SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- A technology using stem cells may lead to better results for breast cancer patients choosing post-mastectomy reconstructive surgery, Japanese researchers said.

Japanese researchers used the technique on 21 women with partial mastectomies, finding it led to improved breast thickness and a more appealing contour, Ivanhoe Newswire reported Monday.

The findings were presented during a recent symposium in San Antonio.
The technology uses a bedside device that automates and standardizes separation of a patient's stem cells from body fat. These cells, which are capable of turning into other types of cells, are transplanted into the breast where they take on the properties of typical breast tissue cells, the researchers said.

In the Japanese study, researchers said the benefits were noticed within a month of the operation and have persevered in some patients up to 18 months. Nearly 80 percent of the women who had the procedure reported being satisfied with the results.

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