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Katie Weimer, a biomechanical engineer based in Colorado, was challenged by her mentor to think bigger — to use advances in regenerative medicine to “improve the future of mankind.”

That challenge provided a spark in Weimer. She thought of her mother who died of breast cancer at the age of 50 when Weimer was just 15 years old.

All these decades later, Weimer’s mom has never been too far from her heart. With advances in regenerative medicine and lab-created biotissue, Weimer had an idea on how… read more

February 2 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

After a little research I'm liking this even more!!

Yes, this approach could potentially allow for implant removal and replacement with the bioprinted tissue scaffolds. Here's how it would work:

The Process:

Remove existing implants - Traditional breast implants would be surgically removed
Harvest patient's own fat cells - Through liposuction from another body area
Seed the 3D-printed scaffold - Inject the fat cells into the biocompatible scaffold structure
Implant the scaffold - Place it where the implant was removed
Natural tissue growth - Over time, your cells grow and integrate, forming natural breast tissue
Key Advantages:

Uses your own cells, so no rejection risk
Results in natural tissue rather than synthetic implants
Could eliminate long-term implant complications
More natural feel and appearance

February 2
A MyBCTeam Member

Good point as the breast shape does change a bit after radiation too.

February 3
A MyBCTeam Member

Very interesting as I have so many scars in both breasts but I def do not want implants. But n't would it be difficult to determine the shape until after surgery? I had 3 surgeries in one breast alone. Also, radiation can change the size too as inflammation takes a while to subside. If a small 8framework (like a honeycomb) could be implanted so that fat cells could later be injected into the breast without having surgery and to shape the breast...that would be worth considering. Thanks for the info. A girl can dream....

February 3
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member
Sue
Thank you for posting

I wish this procedure was available today.

February 2
A MyBCTeam Member

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing Sue10.

February 2

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