breast reconstruction. Eur J Plast Surg. PMID 25221385. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25221385/
- Bourin P et al. (2013). Stromal cells from the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction and culture-expanded adipose tissue-derived stromal/stem cells: a joint statement of IFATS and ISCT. Cytotherapy. PMID 23570660. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570660/
- ISSCR. Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies (February 2024). https://www.isscr.org/treatment-guide
