A: Simply put, a “Stem Cell Facelift” uses adult stem cells harvested from a patient’s own body fat to augment soft tissue in the facial region.  It is part of the liposculpture technique that I have been performing for well over 10 years, in that it uses a patient’s own fat and concentrated stem cells to build new soft tissue.  With the stem cell facelift, extra care is taken to prepare and concentrate the stem cells, which are naturally present in fat. They are also carefully injected in a way that keeps them alive and effective in sculpting and contouring the face.

As with the stem cell facelift, a patient’s own fat and stem cells are carefully removed through a tiny incision — most likely from the abdomen or trunk area — and specially prepared before being re-injected into the face. This is a great technique for filling in the areas of the face where fat has been lost, such as in the deep nasolabial folds, areas around the mouth, and the lips. Since fat injections do not adequately address any hanging or loose skin, my patients often combine the placement of concentrated stem cells and fat cells with one or more other facial rejuvenation procedures.  (To ensure maximum safety and comfort, liposculpture and stem cell procedures take place in our state-licensed private operatory, under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist who is also a medical doctor.)

It is important to know that liposculpture and stem cell techniques require specialized training and surgical tools. Over 10 years of experience has helped us appreciate how effective this treatment is when done properly.  It is critical to inject just the right amount of fat — and in the right way — so that there is sufficient space for blood vessels to grow into the grafted fat and stem cells.  When performed correctly, the results of placing concentrated stem cells and fat cells can be very satisfying and long lasting.

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A: Safety is always my number one priority.  After a full face and neck rejuvenation, I ask that my patients recover in the care of one of my specially trained private-duty nurses at a private facility — instead of in a hospital — so that they are not exposed to people who are sick or otherwise unwell.  Reducing patients’ exposure to germs reduces the risk for infection and provides the best odds at a smoother recovery.

Q: Why are your fees a little higher than other plastic surgeons in the area?

Making the decision to enhance your life through plastic surgery is a very important decision, and one that should not be based on price. As a plastic surgeon certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT), I understand the importance that safety plays in providing our patients with good surgical outcomes.  Because safety is my number one priority, our surgical procedures take place after much careful planning in our state-licensed private operatory, under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist who is also a medical doctor.  My objective is to provide my patients with the very best care they could receive anywhere in the world — and that does not come at a low cost.  We do not cut corners when it comes to safety and quality.

Q: What about privacy? Rhode Island is such a small state.

My staff and I are committed to ensuring the privacy of all of our patients. We have a private entrance and waiting area for those patients who wish to remain anonymous.  In addition, our patients undergo their procedures in a state-licensed private operatory that is staffed by private nurses and hand-picked personnel. For our out-of-town patients, we make arrangements with special hotels to ensure patient confidentiality.  We have much experience in planning for these patients, as our patients come from all over the United States and from overseas.

Dr. Sullivan meets with his patient, her mother, and doctors at Tenwek Medical Center in Kenya.

Q: How did you get involved with the Africa project?

A surgeon, Dr. Russ White, Superintendent of Tenwick Medical Center, invited me to help them with cleft lip and palate, birth defects, and other plastic surgery problems that they encounter in East Africa.  They have no plastic surgeons on staff, although they have a very busy medical center that includes 300 hospital beds.

Q: What types of work did you do while at the Tenwek Medical Center?

My goal was to teach as much as possible about plastic surgery and the approach to taking care of children with cleft lip, palate, and other birth defects.  This involved teaching surgeons in the operating room as well as giving a number of lectures and seminars in an effort to share as much information as possible with the wonderful surgeons who are there every day taking care of challenging plastic surgery problems. I had the pleasure of operating on a number of children and adults while I was there as well.

One of Dr. Sullivan's patients who has a cleft lip and her mother at Tenwek Medical Center in Kenya.

Q: Why is this volunteer work so important, and how can we get involved?

Volunteer work is such a wonderful way to give back.  We, in the United States, are so extraordinarily blessed with our educational system, our opportunities – it is a pleasure to share what we have been given with others.  It is always a pleasure to work in Africa.  This was my third trip; I’ve spent up to six weeks at a time doing volunteer surgery in various parts of Africa. The people who live there tend to be extremely cordial, and it is always so much fun to be with them, teach and help those who need assistance.

Q: What other organizations were involved in your mission?

Smile Train was very helpful to our mission. Though there was no charge for our surgery, there are other expenses involved in caring for children who have cleft lip and palate defects. The hospital was reimbursed $250 per child by Smile Train in an effort to help cover hospitalization stays and materials used. Through the generosity of many we  brought over thousands of dollars worth of donated sutures and other materials for care, as the $250 does not cover the entire cost.

http://www.tenwek.com

Tenwek Medical Center is an incredible mission hospital that certainly is deserving of our support. I would be happy to answer any questions about this experience in an effort to help others achieve their goals of service.

Dr. Sullivan demonstrating a surgical technique

Pre-operative cleft surgery on baby

Post operative cleft surgery on baby

Dr. Sullivan with baby and mother after cleft surgery

Dr. White instructing