Scientists have claimed that they have perfected a technique for taking fat from around the stomach and using it for breast enlargements. The procedure could be fantastic for those women who are looking to create that perfect hour-glass figure.

The operation is said to take place under local anaesthetic and is over within an hour, making it feasible as a “lunch time operation.” The costs are also said to be around the $4,000 mark, so on a par with having silicon breast implants. It is claimed that the operation can increase the breast cup size by up to two sizes and scientists are hoping that the first operations will go ahead next year.

The procedure, named Celution, involves taking fat from around the belly or bottom area. This fat is then put into a centrifuge which separates the yellow fat cells from the pink regenerative cells. It is in these regenerative cells that some stem cells are found. The stems cells are skimmed off and washed with salt water. This solution is then put into a cartridge and injected into the breasts. The stem cells then promote the growth of new breast tissue over the coming months.

Initially, there is little change in the size of the breasts however in the six months following surgery, the breasts start to enlarge.

Shifting fat around the body to enhance and enlarge is not a new idea. However, these techniques in the past have only had short-lived results as the fat gets reabsorbed into the bloodtream. The use of stem cells means that they are not rejected or absorbs therefore the new breast tissue that is grown is permanent.

Cytori, the company who have developed and patented the Celution procedure, have said the technique will intially only be used on women who have had partial mastectomies due to breast cancer treatment, and who are unable to have implants. With about 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Europe alone each year, the benefits of this treatment could be huge.

However, Cytori have also said that they hope to tap into the cosmetic surgery industry – with 26,000 women in just the UK undergoing cosmetic breast surgery in 2006, the rewards could be incredibly lucrative.

Aside from surgery, the technique could also be applied to other areas. Stem cells are more abundant in fat than bone marrow. In liposuction, the fat cells are usually just thrown away. If stem cells could be harvested from these waste cells, the harvested stem cells could be used in a wide range of applications. The company are already looking to at the possibility of using these stem cells in regenerating the heart.