Welcome to Image Regenerative Clinic

Scientific Research

NEW HORIZONS IN REGENERATIVE AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Advancing Regenerative Medicine Through Innovation

At Image Milano, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine through rigorous scientific research. Our clinic actively supports and participates in cutting-edge studies to enhance the understanding and clinical applications of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) technology. Under the guidance of Professor Carlo Tremolada, the inventor of the Lipogems® technology, we collaborate with prestigious universities and research centers worldwide to explore new frontiers in regenerative therapy.

MFAT (Microfragmented Adipose Tissue) is a regenerative substance derived from a patient's own fat, processed using Lipogems® technology to preserve stem cells and growth factors that naturally stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.

Carlo The Scientist

Global Network of Excellence

Collaborations and Publications

Our research network extends across Europe, including partnerships with:

  • University of Milan
  • University of Eastern Piemonte
  • University of Manchester (UK)
  • Carlo Besta Neurological Institute
  • Veterinary Hospital of Lodi

For a complete list of our scientific publications and research collaborations, please contact us.

Our Research Focus Areas

01

Molecular Characterization of Regenerative Factors

Exploring the Science Behind Tissue Regeneration

Our research on regenerative medicine is developed in close collaboration with prestigious universities and international research centers, including the University of Milan, the University of Eastern Piedmont and the University of Manchester (UK).

Together with our scientists, these academic institutions carry out advanced studies to understand and optimize the therapeutic potential of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), with a focus on tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Thanks to an in-depth analysis of the secretome – the set of biomolecules released by MFAT – we explore the biological mechanisms that regulate cell growth, tissue repair and intercellular communication.

Our research focuses on:

  • Growth factors and cytokines, key regulators of cell proliferation and healing
  • Lipidomics, to understand the role of bioactive lipid mediators in regeneration
  • Exosomes, sophisticated vectors of biological signals between cells
  • Anti-inflammatory molecules, which modulate the immune response and promote healing
  • Angiogenic factors, essential for the formation of new blood vessels and tissue repair
  • These studies, published in prestigious scientific journals (Stem Cell Int. 2019, Vasc Cell 2016, Br J Anaesth. 2018), not only expand scientific knowledge, but have a direct impact on clinical protocols adopted by Image Milano, ensuring advanced treatments based on the latest scientific evidence.

    The ultimate goal? Bringing science to the service of regenerative medicine, developing increasingly targeted and effective solutions for the well-being and health of our patients.

    02

    MFAT as a Natural Drug Delivery System

    Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment Approaches

    The Importance of Research for the Future of Medicine

    This research represents a significant step towards a future where cancer treatments are increasingly personalized, effective, and less invasive. The use of MFAT as a drug carrier could open new avenues in the fight against cancer, offering new hope to patients with complex oncological diseases. Established scientific evidence (Alessandri G. et al., Journal of Controlled Release 2019, Cancers Basel 2021) and preclinical studies have demonstrated that adipose tissue, after being processed with the Lipogems® device, acquires the extraordinary ability to absorb and release chemotherapeutic drugs such as Taxol (PTX) in a localized manner. This process opens new perspectives in the fight against cancer, allowing for more effective and targeted therapeutic action.

    Scientific Results and Clinical Developments

    • Preclinical studies have shown that MFAT loaded with PTX, once positioned in the vicinity of a tumor, is able to induce its regression.
    • Veterinary clinical trials, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Offer Zeira at the Veterinary Hospital of Lodi, have confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment on brain tumors in dogs.
    • Development of human clinical procedures: thanks to the collaboration between Image, Dr. Giulio Alessandri and neurosurgeons at the Carlo Besta Neurological Institute in Milan, the drafting of a clinical protocol to apply the MFAT-PTX treatment in glioblastoma therapy, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, is in an advanced stage.

    03

    Dermatological Applications of MFAT

    Pioneering Autologous Skincare Solutions

    A New Approach to Regenerative Beauty

    Initiated in early 2023 on the initiative of Dr. Elena Colombani, this research aims to create an autologous beauty cream derived from MFAT for the topical treatment of:

  • Wrinkles and signs of aging
  • Skin discolorations and imperfections
  • Stimulation of hair regrowth
  • The project explores the potential of MFAT in the formulation of products for aesthetic use that offer lasting and safe results, leveraging the regenerative properties of the patient's own cells.

    Scientific Evidence and Research Developments

    • In vitro tests on human skin models to analyze the functional characteristics of MFAT, with particular attention to cell proliferation, inflammation and antioxidant activity.
    • Safety studies that have confirmed that products derived from the MFAT secretome do not stimulate the growth of tumor cells, ensuring safe use in aesthetic treatments.
    • Collaboration with lyophilization centers at the University of Eastern Piedmont and Perugia to develop a lyophilized MFAT product, capable of preserving its biological properties over time and allowing for prolonged and repeatable treatments.

    Science Presentation

    Fat as a Regenerative Resource

    Prof. Carlo Tremolada
    16 aprile 2026

    On Medicina Top, Prof. Carlo Tremolada — Scientific Director of IMAGE REGENERATIVE and inventor of the Lipogems® method — discusses how microfractured adipose tissue harnesses pericytes and mesenchymal stem cell precursors to support natural healing. The conversation covers clinical applications from orthopaedics to reconstructive surgery, the regulatory framework enabling these therapies in Italy, and future directions including exosome research at Exogems in Lausanne.

    Science Presentation

    Milano Longevity Week 2025

    Prof. Carlo Tremolada
    21 aprile 2025

    Speaking at the Milano Longevity Summit, Prof. Carlo Tremolada — Scientific Director of IMAGE REGENERATIVE — presents Lipogems® as a regenerative medicine technology already validated, FDA-cleared, and in clinical use today. The presentation covers the science of microfractured adipose tissue, clinical evidence including cartilage regeneration and diabetic foot healing, aesthetic applications with multi-year follow-up, and emerging research into Lipogems® as a drug delivery system for glioblastoma.

    Science Presentation

    Lipogems® Method in Europe

    Prof. Carlo Tremolada
    16 aprile 2026

    Europe's regenerative medicine market is on track to grow from $1.62 billion in 2024 to $11.37 billion by 2033. This AskNews feature explains how IMAGE REGENERATIVE, under Prof. Carlo Tremolada, applies the patented Lipogems® microfracturing technique to restore the body's own healing mechanisms — with reimbursement already in place in several Italian regions and a new clinic opening in Sankt Moritz.

    Science Presentation

    Healing Like a Child

    Prof. Carlo Tremolada
    16 aprile 2026

    In a live broadcast on Pronto Telenova, Prof. Carlo Tremolada — Scientific Director of IMAGE REGENERATIVE — explains how Lipogems® microfractured adipose tissue restores the body's childhood healing capacity. The conversation covers joint regeneration, cartilage regrowth, applications from diabetic foot ulcers to post-radiation therapy, and answers viewer questions on topics from PRP to cord blood banking.

    Bridging Science and Patient Care

    Why Our Research Matters

    Scientific Research: Innovation that Redefines Regenerative Medicine

    Scientific research is the pillar upon which medical progress is built, and Image embodies a cutting-edge vision that unites innovation and scientific rigor. Our commitment extends well beyond aesthetic medicine: we support and promote pioneering studies aimed at revolutionizing the very concept of care, from tissue regeneration to the fight against complex and degenerative pathologies.

    The Pride of Image Research: A Tangible Excellence

    What makes Image a point of reference is not only the high quality of treatments, but our constant dedication to scientific research, which allows us to transform laboratory discoveries into concrete clinical solutions. By deepening the most advanced mechanisms of regenerative medicine, we continuously refine our protocols to guarantee patients elite treatments, based on certified scientific evidence and cutting-edge technologies.

    Our mission is not just an advertising slogan, but a real commitment: Image invests in and sponsors research that sets the pace of innovation, contributing to the evolution of regenerative medicine with increasingly effective, safe, and personalized solutions.

    UPOLODICarlo BestaManchester UniversityUniversita Degla Studi di Milano

    Scientific Literature

    Knee(39)

    Key visual for russo-2023

    Adipose Tissue Injections Deliver Lasting Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis

    Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection provides significant and prolonged clinical improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a case-series study

    Arcangelo Russo, Gabriele Cortina, Vincenzo Condello, Marco Collarile, Roberto Orlandi, Riccardo Gianoli, Emanuele Giuliani, Vincenzo Madonna, 2023

    Key visual for tissue-engineering-and-future-directions-in-regenerative-medicine-for-knee-cartilage-repair-a-comprehensive-review

    Regenerative Medicine Offers New Hope for Knee Cartilage Repair

    Tissue engineering and future directions in regenerative medicine for knee cartilage repair: a comprehensive review

    Dragan Primorac, Vilim Molnar, Dimitrios Tsoukas, Ilona Uzieliene, Carlo Tremolada, Petar Brlek, Emil Klarić, Dinko Vidović, Marija Zekušić, Jolita Pachaleva, Eiva Bernotiene, Adrian Wilson, Ali Mobasheri, Croatian Medical Journal, 2024

    Key visual for autologous-micro-fragmented-adipose-tissue-associated-with-arthroscopy-in-moderate-severe-knee-osteoarthritis-outcome-at-two-year-follow-up

    Combining Fat Tissue Injection with Knee Surgery Shows Lasting Benefits

    Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with arthroscopy in moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis: outcome at two year follow-up

    Andrea Giorgini, Filippo Selleri, Francesco Zambianchi, Giacomo Cataldo, Elena Francioni, Fabio Catani, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2022

    Key visual for intraarticular-injection-of-microfragmented-adipose-tissue-plus-arthroscopy-in-isolated-primary-patellofemoral-osteoarthritis-is-clinically-effective-and-not-affected-by-age-bmi-or-stage-of-osteoart

    Kneecap Arthritis Improved in Patients Regardless of Age or Weight

    Intraarticular injection of microfragmented adipose tissue plus arthroscopy in isolated primary patellofemoral osteoarthritis is clinically effective and not affected by age, BMI, or stage of osteoarthritis

    Michele Vasso, Katia Corona, Luigi Capasso, Giuseppe Toro, Alfredo Schiavone Panni, Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2022

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    Hip(4)

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    Shoulder(7)

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    Joints(14)

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    Wounds(28)

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    Basic Science(56)

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    Aesthetics(7)

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