Yet, recent advances in fat harvesting and transfer techniques, digital mammography, and the use of adipose derived adult stem and regenerative cells necessitate a re-examination of this longstanding bias against fat transfer breast augmentation

Todd K. Malan, M.D., board certified cosmetic surgeon, has pioneered a revolutionary new procedure, the Natural Breast Augmentation, which employs the latest technologic advances in fat harvesting, adult stem cell transfers and breast splinting technology to provide women the option of enlarging their breasts using their own fat. The technique results in breasts that look and feel smoother than conventional cosmetic surgery using implants. Stem cells enable the fat to grow its own blood supply, thus becoming an integral part of the breast rather than a foreign lump. Stem cells have the potential to change into any cells in the body; they are found in most tissues, especially fat.

Autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation and reconstruction has remained a highly debated and controversial procedure following the introduction of these techniques in the U.S. in the late 1980's. "Yet, recent advances in fat harvesting and transfer techniques, digital mammography, and the use of adipose derived adult stem and regenerative cells necessitate a re-examination of this longstanding bias against fat transfer breast augmentation," says Malan.

With Natural Breast Augmentation, fat is harvested and collected with Body-Jet fat harvesting device utilizing saddlebags, love handles, lower abdomen, buttocks and thighs for sites of fat donation. The procedure is unique in that we use the latest technologic advances in fat harvesting as well as adult stem cell transfers. Cell-enhanced reconstruction uses adipose fat that is a rich source of stem and regenerative cells. These stem cells are not the controversial embryonic stem cells. This new procedure uses a special process to ensure that the transplanted cells will live and adapt to the transplantation site (breasts).

After fat removal, the cells are transferred to the Stem Cell processing device which used to separate regenerative and stem cells from fat cells. The regenerative and stem cells are then washed, concentrated, and enzyme activated. The activated stem cell mixture is then combined with the fat cells and then injected into fat that is already present in the breast where it fills in and replaces tissue volume.

The injection of the fat along with the stem cells results in a permanent 250cc to 500cc overall breast size increase, allowing for a 1 or 2 bra cup size increase. A pressure splint is then used after the procedure to ensure that the fat remains in place and assists in promoting regeneration of the transferred fat and stem cells.

There are several advantages to Natural Breast Augmentation. Saline or silicone implants which are considered the standard for cosmetic breast augmentation and reconstruction show complication rates to be as high as 25% with a re-operation rate of 100% at 10 years. Additionally, implants can obscure 15-50% of normal breast tissue on screening mammography making early detection or follow-up of cancer difficult.

Fatty tissue does not exhibit reactive inflammation, rejection, or autoimmune disease. Natural Breast Augmentation results in excellent cosmetic result including a natural feel to the breasts that is reproducible and permanent. Unlike implants this procedure will not interfere with future mammograms. The procedure, performed in conjunction with liposuction allows artistic body re-contouring to complement breast augmentation for a new total-body look.

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