Questions & Answers

Below are common questions and answers about cell-enriched breast reconstruction. If you do not find your question listed here, please go to our physician locator to find a doctor.

Should I Have Breast Reconstruction?
What Are the Choices in Reconstructive Procedures?
What is Cell-Enriched Reconstruction?
Am I a Good Candidate for this Procedure? Why or Why Not?
When Can I Have this Procedure?
What Are the Surgical Considerations for Breast Reconstruction?
How will my breast 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?
Are the reconstructive results durable?
What are the factors that affect the outcome of the graft retention?
If I lose weight after the surgery, will the enhanced areas on my breast reduce in size as well?

Cell-Enriched Breast Reconstruction, Health

Does this procedure influence the re-occurrence of breast cancer?
Do the cells increase the risk of health problems?
Can I have a mammogram if I have had this procedure?
What are possible complications with the Cell-Enriched Reconstruction?
What should I do if my side effects or complications persist?

Understanding Fat & ADRCs

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?

General

How much does the procedure cost and is it reimbursable?
How do I find a qualified physician?
Where else in the world is this new technique available?
What questions shall I ask my physician?

 

 

Should I Have Breast Reconstruction?
Reconstructive surgery can be a way to restore the appearance of your breasts and revitalize your self-confidence following breast surgery. Cell-enriched breast reconstruction is one such option that allows you to rebuild your breasts, either with cell-enriched fat alone or in combination with an implant. 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. Whatever choice you make, it is important to learn about and consider all of your options before your breast surgery takes place.

What Are the Choices in Reconstructive Procedures?
There are a wide range of different techniques for breast reconstruction, some that involve artificial implants and others that utilize your own tissue. Traditionally, women have had the options of newly shaped breast(s) with the use of tissue expanders and breast implants, autologous reconstruction using a flap of their own tissue, or a combination of the two. Today, women may choose a newer type of surgery, which uses their own fat tissue enriched with their own regenerative cells, cell-enriched reconstruction. The procedure may be used to fill small volume defects or in combination with breast implants.
>>Learn More: Cell-Enriched Reconstruction

What is Cell-Enriched Reconstruction?
Cell-enriched breast reconstruction is a new reconstructive option that utilizes your own body fat, enriched with your own stem and regenerative cells, to rebuild your breast contour or shape following breast cancer surgery. Cell-enriched reconstruction can be performed alone as a 100% natural reconstructive technique or in combination with synthetic implants, as determined by you and your doctor. During the procedure, fat is withdrawn via liposuction from your stomach, hips, thighs, or other area determined by your doctor to provide the necessary tissue. A portion of this tissue is processed to extract your own stem and regenerative cells which naturally reside within your tissue. The cells are then combined with another sample of fat, forming a cell-enriched fat graft which is used to carefully re-sculpt the breast.

Am I a Good Candidate for this Procedure? Why or Why Not?
Cell-enriched reconstruction is a real possibility for women who have fought breast cancer with either full or partial mastectomies, offering them a new technique to restore the natural look and feel of their breasts. You may be a candidate for cell-enriched reconstruction if you:
  • had breast-conserving therapy and look to naturally fill your defect(s)
  • have or had implant reconstruction and like to cover the implant with fat for a more natural appearance
  • desire to correct contour deformities after your flap reconstruction
  • look to reconstruct your breasts as part of your breast-conserving surgery (requires you to have small breasts)
  • had mastectomy and radiotherapy and like to improve your skin quality and soft tissue cover
  • have or had total breast mastectomy

When Can I Have this Procedure?
Breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as breast cancer surgery (immediate) or at a time after the initial breast cancer surgery (delayed).

You may be advised to delay reconstruction after treatment for up to 12 months for various reasons, in particular if there is a need or likelihood of radiation therapy after your breast cancer surgery. Immediate reconstruction with an implant for women undergoing radiotherapy, for example, is not always advisable as it can increase the risk of a hard capsule of scar tissue developing around the implant. In these cases, it is important to allow your skin and tissue to heal first. You can have reconstruction months, or even years, after your breast cancer surgery, so you have plenty of time to make your decision if you opt for a delayed operation.

What Are the Surgical Considerations for Breast Reconstruction?
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 will my breast 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 area 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 reconstructed areas of your breast should retain a soft and natural look and feel since 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.

Are the reconstructive results durable?
Early clinician experience has consistently shown that the results of a cell-enriched breast reconstruction are durable and long-lasting, although no results can be 100% guaranteed. Some resorption may occur over time and the amount varies from patient to patient. However, early clinical experience has shown that cell-enriched grafts maintain the vast majority of their volume over time.

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.

What are the factors that affect the outcome of the graft retention?
It is important to choose the correct doctor that is experienced with both the procedure that and type of equipment required for the procedure.

If I lose weight after the surgery, will the enhanced areas on my breast 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.


Cell-Enriched Breast Reconstruction, Health

Does this procedure influence the re-occurrence of breast cancer?
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 any 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 consistently following cell-enriched breast reconstruction to help detect any future abnormalities.

What are possible complications with the Cell-Enriched Reconstruction?
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. 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.

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.


Understanding Fat & ADRCs

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, tissue resident macrophages, microvascular 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 breast reconstruction 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.

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 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 breast reconstruction 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 to the treated area.

Is the procedure safe?
Early clinician experience has demonstrated that cell-enriched breast reconstruction is safe.


General

How much does the procedure cost and is it reimbursable?
Costs for breast reconstruction in general, including cell-enriched reconstruction, vary. They depend on whether the procedure will be carried out in conjunction with mastectomy or segmental mastectomy, or on its own, or if one breast, or both will be reconstructed. To the extent that breast reconstruction surgery is done following breast cancer surgery, the procedure is widely covered by health insurance, however, may vary from country to country. Be sure to check with your selected physician and health insurance provider for more information.

How do I find a qualified physician?
Following your initial consultation, you should make the time to do your own research, both on the different procedures and on the right surgeon to perform your procedure. Whether you ultimately choose the plastic or reconstructive surgeon you were referred to by your medical team or one that you have found through your own research, he or she should be an experienced reconstructive surgeon. Your surgeon should be board-certified and should operate only in fully-accredited facilities.

Where else in the world is this new technique available?
This technique is available in Europe, the Middle East, 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 reconstruction?
  • 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?