The PIP breast implant scare has put many people off getting breast implants. So are there any options for those who want to increase the size of their breasts without turning to implants?

Lipo-filling could the answer. Lipo-filling involves removing fat from one area of the body via liposuction, purifying the fat, and then injecting it into areas that require filling.

A big positive for lipo-filling is that it combines two procedures in one – helping to reduce the size of problem areas whilst increasing breast size. By using fat that has been taken from the patient’s own body, it also means no immunosuppresive drugs need to be taken.

However the procedure isn’t perfect. Unfortunately, the fat is reabsorbed by the body over the course of a year so the filler would have to be topped up on a regular basis.

Scientists are currently looking at ways to slow down the fat reapsorbtion process. One of the most promising solutions is by using the stem cells in the fat. By isolating and purifying these fat stem cells and then adding them into the fat graft, there is an increase in the blood vessel growth around the site and this helps keep the graft alive, reducing reapsorbtion.