Plastic Surgeons Explore Use of Stem Cells

Stem-cell research is considered one of the greatest medical advancements of our time. They can help cure cancer. They can treat diabetes. They can ... make your boobs bigger. Believe it or not, the groundbreaking science of this treatment is now being examined by plastic surgeons to determine their cosmetic potential. Breast augmentation and facelifts are the first two procedures being studied.

To perform a stem-cell breast augmentation, plastic surgeons first use liposuction to remove the fat from a place it is not wanted. For most women, this is from the belly, thighs or butt. The extracted fat is then put in a machine that spins the fat mixture until its parts have settled and separated. What once looked like blobs of fat are separated into a layer of fat cells, a layer of blood and other fluid and a tiny layer of stem cells at the bottom. Research has shown that fat contains a higher concentration of stem cells than any other tissue that normally exists in the body. This makes the transfer even more effective.

The excess fluids are discarded, and the concentrated mixture of fat and stem cells is then injected into the breast. The fat plumps the area up immediately while the stem cells adapt to generate more breast tissue and new blood vessels.

The result is a larger, firmer breast. However, clinical studies have shown that stem-cell breast augmentation cannot enhance a person's bust line any more than about two cup sizes at the most. The average result is about one cup size bigger. So women hoping to hop from a B to a DD will still have to take the old-fashioned route.

While the practice of fat grafting is currently offered by select plastic surgeons, the procedure involving stem cells is not yet FDA approved. Health concerns include increased difficulty in detecting breast cancer because a new tissue is being introduced and could affect mammogram readings. Also, for cancer survivors who choose to undergo the surgery for reconstructive purposes after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, there are questions of how soon is too soon for them to put stem cells into their cancer site.

This is because stem cells have the ability to form into specialized tissue depending on the information they receive from surrounding tissue. When injected into the breast, they boost the generation of breast tissue and blood vessels. But what if there were some remaining cancer cells? The concern from some doctors is that the stem cells may help regenerate cancerous cells, enabling the spread of malignant tissue.

Another cosmetic use for stem cells is in the face. Once again, fat is extracted from the patient's own body, and stem cells are separated and extracted from the fat. Plastic surgeons then have the option to either inject just stem cells or a combination of fat and stem cells into the face. Stem cells alone can help give a younger, smoother appearance because they boost the production of collagen under the skin. A more dramatic effect can be achieved by filling the loose skin with a bit of fat along with the stem cells.