Understanding Your Body's Natural Healing Cells: A Review of Lipogems® Science

Fat tissue contains more healing cells than bone marrow

Your body stores powerful regenerative cells in unexpected places. Adipose tissue (fat) contains about one hundred times more mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) than bone marrow. These special cells can transform into different tissue types and release healing signals. Collecting them from fat is also less invasive and carries fewer risks than bone marrow procedures. This makes adipose tissue an ideal source for regenerative treatments.

Keeping cells in their natural environment matters

Research shows that how fat tissue is processed dramatically affects its healing power. When scientists compared three methods—intact fat, enzyme-treated fat, and micro-fragmented fat—they found significant differences. Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) produced far more growth factors and healing signals than other methods.

The key appears to be preserving the "perivascular niche." This is the natural environment surrounding tiny blood vessels where pericytes (helper cells) live. When tissue is damaged or inflamed, these pericytes transform into active regenerative cells. They then create a healing environment and can develop into various tissue types. Harsh processing methods disrupt this delicate structure and reduce healing potential.

Lipogems® preserves natural cell structure and activity

The Lipogems® system uses only gentle mechanical processing—no enzymes or chemicals. The technology creates tiny fat clusters between 0.3 and 0.7 millimeters in size. These clusters maintain their intact blood vessel structure and activated pericytes.

The process removes inflammatory substances and damaged cells while keeping healthy tissue. This results in a product that releases healing signals for extended periods. These signals include factors that:

• Reduce inflammation

• Support new blood vessel growth

• Protect cells from dying

• Prevent excessive scarring

FDA cleared as a minimally manipulated tissue product

Lipogems® has received FDA clearance as a Class II medical device. The treatment meets all requirements for minimal manipulation. The procedure uses your own tissue, involves no enzymes, and happens during a single surgical visit. Nothing is added except saline solution.

The collection process is straightforward. Your doctor injects a numbing solution into a small area, typically the abdomen. A mini-liposuction removes a small amount of fat. This tissue then passes through the closed, sterile Lipogems® system. The entire procedure can be completed in one visit.

Clinical and laboratory research shows promising results

Scientists have tested micro-fragmented fat tissue in both laboratory and real-world settings. Animal studies demonstrated significantly better wound healing compared to standard treatments. The preserved tissue structure appears to support longer-lasting effects than processed cell mixtures.

Researchers continue studying the tiny particles (called exosomes) that MSCs release. These particles carry important signals that help regulate healing. Early evidence suggests these signals vary depending on where the cells originated. Fat-derived cells show particular promise for treating conditions involving inflammation, poor blood flow, scarring, and tissue damage.

A standardized approach supports consistent outcomes

The review emphasizes that consistent results require standardized procedures. The Lipogems® closed system prevents contamination while protecting the delicate cell environment. This reproducible approach helps ensure patients receive tissue with maximum regenerative potential.

Over one hundred five thousand orthopedic procedures have been performed worldwide using this technology. Published research now spans more than one hundred seventy-five peer-reviewed papers. This growing evidence base supports Lipogems® as a valuable tool in regenerative medicine for conditions ranging from joint problems to chronic pain.

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Source: Tremolada et al., Journal of Stem Cells Research, Development and Therapy, 2019.