We were one of the first to call it: exosomes aren’t just a trend—they’re the future of skincare and recovery. These microscopic messengers have officially made the leap from lab bench to beauty cabinet, and at this point, the science isn’t just promising—it’s personal.

But let’s be real: not all exosomes are created equal. And when it comes to understanding which formulas are worth your face (and your money), we go straight to the experts doing the work.

Enter Dr. Daniel Gould—a plastic surgeon with a PhD in bioengineering who’s bridging the gap between operating room results and regenerative skincare. He’s not just dabbling in the science; he’s deep in it. And his go-to? Plated Skin Science, a brand harnessing platelet-derived exosomes that mirror the body’s natural wound-healing genius.

We caught up with Dr. Gould to talk about what makes Plated’s formulas different, how they’re changing the post-op game, and why the smartest skin protocols start before the first incision is ever made. If you’re curious about how real science is raising the bar in beauty and recovery, you’re going to want to read this.The Message and the Medium: Why Plated Stood Out

“When I first began exploring exosomes, I was intrigued by the way they carry messages between cells,” Dr. Gould shares. “It’s not just what they say—it’s how they’re packaged that determines whether they actually make an impact.”

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that act as couriers between cells, delivering potent molecular signals that influence how tissues behave, heal, and regenerate. While many brands have entered the space with stem cell-derived exosomes or synthetic mimics, Dr. Gould zeroed in on Plated’s platelet-derived formulation because of its unique biological relevance.

“Platelets are the body’s natural first responders to injury,” he explains. “They’re primed to activate the healing cascade—reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and recruiting cells to repair the tissue. Using their exosomes is like mimicking nature’s own method for restoration.”

Plated’s delivery mechanism ensures that these signals are not only present, but bioavailable—meaning they can be absorbed and acted upon by skin cells quickly and effectively. That kind of high-fidelity communication is what makes a visible difference in healing.

From Aesthetics to Regeneration: A New Era of Healing

Traditionally, aesthetic surgery has focused on reshaping, lifting, or resurfacing—but as Dr. Gould points out, there’s a growing shift toward regenerative outcomes.

“We’re moving away from just aesthetic enhancement and into regenerative medicine,” he says. “That means less trauma, faster healing, and better, longer-lasting results.”

For patients, this shift translates to improved skin quality and shorter downtimes. For surgeons, it opens up new ways to support recovery and optimize results beyond the scalpel.

“With regenerative tools like Plated’s exosomes, we’re not just managing wounds—we’re actively upgrading the healing process. It allows us to treat the skin as a living, responsive organ rather than just a surface to alter.”

It’s a mindset shift that could eventually change the standard of care across the entire aesthetics field.

The Pre-Op Edge: Conditioning the Skin Before Surgery

One of the most exciting uses of exosomes, according to Dr. Gould, is in preconditioning the skin before surgery or laser procedures.

“Think of it like prepping a garden before planting,” he explains. “When you reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function before a procedure, the tissue becomes more resilient, and the results are noticeably better.”

Using Plated’s Daily Serum in the weeks leading up to surgery helps decrease baseline inflammation in the skin while improving hydration, nutrient flow, and cellular communication. At the microscopic level, this means improved blood supply and perfusion to the soft tissues, which sets the stage for a smoother recovery and more uniform healing.

“It’s not just about prepping for the sake of it—it’s about setting your skin up to respond at its highest potential,” he says. “And that changes everything.”

The Intraoperative Advantage: Applying Exosomes in Real Time

Dr. Gould often applies Plated’s Intense Serum immediately after procedures like CO2 laser resurfacing, microneedling, or surgical treatments—right when the skin is in its most vulnerable and responsive state.

“In those first few hours post-procedure, your skin is incredibly receptive to regenerative signaling,” he says. “By applying Plated’s exosomes right away, we can jumpstart the healing response.”

These exosomes work by increasing platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factors (FGF)—key molecules that downregulate inflammation while stimulating blood flow, cellular renewal, and tissue remodeling.

“The effect is tangible. Patients often report less redness and irritation, and we see faster regeneration of the skin barrier,” Dr. Gould notes. “It’s like flipping the switch from trauma to repair.”

Recovery Reimagined: What Patients Actually See

Across various treatments—from facelifts and laser resurfacing to body contouring—Dr. Gould sees consistent benefits in patients who integrate Plated’s exosomes into their recovery plans.

“Patients who use Plated post-op tend to experience visibly reduced swelling, less redness, and shorter healing timelines,” he says. “It’s not subtle—these are the kinds of results that change the experience of recovery for the better.”

This kind of accelerated healing also means patients can return to work or social activities sooner, with fewer complications or setbacks.

“It’s one thing to promise quicker recovery—it’s another to see it happening again and again in real patients. That’s what makes me a believer.”

Not All Exosomes Are Alike: The Power of Platelets

Dr. Gould is quick to point out that the source of exosomes matters—a lot.

“Stem cell-derived exosomes can be incredibly powerful, but they’re often less targeted,” he explains. “They’re like a Swiss army knife—useful for a lot of things, but not always specialized.”

By contrast, platelet-derived exosomes, like those used in Plated’s formulations, are purpose-built for healing. “They know exactly what to do when there’s an injury. They’re optimized to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and stimulate the vascular and immune responses required for recovery.”

That’s why Dr. Gould consistently reaches for Plated—not just for aesthetics, but for the science behind the results.

Beyond Recovery: Supporting Long-Term Skin Regeneration

While exosomes are best known for their immediate post-procedure benefits, Dr. Gould emphasizes their long-term regenerative effects as well.

“These aren’t just band-aid solutions,” he says. “Over time, we see enhanced collagen production, improved dermal thickness, and increased cellular turnover—especially in patients dealing with aging or damaged skin.”

Plated’s ability to activate PDGF and FGF pathways helps increase circulation and nutrient delivery deep within the skin layers, resulting in firmer, more resilient tissue. With consistent use, the skin doesn’t just heal—it begins to transform.

“This is where exosomes start to blur the line between clinical treatment and advanced skincare,” Dr. Gould adds.

What’s Next: Bridging Biology and Beauty

As both a surgeon and scientist, Dr. Gould is always looking to what’s next—and he’s currently at the forefront of a few exciting innovations.

“I’m working with CollPlant, a company using plant-derived collagen to develop tissue-engineered constructs for regenerating breast tissue,” he reveals. “It’s a whole new chapter in biocompatible design and personalized medicine.”

He’s also exploring topical delivery devices that improve how exosomes, peptides, and small molecules penetrate the skin—making them even more effective.

“This is where we’re headed: smarter ingredients, better delivery, and regenerative results that actually last.”