{"id":287189,"date":"2026-01-16T07:51:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T07:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/287189\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T07:51:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T07:51:14","slug":"how-functional-medicine-is-transforming-cosmetic-procedures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/287189\/","title":{"rendered":"How Functional Medicine Is Transforming Cosmetic Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mention the words Botox or filler<\/a> and the image that comes to mind for many is cartoonish duck lips; a frozen, expressionless face; or puffed-up pillow cheeks\u2014the artificial appearance of youth. It\u2019s why some people cringe at the very idea of surrendering their face to a cosmetic dermatologist. It\u2019s 2026. No one wants to look overdone. <\/p>\n

But those results may (hopefully) be a thing of the past. Functional medicine doctors are bringing their integrative approach to noninvasive aesthetics, harnessing technology that uses a patient\u2019s own biological material (mostly their blood) and other naturally derived molecules for a softer, more subtle look.<\/p>\n

Yes, many of these docs are still using muscle-relaxing injections like botulinum toxin<\/a> and hyaluronic acid filler\u2014after all, they\u2019re effective in the right hands\u2014but the focus is on addressing the root causes of skin aging rather than just masking it with surface-level fixes. Instead of starting with an assessment of a person\u2019s visual appearance, hyper-focusing on every little line and wrinkle, these practitioners use their patients\u2019 full medical history to guide treatment. \u201cComprehensive lab work, an analysis of symptoms, and other diagnostic tools allow us to create a plan,\u201d says Raheleh Sarbaziha<\/a>, MD, an integrative aesthetic physician based in Beverly Hills.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts<\/strong>: Raheleh Sarbaziha<\/a>, MD, is an integrative aesthetic physician based in Beverly Hills. Shan Siddiqi<\/a>, MD, is a holistic health and regenerative medicine physician in Miami. Alexander GolBerg<\/a>, MD, DO, is a functional and aesthetic physician in New York City. Steven Williams<\/a>, MD, is a plastic surgeon in Dublin, California, and a past president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.<\/p>\n

That plan often includes next-generation therapies like PRP (the famed \u201cvampire facial<\/a>\u201d), PRF, NAD+<\/a>, exosomes<\/a>, and peptides, treatments being labeled \u201cregenerative aesthetics\u201d for how they stimulate your body\u2019s own youth-boosting ability. Some may be familiar to you; others may sound completely foreign. Either way, we\u2019ve got intel on all of these advancements from the physicians leading the charge. Welcome to the era of undetectable aesthetics.
<\/p>\n

A fresh POV on aesthetics <\/strong><\/p>\n

For the uninitiated, functional medicine, which has been around for decades, is characterized by its merging of traditional Western medical practices with lifestyle recommendations focused on nutrition, environment, and daily habits. It\u2019s used to treat everything from low energy<\/a> and brain fog<\/a> to anxiety, depression, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and seasonal allergies. The goal is to address what\u2019s happening below the surface, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.<\/p>\n

That philosophy now extends to the health and vitality of your skin and hair. Traditional cosmetic treatments performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon concentrate on improving visible changes that have already occurred. But they\u2019ve got it backward, according to functional medicine doctors, who try to treat the body as a single integrated system. Hair loss<\/a>, for example, isn\u2019t viewed as just a scalp issue. The same goes for wrinkles or sagging skin. \u201cYour body has the ability to heal itself\u2014we\u2019re tapping into that,\u201d says Shan Siddiqi<\/a>, MD, a holistic health and regenerative medicine physician in Miami.<\/p>\n

13.2%<\/strong> \u2014 The estimated annual growth rate of the regenerative aesthetics market, which is expected to reach $25.56 billion by 2029, according to one recent market research report.<\/p>\n

How, exactly? During an appointment with a functional aesthetics doctor, you\u2019ll discuss your skin and hair concerns and goals and, after a physical assessment, be asked questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and current skin care routine. From there, baseline blood work, a hormone panel, and nutrient testing will be ordered to devise a unique-to-you treatment plan. \u201cWe\u2019re not trying to freeze or fill away the signs of aging; we\u2019re working with the body to address them internally,\u201d says Dr. Sarbaziha. <\/p>\n

A significant piece of this puzzle is making sure your cells are firing on all cylinders so that your body functions more efficiently, says Alexander GolBerg<\/a>, MD, DO, a functional and aesthetic physician in New York City. \u201cWhen there\u2019s sufficient energy to heal properly, your skin and hair will also improve,\u201d he says. Gut health is another consideration. \u201cThis is so key because research shows that a healthy gut is reflected on the skin,\u201d adds Dr. Sarbaziha. \u201cEverything in the body is connected, part of the same ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say fillers and neurotoxin injections aren\u2019t on the menu\u2014they are. They\u2019re just typically combined with nutritional adjustments, a movement routine, and regenerative treatments (more specifics on the latter are below).<\/p>\n

Understanding the limits<\/strong> <\/p>\n

The approach is generating buzz, but not everyone is sold\u2014mostly because the research on some of these newer treatments isn\u2019t solid. \u201cIt\u2019s easy for patients and providers to get swept up in claims about miracles,\u201d says Steven Williams<\/a>, MD, a plastic surgeon in Dublin, California, and a past president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. \u201cWhile some of these therapies are backed by rigorous science, others are just wishful thinking. It\u2019s important to be honest about the limitations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trending protocols such as stem cell treatments, exosomes, and NAD+ IVs are among those with a dearth of research backing. Others, however, like platelet-rich plasma, are \u201cgenerally safe, effective, and supported by plenty of data,\u201d says Dr. Siddiqi, who adds that PRP remains one of his favorite options. All this is to say it\u2019s important to seek out a provider who blends newer solutions with tried-and-true remedies. A hair-loss patient seeing Dr. GolBerg, for example, will likely have a PRP or PRF session followed by some time under a red-light helmet\u2014and then leave with a prescription for oral minoxidil. \u201cIn a world that thrives on innovation, it\u2019s tempting to chase the new thing,\u201d says Dr. Williams. \u201cPeople deserve results rooted in evidence, not alchemy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charting the firm (and bright) future.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But even skeptics like Dr. Williams admit that \u201cit\u2019s clear people want more than just filling, cutting, and freezing.\u201d So, if any\u2014or all\u2014of this sounds appealing, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your experience will be a good one. Dr. Siddiqi recommends seeing someone certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine<\/a> or the Institute for Functional Medicine<\/a>, the leading names in functional medicine education (both have \u201cfind a provider\u201d drop-downs on their websites). And just as you would with a traditional cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon, if possible, seek out a physician who\u2019s worked with someone you know and provided good results.<\/p>\n

Many functional aesthetic therapies are still in their infancy and not yet FDA-approved, so do a little research on the ones proposed by your doc to make sure you\u2019re comfortable. Find out how they plan to draw the blood for PRP (a manual draw is always preferred over a vacuum tube, says Dr. Siddiqi) and confirm that they\u2019ll spin it twice. Ask to see the data behind any new supplement regimen, and make sure you know where they\u2019re sourcing their exosomes or stem cells from. Both fast-food hamburger restaurants and high-end steak houses serve beef, but there\u2019s a difference in the quality, says Dr. Siddiqi. The same applies here: You want to make sure your provider is using the best of the best.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, looking great is often about feeling great\u2014and functional aesthetics providers attempt to make improvements on both fronts. That\u2019s a beautiful thing. <\/p>\n

The funtional aesthetic treatments to know.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few of the most common regenerative treatments offered by functional providers focus on enhancing the health and appearance of the skin and hair.<\/p>\n

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)<\/p>\n

Two of the most popular therapies for improving the look of skin and treating hair loss are PRP and PRF. The former is so well substantiated that it has become commonplace in the offices of traditional cosmetic dermatologists across the country (even Dr. Williams is a fan). Both PRP and PRF involve a simple blood draw; the blood is then spun down to extract the platelets, which are injected into the scalp or face to do their job. While they can be done on their own, PRP and PRF are often used along with microneedling<\/a> and laser tightening to help speed up the healing process.<\/p>\n

PRF is considered a second-generation platelet concentrate technology, which means (among other things) that research shows it can produce more tissue-regenerating growth factors and release them for a longer time. While four PRP or PRF sessions are typically recommended to combat hair loss, \u201cresults for thinning can be seen after the second treatment, with hair quality changes normally setting in around the three- to six-month mark,\u201d says Dr. GolBerg.<\/p>\n

When it comes to skin, both are known to stimulate collagen and elastin formation and can be used under the eyes for brightening and in the cheeks, temples, and nasolabial folds for more fullness. \u201cPRP floods the tissue with growth factors that signal repair, boost collagen production<\/a>, and improve skin texture,\u201d says Dr. Williams. \u201cIt\u2019s not magic; it\u2019s cellular logistics. If you want skin that glows<\/a>, this is the treatment to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exosomes<\/p>\n

Think of exosomes, which can be derived from human stem cells or plant-based versions that work the same way, as tiny shuttles that travel deep into the skin, where they help cells communicate with one another to stimulate growth and healing. Rich in growth factors, exosomes can be used on the scalp to encourage thicker, healthier hair or on the skin to improve its quality. For the most part, they\u2019re injected (or used topically) alongside microneedling, PRP, or PRF. But note: Exosomes are not FDA-approved, so their use remains a somewhat unsettled area in the world of aesthetics.<\/p>\n

NAD+<\/p>\n

An abbreviation for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ is often referred to as the ultimate antiaging IV cocktail. It\u2019s a coenzyme that\u2019s present in all the cells in our body, and research shows it assists with energy production, DNA repair, and overall cellular health. It also naturally declines with age, which is why functional medicine doctors try to get more into the body via IV drips, topical products, and supplements. The theory goes that \u201cNAD+ helps the mitochondria and can optimize cellular function,\u201d says Dr. Siddiqi. \u201cA healthy body will always have more radiant skin and decreased hair loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Lettermark\"<\/p>\n

Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with 20 years of experience. She started her career in public relations before shifting to editorial. Elise rose the ranks at NewBeauty magazine from an editorial assistant to Executive Beauty Editor, overseeing and reporting on all things beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health, and wellness. A prolific content creator and trendspotter, Elise always knows what\u2019s new, what works, and who\u2019s the best to go to for treatments and procedures. She contributes to media outlets including InStyle, NewBeauty, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Beauty Independent, The Aesthetic Guide, Bazaar, and more. Elise has also been featured on Extra TV, WPTV, and WPLG, on satellite tours, and as a featured expert in Perricone MD infomercials. When she\u2019s not unearthing the newest beauty trend, Elise spends her time consulting with beauty brands, writing, and creating Instagram and TikTok content for herself and beauty and wellness brands.<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women\u2019s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman\u2019s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation\u2019s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city\u2019s trans community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mention the words Botox or filler and the image that comes to mind for many is cartoonish duck…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":287190,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[274],"tags":[1135,143849,16424,76127,24767,140889,18,12140,135,143848,19,143847,17,4109,462,143850,16285,2555,12000],"class_list":{"0":"post-287189","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medication","8":"tag-1135","9":"tag-aesthetic-medicine","10":"tag-anti-aging","11":"tag-beauty-trends","12":"tag-botox","13":"tag-cosmetic-procedures","14":"tag-eire","15":"tag-functional-medicine","16":"tag-health","17":"tag-holistic-treatments","18":"tag-ie","19":"tag-integrative-health","20":"tag-ireland","21":"tag-longevity","22":"tag-medication","23":"tag-new-research","24":"tag-skin-health","25":"tag-wellness","26":"tag-womens-health"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115903691729110707","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/287189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=287189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/287189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/287190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=287189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=287189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=287189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}