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Iron
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Cartilage Growth: Methods to fix the "unmaxxable."
Introduction:
Recently, I've been experimenting and researching ways to fix certain facial features that are deemed to be unfixable without hardmaxxing. The main topics that are going to be included in this guide/theory spout are the:
- Nasal structure
- Bone development
Cartilage Growth/Bone Remodeling:
The main theory of discussion as to how to fix the eye area/nasal structure are going to rely on cartilage growth, as well as bone remodeling which we'll discuss later (maybe in another guide). The main type of cartilage we'll be talking about is elastic cartilage, which exists in your nose, but this guide can be used for other purposes. Cartilage growth can then be separated into two main growth patterns, appositional growth and interstitial growth. Put plainly:
Appositional Growth:
- Think of "adding layers": Cartilage is formed layer by layer on top of your pre-existing cartilage, like snow being piled onto a snowman on the outside.
- How it happens: Surrounding your cartilage is a dense layer of connective tissue called perichondrium that surrounds cartilage, this tissue contains both fibroblasts and stem cells, which produces collagen fibers and chondroblasts, building blocks for cartilage growth. Chondroblasts, being immature cartilage cells, actively secrete the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage, which includes collagen fibers and proteoglycans that all contribute to the overall volume and quality of built collagen. As chondroblasts secrete more matrix, they become embedded/mature within it. This creates new layers of cartilage on the surface of the existing structure that.
- Result: The cartilage grows in width and thickness, providing better support and repairing outer layers of cartilage.
- Growing from within: Imagine a balloon inflating from within, the air being cartilage grown.
- How it happens: Mature cartilage cells, called chondrocytes, within the existing cartilage matrix (framework of cartilage that gives function) divide. The daughter cells of chondrocytes secrete new cartilage matrix between themselves, the buildup leading to an increase in volume and length of cartilage. This is crucial in adolescence to lengthen the bone and morph the shape of cartilage.
- Result: A change or maintenance of overall shape of cartilage, and growth in volume and length of cartilage.
- Appositional growth is practically unlimited compared to interstitial growth, which occurs most from childhood to early adulthood. (Harder to change shape of nose, etc the older you are).
- Optimal hormonal balances, especially sex hormones are most important in growth rate in both processes.
- The composition and organization of the matrix vary depending on the type of cartilage (hyaline, fibrocartilage, elastic cartilage).
- Water intake is also important to growth as cartilage isn't made up entirely of chondrocytes but also proteoglycans, that attract/hold water molecules that fills space within the matrix as well as making sure cartilage is hydrated and full.
- Collagen fibers provide strength to the cartilage, and also guide the deposition of other ECM components, creating the characteristic structure and properties of cartilage. Think of it as scaffolding for proper function.
Cartilage can be built from appositional/interstitial growth, interstitial growth being the key growth process in size, etc while interstitial growth helps change shape and length. Both processes involve the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) by specialized cells (chondroblasts and chondrocytes) and are influenced by factors like hormones (especially during growth spurts), proper hydration, and the structural integrity provided by collagen fibers within the matrix. Because of this, we can change influence growth and therefore facial structures composed of cartilage.
Triggering Growth:
The main way we'll be triggering growth of cartilage will be through mechanical stress, directing stem development, and hormones.
Mechanical Stress:
- Weightlifting and exercises:
- Moderate levels of physical stress, such as those experienced during weight-bearing activities and exercise, can stimulate the perichondrium (outer layer of connective tissue surrounding cartilage). This can enhance the activity of chondroblasts and indirectly influence chondrocyte activity, leading to increased matrix metabolism and subsequent appositional growth.
- Exercise, specifically cardio stimulates growth factors within the cartilage itself, like IGF-1, indirectly causing interstitial growth.
- Injury and Repair:
- Cartilage injuries, even minor ones, can trigger a repair response that can lead to overall growth.
- The perichondrium plays a crucial role in repair, with increased cellular activity and matrix production to facilitate healing.
- Growth Hormone: Secreted by the pituitary gland, it plays a crucial role in stimulating overall growth during adolescence, including increased cartilage production. This influences both appositional and interstitial growth.
- Sex Hormones (Estrogen and Testosterone): These hormones also contribute to significant growth spurts during puberty. They influence the activity of chondroblasts and the rate of matrix production, heavily impacting both appositional and interstitial growth. Ideal ratios of both are needed to be most effective in achieving change in cartilage.
Cartilage growth and repair depend on adequate nutrition, including vitamins (especially vitamin C for collagen synthesis), minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus, and those found in supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin), and protein. Hydration is also crucial for all bodily functions, including cellular activity and tissue repair.
Chronic inflammation, often present during injury repair, can negatively impact cartilage health.
Furthermore, antioxidants play a vital role in protecting cartilage from oxidative stress and damage.
Strategies to mitigate these challenges include anti-inflammatory diets, regular exercise, and in some cases, appropriate medications to reduce inflammation and create a more favorable environment for cartilage repair.
Important Considerations:
Excessive mechanical stress can lead to cartilage damage and ultimately degeneration, this is especially so as cartilage has limited blood supply, making it difficult for nutrients and growth factors to reach the deeper layers, meaning it has limited ability to repair itself effectively after significant injury. Even slight amounts of wrong mechanical stress can induce formation of scar tissue instead of cartilage, which ruins health and can appear aesthetically unpleasing. The responsiveness of the perichondrium and the overall capacity for cartilage growth decline with age as well, making growth, especially interstitial, very slow in adult cartilage.
Stem Development:
- Microfractures: This is a crucial step before introducing stem cells since it can be used to trigger healing effects and be used as control for growth. The way that these microfractures are done are by creating small holes in the joints surface, or in this case, the midline internasal suture and make up the bridge of the nose. Make sure not the damage the nasal bone or cartilage itself.
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins 2 (BMP2): A molecule that stimulates bone formation. This encourages the activated stem cells to begin the process of bone development. By carefully manipulating the signaling pathways involved in bone development as well as well-placed microfractures, this can be used to activate interstitial/appositional growth in certain directions and generate more new cartilage instead of the less desirable fibrocartilage (scar tissue) that typically forms after microfracture. Overdosing BMP2 can also ossification in the nose, turning the desired cartilage into bone.
- Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β): A family of growth factors that play crucial roles in cartilage development and maintenance, having
been shown to stimulate cartilage matrix production by chondrocytes. Unlike BMP2, TGF-β can actually inhibit bone formation in certain contexts, which counteracts BMP2. - Cellular Context: The activation of different intracellular signaling pathways can lead to diverse cellular responses, even when the same growth factor is involved. That's why to create the optimal context where both BMP2 and TGF-β can function to it's best ability (such as inhibiting bone formation), it involves ideal hormonal levels, an anti-inflammatory environment, anti-oxidation, synergy with other growth hormones, and mechanical stress, which we've all mentioned before.
- Modulating Receptor Signaling Pathways: The presence and activity of specific receptors on the cell surface determine how effectively a growth factor can bind and exert its influence as well, this can be controlled for ideal results by identifying and targeting molecules within the signaling pathways that are activated by receptor binding, therefore making these effect cascades leading to our desired cellular response more potent. However, this is extremely complex and nigh-unachievable to control at home so I won't get into the specificities, but if done properly can greatly increase growth speeds.
Guide:
This will be my step-by-step guide as to how to do all of this from personal experience as to how to reshape the nose.
Exercise:
Building Your Routine:
This is a framework to help you build a personalized exercise routine.
- Explore & Select:
- Experiment with a variety of exercises from each major muscle group (chest, back, shoulders, legs, core).
- Choose 2-3 exercises per muscle group that you enjoy and find effective.
- Determine Your Rep Range:
- Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions per set for most exercises.
- Focus on performing each set to the point of momentary muscular failure (where you can't complete another rep with good form).
- Incorporate Sprints:
- Include 5 sets of sprints until failure twice a week to enhance metabolism and growth hormones production.
- Prioritize Proper Form:
- Always prioritize proper form over the amount of weight lifted.
- Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the weight as you progress.
- Listen to Your Body:
- Stop if you experience any and rest adequately (most important)
Microfractures:
- Nosepulling: A way to loosen the nose's sutures. Using your index finger and thumb, snapping the bridge of your nose outwards with medium force, then gently letting go. Should be done with alternating hands on similar parts of the nose and with clean hands. Avoid pressing inwards on the nose while doing it as much as you can.
- Face Yoga: Used to prevent asymmetries as the nose develops. Guide I used.
- Bonesmashing: Pinch areas of your nose you wanna focus growth on, and using a frozen plastic water bottle, lightly tapping it until you feel it bloat. Don't overdo this.
- TGF-β: Inject 1ml on points of cartilage you want for growth.
- BMP2: Inject 2ml on points of cartilage you want for growth, can also be used on nasal bridge for growth.
Effects:
- Nasal bone growth by ~6mm
- Nasal tip projection by ~5mm
- Extended medial canthus by 2mm
- Removal of slight dorsal hump
- Overall better nose shape/symmetry
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