What are lipogems?

Lipogems injections are a new generation of treatment for orthopaedic conditions, including joint pain, arthritis, rotator cuff injuries and more. Lipogems injections are a minimally-invasive treatment that can offer an alternative to surgery if deemed appropriate for your condition and injury. Lipogems are able to give support and cushioning to body tissue by using the cells in our fat that can aid repair and reconstruction of injured tissue. The cells in our fat that can do this include stem cells, pericytes and adipocytes.

Why are lipogems injections administered?

Lipogems injections can provide an alternative solution to invasive surgery for people that have the following:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Joint pain
• Lower back pain
• Tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Patellar tendon tears
• Arthritis of the knee, hip, ankle or shoulders

What do lipogems injections involve?

During a lipogems procedure, a small section of fat is removed, using minimally-invasive techniques. This section of fat is then processed using the lipogems device which breaks down the fat, taking out the blood and other unwanted structures, leaving behind the selected reparative cells which are called the lipogems. The lipogems are then injected into the injury site. No general anaesthesia is required, just a local anaesthetic injection. The procedure lasts just an hour.

How do you prepare for lipogems?

The lipogems procedure is a day-case procedure with no general anaesthesia. Before the procedure you may be advised to avoid food and drink for a duration, as well as halting use of any medications. This should be discussed with your specialist.

What aftercare takes place after a lipogems procedure?

It is normal to expect some pain, swelling and soreness following lipogems injection. However, this should only be moderate and can be managed with rest and painkillers. More strenuous activities can be resumed 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure, and improvements should be seen from two to eight weeks following the procedure. Results will however depend on the original severity of the injury being treated. Improvements are also dependent on participation in physical therapy.

What alternatives are there after a lipogems procedure?

There are alternative treatments for joint pain, tendon injuries and arthritis, ranging from other minimally-invasive procedures, such as injections, to surgeries like a total knee or hip replacement. The best treatment for you should be determined with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon.