Greenville’s Kevin Keller: Innovator Driven by Necessity
In the bustling city of Greenville, a local hero is making waves in the world of biomedical devices. Meet Dr. Kevin Keller, a plastic surgeon dedicated to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic procedures. With over two decades of experience under his belt, Keller’s journey into the realm of invention began with a simple desire: to make procedures easier for both patients and providers.
From surgeon to inventor
Keller’s story dates back to 2006, when he found himself faced with a challenge. At that time, the Food and Drug Administration had green-lighted the use of silicone implants for breast augmentations. Unlike their saline counterparts, these implants, pre-filled with silicone gel, posed a bit of a problem during insertion. Keller recalls, “To get a silicone prefilled implant through that area is a lot. It’s not good for the implant because you have to manipulate it so much.”
Recognizing the need for a solution, Keller invented the Keller Funnel. Picture a familiar kitchen tool – a cake piping bag – but designed for a medical setting. This sterilized and lubricated funnel was a game-changer for placing silicone implants in the breast pocket. After filing a preliminary patent in 2006, Keller faced the daunting task of turning his idea into reality.
Partnering for success
While doubts loomed, luck smiled upon him when he met Howard Preissman, a biomedical engineer who was eager to help. They pooled their resources, each investing $5,000 to establish Keller Medical. With teamwork and dedication, they perfected the Keller Funnel over the next six months, eventually hitting the market in 2008. Keller beamed, “We were profitable the second year we were in the market.”
The duo proudly received a patent for their invention in 2013, and for the next decade, Keller took on the role of medical director while Preissman served as CEO. Their hard work paid off when they sold the company to pharmaceutical giant Allergan in 2017. Today, the Keller Funnel is recommended by 96% of plastic surgeons for its ability to facilitate smoother silicone breast implant deliveries, and a staggering 63% reported it saves time during procedures.
Shifting focus to noninvasive treatments
Fast forward to 2021, Keller took a new step in his career by leaving Upstate Plastic Surgery to lean toward noninvasive aesthetic medicine. He founded Augusta Road Aesthetics in May 2022, where he offers popular procedures like neurotoxin injections. These injections help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily blocking the nerve receptors in facial muscles, using products such as Botox and Dysport.
A new invention – NavaClick
Keller’s creative mind didn’t stop there. He recently introduced a medical device called NavaClick, designed to enhance the accuracy of neurotoxin injections. This innovative device consists of a metered-dose syringe, delivering precisely 0.02 milliliters of neurotoxin through an ultra-sharp needle that improves patient comfort. “In the past, it’s always been based on vision,” Keller explained. “My vision is not as great. I think I’m a good injector and have been for a long time but I think I’m even better now with this device.”
In collaboration with Preissman and solidifying their vision, a new company, Lineage Biomedical, was born in 2021. After two years of hard work, the NavaClick device received FDA approval in 2023. Now in the launch phase, the injection system costs between $55 to $65 per kit, with training provided for clients to master its use.
Looking to the future
Keller’s innovation journey is far from over. While he plans to continue contributing ideas for new medical inventions, he sees himself stepping back from the nitty-gritty of product development. “I would like to continue being the idea guy,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to focus on creative contributions.
So, how does this down-to-earth inventor see himself? “I’m just a normal person that has taken advantage of my gifts,” Keller said, revealing his genuine motivation. Driven by a passion to support his family and share happiness through his inventions, Keller’s journey has only just begun.
In a world of rapid change and innovation, Dr. Kevin Keller stands out—not just as a surgeon or inventor, but as a testament to what happens when necessity meets creativity. His story is a reminder that with determination and a little imagination, remarkable things can happen.
