Liposuction Procedure Saved This Woman’s Vision
At the age of 31, a severe headache let Miami resident Julia Matsumoto know she had an underlying problem with her vision called optic neuritis. The condition is caused by the inflammation of the optic nerve and often results in reduced vision in the affected eye. But not even her doctors could expect that the ultimate treatment for this condition would be liposuction.
Liposuction Procedure Cures Vision
Usually, optic neuritis responds to steroids because they can reduce the inflammation that causes damage to the nerves. Matsumoto’s ophthalmologist was confident this treatment would control her declining vision. Unfortunately, the high dose of 100 milligrams per day caused side effects that nearly killed her.
Matsumoto gained over 100 pounds in approximately three months. Surprisingly, detrimental organ and joint damage inside her body were matched by massive stretch marks on the outside of her body. Matsumoto’s doctor couldn’t help but wonder if saving the patient’s vision was important enough to continue placing her life at risk.
It was a heart-wrenching moment when Matsumoto accepted that her declined vision would be permanent. She had to reassure her daughter that she would be able to remember how the little girl looked.
A Miracle Treatment
Instead of giving up, the ophthalmologist continued to look for answers. It was during this quest for alternative treatments that Matsumoto was introduced to Dr. Mark Berman of the California Stem Cell Treatment Center. In his research, he found that fat is loaded with stem cells, which might be able to bring back some of her vision.
In 2011, Matsumoto was able to begin her controversial treatment. After she received liposuction to remove some excess fat from around the abdominal area, the stem cells were separated from the fat and blood. Following this procedure, the concentrated “healing” cells were infused back into her body with an IV.
After only one week, everyone considered Matsumoto’s progress nothing short of a miracle. Four days later, it was noted that Julia felt like a normal mother again, claiming that she had been given a new life. Doctors were then able to successfully wean this young woman off the steroids threatening her life. The treatment is repeated every two months to maintain Matsumoto’s vision.
The cause of optic neuritis is unknown, and what causes a relatively standard treatment such as steroids to turn on a patient is also unknown. It’s exciting that facilities like the California Stem Cell Treatment Center are exploring alternative measures to expand patient options. Unfortunately, stem cell therapies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so they are experimental and expensive.
If you are considering a liposuction procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of training and a vast knowledge base. He has also helped a number of people enhance their confidence with liposuction. He uses sophisticated surgical techniques and technologies to promote safety and aesthetically pleasing results. For more information about a liposuction procedure in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.