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Scientists hope to rebuild breasts using stem cells to grow new ones, it has emerged.
The technique could see an end to reconstructive surgery for women recovering from breast cancer.
Scientists in the US are looking at using stem cells derived from a patient's own fat to regenerate lost breast tissue.
An initial three-year programme of animal research will see stem cells "seeded" on to scaffold structures.
These will provide platforms around which replacement tissue can be grown.
Stem cells are cells at an early stage of development which can be directed to produce different kinds of tissue.
Experts believe they hold out great promise for the treatment of a host of conditions in which lost or diseased tissue needs to be replaced.
Dr Peter Rubin, a research leader from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in the US, said: "The surgical options for breast reconstruction involve either the use of implants or a procedure whereby fat tissue taken from another part of the body is shaped into the form of a breast. Neither is ideal nor without risk.
"The use of adipose, or fat, derived stem cells may represent a better solution for soft tissue reconstruction in breast cancer patients."
Laboratory experiments have already demonstrated the versatility of fat-derived stem cells.
Exposed to specific chemical conditions, they develop into cells characteristic of fat, bone, cartilage, nerve, muscle and blood vessels.
Preliminary tests indicate that the stem cells easily attach to the beads and are able to differentiate into mature fat cells.
Injected under the skin of lab rats, they form mounds of tissue. | 
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