May 8, 2008 – Reports from Dallas describe a new procedure that allows patients to stay awake during breast implant surgery.

Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert True describes how tumescent fluid, normally used for liposuction procedures, is used to provide the anesthetic for this innovative new breast implant technique.

CBS 11 News in Dallas followed the patient through her surgery for the report, saying that she felt a “little pinch” and watching through her entire surgery.

Because anesthesia is not required for this procedure, it may cost less than traditional breast implant surgery, but may not be right for everyone.

Known as the “gummy bear implants,” these silicone breast implants are made from a cohesive gel that bears a texture similar to that of a gummy bear. When a silicone implant is ruptured or damaged, the consistency of the gel does not leak out of the exterior membrane of the breast implant.

Silicone implants of any kind cannot be placed through the TUBA (transumbilical) method because of the way they are constructed. They can be placed through incisions in the armpit, underneath the breast, or through the areola, although the areola method is more difficult if the size of the areola is small.

Patients with silicone breast implants love them for the way they feel and have reacted quite favorably to their natural appearance. Silicone breast implants are completely safe and are FDA approved.

Fox News reported in February of 2007 that women in the UK may soon be able to undergo a breast augmentation using stem cells and fat from a woman’s own body.

This technique, pioneered in Japan, causes the stem cells to enable the fat located in the breast tissue to grow their own blood supply and become a part of the breast.

Stem cells have the potential to change into any cells in the body, and are found most often in the fat cells. According to this Fox News report, doctors in the UK find the technique “appealing” and are enthusiastic about further testing and clinical trials.

The stem cell procedure may also be used for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The treatment relies on a scientific process developed by the California company Cytori – which has mechanized the process for extracting and concentrating stem cells from adipose tissue.

In this video, Boston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Fouad Samaha discusses a frequently asked question asked of him by his patients. Do silicone breast implants cause cancer? This instructional video is for the benefit of those patients who are considering breast augmentation in the Boston Massachusetts area.