Exosomes in Calgary

Exosomesat Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary South.

Exosomes are the signalling particles cells use to tell one another to repair. Applied to skin that has been opened by microneedling or laser, they speed recovery and add a regenerative signal to the treatment underneath. At Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary South, Dr. Paul Kuzel, a board-certified dermatologist, uses exosomes where they add value and says plainly where the evidence is still developing.

Book a consultation Call (403) 286-6888

14Years of training FRCPCRoyal College certified VPAlberta Society of Dermatologists

What it is

Cell signals in a vial, applied to prepared skin.

Exosomes are tiny vesicles, far smaller than a cell, released by cells to carry growth factors, proteins and genetic instructions to their neighbours. The products used in clinic are purified exosomes from laboratory-cultured cells, supplied as a sterile concentrate.

MechanismWhen exosomes reach skin cells, they deliver a signal to reduce inflammation, build collagen and repair. They are not live cells and do not contain DNA that integrates; they are the message, not the messenger.

Topical, on treated skinIn Canada, exosome products are applied to the skin rather than injected. On intact skin they do little. Applied immediately after microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling or laser, they enter through the channels the treatment creates and act where the repair is happening.

A young fieldExosomes have been studied in dermatology for about a decade. The evidence for faster recovery and better skin quality after procedures is reasonable and growing. Claims beyond that are ahead of the science.

What the evidence supports

Where exosomes have a place, and where they do not.

Exosomes are marketed for almost everything. A dermatologist should say which uses are supported.

Reasonable evidence

Recovery after resurfacing

Applied after laser resurfacing or microneedling, exosomes reduce redness and swelling and shorten healing time in controlled studies. This is the best-supported use and the one most patients notice.

RF microneedling

Reasonable evidence

Skin quality with microneedling

Microneedling with exosomes improves texture, fine lines and pigment more than microneedling alone in several studies. The effect is additive to the procedure, not a replacement for it.

Early evidence

Acne scars and pigmentation

As an adjunct to microneedling or laser for scarring and melasma, early results are encouraging. Used alone, the effect on established scars is unproven.

Acne scarring

Not supported

Exosomes on intact skin

Exosomes in a cream or serum applied to unbroken skin do not penetrate in meaningful amounts. Products sold on that basis are not recommended.

Not supported

Exosomes as a filler or lift

Exosomes do not add volume, lift tissue or replace neuromodulator or filler. They improve skin quality and recovery, and that is what they are used for here.

Why a dermatologist

Product quality and honest claims.

Exosome products vary widely in source, purity and concentration, and the marketing around them varies more. Two things matter: what is in the vial, and whether the use is one the evidence supports.

A vetted productDr. Kuzel uses exosome products from established manufacturers with published characterisation of source, purity and concentration, handled and stored to specification.

The right procedure underneathExosomes add to a procedure; they are not one. The result depends mostly on the microneedling or laser they are paired with, which Dr. Kuzel selects and performs for the skin in front of him.

Evidence-based recommendationWhere exosomes are likely to help, they are offered. Where PRP, a prescription or a different procedure has better evidence, that is recommended instead, even when it is the less expensive option.

CoverageExosome treatment is cosmetic and not covered by Alberta Health Care. It is priced as an addition to the procedure it accompanies and is quoted at consultation.

How exosomes are used

Always with a procedure that opens the skin.

The product is the same. What changes is the procedure it follows and the area it is applied to.

Face

After microneedling

Exosomes applied immediately after RF or traditional microneedling, while the channels are open, and left on the skin. The standard pairing for texture, pores, fine lines and pigment.

Face

After laser resurfacing

Applied after fractional or ablative laser to shorten redness and downtime and support the collagen response.

Fraxel

Combined

With PRP

PRP and exosomes are sometimes used together where a stronger regenerative signal is wanted. Dr. Kuzel plans the combination according to the evidence for the condition.

Platelet-rich plasma

Your visit

Part of a procedure, not a separate appointment.

Exosomes add a few minutes to the microneedling or laser session they accompany.

ConsultationWhat concerns you, your skin history, and what procedure is planned. Dr. Kuzel advises whether exosomes add value for your case.

Plan and consentThe procedure, the exosome product, the number of sessions, expected result and side effects. The price is confirmed before treatment.

The procedureMicroneedling or laser under topical anaesthetic, as planned.

ApplicationThe exosome concentrate is applied to the treated skin immediately afterward and left to absorb.

Follow-upSessions repeated at four to six week intervals for a course of three; review at three months.

Aftercare and safety

What to expect after treatment.

The aftercare is that of the procedure underneath. Exosomes tend to make it shorter and milder.

After treatment

Redness and mild swelling for one to three days after microneedling, longer after laser; usually shorter with exosomes
Do not wash the treated area for 12 hours, so the product stays in place
No makeup, active skincare or sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours
Sun protection daily thereafter
Allergic reaction is rare; report any unusual itching or rash
Not used in pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection or active cancer

Booking and fees

No referral is needed. Exosomes are priced as an addition to the procedure and quoted at consultation, and the price is confirmed before treatment.

Call (403) 286-6888 for current pricing.

What to expect

Expected outcomes.

The first thing most patients notice is recovery: less redness the day after a procedure, and a return to normal skin a day or two sooner than they expected. Skin quality then improves over the weeks after each session, with smoother texture, softer fine lines and a more even tone building over a course of three.

Exosomes do not add volume, lift or replace the result of a procedure done well. The procedure does most of the work; exosomes make it faster and, in most patients, a little better.

3Sessions in a course 1 to 3Days of redness, typically 3Months to assess result

Questions

Questions about exosomes, answered.

How much do exosomes cost in Calgary?

Exosomes are priced as an addition to the microneedling or laser procedure they accompany and quoted at consultation. Call (403) 286-6888 for current pricing.

Are exosomes injected?

Not in Canada. Exosome products here are applied to the skin immediately after microneedling or laser, when the treatment has opened channels for them to enter. On intact skin they do not penetrate in useful amounts.

Where do the exosomes come from?

From laboratory-cultured human or plant cells, purified and supplied as a sterile concentrate. They contain no live cells and no DNA. Dr. Kuzel uses products from established manufacturers with published characterisation.

Do exosomes work?

For faster recovery after resurfacing and for better skin quality with microneedling, the evidence is reasonable and growing. For use on intact skin or as a replacement for filler or neuromodulator, it is not supported. Dr. Kuzel recommends exosomes only where the evidence does.

Exosomes or PRP?

PRP is your own concentrated platelets; exosomes are a manufactured product. Both improve skin quality with microneedling and both shorten recovery after resurfacing. They are sometimes combined. Dr. Kuzel advises according to the condition.

Are they safe?

Exosome products contain no live cells and have a low rate of reaction. The safety of the treatment is mostly the safety of the procedure underneath. They are not used in pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection or active cancer.

How many sessions do I need?

Usually three, four to six weeks apart, matching the course of microneedling they accompany.

When will I see results?

Faster recovery is noticeable within days. Skin quality improves over the weeks after each session and is assessed at three months.

Can I have exosomes on their own?

No. Without a procedure to open the skin, the product does not reach the cells it is meant to act on. Exosomes are always paired with microneedling or laser here.

Who performs the treatment?

Dr. Paul Kuzel, MD FRCPC, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary South, assesses every patient and performs the procedure. He sees patients in English and Czech.

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Book a consultation.

Book a consultation with Dr. Kuzel. No referral is needed.