A natural injectable using a regenerative fat-building matrix

 

Every so often a new aesthetic innovation turns people’s heads. Such is the case with Renuva^® from MTF Biologics, (Edison, N.J.), an off-the-shelf adipose matrix made from donated allograft tissue, which can be injected into soft tissue defects in any body area that fat is naturally occurring. It then acts as a scaffold to allow the body to grow new fat cells.

 

Physicians have used Renuva to address volume loss, liposuction irregularities, scars, hand and facial rejuvenation, and breast contouring.  

 

“Renuva is a unique injectable that uses the matrix surrounding human fat cells, letting us volumize certain defects in the skin,” expressed Michael H. Gold, MD, a dermatologist in Nashville, Tenn. “It works by forming a matrix that becomes adipose tissue over time. I think it will be useful for facial volumization and for any fat-related defect, such as fat atrophy following steroid injections. This is a great concept that most clinicians will find useful.”

 

Renuva allografts retain the structural and endogenous materials found in human fat, such as collagens, growth factors and proteins needed for the matrix to vascularize after injection. This leads to localized adipogenesis as the graft incorporates and remodels.¹ 

 

According to Rod J. Rohrich, MD, a plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, “Renuva  supports the body to rebuild fat, which is very appealing to patients. I use it in the face, head and neck areas, and it works really well. It truly is a natural filler.”

 

 

As reported by Regina M. Fearmonti, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, “Having performed fat grafting to address volume loss in the hands and face, I was looking for an in-clinic alternative with comparable results and no donor site. While I have used long-lasting fillers to correct cellulite dimples and liposuction defects, I felt a need for a solution that handles more like fat and with lasting results. Renuva filled both of those needs.”

 

When compared to ordinary hyaluronic acid fillers, “For volumization it has compared nicely,” Dr. Gold reported. “In clinical trials, the patients’ skin quality and tone have shown improvement from baseline.”

 

Regarding volume retention, Dr. Fearmonti noted, “I have been using Renuva for two years. I usually perform larger volume injections over two sessions to avoid overcorrection and to better assess the result once the saline used to reconstitute the product has resorbed. Using that protocol, I have seen maintenance of the final injected volume at two years.”

 

Going forward, Dr. Rohrich is optimistic about Renuva’s potential as a safe, effective advancement in fat grafting. “I’ve used Renuva in patients where it lasted well over a year,” he stated. 

 

“Also, you have a lot more control compared with a regular injectable,” Dr. Rohrich continued. “I think this is the beginning of how we are eventually going to do it. The age of truly replacing like with like in our own bodies has arrived, and this product can actually regrow what has been lost. It is the way to go.”