[Hankook Ilbo] 'Counterfeit Stem Cell Breast Augmentation Procedures' Flood the Market… “Engraftment Rate Must Exceed 70%”

Currently, there are dozens of hospitals in the country advertising that they perform stem cell cosmetic procedures, but the reality is that almost none of them are properly equipped with the equipment to extract stem cells.

Dr. Shin Dong-jin, the representative director of SC301 Clinic, who was the first in the field of cosmetic surgery to introduce the use of stem cells for breast and facial surgery, urged caution, stating that "fake stem cell breast augmentation procedures" are rampant.

Director Shin emphasized, “Since in most cases, clinics claim to use stem cell extractors but do not actually operate the equipment, if a clinic advertises the use of specific equipment while offering an excessively low price, it is necessary to verify whether the equipment is actually in operation.”

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into fat cells, chondrocytes, bone cells, and muscle cells, and based on angiogenesis and the production of induced growth factors, they lead to a high engraftment rate of fat cells during fat grafting.

The process of harvesting unnecessary fat accumulated in areas such as the thighs and abdomen in stem cell breast augmentation is the same as in autologous fat grafting breast augmentation.

However, the problem with simple fat graft breast augmentation is that the survival rate is low, ranging from 20% to 30%, as the injected fat is reabsorbed into body tissues, resulting in a short duration of effect. On the other hand, stem cell breast augmentation significantly increases the survival rate and engraftment rate of fat cells by transplanting stem cells extracted from fat tissue together with fat cells.

Based on over 3,000 clinical experiences, Director Shin has proven a graft survival rate of 73% (76% in 2012). Director Shin stated, "We demonstrated that chest circumference increases by 5 cm one year after the procedure and published this in a research paper at Shandong University in China." He pointed out, "For stem cell breast augmentation, 30 million to 100 million cells are injected depending on the patient's breast condition and desired volume; however, the majority of clinics promoting stem cell surgery merely go through the motions without possessing the necessary stem cell extraction equipment." He particularly noted, "Pre- and post-operative care is also abysmal, making it no different from conventional fat grafting, so caution is advised."

Kwon Dae-ik, medical reporter