Stem cell-enriched autologous fat treatment safe for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery

Oct 13 2010

Since 2003, breast augmentation utilizing stem cells from autologous fat has been developed enabling silicon-free breast reconstruction following cancer surgery. Till now though, it was unclear whether this might reactivate the cancer again. However, University of Pittsburgh researchers led by Prof. Albert Donnenberg have now demonstrated that stem cell-enriched autologous fat is safe even in the presence of inactive tumor cells.

"Breast augmentation with the body's own stem cells is suitable for both reconstruction after tumor removal and for cosmetic reasons for women wanting larger breasts or wanting to regain lost breast volume following breastfeeding and weight loss," says DDr. Karl-Georg Heinrich, a Viennese pioneer of stem cell breast augmentation.

DDr. Heinrich, who's Clinic has performed such aesthetic treatments since 2007, has long maintained professional exchanges with international stem cell researchers. The potential of autologous fat stem cells for aesthetic and therapeutic treatments was discussed with Prof. Donnenberg in 2008. DDr. Heinrich himself further developed breast augmentation using stem cells and optimized both the results and patient tolerance.

The required breast augmentation fat is collected by liposuction using microcannulas and following stem cell-enrichment is injected into the breast using fine needles. Fatty tissue having good blood circulation is then developed that enlarges the breasts permanently. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or "twilight sleep" and the results are impressive due to their naturalness and freedom of scars.

The Clinic DDr. Heinrich also utilizes stem cell-enriched autologous fat treatments for face, cleavage and hand skin rejuvenation; as well as for buttocks, hips, thighs and calves "body-forming" and correction of dents arising from liposuction.