Understanding This Research: Lipogems® for Vaginal Atrophy

First study shows complete symptom relief at nine months

This small but promising study from Italy followed three women with vaginal atrophy after menopause. All three had struggled with symptoms for over four years. Standard treatments like gels and moisturizers had provided little relief. Researchers wanted to see if micro-fragmented adipose tissue (specially processed fat from the patient's own body) could help restore vaginal health naturally.

Severe dryness, burning, and pain resolved without recurrence

Before treatment, all three women reported severe vaginal dryness, burning, and itching. Sexual intercourse was painful, particularly in sensitive areas like the vestibule and labia minora. One woman had previously tried hormone therapy years earlier, but symptoms had returned and worsened.

After receiving Lipogems® injections, the women experienced significant improvement by six months. By nine months, their symptoms had completely resolved. Most remarkably, this relief lasted through the entire 36-month follow-up period. The women did not need repeat treatments during this time.

Tissue samples reveal restored vaginal vitality

The researchers didn't rely solely on patient reports. They took tissue samples before treatment and again at 36 months. The laboratory findings were striking:

• Glycogen production returned — a sign of healthy vaginal tissue

• New blood vessels formed — improving tissue nourishment

• The surface layer regenerated — restoring protective barriers

• Underlying tissue recovered — supporting long-term health

These microscopic changes confirmed what the women were experiencing. Their vaginal tissue had genuinely regenerated, not just temporarily improved.

Healthy vaginal bacteria returned with proper acid balance

Menopause often disrupts the vaginal environment. Estrogen loss causes pH levels to rise, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish while beneficial lactobacilli disappear. This imbalance leads to infections, odor, and inflammation.

After Lipogems® treatment, vaginal discharge analysis showed restored acidic pH levels. Lactobacilli had recolonized the vaginal environment. This natural bacterial balance is essential for preventing infections and maintaining comfort.

No complications or side effects reported

Safety is always a primary concern with any medical procedure. Throughout this study, no complications or adverse events occurred. The procedure was performed as day surgery under light sedation. Fat was harvested from the abdominal area using a gentle technique. The Lipogems® device then processed this tissue without enzymes or chemical manipulation.

Because the treatment uses your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The processed fat retains its natural healing cells, including pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells, which support tissue regeneration.

What this means for your treatment decision

This study represents early but encouraging evidence. Three patients is a small number, so larger studies are needed to confirm these results. However, several aspects make these findings noteworthy:

• Long-lasting relief — Benefits persisted for three years without repeat treatment

• Objective confirmation — Laboratory analysis verified tissue regeneration

• Natural approach — Uses your body's own healing resources

• Addresses root cause — Regenerates tissue rather than masking symptoms

Traditional hormone therapy requires ongoing use and isn't suitable for all women. Lubricants and moisturizers provide only temporary relief. Lipogems® offers a different approach by potentially restoring the tissue itself.

If you're considering this treatment, discuss these findings with your healthcare provider. Ask about how this early research applies to your specific situation and what outcomes you might reasonably expect.

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Source: Casarotti et al., None, 2018.