Difference Between PRP and Lipogems in Regenerative Medicine: What Are They?

In the medical world, we are witnessing a silent yet powerful revolution: the transition from a “repair-oriented” to a “regeneration-focused” approach.

We are no longer satisfied with masking symptoms or replacing what has been damaged — we seek to awaken the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Within this new paradigm, regenerative medicine stands out as a true game changer, especially in treating joint and musculoskeletal disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.

At Image Regenerative Clinic, we have been pioneers in this field, developing the Lipogems® methodology thanks to the intuition and research of Professor Carlo Tremolada.

However, for those new to this world, confusion often arises. We hear about PRP, stem cells, Lipogems®, but what are the differences? And more importantly, which is the most suitable option?

Let’s clarify this by analyzing two of the most discussed regenerative treatments: PRP and Lipogems®.

What Is Regenerative Medicine?

Before diving into specifics, it’s essential to understand the core concept.
Regenerative medicine is not a miraculous cure, but a biological and intelligent approach that leverages the body’s own self-healing mechanisms.

Its goal is simple yet ambitious: to use the patient’s own biological resources (blood or adipose tissue) to repair, rebuild, or regenerate tissues damaged by aging, trauma, or chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis.

This minimally invasive approach represents a valid alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments or, in many cases, to prosthetic surgery.

PRP: Principles and Applications

PRP, short for Platelet-Rich Plasma, is one of the most well-known regenerative techniques.
The procedure is relatively simple: a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, then centrifuged to separate its components and concentrate the platelets. The resulting plasma, rich in growth factors, is then injected into the joint or damaged tissue.

These growth factors act as powerful messengers, sending biochemical signals to surrounding cells to initiate an anti-inflammatory response and trigger tissue repair.

PRP is commonly used to treat tendinopathies, muscle injuries, and early stages of osteoarthritis, where it helps reduce pain and improve functionality.
However, it is important to note that PRP mainly provides signaling molecules to stimulate repair, but its effect is typically short-lived.

The Lipogems® Method: How It Works

Lipogems® represents a major advancement in regenerative medicine, a globally patented system developed by Professor Carlo Tremolada.
Unlike PRP, which originates from blood, Lipogems® harnesses the regenerative potential of adipose (fat) tissue, an extraordinarily rich biological resource.

The procedure, performed in a sterile environment and on an outpatient basis, involves just a few steps:

• Harvesting: a small and painless lipoaspiration under local anesthesia, usually from the abdomen or flanks.
• Processing: the collected fat is inserted into the Lipogems® device, a closed sterile system that gently microfragments the tissue and washes it with saline solution, removing inflammatory and oily residues while preserving the regenerative microenvironment.
• Injection: the resulting microfragmented and purified fat tissue is then injected precisely into the damaged area under ultrasound guidance.

The Lipogems® tissue contains not only growth factors, but also a complete biological matrix: mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), pericytes, and stromal vascular components that act as natural “healers,” orchestrating a profound and lasting regeneration process.

PRP vs. Lipogems®: Advantages and Limitations

While both treatments are valid regenerative options, they act on different biological levels and are suited for different clinical scenarios.
In simple terms, PRP is a “stimulator”, whereas Lipogems® is a true “regenerator.”

Lipogems® is considered one of the most advanced next-generation joint injections, particularly effective for damaged cartilage, where simple stimulation is insufficient.
In some regions, mesenchymal cell injections are even recognized by national health systems for specific pathologies, confirming their clinical validity.

Clinical Cases and Real Experiences

The efficacy of Lipogems® is supported by over 175 scientific publications and the experience of thousands of patients.
In the sports field, it has been awarded “Best New Technology in Sports Medicine” and is used by elite athletes from Serie A, NBA, and NFL to accelerate recovery and protect joint health.

But its benefits go far beyond sports.
Consider a 60-year-old man with knee osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and limited mobility, his only remaining option seemed to be a prosthesis. After years of ineffective conservative therapies, he underwent a Lipogems® treatment.

Just a few months later, his pain had dramatically decreased, his joint function improved, and he was able to walk and resume normal activities without limitations.
This is not an exception, but a powerful example of the regenerative potential within each of us.

Final Thoughts and Future Perspectives in Regenerative Medicine

The choice between PRP and Lipogems® is not about which is “better” in absolute terms, but which is most appropriate for the specific clinical condition, degree of degeneration, and patient goals.

While PRP remains a valuable option for mild inflammatory and degenerative conditions, Lipogems® stands out as the treatment of choice for more significant tissue damage, offering deep regeneration and long-lasting results.

The future of orthopedics, and medicine in general, is already taking shape: less invasive, more biological, and deeply personalized.
In this landscape, technologies like Lipogems®, which transform a natural body resource into a powerful healing tool, are no longer a promise — they are a solid clinical reality.