A health resort, a medical spa, a luxury spa-clinic: Clinique La Prairie has been called many things, but none quite capture the true nature of this extraordinary facility cradled between Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Of course, it has the stunning backdrop, state-of-the-art facilities, hushed corridors and competent white coats spotted at many an exclusive spa retreat, medical or otherwise, but what this institution offers goes much deeper than all of that – cell deep, in fact.
Founded in 1931 by Dr Paul Niehans, Clinique La Prairie has built its enduringly stellar reputation on a commitment to research and innovation in the field of longevity science, developing groundbreaking treatments that target ageing and disease at a cellular level to achieve transformative, long-lasting results. And in its nearly century-long history, Clinique La Prairie has never stopped to rest on its laurels. We speak to Dr Adrian Heini, the clinic’s Medical Director & Specialist in Internal and Preventative Medicine, about the trailblazing treatments on offer, from tried-and-true revitalising programmes to exciting new developments in genetic testing and stem cell therapy.
Life and Longevity Sciences have been part and parcel of Clinique La Prairie since its inception. Today, this is reinforced through collaborations with renowned researchers in the field of biosciences, and with the creation of a life science that is looking into the next generation of health technologies.
As an example, in 2018, we were the first wellness clinic to integrate DNA testing into health programmes. Since then, genetics have taken a front seat, with DNA tests forming part of the Revitalisation, Master Detox and Healthy Weight programmes, while driving the highest level of personalisation in our offering as a whole. Because a key part of disease prevention is diet, emphasis has also recently shifted towards nutritional science.
Furthermore, in 2021, it became possible for us to measure how lifestyle shapes biological age, and we made the minimally invasive, blood-based Epigenetic screening available – these breakthrough tests offer a new reading of DNA.
Clinique La Prairie offers advanced Epigenetic assessment in collaboration with Genknowme, an innovative Swiss life science company that specialises in analysing the effects of lifestyle on biological age and evaluating how these processes are closely linked to wellbeing, health and ageing.
This unique DNA reading measures our biological age and the reversible effects of our daily choices on our genes, providing next-generation insights that can help guests maintain a healthy lifestyle through a bespoke approach. The blood-based test and assessment are a truly invaluable development and can be added to any of our programmes.
Revitalisation is Clinique La Prairie’s best-known longevity and preventive medicine programme – a holistic seven-day anti-aging treatment aimed at galvanising the immune system, boosting cell renewal and maximising the potential of mind and body.
Genetic testing, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective nutrition, wellness and movement form the backbone of this regenerative programme. They are combined with a specific protocol designed to act on the cells in certain tissues, or those involved in bodily functions such as the immune system. “CLP Extract”, the central formula used in this process, is administered in conjunction with bio-stimulants and a course of nutrigenomic supplements (i.e. containing nutrients that stimulate the genes involved in cellular regeneration). The goal is to reinforce a certain number of mechanisms to improve the regeneration of cells, tissues and organs, including the liver, the skin and even the brain.
Revitalisation is a powerful tool: an unusual aspect of the procedure is that its effects will last for a year – in some cases, even a couple of years. It helps slow cell ageing, but of course, longevity requires an all-round approach. Revitalisation also means achieving a better quality of life, better defences against stress and diseases, and improved vitality. Our experts help patients address all of these aspects of their overall health. The programme is recommended for anyone over the age of 35.
Dr Adrian Heini, Medical Director & Specialist in Internal and Preventative Medicine at Clinique La Prairie
It is possible to combine both programmes. The world is becoming more and more toxic, with the global diffusion of industrial chemical products, pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals and radioactive elements, which are impossible to avoid and which tend to accumulate in the nervous system, viscera, bones and muscles. They can cause dysfunctions such as fatigue, lack of vitality, stress and more. The presence of these toxins can increase the formation of free radicals known to accelerate ageing. It is important to eliminate them, because they can also have much more harmful health effects, including an increased risk of chronic diseases and cancer, as well as weakened organic functions and depressed immune system.
Our body naturally performs internal cleansing on a daily basis, little by little. However, our detoxification channels can be saturated by these excess toxins. This is why following a regular detoxification programme, which will support and boost the body’s natural cleansing processes, can be highly beneficial for your overall health.
A holistic approach – taking into account all aspects of our health, including mental wellbeing – is fundamental to longevity and, as such, lies at the heart of Clinique La Prairie’s offering. All of our programmes are rooted in a four-pillar philosophy that brings together the medical aspect with nutrition, movement and wellbeing.
When following any programme, clients have access to psychiatrists and psychologists available for mental health support. In addition, we offer a range of wellbeing treatments and activities designed to reinforce and enhance mental wellness, such as breath coaching, vibration and sound healing, as well as Transcendental Meditation. Our guests are also encouraged to make the most of our fitness facilities and equipment, as well as group and individual classes, for example yoga, designed to strengthen both physical and mental wellbeing.
Clinique La Prairie has been a pioneer in regenerative medicine and anti-ageing science for 91 years. Naturally, our journey has come to incorporate advanced science in aesthetics, including stem cell treatments for rejuvenation.
These treatments are advanced beauty aesthetics protocols that aim at protecting and preserving the beauty of the face and hands, thanks to the re-injection of the patient’s own stem cells – it is indeed possible to beautify, restore and protect the skin using adipose stem cells derived from your own fat. Research shows that these stem cells have the power to repair and rejuvenate all types of tissue, while renewing themselves at the cellular level.
Intended purely for aesthetic purposes, these breakthrough procedures involve extracting adipose-derived stem cells, usually taken from the belly area, and re-injecting them into targeted areas of the facial lines. The re-injected stem cells begin to replace declining cells, eventually enabling the production of collagen and elastin fibres, and thus achieving a renewed look – with increased elasticity, hydration, firmness and vascularisation – in the healthiest and most natural way.
Clinique La Prairie offers two exclusive and medically endorsed programmes based on advanced rejuvenation protocols: the two-day Cell Boost Face Lift and the four-day Anti-Ageing Stem Cells. In the latter, the harvested stem cells are stored for 30 years in a high-security Swiss laboratory.
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