Next innovation in plastic surgery?

Stem cells could be engineered to revolutionise cosmetic surgery techniques, according to the editor of Makemeheal.com.

According to Lois W Stern, Lipoaspirate, which is commonly used in liposuction procedures, could be engineered into cells which can regenerate. This could lead to even less invasive surgery for cosmetic procedures including face lifts.

A stem cell is a type of cell found in the body which has the ability to grow new cells and differentiate the type of cell it is producing.

Medical research regarding stem cells was illegal in the US until recently when president Barack Obama lifted the ban on funding.

Ms Stern believes that the change in US legislation could lead to breakthroughs in the sustainability of fat tissue implanted into the face, lessening the need for complex procedures to ensure blood flow to imported cells.

Experiments are currently being completed by US scientists using stem cells to differentiate into fat cells which could potentially be used for plastic surgery.