Can Stem Cells Be Used In Buttock Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Can stem cells be used for buttock augmentation practically? I mean can we use stem cells to culture enough volume to be used in buttock augmentation ? I am trying to avoid fat harvest .

A:  Fat injections have a certain percentage of stem cells in them so they are used routinuely in the procedure. But stem cells can not be used alone. The sheer quantity of stem cells that would be needed in volume is beyond what can be practically done if used alone. But it would be possible, and maybe even ideal, if cutured stem cells were added in increased numbers to what naturally occurs in fat to get improved volume take and preservation.

On a practical basis, however, stem cells can not be used for buttock augmentation for numerous reasons. It would take 200cc to 300cc of stem cell volume per buttock to be able to do it. This can be done by numerous companies but at around $1500 to $2000 per 3cc to 5cc aliquot, it would be prohibitively expensive. In addition, the FDA has recently clamped down on stem cells being harvested, grown and then returned even to the same patient. So it is now not even allowed by federal regulations.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana