"Younger Thanks to the Dead?"... Hollywood Female Stars Choose This Over Fillers

Injecting Fat from Deceased Donors to Maintain Youth:
"Renuva" Injections Gain Popularity
Long-lasting Effects and Natural Volume Restoration
However, Risks of Various Side Effects Due to Use of Donor Fat

Recent international media reports have claimed that Hollywood stars are maintaining their youthful appearance through a procedure called "Renuva," which is made from the fat of deceased individuals.

On May 12 (local time), the British outlet The Mirror reported that famous Hollywood stars such as Lindsay Lohan (38), Anne Hathaway (42), and Christina Aguilera (44) are opting for an injectable called "Renuva" instead of traditional fillers to achieve a more youthful look.

Actors Lindsay Lohan (left) and Anne Hathaway. Instagram

Renuva is made by refining fat donated from deceased individuals and is characterized by its ability to stimulate the body’s own fat generation at the injection site. While filler procedures are broken down over time, Renuva encourages the formation of new fat cells, resulting in longer-lasting effects and a more natural restoration of volume. It can be injected into the hands, face, or any part of the body. The product received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 and is currently only available in the United States and Dubai.

Howard Sobel, a well-known American dermatologist, explained, "Renuva is a product that could change the landscape of the beauty industry," adding, "It does not require surgery or a recovery period and lasts for a long time." Art director Diane Stasi also emphasized, "Regular fillers only last four to six months, but Renuva lasts for several years," and highlighted, "The amazing thing is that it continues to improve over time."

Renuva has emerged as a new procedure to replace fillers. However, because it uses fat from donors rather than the patient's own fat, there are risks of various side effects. The most notable risk is allergic reactions. When tissue from another person is injected, the body's immune system may recognize it as a foreign substance, leading to an allergic response. After the procedure, the face may swell, and in severe cases, anaphylactic reactions such as difficulty breathing or lowered blood pressure may occur. However, it is reported that Renuva is injected after the immunogenic components have been removed, so immune rejection responses are extremely rare.

There is also a risk of skin necrosis. If the area injected with another person’s fat is compressed and blood circulation is impaired, the supply of oxygen and nutrients can be cut off. The necrotic area may turn dark blue or black and become increasingly painful. Additionally, there is a possibility of prolonged swelling or the formation of hard nodules after the procedure. In severe cases, infections caused by bacteria or viruses can lead to sepsis, so caution is required.