Currently, we use saline or silicone gel breast implants when performing breast augmentation at our Denver clinic. But a recent study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggests that using Adipose Stem Cells (ASCs) may be used in the future to perform augmentation without implants.
How ASCs Work
Adipose Stem Cells eventually turn into adipose tissue, where the body stores and processes dietary fat. Since stem cells may grow into other types of cells, they may be used to repair or replace areas of the body which have been damaged or destroyed. Examples include repairing torn cartilage, reforming severed blood vessels, and a number of other potential uses. Studies show that there has even been success in using ACSs in diabetic patients to form new, healthy pancreatic cells. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Regarding plastic surgery, ASCs could be used instead of synthetic fillers for fine lines, wrinkles, or cheek implants. This also means ASCs could be used in breast augmentation to actually form new fat cells in the breast, without physical implants. Although much more research has to be done regarding the possibility of using Adipose Stem Cells for breast augmentation, one thing is definite: this is a very exciting time to be a plastic surgeon.