Women could one day ‘grow’ their own breast implants and avoid many of the current problems with cosmetic surgery. Researchers have found they can create implants using stem cells - the body’s master cells which can turn into other types - harvested from a patient’s bone marrow. The natural implants appear to keep their size and shape better than synthetic types. And there is no risk of dangerous leaks, as has happened with silicone. The breakthrough could also benefit cancer patients needing reconstructive operations after mastectomies or other surgery. The research, published in the journal Tissue Engineering, was presented yesterday at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Washington.
