Stem Cell Breast Augmentation Overview
Breast augmentation is a procedure conducted to increase the size and enhance the shape of breasts. While stem cell breast implants were initially used as a cosmetic procedure, after much research, stem cells can now be used for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients as well.
We’re sure you have a hundred questions swirling around in your head.
So, let’s start with the most basic one.
What are stem cells?
Well, stem cells are immature cells found in our bodies that can differentiate into any tissue. Once researchers discovered this special property of stem cells, they applied it to treat several diseases.
Stem cells are the only treatment that can naturally enhance or reconstruct breasts. All other treatments involve the introduction of a foreign substance into our bodies.
Stem cell treatment is still in the early stages of clinical trials, because of which it is not FDA-approved.
However, it is completely safe. No long-term side effects have been reported by any clinical study around the world.
Can Stem Cells Increase Breast Size?
The short answer is yes—stem cell breast augmentation does work.
Are you curious about just how does it work?
We will have to get technical for a few minutes to answer this question.
You see, stem cells have several interesting properties.
The most prominent of these is their capability of regeneration. Stem cells lead to the formation of new breast cells.
Stem cells also have a ‘self-homing’ property. They can detect which cells require treatment. As a result, they not only increase breast size, but also smoothen and tighten the surrounding skin, giving your breasts a completely natural look.
Types of Stem Cells Used to Enlarge Breasts
Stem cells are found in several locations of our body including the bone marrow of the hip bone, fatty tissue of the abdomen, and even in our circulating blood!
For breast augmentation, stem cells are extracted from the fatty tissue of the abdomen or the inner thigh. In nearly all cases, the patient’s fatty tissue is used for this purpose.
However, if the patient’s cells are not available for some reason, donor cells can also be used.
A small number of studies have also used umbilical stem cells for breast augmentation, but the sample size was too small to obtain conclusive results.
Benefits/Risks of Stem cell Breast Augmentation
Like every medical procedure, stem cell breast enlargement also has its own benefits and risks.
| BENEFITS | RISKS |
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Don’t the benefits outweigh the risks?
Eligibility of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
How does one even determine if they are eligible for stem cell breast enhancement in the first place?
Well, your medical provider is the best person to answer this for you.
Each clinical trial has its own strict set of requirements.
We have compiled a list of basic eligibility criteria to get you started:
- You should have enough fatty tissue
- In case of augmentation, you’re only looking to increase your breast size by one or two sizes
- No history of organ transplants or autoimmune diseases
- The patient should not be breastfeeding
- There should be a gap of at least six months between cancer treatment and stem cell therapy
Types of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
Ever since the scope of stem cell treatment for breast augmentation has expanded, different types of stem cell treatments have become available.
The two main types of stem cells treatments are:
| Fat Grafting with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells |
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| Tissue-Engineered Constructs |
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Procedure of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
We’re sure you’ve got a fair idea of stem cell treatment now.
Are you worried that the entire process will be long-drawn and painful?
Relax, because fat stem cell breast augmentation can be done in three simple steps!
| Step 1: Extraction of Stem Cells |
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| Step 2: Preparation of Stem Cells |
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| Step 3: Stem Cell Implantation |
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As you can see, the entire procedure only takes about eight to nine hours.
However, doctors prefer to do it over a period of two days to keep you comfortable.
Most people receive a discharge in two to three days, but for some patients, an extended hospital stay of one week might be required.
What to Expect After Stem Cell Breast Augmentation?
The procedure is simple enough, so are you bracing yourself for a difficult recovery period?
Well, you don’t need to.
Stem cell fat transfer breast augmentation usually has a recovery period of one week, after which you can resume your daily activities.
Immediately after the procedure, you will probably feel soreness at the donor site and the implantation site.
This persists for a couple of days before resolving itself.
You will also be glad to know that no clinical study in over a decade has reported any long-term side effects.
Results
One of the more critical questions one has about any new treatment is how quickly one can see results.
Are you also having this question in mind?
Well, you will notice an increase in breast size almost immediately after the procedure. However, improvement of the skin texture and the firmness of the breast tissue is only visible after three to six months.
In these six months, some of the implanted fat cells die, and are replaced by cells that have been regenerated by the stem cells.
In most cases, these results are permanent. However, in a few select cases, another stem cycle might be required after six months to a year.
Success Rates of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
A stem cell treatment for breast augmentation is considered successful when the increased breast size remains constant one year after the procedure.
Despite the uncertainty of body reactions, most clinical studies have shown a success rate of 75 to 87% and similar rates of patient satisfaction.
Yes, you read that right!
Cost of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
How can anyone interested in the treatment afford to skip this part!
Breast stem cell implant cost depends on numerous factors, including:
- The number of breast sizes one wants to increase
- The amount of reconstruction required
- The number of cycles required to fulfill the patient’s expectations
In India, stem cell breast augmentation cost ranges from 6000 to 15,000 USD (4.5 to 11.25 lakhs INR). Each cycle costs about 2000 USD.
In comparison, the same treatment costs upward of 50,000 USD in the US!
It is also important to remember that stem cell therapy is still undergoing clinical trials, and is not covered by any medical insurance.
Is Stem Cell a Replacement to Other Breast Enlargement Treatments?
Stem cell therapy has shown a lot of promising results so far. It has the potential not only for breast augmentation but also for breast reconstruction.
Researchers believe it can one day be the better option to silicone breast implants.
However, before this can happen, certain hurdles need to be crossed. The two most important ones are to make it more affordable and to ensure more predictable results.
Stem Cell Breast Augmentation Vs Breast Augmentation With Implants
| Stem Cell Breast Augmentation | Breast Augmentation With Implants |
| In stem cell breast augmentation, stem cells are taken from another part of the patient's body and injected into the breasts to stimulate the growth of new breast tissue. | In breast augmentation with implants, breast implants are inserted into the breasts through incisions made in the skin. The implants can be placed under the chest muscle or behind the breast tissue. |
| Stem cell breast augmentation involves the use of stem cells taken from the patient's own body. | Breast augmentation with implants involves the use of breast implants made of either saline or silicone. |
| The effectiveness of stem cell breast augmentation is still being studied and is considered experimental. | Breast augmentation with implants is a more established procedure and has been shown to be effective in increasing breast size. |
| It is much simpler procedure as no incisions are made in the breast area. There will be some time needed for the injected stem cell fat to settle. | Recovery can take weeks to heal |
Are you confused and wondering which is a better option for you?
Well, we have the answer!
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each operation, stem cell augmentation emerges as the preferred option for many women.
Stem cell augmentation has many benefits that saline and silicone implants do not, and you will have a far more natural appearance because no synthetic materials are employed.
The only thing you need to know is that you probably won't be able to go up more than one cup size in your breasts. Furthermore, if you are extremely skinny and do not have enough fat to harvest, you are probably not a candidate for this treatment.
It's also important to discuss your options with a qualified plastic surgeon and to carefully follow their instructions before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.
Present and Future Scope and Challenges of Stem Cell Breast Augmentation
Stem cell treatment for breast augmentation has come a long way in the past decade. Several clinical trials have shown successful results that were unthinkable just a handful of years back.
While the future is bright for stem cell treatment, certain challenges need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Currently, there is no consensus on the protocol for adipose tissue retrieval. This affects the clinical data made available.
As a larger amount of fat is required in many cases, researchers also need to identify an optimal adipose depot.
These problems are expected to be ironed out in the next few years, following which we can expect stem cell treatment to become a conventional medical procedure.
Are you excited to get your breasts augmented naturally?
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
What are stem cells and how are they useful?
What diseases can be treated through stem cells?
Where will the cells be taken or sourced from?
Will stem cell therapy have any after effects?
Will there be medications and diet restrictions following stem cell therapy?
Is stem cell therapy permanent?
What precautions to take post stem cell therapy?
What’s the cost of stem cell therapy in India?
