Breast Implants from Stem Cells

By: Ian Murnaghan BSc (hons), MSc - Updated: 26 Jun 2019 | *Discuss Tweet

Breast implants have been a subject of controversy for decades, from the silicone implants that were originally used to the saline and cohesive silicone implants of today. Complications abound and many women end up having additional surgeries to fix complications from their breast augmentation.

Using Stem Cells

Now, a new stem cell therapy suggests that 'natural' breast implants may be more feasible than we think – without the complications of traditional breast implants. The treatment is hoped to provide an increase of a full cup size to women who choose to have stem cells injected from one part of their body into their breast tissue.

Reducing Stomach Fat

The treatment is considered particularly beneficial for women who want to increase their breast size because it also can reduce stomach fat. The procedure entails removing stem cells from stomach fat and then growing the cells in the woman's breasts.

For now, researchers think the treatment will work well for an increase of one cup size, although they are hopeful that as they learn more about how to ensure the treatment is successful, greater gains will be possible eventually.

British Trial for Breast Enlargement

Britain is leading the way in the new research, where a clinical study is already underway to investigate how stem cells can help to repair breasts for women who had a lumpectomy to remove cancer. Another study is also aiming to look at how this technique can work in healthy women who have not had cancer but are wanting to have their breasts enlarged.

Costly Breast Enlargement

One thing that may limit the procedure if it does eventually become commercially available will be the cost. Privately, it is anticipated that the cost will be around £6,500, which is certainly steep but may be worth it if the procedure proves to be significantly safer than traditional breast implant procedures.

Breast Augmentation Advancements

Researchers are quite excited about the potential for this treatment because the breast tissue with stem cell treatment feels more realistic and similar to natural breast tissue. It was found that the tissue had the same kind of softness as the natural breast tissue, which makes it far more appealing.

Current methods of breast augmentation can result in complications such as capsular contraction, where the breast tissue around the implant hardens when it 'detects' the foreign object in the breast. With stem cell breast enhancement, this is not expected to be a side effect because the cells are extracted from the woman's body and then transferred to the breasts.

The downside is that the treatment won't help improve firmness nor will it lift the breasts. But, the fact that it provides volume will still be an attractive aspect of this procedure for many women, particularly those who have undergone breast surgeries to treat cancerous lumps.

Months of Treatment

The treatment does take more time than the one-off surgery that is used for traditional breast augmentation. Cells are isolated from fat around the stomach or thighs and then the stem cells are injected into the woman's breasts. It typically will take a number of months for the woman to obtain a sufficient increase in breast size.

The technique has already been successfully used in Japan for half a decade, generally used on women who have undergone breast cancer treatments but more recently on healthy women who want to increase their breast size.

Future of Breast Augmentation

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Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice.. [Add a Comment]

Kkk - 26-Jun-19 @ 12:41 PM Hello,I have a problem with my nipples . Almost flat.Can I enlarge them with the cells???? Asap

Dr.shaimaa - 1-May-19 @ 9:44 PM Where I can breast enlargement in USA with stem cell How much does it cost

Neicy - 23-Apr-19 @ 5:07 PM I had a lump remove from my breast onthe leftside with a dent on that side of my breast. I would like very much to have this operation done to feel more confident about myself.

Lizzy - 24-Oct-18 @ 11:20 AM Wondering how much fat you require for this procedure? Also, I would be happy to pay to be put on this trial. Thank you, Lizzy

Sams - 9-Jan-18 @ 10:18 AM Hi im 31 years of age i have a disability that has left me with small breasts , ive also had 6 children which has left me with just pockets of skin ?

hazebaze - Your Question: After having my first child six years ago I have gone from a full and pert c cup to an empty saggy a cup!it really affects my confidence and I can't afford breast augmentation surgery.I am a stay at home mum so I will have the time to take part in the stem cell research (my in-laws are retired so will be willing and able to look after my children)I am 29 years old, 5'6", I weigh just under 9 stone and I'm not allergic to anything.if you think I would be a good candidate for the stem cell research please get in touch. Our Response: We do not help organise stem cell trials. You would have to keep up to date with the trials taking place via the NHS link ExploreStemCells - 6-Feb-17 @ 10:41 AM We do not help organise stem cell trials. You would have to keep up to date with the trials taking place via the NHS link here

hazebaze - 5-Feb-17 @ 9:19 AM After having my first child six years ago I have gone from a full and pert c cup to an empty saggy a cup! it really affects my confidence and I can't afford breast augmentation surgery. I am a stay at home mum so I will have the time to take part in the stem cell research (my in-laws are retired so will be willing and able to look after my children) I am 29 years old, 5'6", i weigh just under 9 stone and I'm not allergic to anything. if you think I would be a good candidate for the stem cell research please get in touch.

JJ - 3-Dec-16 @ 9:22 PM Hello when a space opens up for test this out I would like to take part as am very up happy with way I look now after having three children and am willing to try anything please

DrS - 28-Nov-16 @ 11:13 PM Are trials available? When will the procedure be available to the public? Will it be possible for double mastectomy candidates?

nili - 1-Nov-16 @ 8:56 AM I would like to know the difference between fat injection which is performed these days for BA and stem cell therapy?

laura - 17-Aug-16 @ 9:14 AM Hello are there trials for this? i would like to take part im a healthy 22 years old, but my breasts have changed since my second child.

Sweet grace - Your Question: I want to know If stemcell cell si helpful for having a baby. Our Response: There is only currently IVF treatment available with regards to artificial insemination ExploreStemCells - 6-Jul-16 @ 2:19 PM There is only currently IVF treatment available with regards to artificial insemination

Arnold Schwarzenegge - Your Question: I am 43 and my wife 36, We need a baby. Af ter six years of mariee We havé not a Chili.we want to know now stemcell can help us. Our Response: There is only currently IVF treatment available with regards to artificial conception. ExploreStemCells - 6-Jul-16 @ 2:11 PM There is only currently IVF treatment available with regards to artificial conception.

Sweet grace - 5-Jul-16 @ 9:15 PM I want to know If stemcell cell si helpful for having a baby.

Arnold Schwarzenegge - 5-Jul-16 @ 9:11 PM I am 43 and my wife 36, We need a baby. Af ter six years of mariee We havé not a Chili.we want to know now stemcell can help us.

honeykalainejane - 4-Feb-16 @ 8:59 AM hi im 43 and i have breast size 32A i want to have a natural boost on my boobs maybe steam cell is helpful. how long i wait if i make steam cell to make my boobs look natural size?

Ghost - 17-Jan-16 @ 7:16 PM Hi I am a man, that only wants breasts, what options are available to me, I have searched the Internet and nothing surgeons say they only do women. I hope this is not weird. Please help me.

LipoDoc - 2-Dec-15 @ 8:00 PM this would be an awesome feature for making breast implants all natural and not so fake. really revolutionary.

LJ - 16-Oct-15 @ 9:36 PM I'm extremely interested in the trials, are they still available?

nko - 9-Oct-15 @ 6:07 AM I had left side mastectomy 01/11 & delayed reconstruction that left my body botched (oversised implant was placed & slipped very low) an d in permanent pain. I m looking to have implant removed, but I wonder if there are any other ways (my own fat, stem cells) to make me not completely flat-chested. I m size B/C and don't have much fat on my stomuch. I have some on my thighs and upper arms though. I m looking for free trials/low cost options if anything like that exists.

ExploreStemCells - 22-May-15 @ 12:05 PM @Jasmine7 - I'm afraid I can't advise on this question, you would need to see your consultant about what procedures can be carried out. I hope you get the treatment you need.

Jasmine7 - 18-May-15 @ 8:39 PM Hi. I'm female, 44. I have always had extremely painful breasts. I recently had a mammogram and subsequent ultrasound which showed that I have hundreds of cysts in both breasts. I have often wanted to just have them both removed to stop the pain. I'm now wondering if it would be possible to have the tissue removed completely and replaced with new tissue from my own stem cells. Could this ever be possible ?

ExploreStemCells - 16-Apr-15 @ 11:02 AM @Nico - I'm sure that will be something that may or will be in the future looked in to. In general terms, and as specified in the article, there are still more safety tests that need to be conducted but for now, the treatment looks to be a promising alternative to traditional breast augmentation and reconstruction. I'm sure it may eventually be available for transgender augmentation.

Nico - 15-Apr-15 @ 8:30 PM Hi i am a young Trans woman and i am just wondering if this procedure would be available for someone in my position thats transitioning frim male to femal

ExploreStemCells - 2-Dec-14 @ 11:58 AM @Roy - I have included a link to NHS Clinical Trials and Medical Research page, which will give you some more information. link here . I hope this helps.

roy - 30-Nov-14 @ 8:05 PM hi. i am a 78 yrs .male suffered a left sided stroke in april 2009,in fairly good health ,i do not smoke or use alcohol & would be very grateful for any advice you could give on stem cell treatment for stroke.Also, i would be intrested in going forward for clinical trials. Best RegardsRoy Trainor.

Linda 0627 - 12-Jul-14 @ 1:11 AM I am a 53 y.o female, status post a R lumpectomy for er+ breast cancer and I am happy to report tat the surgery successfully removed the cancer. I will be receiving radiation therapy starting on 7/24th for 6 weeks and then, looking at my options for reconstructive treatment. I have been researching and am considering stem cell tissue implantation. Am I eligible? Are clinical trials still going on and if so, would I be If elgible for the treatment andI decide to move forward, how long would I have to wait for this intervention after radiation? Thanks

Nat - 4-Jul-14 @ 6:40 AM Hello. I wanted to new if you are still running these clinical trials?

BF - 25-May-14 @ 2:41 PM Are there still trials going on ? Or has it become commercially available and if yes where

SC - 26-Feb-14 @ 11:02 PM Has any progress been made with this? Are there trials available to participate in?

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While the treatment is not yet commercially available, it is expected that it could be available as early as six months from now in the UK. There are still more safety tests that need to be conducted but for now, the treatment looks to be a promising alternative to traditional breast augmentation and reconstruction.