US Authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into a cosmetic surgeon who has been using the fat siphoned off from his liposuction patients for use in his car. Dr. Alan Bittner, a well known Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, has been turning the fat into biodiesel for use in his car.

Bittner has written on his website that many of his patients encourage him to use their excess fat and that by doing so, he is helping to save the planet through the use of his ‘lipodiesel.’

Biodiesel is more commonly made from vegetable oils, although some biodiesel is derived from beef or pig products. Animal and vegetable fats are turned into the fuel by extracting the triglycerides from the fat and converting them into a fuel.

Bittner claims to have been in practice for over 10 years, treating over 40,000 patients. His clinic offered liposculpture, heralding the procedure as a minimally invasive technique that allows a patient to remain awake during surgery, and allow for more precise results.

Unfortunately for Bittner, it is illegal in America to use human medical waste for automotive purposes and therefore California’s public health department have stepped in to investigate Bittner’s claims. The controversy doesn’t end there for the cosmetic surgeon either there are claims that there are several complaints against the plastic surgeon that he removed too much fat and left patients disfigured, whilst others allege that he has allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform the liposuction surgery despite not having medical licenses. In light of all the controversies, it appears that Dr. Bittner has chosen to relocate to South America for the time being.