Cadaver fat from organ and tissue donors is being used for cosmetic procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts and breast enhancements, and it is legal in the US. The fat is harvested from donors and processed into injectable fillers like AlloClae and Renuva.
These products have been on the market for over a year, with Renuva developed by the tissue bank MTF Biologics over a decade ago. The fillers can be used to plump cheeks, nasolabial folds, temples, and cellulite dimples, and have the unique ability to merge with the recipient's own tissue.
Patients are increasingly opting for cadaver fat due to 'filler fatigue' from traditional hyaluronic acid fillers and the widespread use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which leave patients without enough body fat for autologous fat transfer. The procedures require no downtime or anaesthesia, making them convenient.
Despite the macabre nature, many patients are not put off. Dr Haideh Hirmand, a plastic surgeon in New York, noted that 'less people than you'd think even care'. The products are FDA-cleared and regulated under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act in the US.
