In Hollywood, a procedure that involves transplanting fat from deceased individuals to maintain youthful appearances is gaining popularity. On May 1st (local time), the UK media outlet The Mirror introduced a beauty trend among Hollywood stars. According to the report, many celebrities, including actress Lindsay Lohan (38), Anne Hathaway (42), and singer Christina Aguilera (44), are opting for an injection called ‘Renuva’ instead of traditional fillers to maintain their youthful looks.
Renowned American dermatologist Howard Sobel described Renuva as a “game-changing product” in the beauty industry, noting that it does not require surgery or recovery time and has long-lasting effects. While some express discomfort with the fact that the injection derives from deceased individuals’ body tissues, those who undergo the procedure argue that it is similar to medical transplants.
Renuva is an injection made by refining fat from deceased donors. When injected into areas that need volume, it promotes the body’s own fat production at the site. Unlike filler procedures which dissolve over time, Renuva creates new fat cells to naturally restore volume. It can be injected into the hands, face, or any part of the body. It received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 and is currently practiced in the United States and Dubai. It is not available outside these two countries.
While Renuva is gaining popularity as a new alternative to filler procedures, there are risks of various side effects since it utilizes fat from other people. The most common risk is allergic reactions. When foreign body tissue is injected, the immune system may recognize it as a foreign substance, causing allergic reactions. After the procedure, swelling, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis with symptoms such as difficulty breathing and reduced blood pressure, may occur.
There is also a risk of tissue necrosis. If the area injected with another person’s fat is under pressure, disrupting blood circulation, the supply of oxygen and nutrients can be blocked, leading to necrosis. Affected areas may turn dark blue or black and become very painful.
Other potential issues include persistent swelling not subsiding for a long time after the procedure or the formation of hard nodules. Infections from bacteria or viruses can also occur when foreign tissues are injected, which in severe cases can lead to sepsis.