A patient asks about stem cell breast augmentation:
Hi I have 180 ml breast implants, but I want to change it for fat grafting because I hate the way silicone feels. My only problem is I have no fat at all. I think something like 150 ml maximum can be removed with liposuction. But I also know that stem cells can multiply cells into new cells. So would be possible transform 150 ml of fat into 400 ml of fat using stem cells?
Multiplying fat cells in the way she means is not possible nor would its usage be allowed in the EU or USA. Multiplying stem cells is possible but for successful fat transfer she also needs fat cells, not only stem cells. She should mail us photos so we can assess how much fat could be harvested using fine microcannulas. At least 500 cm³ is possible in most thin patients. So probably expanding stem cells will not be necessary in her case at all.
DDr. Heinrich, MD