Adipose (Fat) Tissue Stem Cell Treatment

Adipose Tissue is obtained via a short (less than 20 minute), minimally invasive liposuction done right in our office using only local anesthesia. After the fat is collected, it is spun in a centrifuge for a few minutes to separate out the anesthetic solution and any oil that separates out. The fat tissue is then emulsified or made into a thinner consistency so it can be easily injected through a needle. Nothing is added to the fat tissue prior to injection and there is no need to count the number of cells obtained. (Please review our FAQ on cell counting and why it is not necessary).

Less than 1% of patients will say obtaining the adipose tissue was an extremely painful process. Most patients state at most they felt a “twinge” around the area the fat was being extracted. Once the procedure is done, you will have a tiny incision covered with a small bandage. You must keep the incision clean and dry for a couple of days to prevent infection.

This depends on the severity of the underlying joint, muscle, tendon or ligament problem and patient’s adherence to physician-recommended post-procedure protocols, like physical therapy. The stem cells themselves take a few weeks to start working. Usually by week 3-4 most patients are beginning to see a noticeable decrease in their pain levels. The good news is the improvement continues during most of the first 6-8 months after the injection, so every month you get better! Of course, we always recommend physical therapy along with stem cell injections. Studies have proven that stem cell therapies work even better and faster to get patients out of pain when combined with good physical therapy.