Lipogems

Logo of LipoGEMS with a hexagonal molecule graphic in blue and orange, and the tagline

As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Eichten feels it is important to consider all treatment options when offering solutions for joint pain. Each patient and problem should be approached in an individualized manner. While total joint replacement may be the right solution for some patients, many patients can get years of relief with non-operative interventions such as lifestyle modifications, low impact home exercise programs, weight loss, medications, and intra-articular joint injections performed in the office.


One exciting, non-operative treatment option is Lipogems lipoaspirate regenerative medicine treatment. Lipogems is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own fat tissue to support healing. 


Lipogems is a 90 minute, in-office procedure, that takes advantage of the healing microenvironment in our fat tissue. Lipogems utilizes this microenvironment to reverse arthritis damage and restore a healthy and healing environment to your joints.

Fat harvest has been used for many years in plastic surgery. During these years, researchers have found that fat is a very dynamic and biologically active tissue. 


The FDA has cleared the Lipogems device for processing and same-day injection of adipose tissue into joints. When considering biologic therapies, it is important to evaluate the active biologic tissues utilized and their potential to regenerate damaged tissue. Fat tissue harvested and processed via the Lipogems system “maintains the intact stromal vascular niche which includes not only mesenchymal stem cells but also supportive pericytes, cytokines, and the connective tissue matrix.” These cells and growth factors become available to your damaged joint cartilage and create a rich healing environment that has the potential to decrease the pain caused by osteoarthritis.


The objective of Lipogems is to harness the natural regenerative process of tissues. The most important factor to ensure a successful outcome is trusting that your physician has recommended a treatment that is consistent with the severity of your arthritis. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eichten today to discuss your options and determine if you are a candidate for this promising, regenerative medicine treatment.


What is LIPOGEMS?


LIPOGEMS - Lipogems is ideal for patients that have an orthopaedic condition, unable to get major, invasive surgery, would like another option to major, invasive surgery, or would like to be used in conjunction with their surgery.


Microfragmented adipose tissue processed by the LIPOGEMS System is used to provide cushion and support to help the natural healing process by supporting the repair, replacement, reconstruction of damaged or injured tissue.


The LIPOGEMS minimally invasive procedure is performed in a physician’s office or a surgical setting and can be completed in less than an hour.


The fat is first harvested. It’s then gently processed and/or cleaned with the LIPOGEMS device and then delivered into areas in the body to promote healing.


One great advantage of LIPOGEMS is that the fat cells can be delivered to multiple areas of the body. For patients that suffer from orthopaedic conditions in multiple areas of their body, the LIPOGEMS device can easily process the fat tissue to be used in all those areas in just one visit.


Conditions We Treat with Lipogems


  • Joint pain & arthritis - Including knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles
  • Tendon injuries - Such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries
  • Ligament sprains
  • Sports injuries

 

Benefits of Lipogems


  • Minimally invasive: The procedure requires smaller incisions compared to major surgery, leading to less downtime and a lower risk of complications.
  • Uses your own tissue: The fat is harvested from your own body, which eliminates the risk of rejection or adverse reactions.
  • Reduces inflammation: The Lipogems system washes away inflammatory blood and oils from the fat tissue during processing.
  • Supports tissue healing: The processed fat provides cushioning and support for damaged or injured tissue, and contains reparative cells that aid the healing process.
  • Long-lasting: The injected fat tissue stays in the area to maximize benefits over time, and the procedure may delay or reduce the need for major orthopedic surgery.
  • Convenient: It can be performed as an outpatient procedure in a doctor's office and the recovery is typically faster.
  • Versatile: It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other surgeries. 

 

What to Expect During Treatment


  • Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is used to numb the area.
  • Fat harvesting: A small incision is made to collect fat, typically from the abdomen or “love handles”.
  • Processing: The fat is cleaned, rinsed with saline, and micro-fragmented in a special device to prepare it for injection.
  • Injection: The processed fat is injected into the damaged tissue, often using ultrasound guidance.