The Latest In Longevity Medicine, Stem Cells & More at Clinique La Prairie

Clinique La Prairie is internationally recognised for its pioneering approach to longevity, preventive medicine, and holistic wellbeing, combining cutting-edge medical expertise with personalised wellness programmes.

Dr Smarrito FMH Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Clinique La Prairie, specializes in aesthetic stem cell procedures, particularly utilizing adipose (fat-derived) stem cells for regenerative, rejuvenation, and anti-aging treatments. His expertise includes applications for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, breast enhancement, and gynecology, often focusing on sustainable, regenerative solutions.

Raemona magazine caught up with Dr Smarrito, as well...we're always looking for the secret to 10 years younger and more!

// Clinique La Prairie is rooted in longevity medicine rather than trend-led aesthetics. How do you distinguish between simply looking younger and biologically improving the way we age?

As a plastic surgeon, I see youth not as a trend, but as a biological condition. Appearance and biology are inseparable. Skin quality, hair vitality, facial harmony… these are visible reflections of what is happening at a cellular level.

When we improve the biology of the skin by working on the cells themselves we naturally enhance aesthetics. But more importantly, we improve tissue health. True rejuvenation is not about masking age; it is about restoring function.

We are entering what I believe will be a surgical revolution. In 50 years, young surgeons may look back in disbelief that we relied so heavily on transplants requiring lifelong immunotherapy. Instead, they may simply inject stem cells to regenerate diseased tissue in a precise, targeted way.

Stem cells are not science fiction. They are present in every human tissue and are responsible for renewal and repair. In aesthetics, they are already transforming how we treat the skin, not to make it artificially “younger,” but to make it healthier.

At Clinique La Prairie, we use adipose-derived stem cells because fat contains up to 500 times more active stem cells than bone for the same volume. These cells are harvested gently and reinjected with precision. This approach is more complex than traditional cosmetic procedures, and more advanced, because it relies on autologous, biologically active material rather than synthetic fillers.

I believe we will see a decline in overcorrection, fillers, and aggressive ablative treatments. The future is regenerative, personalized, and deeply biological.

// Stem cell treatments are often surrounded by hype. From a medical standpoint, what can adipose-derived stem cells realistically achieve — and where should women remain cautious? From a medical point of view, what can stem cells offer?

Stem cells are one of the most studied areas in modern medicine, with more than 25,000 scientific publications. Their regenerative capacity is real  but they are not magic.

Adipose-derived stem cells have demonstrated measurable improvements in collagen density, vascularisation and overall skin trophicity. Biopsies before and after treatment confirm these biological effects.

However, these are high-tech medical procedures. They must be performed in reputable clinics, by experienced surgeons, under strict protocols. The excitement around longevity should never replace scientific rigor.

At Clinique La Prairie, our approach is deeply medical and we have mastered that to perfection thanks to our DNA from 100 years ago.

//For women in their 30s and 40s who are increasingly interested in preventative treatments, when does regenerative therapy make sense - and when is it unnecessary?

Prevention is central to the Clinique La Prairie philosophy.

In your 30s and 40s, regenerative therapy can make sense as a strategy to preserve tissue quality rather than correct advanced aging. One of the most forward-thinking options is stem cell banking in Switzerland: storing younger, more vital cells for potential future medical use.

However, treatment should never be automatic. A proper medical diagnosis is essential. If skin quality is still strong, intervention may not be necessary.

The future of aesthetics will be less about adding volume and more about preserving biology, supporting your own cellular capital rather than replacing it artificially.

// In a region like the UAE, where aesthetic procedures are common and social media shapes expectations, how do you manage patients seeking dramatic transformation rather than subtle regeneration?

My role as a surgeon is first to diagnose and advise. Social media sometimes promotes dramatic transformations, but this does not represent the majority of patients. My principle is simple: I do nothing that does not exist in nature. At Clinique La Prairie - in Montreux and across our global Longevity Hubs - our philosophy is harmony and medical coherence. Regeneration is about restoring balance, not overcorrecting. Sometimes, the most important part of our job is to say no and guide the patient toward the most appropriate solution.

// If a woman is interested in longevity, not just aesthetics, what foundational health pillars should she prioritise before considering any regenerative procedure?

When it comes to longevity, this is truly the intrinsic philosophy of the Clinic La Prairie, which will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary.

As a cosmetic surgeon, I deal with what happens on the surface: the skin, the quality of the fat, the hair. Health nowadays relies on several pillars that are shared during tailor-made stays at the Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, based on a very holistic and comprehensive approach to the patient.

For instance, healthy nutrition, in-depth medical check-ups that can detect pathologies almost before they appear, movement, and intellectual well-being.

Today, studies show that it is possible to extend lifespan significantly until 130 years, but the goal is to live in good health and with good brain function.

Clinic La Prairie has been a pioneer in cell therapy, and we are continuing this experience with adipose stem cells, which have revolutionized our therapeutic approach and opened up possibilities far beyond simple beautification. They are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive, medically supervised longevity programme, as we have practiced for almost a century.