Stem cell breast augmentation, 'sophistry' claiming to be original without equipment or skill

While 'stem cell breast augmentation' is becoming popular as a procedure that naturally increases volume without the sensation of foreign substances, counterfeit procedures that merely mimic the process and fail to utilize the advantages of stem cells are flooding the market, requiring careful selection from medical consumers.

While conventional breast augmentation using implants provides permanent enlargement with a single procedure, the implants are distinctly different from natural breasts in terms of feel and shape, as they involve foreign materials. Furthermore, the medical community estimates that after approximately 10 years, leaks of the contents (silicone gel or saline) or ruptures occur in about 40% of all implanted implants.

If an implant ruptures, it can cause inflammation and necrosis in the breast tissue. When an implant is inserted, existing tissue surrounds the implant to protect the wound, leading to capsular contracture, where the breast hardens or becomes uneven in shape. This is by no means an uncommon side effect.  

Autologous fat grafting breast augmentation was introduced to overcome these drawbacks, but its limitation was that the grafts would collapse quickly due to a low survival rate of 20–30%. Stem cell breast augmentation has raised the survival rate to the 70% range by utilizing the functionality of stem cells.

However, the vast majority of clinics claiming to perform stem cell breast augmentation do not possess proper cell extraction equipment, such as TGI machines. Many places have installed the equipment but do not actually utilize it. Furthermore, a significant number of hospitals deceive consumers by using PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) extractors from the start while pretending to use stem cell extractors.

Shin Dong-jin, Chief Director of SC301 Clinic, stated, "There are quite a few places that exaggerate by claiming to guarantee the highest engraftment rates while using substandard stem cell extraction equipment." He added, "Using low-quality devices results in inconsistent extraction rates, or generates high heat that kills stem cell activity, leading to a drop in engraftment rates." Choosing the wrong clinic can easily lead to wasted money and, by depleting the fat cells intended for the procedure, make revision surgery difficult. 

He said, “To get stem cell breast augmentation on the right track, at least 3 million won must be invested in facilities and equipment, and surgical techniques must be stabilized through years of trial and error,” adding, “Most hospitals claiming to perform stem cell breast augmentation are misleading customers with an investment of only tens of millions of won and surgical techniques whose effectiveness has not been proven.”

An official from the hospital pointed out, “The more counterfeit the procedure, the more they mislead customers with one-on-one personalized consultations and exaggerate as if they were their own personal achievements, even though they have never proven the 70% engraftment rate.” He even noted that their promotional materials infringe on the copyright of SC301 Clinic. Director Shin Dong-jin has proven an engraftment rate of over 70% through three research papers since 2007.   

The individual surgeon's skill is a critical factor determining the success or failure of the procedure. According to research in Japan, if stem cells are not injected precisely during breast augmentation, fat cells can clump together to form cysts larger than 3 mm, potentially leading to necrosis. In such cases, inflammatory cells accumulate, causing swelling, and in severe instances, calcification may occur. However, the reality is that the majority of doctors in Korea have not mastered these surgical techniques. 

It is necessary to visually verify how many stem cells have been injected into the breasts. If a patient asks, "How many cells were injected?" and the hospital staff gives evasive answers or claims that "a moderate amount was injected," one should be suspicious. The number of stem cells injected during stem cell breast augmentation is typically around 3000 million to 1 million. A device called a "cell counter" allows for this to be verified visually. SC301 Clinic ensures trust in the surgery by showing patients the number of injected stem cells immediately after the operation.  

Reporter Jeong Jong-ho healtho@viva100.com​

​