Stem Cell Research Center FAQ
The questions we are asked most about terminology, equipment, staff and figures. Questions about surgical methods and costs are answered in a consultation at SC301 Clinic.
Are SVF and stem cells the same thing?
The group of cells isolated from fat tissue is called SVF (stromal vascular fraction), and adipose-derived stem cells are one of the cell types in that group. That is why SVF is a more accurate name than "stem cells". These stem cells are not all-purpose cells that can turn into any kind of cell; current research focuses on their role in helping new blood vessels form and improving the tissue environment where they are grafted.
What equipment does the SC301 Clinic Stem Cell Research Center have?
There are more than 10 types of SVF-related equipment. The clean area and pass box provide the isolation environment, the centrifuge performs isolation, the cell counter does the counting, and a −196 °C liquid nitrogen (LN2) tank handles long-term storage. A CO₂ incubator and a medical refrigerator are also used.
Who performs SVF isolation?
Researchers with master's or doctoral degrees and more than 10 years of experience isolate it by hand, following the protocol. The center's staff hold master's or doctoral degrees in biology.
How is the number of SVF cells injected checked?
In every surgery, the cell count and viability are measured together with a cell counter and recorded. In published cases of SVF-assisted breast fat grafting, about 68 million to 99 million cells were injected per session; the number varies with the amount and condition of the harvested fat.
How is SVF stored (cell banking)?
It is kept in cryogenic storage in a −196 °C liquid nitrogen tank and taken out when needed.
What certifications does the Stem Cell Research Center hold?
Three: a cell processing facility license from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, designation as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and recognition as a dedicated R&D department by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Where does the 77.48% mean graft retention rate come from?
It is the mean value published in 2023 in the SCI-indexed journal Annals of Plastic Surgery, from an analysis of the SVF-assisted fat grafting retention data SC301 Clinic has collected since 2007. Because it is an average, individual retention rates vary with constitution and fat condition.
Why is a clean area needed?
It is a space managed so that dust and bacteria from outside air do not get in while SVF is being isolated. A pressure differential gauge above the door is checked regularly for the pressure difference between inside and outside, and an insect light trap at the entrance stops insects from getting in first.
What does the CO₂ incubator do?
It keeps conditions constant at 37 ℃ and 5% carbon dioxide, similar to the inside of the human body. It is designed to prevent contamination with a copper-alloy inner wall, an IR sensor and a UV function.
What fields does the research center study?
In SVF breast augmentation, the center analyzes clinical cases at each stage of SVF extraction, mixing and injection to optimize surgical methods; in facial fat grafting, it refines fat volumes and injection methods for each area. In musculoskeletal pain, it studies potential applications to areas such as the knee and shoulder based on the homing and regenerative properties of SVF; in anti-aging and immunity, it studies the role of SVF in regulating immune-related cytokines. See research fields
Does designation as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution mean the government has recognized that the treatment works?
No. Designation means that the system for carrying out treatment — facilities, equipment, staff, standard operating procedures and so on — meets the legal standards. It does not guarantee the effectiveness or safety of any individual treatment, and the government regards promoting the designation that way as false or exaggerated advertising. The cell processing facility license (MFDS) and the institution designation (Ministry of Health and Welfare) are separate systems. Reading it correctly
How many steps does SVF isolation involve?
Five steps: fat harvesting → purification (centrifugation at 300 g for 3 minutes) → SVF isolation (centrifugation at 500 g for 3 minutes) → cell counting → mixing (fat to SVF about 9:0.5) and injection. SVF isolation alone takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. See the isolation process
Are there side effects?
Yes. Swelling, bruising, fat necrosis, infection and other effects can occur after surgery. In the literature, the complication rate of fat grafting is about 4.8%, and most are mild. Serious complications such as embolism caused by intravascular injection have been reported in extremely rare cases, so preventive principles such as injecting small amounts in divided portions are followed. Individual risks are reviewed in a consultation. Safety data
This site does not answer questions about surgical methods, costs or individual suitability. Please book a consultation at SC301 Clinic.