New Advances in the Biology of Fat Grafting Allow San Diego Plastic Surgeon Dr. Steven Cohen to Perform Natural Breast Augmentation through Fat Injection Under Local Anesthesia.
The use of fat (adipose) tissue presents a new option in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. The application of fat has potential benefits in breast augmentation, facial cosmetics, breast reconstruction and contour deformities from a variety of acquired and congenital disorders. Using a new technology for fat preparation, PureGraft enables the physician to purify a fat graft and remove excess ‘graft fluid’ in a controllable manner on the sterile field. This is accomplished without centrifugation or other motorized methods. The fat is added to the system and 15 minutes later, free lipid, blood cells, infusion chemicals and excess fluid are removed. PureGraft technology ‘dialyzes’ off everything but the pure fat tissue.
“PureGraft is an FDA-cleared device that is indicated for cosmetic ‘body contouring’ procedures using autologous fat grafts,” stated Marc H. Hedrick, M.D., President of Cytori. “Although PureGraft is simple to use, the technology behind it is unique. PureGraft selectively filters the graft using dialysis membranes in a process best called lipodialysis. We believe lipodialysis will be the new standard in fat graft preparation.” -Natural breast augmentation with your body’s own fat is the latest in breast enhancement procedures. Dr. Steven R. Cohen is one of a small number of early pioneers in this new technology that uses the patient’s own fat to create a natural filler for breast enhancement.
The use of fat may be indicated for patients considering:
- Facelift surgery and facial rejuvenation with fillers
- Facial reconstruction with or without a history of radiation
- Natural breast augmentation with 1-2 cup size enlargement
- Breast reconstruction for partial mastectomy with or without radiation
- Secondary breast procedures for capsular contraction, implant rippling and other complications related to breast implants
- Body contour concerns and defects
- Buttock augmentation
- HIV related lipoatrophy
- For more information on how adult stem cells from fat works, please schedule a consultation.
Stem and Regenerative Cells From Fat:
The use of adipocyte derived regenerative and stem cells (ADRC’s) is not presently approved by the FDA. In addition, the major Plastic Surgery Societies have recently issued cautionary statements regarding the use of stem cells in cosmetic surgery. First of all, most surgeons claiming the use of stem cells are simply transferring fat and two, we really do not know the full implications of stem cells and there is particular concern of their use in the female breast. Although virtually all published data has indicated the safety of ADRC’s produced by standardized lab equipment, the data is still small (approximately 6000 patients have been operated on using this exact procedure and process). Nevertheless, there is compelling case report information in some areas of medicine including plastic surgery that demonstrate the effects of ADRC’s in radiation injuries, inflammatory bowel disease, reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery and facial reconstruction as well as burns that make it necessary to continue to evaluate the potentially enormous benefits of using our bodies own repair and protective mechanisms to assist in reconstruction and repair.
Dr. Cohen is presently studying the outcomes of these techniques under an IRB study protocol, but is no longer enrolling patients into the study. Dr. Cohen is also one of the founders and is executive director of the Cell Society, an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of regenerative cell therapies. The Cell Society’s mission is to expand the global use of cell therapies in a number of medical specialties and to support the clinicians who use them. Dr. Cohen is also a part time employee of Cytori Therapeutics, a local San Diego company evaluating the use of ADRC’s in cardiac disease, burns and orthopedics as well as operating commercially under a CE mark in Europe.
FACESplus Plastic Surgery, Skin and Laser Center is a fully integrated, comprehensive cosmetic surgery center that prides itself in bringing the most advanced techniques to our patients. Dr. Steven Cohen and the staff at FACESplus strive to educate our patients on their choices, ranging from the least invasive, non-surgical care to comprehensive laser and surgical rejuvenation.
