Stem cell breast augmentation is the most biocompatible; medical team know-how is important.

▲ Shin Dong-jin, Chief Director of SC301 Clinic / President of the Korean Society of Stem Cell Plastic Surgery

[Hemophilia Life] With the Lunar New Year, a major national holiday, approaching, the number of people seeking breast augmentation during the holiday period is increasing. Consumers are curious about the differences between general plastic surgery and stem cell breast augmentation, and are busy searching for clinics with so-called "excellent value for money" by comparing costs and time.

Recently, some clinics have been taking advantage of these consumer needs by using lower prices than other hospitals as a weapon, or by enticing consumers by claiming that a surgery lasting as little as one hour is sufficient.

Breast augmentation is one of the most difficult types of plastic surgery. Technology, equipment, and the proficiency of the medical team are paramount. Nevertheless, there are cases where marketing emphasizing only money and time infiltrates consumers concerned about tight budgets and busy lifestyles, thereby promoting "conveyor belt-style breast augmentation."

The breasts are the most prominent feature of a woman's figure and the "core of motherhood," responsible for breastfeeding. Throughout human civilization, regardless of East or West, the breasts have long symbolized female beauty. Given the importance of this area, finding the most suitable surgical technique and a facility capable of performing the surgery properly should be the top priority.

Despite advancements in technology and materials, the simplest method, breast augmentation using implants, can look artificial because it does not use autologous tissue. Additionally, it is still not free from post-operative risks, such as the risk of capsular contracture or rupture, and a high frequency of implant replacement after about 10 years.

Therefore, autologous fat graft breast augmentation is also performed. While it is optimal for creating natural lines, there is a risk that up to 90% of the fat may be reabsorbed into the body after 1 to 2 years, or that tissue calcification and necrosis may follow.

Shin Dong-jin, the representative director of SC301 Clinic and president of the Korean Society of Stem Cell Plastic Surgery, said, “Recently, stem cell breast augmentation, which raises the engraftment rate of fat tissue to an average of over 70% using stem cells, is emerging as an alternative in the medical community. It can be described as a method that achieves cosmetic effects comparable to implants with a single procedure by mixing stem cells with fat cells to prevent necrosis of injected tissue and increase the engraftment rate.”

However, since the procedure requires 3 to 4 hours and mobilizes more medical equipment, while the medical team's expertise is also crucial, it is a surgery where it is difficult to be unconditionally 'cheap and fast.' It can be said to be a surgery far removed from cost-effectiveness.

Director Shin stated, “Stem cell breast augmentation can be described as the ‘most biocompatible breast augmentation’ that has evolved through repeated stages. It is beneficial for protecting the body and health through proper surgery. Stem cell breast augmentation can be compared to the ‘slow food’ and ‘luxury’ of breast augmentation.”

However, since such plastic surgery is performed under anesthesia, a medical professional must be present, and because it must be applied according to the individual's body type or health condition, sufficient consultation and diagnosis with medical staff are required.