Below you will find common questions and answers about cell-enriched cosmetic surgery to help you make the best choice for your needs. If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact us so that we may further assist you.
Should I undergo cosmetic surgery?
What are the other choices in cosmetic procedures?
How will my surgeon evaluate me for my surgery?
How should I prepare for my surgery?
How will my body or face look and feel after the cell-enriched fat has been transplanted?
When can I resume my normal activities after surgery?
What should I expect from the recovery process?
What are the surgical considerations for cell-enriched cosmetic surgery?
How long will the results last after my cell-enriched cosmetic procedure?
If I lose weight following the surgery, will the enhanced areas on my body reduce in size as well?
Will cell-enriched augmentation affect my ability to breastfeed?
Does this procedure influence the occurrence of breast cancer?
Do the cells increase the risk of health problems?
Can I have a mammogram if I have had this procedure?
Is it possible to have adverse reactions?
How long should I wait to resume exercise after this procedure?
What are adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells?
Are the cells used in the procedure embryonic?
What is a fat transfer, fat grafting or lipofilling?
What is the difference between traditional fat transfers and cell-enriched fat transfers?
Is the procedure safe?
Are the results durable?
What are possible complications with the cell-enriched fat grafting procedure?
What should I do if my side effects or complications persist?
How do I find a qualified physician?
Where else in the world is this new technique available?
What questions shall I ask my physician?
What clinical studies have been conducted using this technique?
Should I undergo cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery can be a way to improve your appearance and revitalize your self-confidence. Cell-enriched cosmetic surgery is one such option for someone who seeks a more natural way to enhance his or her body or face. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and goals for the procedure and to understand that procedures will not change who you are or your life. It is important to fully understand your own motivation and expectations before embarking on the journey.
What are the other choices in cosmetic procedures?
Traditional augmentation of the breast, buttocks, chin, or cheek often involves artificial implants. There are a wide variety of implants currently available, the most common being silicone and saline. Implants can range dramatically in size and vary in terms of shape, profile, thickness, and texture of the surface depending on the desired look. A more natural alternative, traditional fat grafting involves fat being transferred directly from your stomach, hips or thighs to your breasts, buttocks, chin, cheek or lips. For facial rejuvenation and lip augmentation, common treatments include the injection of either synthetic or animal-derived dermal fillers.
Cell-enriched cosmetic surgery harnesses and focuses your body’s own innate healing abilities for use in all-natural cosmetic procedures, taking traditional fat grafting to a new level. The use of regenerative cells in the fat graft is believed to allow the transplanted fat to survive by promoting appropriate blood flow and necessary oxygen to the area.
How will my surgeon evaluate me for my surgery?
During your consultation, your physician will evaluate you on the basis of your medical history, including previous surgeries and medical treatments, any current medications you may be taking, any family history of cancer and the results of any of your previous mammograms or biopsies (if breast surgery is being considered). You will also be asked to undergo physical and psychological exams. In the case of breast augmentation or reconstruction, it is strongly recommended that you undergo a mammogram or MRI prior to surgery in order to establish a base line. You should also be prepared to discuss your reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery, as well as your expectations and goals for the procedure.
How should I prepare for my surgery?
You should prepare for your surgery by being pro-active with your physician in terms of any questions or concerns you may have. Be honest about your expectations and the outcome you desire so that you and your physician can the make the best decision to suit your needs. In addition to the medical evaluations the physician will ask you to undergo, it is recommended that you have a baseline mammogram or MRI prior to breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery to make it easier to detect any future changes. You may also be asked to adjust your medications and avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen).
How will my body or face look and feel after the cell-enriched fat has been transplanted?
Immediately following surgery, bruising, swelling and soreness may be observed at the site of the liposuction and re-implantation. After approximately 6-8 weeks, both the treated areas and the donor site will look less bulky with final results apparent within 6 months. Bruising and swelling of the area should be resolved within approximately 6 weeks. The enhanced areas of your body should retain a soft and natural look and feel as the transplanted tissue will become a part of your body.
When can I resume my normal activities after surgery?
You should be able to return to work and resume your light activities after 1 week. For more specific guidelines, please consult your doctor.
What should I expect from the recovery process?
Following the surgery, you can return home the same day or stay in the hospital overnight. This should be worked out with your physician as a part of your post-operative plan. At home, you will likely need assistance for the first 24 hours. You may be required to wear pressure bandages around the treated areas for 2-4 weeks but you should be able to resume normal light activities after 1 week. Possible side effects including swelling, bruising, numbness, bleeding and pain may persist for up to 6-8 weeks and can be managed with medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Call your doctor if you have any questions or problems persist between consultations.
What are the surgical considerations for cell-enriched cosmetic surgery?
The general risks related to surgery and anesthesia apply for this procedure. These include: bleeding, collection of blood beneath the closed incision (hematoma), accumulation of clear fluid beneath the incision (seroma), infection at the site of surgery, scarring, nerve, skin, blood vessel or tissue damage, swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, altered sensation or drug reactions. Learn more about possible risks and complications or consult your doctor.
How long will the results last after my cell-enriched cosmetic procedure?
Clinical experience has consistently shown that the results of a cell-enriched cosmetic procedure are durable and long-lasting, although no results can be 100% guaranteed. During liposuction, the fat is cut off from the blood supply that keeps it alive. Upon transplantation into the desired area, new blood vessels need to form in order for the transplanted graft to get the required oxygen and other nutrients that are essential for its survival. The stem and regenerative cells which are extracted from the fat are believed to allow the transplanted graft to survive by promoting the creation and maintenance of new blood vessels.
If I lose weight following the surgery, will the enhanced areas on my body reduce in size as well?
The implanted fat will behave like the rest of your fat tissue. If you lose weight, your fat tissue (both naturally occurring and transplanted) may decrease and vice versa.
Will cell-enriched augmentation affect my ability to breastfeed?
No. No incision is made in the breast and the cell-enhanced fat is injected around the breast gland (not within the breast gland), reducing or eliminating the risk of nerve damage which could impair your ability to breastfeed.
Does this procedure influence the occurrence of breast cancer?
No. There is no evidence linking the implantation of stem and regenerative cells in the breast to the development of breast cancer, nor does the procedure impede the diagnosis of cancer in the future. With access to advanced radiological screening techniques, radiologists can now determine the difference between any calcifications that may form as the result of the procedure and a tumor.
Do the cells increase the risk of health problems?
No. There is no evidence that the implantation of stem and regenerative cells is in any way linked to significant health problems.
Can I have a mammogram if I have had this procedure?
Absolutely. It is strongly recommended that you undergo a mammogram or MRI both prior to and following any breast surgery to set a baseline and help detect any future abnormalities.
Is it possible to have adverse reactions?
Because both the fat and regenerative cells that are re-implanted into your body are your own, there is almost no risk of rejection or other negative reaction. There are possible side effects that could result from the surgery, but they are generally minor and short-termed.
How long should I wait to resume exercise after this procedure?
You should be able resume your normal activity, including exercise, after about 3 weeks. For more specific guidelines, please consult your doctor.
What are adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells?
Adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells encompass a group of cells, including adult stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, leukocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The cells can be readily extracted from fat tissue and are believed to increase survival rate for fat transplantation from one part of the body to another by bringing the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the transplant area. This helps the body to heal, rather than scar.
Are the cells used in the procedure embryonic?
No. The cells used in cell-enriched cosmetic procedures do not come from embryos. The adult stem and regenerative cells used in the procedure are naturally occurring within fat tissue. These cells are extracted from each patient’s own fat tissue, then concentrated using Cytori’s Celution® technology.
What is a fat transfer, fat grafting or lipofilling?
Fat transfers, fat grafting and lipofilling generally refer to the same thing. Fat transfer is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, during which unwanted fat is removed from the body using liposuction and re-implanted into the desired area of the body.
What is changing in fat grafting?
Use of fat for cosmetic procedures has been limited historically because transplanted fat has shown a tendency to re-absorb back into the body, making the increase in volume temporary. However, cell-enriched cosmetic surgery harnesses and focuses your body’s own innate healing abilities to enable a specially prepared graft tissue to fully incorporate into the transplant location.
What is the difference between traditional fat transfers and cell-enriched fat transfers?
Fat grafting has a long history, over 100 years, and is a commonly performed procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery practices. Fat has many advantages over other materials: it is your own tissue, easily accessible and available, and can produce natural-looking results for patients.
Cell-enriched cosmetic surgery enables surgeons to enrich the graft with the patient’s own adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs). These cells are believed to promote fat graft survival by bringing necessary oxygen and nutrients. Clinical data indicates the efficacy and advantages of this new technique.
Is the procedure safe?
Clinical data has demonstrated that cell-enriched cosmetic procedures are safe.
Are the results durable?
Clinical experience to date has consistently shown that the results of cell-enriched cosmetic surgery are durable and long-lasting, although no results can be 100% guaranteed. Data on long-term durability are currently being compiled.
What are possible complications with the cell-enriched fat grafting procedure?
Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery and the risks associated with any surgical procedure, including traditional fat grafting.
What should I do if my side effects or complications persist?
If you believe that you have experienced a post-operative problem, consult your doctor immediately.
How do I find a qualified physician?
Personal recommendations can be useful, but it is important to do your own research before making a decision about your physician. He or she should be an experienced cosmetic & reconstructive surgeon, ideally with experience in fat grafting and should make available data regarding the number of procedures they have performed and the subsequent results.
Additionally, the medical facility and the other health care professionals (such as an anesthesiologist) who will play a role in the procedure should be fully accredited and licensed.
Where else in the world is this new technique available?
This technique, using Cytori’s Celution® products, is available in Europe and Asia. To find a physician located closest to you, please click here.
What questions shall I ask my physician?
Here are a number of questions we recommend that you ask your physician during your initial consultation:
- How many times has the surgeon performed this procedure, and what were the results?
- Am I a good candidate for a cell-enriched procedure?
- Can the desired effect be accomplished in one procedure, or are multiple procedures anticipated?
- What type of anesthetic will be used, and how will it affect me?
- Will I be hospitalized and, if so, for how long?
- What are possible complications?
- What follow-up care will I receive?
- What is the recovery from the procedure like?
- How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
What clinical studies have been conducted using this technique?
Multiple studies have been conducted on the use of cell-enriched fat grafts, including the following:
- Sugimachi, K. (Japan, 2008): Breast Reconstruction, successful
- Kitamura, K. (Japan, 2007): Breast Reconstruction, successful
Additional clinical studies to more fully understand and explore the use of cell-enriched fat grafts in augmentation and reconstruction procedures are currently ongoing around the world.