Skin Deep

“Beauty Heals,” reads the large wood sign hanging in Dr. Nathan Newman’s Beverly Hills office. The cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist has devoted his life to this motto, innovating the field by using stem cells for everything from facelifts to reconstruction for cancer patients, as well as creating stem cell products for skin repair (that the Kardashians use) and planning hair re-growth and burn treatment products. “It’s not just about making someone look better; it’s about improving their quality of life and overall well-being,” Newman explains, [noting that stem cells utilize the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.] Celebrity clients include MMA artists Chuck Lidell and Bas Rutten, influencers Alexis Parr and Stuart Brazell and models Khloe Terea, Maddie Moore, Nikki Leigh and Tiffany Stanley.

Q: Why did you choose to focus on stem cell therapy?

Dr. Newman: When I was in training, I realized that the way we were doing fat grafting [for facelifts] was essentially throwing away the stem cells – the cells that have the power to heal, repair and renew. I thought, why not keep these stem cells, concentrate them, and get better results? We can achieve natural, long-lasting results without the scalpel. [Every part of your body can be renewed, and as long as we have those stem cells, we can heal ourselves]. Aging is just a process where cells get injured or grow older faster than stem cells can replace them. This isn’t about turning the clock back and making everyone 20 again. It’s about using your own body’s resources to heal, restore, and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.

Q: What are the benefits [of using stem cells for cosmetic procedures] over traditional plastic surgery?

Dr. Newman: Traditional facelifts are like working in two dimensions—they cut, pull, and leave scars. It’s not natural, and over time it can make people look older rather than younger. With stem cells, we’re restoring the skin and volume, giving back the ability to regenerate tissue with your own cells. We’re working in three dimensions, which allows us to maintain the face’s natural, youthful appearance.

Q: What inspires you in your work?

Dr. Newman: A young mother from China had fallen 15 stories, breaking nearly every bone in her body, and was wheelchair-bound. Her doctors were ready to amputate her leg, but she came to see me as a last resort. We used stem cells to treat the non-healing bones and facial scars. After a few treatments, she was off her wheelchair and walking with a cane. Eventually, she even had the screws removed from her legs. She sent me a video of her dancing. That's the power of regenerative medicine. It's not just about looking good—it's about restoring life and mobility.

Q: Will plastic surgery be replaced by stem cell treatment and regenerative therapies like PRP [platelet rich plasma therapy, which involves injecting a concentrated mixture of platelets, cytokines, and growth factors into an injury site to help the body heal]?

Dr. Newman: Medicine is evolving: We’re moving away from knives and surgeries, entering an era of regenerative medicine to achieve amazing results. In the future, I hope we can phase out old-school surgery. Once I cut, I can’t go back. That’s why surgery is always the last option. If I can do it without cutting, I will. My goal is to bring this technology to the world and to educate people about the power of stem cells. This isn't just about looking better—it's about transforming lives, health, and wellness.”