Understanding the Lipogems® Patent: A Method for Preparing Regenerative Fat Tissue

Your own fat tissue contains powerful healing cells

If you're considering regenerative medicine for tissue repair, you may have heard about treatments using your body's own cells. This 2015 patent application describes the Lipogems® method—a way to process fat tissue while keeping its natural healing abilities intact. The key insight is that fat tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (regenerative cells that can develop into various tissue types). These cells can help repair and regenerate damaged tissues throughout your body.

Mechanical processing preserves natural healing clusters

What makes this method different from other approaches? Many older techniques use chemicals or enzymes to break down fat tissue and isolate stem cells. The Lipogems® method takes a gentler approach. It uses only mechanical processing—essentially washing and filtering the tissue—without adding chemicals. This keeps the stem cells in their natural clusters, surrounded by the supportive cells and structures they need to work effectively. Think of it like keeping plants in their natural soil rather than removing them from their roots.

Fat tissue offers an easily accessible cell source

The patent explains why fat tissue is an ideal source for regenerative cells. While bone marrow also contains stem cells, it's difficult and painful to collect. Fat tissue, on the other hand, can be obtained through a simple liposuction procedure. The method works with tissue from the patient themselves (called autologous use), which means your body won't reject the treatment. The processed tissue contains not just stem cells but also pericytes (helper cells that support blood vessel healing) and other supportive structures.

The process creates ready-to-use tissue clusters

The Lipogems® device processes your fat tissue in a closed, sterile system. Here's what happens:

• Fat tissue is gently washed to remove blood and oil

• The tissue passes through filters that break it into tiny clusters

• These micro-fragmented clusters retain their natural structure

• The final product can be used immediately or stored for later

The entire process takes place during a single procedure. There's no need for a laboratory, no chemical additives, and no waiting period for cells to grow in a dish.

Multiple treatment applications are possible

This patent covers a wide range of potential uses for the processed tissue. The method was designed for:

• Cosmetic treatments and skin regeneration

• Replacing damaged tissue or organs

• Accelerating natural tissue repair

• Treating conditions where the body needs help healing

The processed tissue can be injected directly into the treatment area. It can also be combined with biocompatible scaffolds for more complex repairs. Because the cells remain in their natural clusters, they're better equipped to communicate with your body's existing cells and promote healing.

A practical approach to regenerative medicine

The inventors designed this method to be practical for real-world medical use. The process is rapid—it doesn't require days or weeks of laboratory work. It's also cost-effective compared to methods that involve cell culturing. Most importantly, it produces tissue that's immediately ready for treatment. The patent notes that the preparation can be stored if needed, giving doctors flexibility in how they plan your treatment.

For patients considering tissue repair options, this patent represents the scientific foundation behind Lipogems® technology. It describes a method that harnesses your body's natural healing resources in a minimally invasive way.

Source: Tremolada et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication, 2015.