Q: How long have you been using stem cells for breast augmentation?
A: Since 2006.
Q: What kind of stem cell do you use?
A: Only adult stem cells extracted from the patient’s own fat.
Q: Could you explain how is done?
A: First we harvest fat with microcannulas that do not leave scars from fat deposits on the patient’s body. From the harvested fat we take one portion and isolate stem cells from it using special patented laboratory technology. Then we mix these stem cells with the other portion of fat that has been already specially prepared for injection and implant it with fine cannulas into the breast. The surgery is done completely under local anaesthesia and the patient is then ready to go home.
Q: What kind of results are you obtaining?
A: Excellent, durable results. 90 % long-term satisfaction rate, completely natural augmented breasts that look natural in every position and in movement, exercising, etc.
Q: How long does it take to see the first changes? Can they be seen immediately?
A: The augmentation of the breast can be seen immediately; after the swelling resolves three weeks after the surgery the final result is visible. Minor changes (small increase or small decrease) are possible in the first months.
Q: How many women have been treated using stem cell-enriched autologous fat.
A: Since 2003 worldwide many thousand women have undergone this procedure, especially in Japan.
Q: What are the main indications? Can this method be used for any case or not?
A: We can use it in any indication of cosmetic breast augmentation or breast reconstruction with excellent results instead of silicon. An augmentation of one cup size per surgery is typically achieved. Augmentation bigger than 1.5 or 2 cup sizes in just one procedure are only achieved in women with a little bit flabby breasts (like after breastfeeding and childbirth), because the flexibility allows for more volume of stem cell-enriched fat to be injected than in tighter breasts. Also slim women can be treated successfully. Very slim women who desire very big and unnatural augmentations still need to rely on silicon.
Q: What are the advantages of the technique?
A: A smooth, minimally invasive surgical technique, silicon-free, scar-free, completely natural augmented breasts – the technique is especially recommendable for women who do want a little bit body sculpting at the same time. The technique also visibly rejuvenates the breasts of women over 40 due to the high content of stem cells in the implanted fat. The technique is also used for facial rejuvenation and – being an important tool of “New Cosmetic Surgery” – for facelift without scalpel as well as rejuvenation of hands, décolleté, etc.
Q: Could you give me the name of other researchers in this area around the world?
A: Dr. Yoshimura of Cellport Clinic would be one of them, Dr. Kamakura of Kyushu Hospital another one. Both work in Tokyo.
DDr. Heinrich, MD