A UK clinic has announced that cosmetic surgery clients could play a huge part in helping with the treatment of diseases.
The clinic has announced that clients can request that stem cells are extracted from the fatty tissues removed during liposuction or breast reduction procedures.
The stem cells could then be used to save the lives of patients suffering from certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer and help to prevent others from developing the diseases.
Stem cells have already played a part in treating wounds and burns and are currently being used in breast surgery trials. Many of those customers booking in for cosmetic surgery procedures are said to be extremely keen to take part in the new venture, safe in the knowledge that their procedure could also benefit others, as well as boosting their own confidence.
The new stem cell extraction service is to be rolled out this week at the yearly meeting of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, which is to be held in Birmingham.
Nottingham-based Future Health Biobank is to be the first location in the UK to offer the service, but it could be rolled out to many more in the near future.
Dr Julia Irving, Future Health Biobank’s scientific director said, “The concentration of such stem cells in adipose tissue is 500 times higher than bone marrow. However, until recently, no one had the technology to separate these cells from the fat and then prepare them for future medical use.
“Now that we have the expertise to isolate and store these cells, I believe there will be an increasing interest from those wanting to develop medical applications, including plastic surgeons who are constantly looking for ways to reduce rejection and improve engraftment,” she added.
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