Lipogem Therapy
What is Lipogem Therapy?
Lipogem therapy is a procedure during which a small amount of fat is collected and concentrated down into regenerative cells. These cells are then injected into the injured area to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Indications
Lipogem therapy is commonly used for
Knee osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis
Shoulder osteoarthritis
Before the Procedure
Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin 2 weeks before the first session and throughout the treatment course.
During the Procedure
A Lipogem procedure is generally done in the office as an outpatient, same-day procedure using local anesthesia.
Your doctor will collect a small amount of fat from your abdomen or thigh.
The fat is then processed in the Lipogem device with sterile saline to remove contaminants and concentrate the healing cells. The processing takes about 20 minutes.
The cells are then injected into the affected joint.
The procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours.
Post Procedure
It is normal to have some bruising and mild discomfort at the harvest site. These symptoms are temporary and should go away within 1-2 weeks. Your doctor may give you a compression garment to wear for a few days after the procedure.
You may experience some swelling and soreness at the injected joint after the procedure. This is a normal part of the healing process and should resolve a few weeks after the procedure.
Medication Guidelines
Avoid steroids after the procedure.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take if needed for pain relief.
Ice packs may be applied to the treated area.
Activity Guidelines
Avoid strenuous or high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
Light daily activities such as walking, gentle stretching, and other daily tasks are encouraged as tolerated.
After the initial 2-week rest period, gradually increase activity under the guidance of your doctor.
Most patients notice improvements in pain and function within 1-3 months of treatment.
When to call your doctor
Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following after the procedure
Fever or chills
Severe or worsening pain
Redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site
Significant swelling that does not resolve after 3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
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If your procedure involved sedation, you must arrange for a driver, and you should not drive for the rest of the day. If only local anesthesia was used, most patients are able to drive themselves home, though you should confirm with your care team based on your specific procedure and treatment area.
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Improvement is typically gradual, since the treatment relies on your body’s natural healing response. Many patients notice changes over several weeks to a few months following the procedure.
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NSAIDs are generally avoided for several weeks after the procedure, as they may interfere with the healing process the treatment relies on. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically recommended for pain relief instead. Your doctor will confirm the exact timeframe for your case.