Single Fat Injection Shows Lasting Relief for Menopausal Vaginal Atrophy

35 Women Treated for Severe Symptoms Lasting at Least Four Years

This study followed 35 women experiencing significant genitourinary atrophy after menopause. All patients had at least four symptoms—such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, burning, itching, recurrent infections, or urinary incontinence—for a minimum of four years. None had used hormone replacement therapy or local estrogen treatments. Researchers wanted to see if a single injection of the patient's own processed fat tissue could provide lasting relief where other options had fallen short.

Nearly All Patients Symptom-Free Within Nine to Twelve Months

The results were striking. Within three months, almost half of patients experienced improvement in their symptoms, particularly pelvic pain and painful intercourse. By nine to twelve months after treatment, 99 percent of patients had completely recovered from all their symptoms. This included relief from vaginal dryness, burning sensations, reduced sensitivity, and recurrent bladder or vaginal infections.

Benefits Lasted Three Full Years Without Returning Symptoms

Perhaps most importantly, the improvements held steady. Patients reported no return of symptoms through the entire three-year follow-up period. This long-lasting benefit stands in contrast to hormone therapies, which typically provide relief only while being used. Once hormone treatment stops, symptoms usually return because the underlying atrophy process continues.

No Side Effects Reported in Any Patient

Safety was excellent throughout the study. None of the 35 women experienced any adverse effects from the procedure. The treatment used each patient's own fat tissue, processed through the Lipogems® system to create micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT). This "autologous" approach—using your own cells—avoids risks associated with donor materials.

How the Treatment Works to Reverse Atrophy

The procedure involves a single injection of specially processed fat tissue into the vulvar area. Unlike hormone therapy, which only treats symptoms, this approach aims to address the underlying tissue changes. The micro-fragmented fat contains pericytes (cells that support blood vessel health) and mesenchymal stem cells with natural regenerative properties.

Previous research from the same team showed that treated tissue developed:

• Increased blood vessel growth in the tissue beneath the vaginal lining

• Thickening of the vaginal wall

• Restoration of healthy acidic pH levels, which reduces infection risk

These tissue-level changes help explain why benefits persist long after the single treatment.

What This Means for Women Considering Treatment

This case series offers encouraging evidence for women struggling with menopausal genitourinary atrophy. Key takeaways include:

• One treatment may be enough: Unlike ongoing hormone therapy, a single injection provided years of relief

• Severe cases responded well: All patients had significant symptoms for at least four years before treatment

• Multiple symptoms improved: Pain, dryness, sensitivity, and recurrent infections all responded

• Strong safety profile: No adverse effects were observed

The researchers note this is the first study to evaluate micro-fragmented fat tissue for this condition over three years. While these results are promising, this was a case series without a comparison group. Larger controlled studies would help confirm these findings and identify which patients are most likely to benefit.

For women who cannot use hormones or prefer alternatives, this regenerative approach may offer meaningful, long-lasting relief from symptoms that significantly impact quality of life, intimacy, and daily comfort.

---

Source: Casarotti et al., None, 2020.