Understanding Micro-Fragmented Fat Tissue for Healing and Future Medical Applications

Your Own Fat Contains Powerful Healing Cells

Your body's fat tissue is more than just stored energy. It contains a rich network of tiny blood vessels and special cells called pericytes. These pericytes are the building blocks for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—regenerative cells that help your body heal itself. When tissue is damaged, pericytes quickly transform into MSCs and release substances that reduce inflammation and promote repair. This natural healing process has sparked growing interest in using fat tissue for regenerative medicine.

Lipogems® Preserves Fat's Natural Healing Structure

Traditional methods of processing fat tissue often break it down completely, destroying its natural architecture. The Lipogems® system takes a different approach. It gently reduces fat into tiny clusters—about the size of a pinhead—while keeping the tissue's structure intact. These clusters contain approximately one million MSCs per cubic centimeter. More importantly, the micro-vessels on the surface of each cluster remain undamaged. This preserved structure allows the tissue to work like a "natural bioreactor" when placed in your body.

Fat Tissue Offers Advantages Over Bone Marrow

Both fat tissue and bone marrow contain healing cells used in regenerative treatments. However, this review highlights several advantages of fat tissue:

• Fat is more abundant and easier to harvest with minimally invasive procedures

• One cubic centimeter of fat contains roughly 500 times more MSCs than the same amount of unconcentrated bone marrow

• The collection process is simpler and more comfortable for patients

• Clinical results for conditions like osteoarthritis show comparable outcomes between the two sources

Healing Power Comes From Cell Signals, Not Just Cell Numbers

Researchers have discovered that MSCs work primarily through their "secretome"—a collection of proteins, genetic material, and tiny packages called exosomes that cells release. These signaling molecules are so important that scientists now sometimes call MSCs "Medicinal Signaling Cells." After an injury, these cells release substances that calm inflammation within hours. Over the following weeks, they produce additional signals that fight infection, prevent scarring, promote new blood vessel growth, and reduce pain.

Research Explores New Applications Beyond Orthopedics

While Lipogems® is well-established for orthopedic conditions like knee and hip arthritis, this review discusses ongoing research into additional uses. Scientists are studying whether the healing substances produced by processed fat tissue—including exosomes—might eventually help treat infections and certain cancers. A company called Exogems is investigating these possibilities. However, these applications remain in early research stages and are not yet available as treatments.

What This Means for Your Treatment Decision

This review confirms that Lipogems® provides a way to harness your body's own healing mechanisms through a minimally invasive procedure. The technology has been used in over 105,000 orthopedic cases worldwide and has more than 175 peer-reviewed publications supporting its use. For patients considering regenerative treatment options, the key takeaways are:

• The procedure uses your own tissue, eliminating donor rejection concerns

• The gentle processing method preserves the natural healing environment

• Current evidence supports its use for orthopedic conditions

• Future applications may expand as research continues

If you are exploring treatment options for joint pain, osteoarthritis, or tissue damage, discuss with your healthcare provider whether Lipogems® might be appropriate for your specific situation.

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Source: Tremolada et al., Journal of Stem Cell Research, 2023.