Greenville Plastic Surgeon Invents Biomedical Devices for Cosmetic Procedures
Introduction
Greenville has been home to a dedicated plastic surgeon, Kevin Keller, who has worked in the field for more than two decades. His drive to simplify techniques and provide the best treatment has lead him to invent two unique biomedical devices, each aimed to enhance the efficiency and outcomes of cosmetic procedures.
Emergence of the Keller Funnel
The inspiration for the first device came to Keller in 2006 when the Food and Drug Administration gave its approval for the use of silicone implants in breast augmentation procedures. At the time, Keller was managing his private practice, Upstate Plastic Surgery, where he routinely performed underarm incisions for breast augmentation. However, inserting silicone prefilled implants proved to be challenging and could potentially damage the implants due to excessive manipulation.
To solve this issue, Keller invented the Keller Funnel – a sterilized, lubricated funnel. It made the placement of a silicone implant into the breast pocket much simpler and safer, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the process. The prototype of this device was a sterilized cake piping bag, and Keller filed a preliminary patent for it in 2006.
With the help of Howard Preissman, a biomedical engineer based in Florida, Keller established Keller Medical, a private medical device company. After a development period of six months, the Keller Funnel was successfully introduced to the market in 2008, and by the second year, the company was thriving. The duo received a patent for the device in 2013, and it is now a widely used tool in breast augmentation surgeries.
The Game-Changing NavaClick
In 2021, Keller turned his focus towards noninvasive aesthetic medicine and launched Augusta Road Aesthetics. Here, he conducted neurotoxin injections that block muscle nerve receptors, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging.
Identifying a need for more precise neurotoxin injections, Keller invented the NavaClick. This device consisted of a metered-dose syringe that injected an exact quantity of neurotoxin through an ultra-sharp needle, thus improving accuracy and patient comfort. In 2021, along with Preissman, Bradley Pliskow, and Keller’s son, Garrett, he co-founded Lineage Biomedical that led the development of NavaClick. This device received its FDA approval in 2023 and has been a welcome addition to the field.
Looking Forward
Keller aims to continue providing creative inputs for potential biomedical devices to Lineage Biomedical, focusing on the conceptualization rather than the development and marketing of the products. Despite his significant contributions to the field, Keller insists he’s a “normal person” that has just taken advantage of his talents. His drive is fueled by his desire to benefit his family and direct his uncontainable energy to creative endeavors that can bring happiness to others.
Conclusion
With his innovative spirit and dedication to improving healthcare, Keller has revolutionized cosmetic procedures. His devices have led to precise dosing, reduced neurotoxin waste, enhanced patient comfort, and more streamlined preparation—all of which have made surgeries safer and more efficient, reaffirming his commitment to delivering the best possible treatment for his patients.
