Best Docs Network Magazine December 2013 | Page 6

A New Way To Bank Fat Chance! How fat cells can actually give your body a second chance. by DEREK GENOVESE Ever since Angela was diagnosed with Parry-Romberg Syndrome at the age of 13, she was constantly in and out of minor surgeries. This rare disease affects less than 200,000 people in the United States, but it includes this Texas teenager. Parry-Romberg Syndrome, defined by MedicineNet.com, is characterized by slowly progressive deterioration, or atrophy, of the skin and soft tissues of half of the face and it is typically on the left side. It is generally more common in females than in males. Initial changes begin above the upper jaw and the upper corner of the lip. As the disease progresses, it moves to the angles of the mouth, areas around the eye, brow, ear, and neck. Deterioration can also occur in the tongue, roof of the mouth and gums. In addition, skin and hair 6 Best Docs Network pigment can change. Parry-Romberg Syndrome is also accompanied by neurological abnormalities which include seizures and episodes of severe facial pain. Currently there is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of the disease so reconstructive surgery is necessary to repair the tissue and correct the appearance of the face. With hopes of restoring her appearance, Angela, who will be identified by first name only to grant anonymity, turned to Craniofacial Surgeon Dr. David Genecov at the International Craniofacial Center in Dallas and co-founder of Forest Park Medical Center located in Dallas, Frisco, and Southlake, Texas. “Angela has Parry-Romberg Syndrome and that is called hemifacial atrophy. It usually starts in early adoBestDocsNetwork.com Why should you bank: It’s Simple. Fat is removed during a standard liposuction procedure and is stored and ready for multiple uses. It’s Yours. By using your own tissue, there is a zero risk for rejection because it is a 100% match with you. It’s Young. Cells are stored in suspended animation with cryopreservation so their potency holds. Whenever you access your cells, you are using a younger you. It’s the Future. Did you know fat is the body’s richest source of adult stem cells? Saving your cells today, could potentially save your life tomorrow. It’s “Bio-Insurance.” By creating your own repository of fat and stem cells, they are there to use whenever you need or want to for medical treatments, or reconstructive procedures. Source: www.biolifecellbank.com