1. Is it the use of fat augmented with stem cells instead silicone implants approved by the FDA yet? In what other area of the body this technique can also be used in addition to the breasts?
Stem cell-enriched autologous fat can be used as natural filler on all regions of the body. It has not been approved by the FDA yet. To our knowledge approval is pending. Besides stem cell breast augmentation its main application is the stem cell facelift. Instead of lifting the face using a scalpel, stem cell-enriched autologous fat is injected into the face, both filling the signs of aging and rejuvenating the tissue by the power of the stem cells. Stem cell-enriched autologous fat can also be used for dimple correction and for skin rejuvenation. Additionally fat stem cells are used for used for regenerative medical treatments and anti-aging purposes.
2. Is there any clinic dedicated to this type of procedure even as a trial?
Some clinics worldwide are offering treatments with autologous stem cells from fat to their patients. Also a lot of trials are being conducted recently with it. Stem cell breast augmentation was originally developed to provide women with an alternative to silicone implants after breast cancer surgeries. Research started in 2003 and was sponsored by the Japanese government.
3. Who can undergo to this procedure? What is the ideal percentage of fat so it can be effectively used to extract stem cells?
In general any healthy woman can undergo stem cell breast augmentation. However, in the case of very thin women the technique used to harvest the fat is crucial. Only liposuction with very thin and gentle microcannulas and without the use of machines allows for smooth harvesting of enough fat for breast augmentation.
4. What are the risks associated to Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer? Could it interfere with mammography?
The risks of Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer are the same as with traditional fat transfer. Typically stem cell breast augmentation, like other methods of breast augmentation, causes harmless minimal fibrosis, cysts and sometimes microcalcifications. Experienced radiologists are able to distinguish them from breast cancer in mammography.
5. To what extent is it possible that this technique could disseminate to the point of replacing the silicon that is now in widespread use?
Stem cell breast augmentation has already reached the point of replacing silicone implants! In my Clinic DDr. Heinrich® we have treated lots of women since early 2007. Typically an augmentation of one cup size can be achieved, sometimes even two cup sizes. In these cases the result looks natural because the breast size fits with the body proportions. When larger augmentations are desired and in patients that do object to liposuction silicone implants or hyaluronic acid injections may still be used.
6. How much is the average cost? Is it possible to store the liposuctioned fat for later use?
The fee for breast augmentation with stem cells is individual, the minimum fee is around USD 10,000, but can be much higher. The individual fee depends on a lot of details: Standard cannulas or microcannulas used, just fat harvesting or also forming of the silhouette, ways of cell enrichment, breast forming, and volume. Storing and preservation of cells is typically not done in breast augmentation as all the cells/fat is used during surgery.
7. How much fat can be removed without causing damage to health?
International standard is to not extract more than 4,000 ml of fat per session. In Clinic DDr. Heinrich® we do not extract more than 2,000 ml per session.
8. How long does this procedure take between removal of silicone implants and replacement by stem cells? And how long does the patient have to wait for the final desired result?
Stem cell-enriched autologous fat can be used to replace silicone implants. The breast augmentation with stem cell-enriched autologous fat is typically performed some weeks after implant removal. We have treated a number of patients who wanted to get rid of their silicone implants in favor of a natural breast augmentation. The final result would be seen 3 weeks after the initial swelling has resolved.
DDr. Heinrich, MD