Lipo fat is excellent source of stem cells

30 Jul 2008
A study has found that fat removed from the inner thigh and lower abdomen via liposuction is an excellent source of stem cells.

The study found that the fat extracted from these areas has higher stem cell concentrations than any other areas of the body. Now we can justify our tummy tucks and liposuctions!!! They are for science. Seriously, think what a difference this may make to people with spinal injuries.

Published in the August edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the study saw 23 female patients having liposuction in at least four different body areas. The patients agreed to have their fat isolated for adult stem cells and analysed to evaluate the stem cell concentrations. The body areas were, lower abdomen, upper abdomen, inner knee, inner thigh, flank and hips.

The results of the study revealed a significant difference in stem cell concentrations in different areas of the body. The concentration of stem cells was found to be greatest in the lower abdomen and inner thighs. Stem cell concentration in the lower abdomen was five times more than in the upper abdomen.

Dr Richard D’Amico, ASPS president, said, “The value of stem cells harvested through fat is the ready and ample supply available.

“Using stem cells will some day have very practical applications to the speciality of plastic surgery. That we may be able to generate new tissue or bone that can be used in many of the reconstructive and cosmetic procedures we do every day is tremendous.”

Scientists and doctors theorise that stem cells (unspecialised cells that have not yet developed a specific function) will be able to repair or replace damaged or diseased cells.