Surgeons Share Renuva Treatment Best Practice

Sponsored by MTF Biologics

Plastic surgeons are incorporating Renuva, an off-the-shelf extracellular allograft tissue matrix that replaces age-related fat loss, with a person’s own fat. Renuva is the first and only treatment that creates a honeycomb-like matrix in the injection area. Over time the body’s own fat fills in and replaces the matrix, leaving the patient’s natural fat in its place.

“Renuva is a solution that fits multiple aesthetic scenarios,” said Alan Durkin, MD, a plastic surgeon in Vero Beach, Fla. “From a facial standpoint, nothing corrects the submalar space better or more cost-effectively than Renuva. While other injectable therapies are effective over bony prominences (malar, mandible, nasal dorsum), they tend to fall short in the non-bone supported areas of the face.”

From a patient standpoint, Renuva is ideal for those suffering from filler fatigue, or who want a more natural, long-lasting solution to facial fat loss. “Similar to surgical fat grafting, the patient’s vascularized fat cells replace and restore lost volume,” Dr. Durkin explained.

Clinicians should take their time using Renuva and start with small areas. The hands or small liposuction irregularities are ideal areas for learning the therapy, according to Dr. Durkin.

Nima Naghshineh, MD, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Pasadena, Calif., uses Renuva all over the face and body. “This treatment is an option that gives you natural volume created by your own body without the need for surgery,” Dr. Naghshineh elaborated. “I have many patients who are unhappy with traditional fillers being temporary and do not want to use permanent options that are made of unnatural synthetic materials.

“I use it in combination with other techniques to eliminate cellulite and it is the only nonsurgical source of volume I am willing to use for this condition,” Dr. Naghshineh continued.

Dr. Naghshineh also uses Renuva to build volume. “I use it in the superficial fat layer to improve shape and eliminate irregularities, or rippling, from implants or previous surgeries,” he shared.

According to Dr. Naghshineh, Renuva is a natural and long-lasting option in facial treatments to add volume to the jawline and cheeks, as well as to lines and folds around the mouth. “I have also adapted this treatment to restore volume and a youthful appearance to thin crepey necks,” he added.

In Dr. Naghshineh’s experience, the key to using Renuva is to understand how it works. “It restores volume from day one and gradually creates fat and collagen to restore or augment volume. Patients will have some variability in volume retention after injection. Therefore, I do not overcorrect significantly,” he noted. Moreover, “A happy patient will be one that is well informed by the practitioner about how Renuva works and knows that additional treatments may be needed,” he expressed.