Overview
Adipose tissue therapy uses a small amount of your own fat, usually taken from the abdomen or flank. The fat is processed into small clusters (microfragmented) and injected into the target area. Lipogems is one system used to process the tissue.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
It is used by some physicians as a cushioning and supportive tissue for joint or tendon conditions. Evidence for this therapy is limited or still evolving. It is usually not covered by insurance. It is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition, and no outcome can be promised.
Please read: Evidence for this therapy is limited or still evolving. It is usually not covered by insurance, and it is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition. No outcome can be promised. We will give you a written cost estimate before treatment.
Watch: how Adipose (Fat) Tissue Therapy works
Video: “Is Lipogems Right For Your Orthopaedic Issue?” from Lipogems International on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
How it works
After numbing the area, a small amount of fat is collected through a thin cannula, processed in a closed device and injected into the target area under imaging guidance.
Who it may be for
- Selected patients with osteoarthritis or tendon conditions
- Patients who have tried standard treatments
- Patients who understand the evidence and self-pay costs
Your exam and imaging decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Before: consultation and written cost estimate.
- During: fat collection, processing and injection at one visit.
- After: compression garment at the collection site and gradual activity.
Recovery
Expect bruising and soreness at the collection site and soreness at the injection site for several days. Your instructions may differ.
Risks and side effects
Every procedure has risks. Your physician will review them with you, including:
- Bruising and swelling at the harvest site
- Infection
- Pain
- Lack of benefit
Insurance and cost
This treatment is usually self-pay. We will give you a written estimate before treatment. See accepted insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as liposuction?
A small amount of fat is collected with a similar technique, but far less than cosmetic liposuction.
Is adipose therapy covered by insurance?
Usually not.
Is it FDA-approved for arthritis?
No. The processing device is cleared for use, but the treatment is not FDA-approved for specific conditions.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.