Stem Cells Marketing Claim Triggers Joint Statement

Posted July 7, 2011 by Andre

The phrase “stem cells”  reminds me of a mortgage security during the real estate bubble, no one understood it but everyone wanted one. Surgeons around the world are marketing and offering untested stem cell procedures as therapy or cure for autism, cancer, heart disease, breast augmentation and much more. If you search the internet you will find marketing claims such as “stem cells enriched”, “stem cells enhanced”, and “stem cells infused” procedures.

Many surgeons offering these procedures state their seems to be a correlation between stem cells and health improvement they observe on their patients. At the same time they admit to not understanding how it works and if stem cells are actually improving lives. The lack of understanding has led to many deaths where patients have been overly infused with stem cells. This is why the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have issued a joint statement to protect consumers. Part of their statement includes this warning to the public:

“The marketing and promotion of stem cell procedures in aesthetic surgery is not adequately supported by clinical evidence at this time. While we remain enthusiastic about the future potential of stem cell therapies in aesthetic surgical procedures, unsubstantiated claims for such therapies will harm patients and tarnish the reputation of the industry”

We are proud that our very own Roger Khouri, MD participated in drafting this joint statement with the two societies. Miami Breast Center will be publishing a new page on the website regarding stem cells and our stand on this subject. Every week we receive questions regarding stem cells and this page will help many visitors answer those questions[/p]