Jonathan Leake Science Editor
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BRITISH women may be offered a “natural” form of breast enlargement that uses stem cells and fat from a woman’s own body, under plans being considered by doctors.
The technique, pioneered in Japan, results in breasts that look and feel smoother than conventional cosmetic surgery using implants. This is because the 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.
Dozens of women in Japan have received the breast enlargements during trials. Last week German medical authorities gave approval to the process. Under Brussels rules, this means that the procedure is now legal throughout the European Union, including Britain. Doctors here said last week they found the technique “appealing”. The technique’s long-term effectiveness without sideeffects still needs further tests, but doctors are already enthusiastic.
“I’m newly convinced,” said Venkat Ramakrishnan, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust. “A lot more people have to use it and prove it, but it does seem to have something to it.”
In addition to cosmetic breast enlargements, which 26,000 women in Britain underwent last year, the procedure can be used for rebuilding breasts after cancer surgery and to repair facial disfigurements.
In a further variation of the technique, a Spanish hospital last week treated a patient with fat-derived stem cells to repair a severely damaged heart.
Both types of treatment rely on a process developed by Cytori, a Californian firm, for extracting adipose tissue and concentrating its stem cells. It has mechanised the process so that procedures which used to take weeks can be done in hours.
Much stem cell research has been directed at finding therapies for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor neurone and muscular wasting.
The use of the cells for cosmetic breast surgery was begun in 2004 by Kotaro Yoshimura, a surgeon at Tokyo University medical school. He said last week: “I believe that within five years my procedure will be available as plastic surgery and that it will prove very popular.”
“Scientists and doctors are starting to believe that the best clues to curing and improving our bodies are inside our bodies in the form of stem cells,” said Cynthia Fox, author of Cell of Cells, a new book about the worldwide race to master stem cell technology.
“Breast augmentation is cosmetic but these cells have the potential to treat diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s.”
Yoshimura said last week he had had “no major problems” with the 39 women to whom he had so far administered the treatment. He has also used it to grow new tissue on the faces of three people with disfigurements.
He claims his technique has advantages over, for example, silicon and water implants which can leak. In addition, some 50% of implants that use plain fat without the stem cells “boost” die. This is usually caused by the fat losing blood supply when it is transplanted from the patient’s buttocks or thighs.
The process used by Yoshimura, Cytori and others involves extracting twice as much fat as is required for the implant. Half is treated to separate out the stem cells. These are then added back into the remaining fat to be injected into the breast in a series of treatments.
Some stem cells form more fat and others develop into a living blood supply for the new tissue which can grow into the surrounding breast.
The main drawback is that the stem cell implant gives only half the extra volume of new breast compared with conventional enhancements 150 cubic cm per side compared with 300 cubic cm for implants. Another limitation is that thin patients may not have enough spare fat.
Eva Weiler-Mithoff, a consultant at Canniesburn hospital in Glasgow, said the technique offered particular benefits for patients needing reconstructive surgery after having mastectomies.
“The most distressing effect of radiotherapy is that the blood vessels shrivel up,” she said. “Stem cells can differentiate into new blood vessels, which could mean that more fat cells will survive.”
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how can we find out about gettin the trials done, and can we ask our doctors about in now, as i was just looking into havin a boob job done, but only as this is the last resort but very expensive, it is so depreesing being flat chested. Im 38 with 2 daughters who are bigger busted than me.
sam , sudbury, uk
this is the type of enhancement ive been looking for even after gaining over 50 lbs i still have the size breast i shouldve had as a child being now im 38 i first look into fat transfer but the doctors i talk to only did that for cancer patients who had breast removed
Felicia Robinson, Inkster, United States
i would luv to take part in this ive lost a lot of confidence in my self as breatfeedind has ruined my chest i have i boob bigger than the other and cant afford surgery and if you need people to practice on please let me no this would be a dream come true
kerry cash, west midlands, united kingdom
Im a lady who has just been devasteted by a reconsruction failure. i hope to have this treatment pleeeeeeeeeeeeeese
Anne Ewan, Fife, Scotland
i would love to do this trial., as ive had three kids and breast fed two my bust is full of streach marks and looks like rocks in socksto,im also considering implants ,but this would be amazing
carol, edinburgh, scotland
I had the implants done for medical reasons and would like to know more about this procedure. It would be nice to have real feeling breast again if I could as compared to the feel of balloon's in your breast. I'm wondering how they control the growth cause one breast could be bigger than the other.
faye, winnipeg, canada
i could not believe while i was reading this sounds very very intresting and safe to me i have been waiting for years for something like this.
iwas about to go for pills or the worst op, but always hesitated,this new technique will keep me and my husband happy it will keep my family united.
maria, birmingham, uk
I had a breast biopsy 4 years ago, and even tho there was no cancer found, one breast is now smaller than the other due to the amount of tissue they removed. I have been waiting for this technology to make my breasts the same size again. Please keep me updated on clinical trials or drs. in area.
Roberta Marr, Danville, IL, USA
Wow I wish this was available now and near me, I really have been waiting for something like this. For years I have been seriously thinking about implants, but it scared me to have the op. This would make me feel like a woman again after kids and losing what cleavage i did have. The maybe my confidence would be back to how it used to be.
Ann M Hughes, Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, England UK
I would love to try this new method. I live in Japan. This procedure sounds alot safer then the others. I have been thinking of breast enlargement for some time. I have been waiting for something new and safer.
Tammy Meadors, Tokyo, Japan
This is great news. I would love to be part of any trials.
Carol, Hull
Carol Petch, Hull, UK
Please I would love to be part of the trials. I know I'm a good candidate as I have adequate fat tissue and am in good physical condition. I live in the US.
Cindy, Dawsonville, Georgia
trials are trials. instead, I'd go to a clinic or doctor who offers the established technique of breast augmentation using stem cells, such as Clinic DDr. Heinrich in Austria or Cellport Clinic Yokohama in Japan.
jon keller, seattle, u.s.
I read about this procedure last year or so and i found it very interesting. How can I know more about this and whether im a qualified candidate for these trials.
Regards, DOHA
Doha FIlfil, Copenhagen, Denmark
I had a breast lift in April and went from a size 36D to a 36B and now I am very unhappy with my cup size. I only wanted them lifted not gone. I know I would be a great canidate for your trails. I miss my girls.
Jodell Lyons, Stuttgart , Germany
as with the other posts above, if anyone is replying to these posts, may i know how to apply for participation in trials? thanks!
Rosie Greenwood, Sheffield, UK
I would love to be part of your trials. My breasts have gone much smaller after breastfeeding and although I have considered getting breast implants, I am a little put off by the risks involved, and would much rather have natural implants. Please keep me posted and let me know if I can participate. Many thanks
Judy, Edinburgh, Midlothian
id love to be part of your trials,im a mother of 4,and at the moment awaiting confirmation to take steps to have breast enlargments.please pick me.
thompson, poulton-le-fylde, lacs england
how do ifind out more
thompson, poulton-le-fylde, lacs england
Oh my God! I 've been waiting for fat cells to be used as breast enlargements! I am only 17 but I have really small breast and I get made fun of because of it. I would really wish to be part of your trial. If there are risks I can handle them I just want to feel better about myself. Thank you for listening. ^_^
Sarah Manter, Brunswick, ME
I am a young lady who has lost the volume, shape and size of my breast due to dramatic weight loss, this had led to excess skin and the breast to droop. I would be very interested in taking part in any trials.
shantell, London, UK
this is deffinatley goods news for ladies like myself who have had children and have found that after prolong breast feeding our breast have lost there shape and size, leaving this part of our body very unattractive. i would be very interested to take part in your clinical trials to gain confidence. please keep me updated as i would be the right candidate for this treatment.
indy ghataurhae, leicester, leicestershire
This sounds like a real breakthrough. At last the possibility of a100% natural boob job! Please let me know if I can take part in any UK trials...
Lucy, London, UK
I am very interested. Have been thinking about implants but do not like the idea of all the surgery, recovery time, rejection etc.
How many people have had this done successfully?
Paula Cavana, London, UK
This is very exciting, please keep me updated and advise of any clinical trials, I would love to participate in them, anywhere in the world.
Lana , uk,
I am extremely interested. Have had small breasts all my life and since my divorce feel I need to do something for me. Have been thinking about implants but unsure about how natural they will look and surgery scares me a bit. This could be the answer. Keep me posted and would love to participate in any trials
hazel, newcastle upon tyne, united kingdom
wow amazing..this is exactly what i have been waiting for.i go from a cup to a b while pregnent,straight back to an a.im a petite size 10,and would still be healthy dropping a size.it is only my tiny breasts that give the game away that iv had chrildren,i dont want to go massive,just feel like a woman,please consider me for trials,warmest regards melisse
melissa silver, kingsclere,berks, uk
Sounds like just what I'm looking for ti enlarge my breast, please provide me with updates
Jennifer, Toronto, Canada
I would be great to have this kind of breast enlargement. I'm planning surgery but would luv a more natural way rather than implants. Don't like the thought of implants but want a breast enlargement due to loss of tissue after pregnancy.went from a DD/E cup to a B cup! keep me informed as i'd be intrested in the trials.
lauren, Inverness, Scotland
please keep me updated
sarah jane, london, uk
i am very interested in this please keep me posted .i would gladly have this done
lisa , laurel, mississippi
My mom has had a double masectomy. I would love for her to have this procedure done and see if it would also help with the scarring. She is weary of surguery now and has lost a lot of weight from the chemo sessions and is on her way to recovery but I know she's embarrassed of her survivor scars.
Please keep in informed as I would hopefully like to send her for these treatments.
Jenny, Huntington Beach, CA
Yes me tooooooo, I want to participate in the trials. My boyfriend advised me this morning that it was a article in the newspaper about the stem cells for breast enhacement. Only a few months ago that I heard about this surgery, I was so excited!!! I really would like to feel a natural nice breast on me... that will be amazing!!!! A cleavage!!! Please ladies keep me posted too? Trials in Japan?? Trials in the moon? willing to travel...
Merci, Brighton, United Kingdom
Keep me updated too.... I would like to partake in any trials as I have been considering implants ALL of my post adolescent life! But have been put off by how un-natural they look and the effects they can have.
I will happily have this procedure done...
Lilz, London,
This sounds great, have tried all kinds of pills and potions, Implants are the last option. Also would happily partake in any trials in the UK/ London.
Mellony Smith, Ashford, england
I have debated having surgery for over 13 years now. I wanted to wait until a more natural alternative came along and this sounds grate. Iâm a slim women and don't like the effect that implants give. I would love to hear more about whatâs involved in the procedure and what sort of results could be expected. With more info I would happily take part in trial in the UK.
Jay Smith, bucks, England
Me too. Please keep me updated as to any trials that start in London.
catherine, London,
I am very interested in taking part in any trials that are available in uk (london). I have previously had implants which have been removed. Please let me know anything about this topic.
Victoria, se6 4jw, uk
interesting update available:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=467051&in_page_id=1965
Sarah Kennon, Norfolk, UK
I am also very interested in this procedure and would gladly take part in any trials that may take place in the UK, preferably in Scotland.
Helen, Inverness, Scotland
Please let me know if there are any trials for this or when this becomes available to the public. I have been reading about this for a year or so now and it is very exciting to recieve this update.
Louise, Greenwich, London
when will this be available in the uk?
sam, london, uk
I am very excited by this new development in breast enlargement.I hope it will be a great success and would glady be a participant for any trails taking place in the uk/wales.
cloudia covelli, swansea, wales
I would also like to know if there are any trials for this near Cardiff Wales, or anywhere , I would love to participate
Jacqui Edwards, Cardiff, Wales UK
When will they start this in the U.S. ? I would be very interested. How expensive is it?
Jodie, Texarkana, Tx
Check the interview of Dr. Yoshimura. Sounds interesting...
http://www.makemeheal.com/news/?p=63
Micky, Queens, US
Willing to travel, willing to be a participant in this trial...please advise!!!
Andrea, Salem, MA
What MD's are recommended for this surgery in Europe or Japan? How much time off is needed from work? How many actual surgeries are needed? What type of anesthesia is used with each procedure each time? How many bone biopsies are needed? How long will the USA FDA take potentially to approve this? Who will be the first considered to be part of the clinical trial studies in the USA? Which doctors in the USA will do this study? If anyone has any information please post. Thanks,
Rebecca
Rebecca Reinhardt, Le Sueur, USA/MN
I'm in need of a replacement in both breasts, I would love to know if and how soon this would be available in the US. I have been researching to see if it was possible to use your own body fat,etc. instead of the foreign material which I do have now and have to be replaced. I watch extreme makeover shows and they use body fat in other parts of the patients body, why not the breasts? I'm glad someone is finally looking into it for Breast Augmentations. Hopefully Real soon it will be Great and I pray for success in it and Very Soon. Way To Go Docs!
Donna Y., Utica, NC/ USA
Where can I go to get this done now? I'm SO willing to travel to be a guinea pig. Please let me know! Thanks!!!!!
Stephanie, Los Angeles, CA
I thank The Holy Father for making it possible for mastectomy women to have stem cell breast tissue. I hope soon.
soni, lancashire, uk
dear reader
I ever so happy that stem cell breast tissue will be the real thing for the mastectomy's women. When will this be ready?
Yours faithfully
sonia, Manchester, England
I agree that this sounds like an interesting procedure and perhaps much better than having to go through weeks of pain to end up with false, plastic looking breasts. I would definately be interested in this too so if any further information becomes available I would be interested in hearing about it.
Laura, Edinburgh, Scotland
I heard about this procedure a few months back and am delighted to hear the procedure is now legal throughout the European Union, including the UK.... By the looks of it here we have enough people willing to start a trial - including me! Lets get going this is a brilliant move forward.... Please keep us updated :0)
Louise, London, UK
This sounds like an iteresting procedure. I like the idea that it uses your own body fat and tissue. I also like the idea that it does not cause an unrealistic breast size once completed. Implants are usually too large, and especially in thin women. I am very interested. Please let me know if it becomes available in the United States or Canada.
Sandra, Boise, USA / Idaho
I'm sorry to be reading this so long after it was published, if Guinea Pigs are needed in the UK I'm more than willing, any information would be much appreciated!
Sarah, Manchester, England
If there are any trials i would be really intreseted as after having my daughter i have gone from a c cup to an aa cup and i don't have the money to pay for imoplants.
Carley Bussell, Bridgwater, England
Having suffered breast cancer, I now find that my self-esteem is at an all time low. I would gladly take part in any trials that could restore the fullness to my breasts.
julie , lichfield Staffs, UK
Where and when would trials start in united kindgon birmingham and how would it affect begnign breast cysts???
jeanette, birmingham, united kindgom
i too would be very interested in taking part in any trials - currently researching implants but this sounds much more appealing. would love to hear more and to be considered should the opportunity arise
Annabel, Alton, Hants
I'm interested in the procedure any where in the world:)
I don't mind a little vacation and participation to such a great discovery.
Anna, Pacific palisades, California usa
this sounds like something every woman has been waiting for!!
i to myself would be very interested in taking part in the trials ~ with a little more information before hand of course.
I would be interested to know how long the procedure takes to have it's full effect & how much this will cost.
zoe, bath, uk
Ive been interested in getting implants for many years now but i have always been put off. I have heard so many Horror stories about what could go wrong. I am very interested in taking part in the trials in this country When is this starting and how much would it cost?
Ann, Wallasey, UK
Hi i would really like to know when trails in this country are starting as i would love to take part.
Sophie, Hull, England
hi
i would also be very interested in trials in this country and would like to know when this procedure is going to start over here.
julie london
jullie mc ginley, london, england
hi
would love to take part in the trials, as most i am worried about implants as i have seen many friends go wrong and it has always put me off.
when will the trials take place and how much would it cost....
alex, leicester,
Hiya
would really like to take part in the trials that's for sure...
Well, if one day I can afford it , I would defiantly go for it, as I was always afraid of silicone, they don't feel right , they don't look right & have many side effects. That's why I never had implants yet.
Natalia, London, UK
Do they know how soon trials will start in England? I would be interested in participating, or how soon do they think before this procedure is available for marketing?
jacqui, middlesex, United Kingdom
How many people have had this procedure done? How expensive is it? I'd like to see some studies.
Ann, Indianapolis,
I am very interested in this procedure. Im living in europe but also travel to canada often. I would like to know more about this and/or trials to participate.
Haroula , Athens, greece
I would be very interested in this, is there any where in Europe where I would be able to have this procedure done and also are they going to be any trials for which I could participate ?
Sophie , Truro, Cornwall
i am very very interested in this, could you send any info or do they still need people to practice this on as i wouldn't mind? i thought of the same idea myself afew years back and now for it to be in the first stages is great........
vicki, sheffield, united kingdom