MicroFragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)2025-11-25T05:35:28-07:00

SERVICES & TREATMENTS

MicroFragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) therapy is a regenerative medicine procedure that uses your body’s own fat tissue (adipose tissue) to promote healing and reduce pain in joints, tendons, and soft tissues.

Adipose tissue is rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), growth factors, and anti-inflammatory proteins, which help stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Unlike other stem cell treatments, MFAT does not require laboratory processing—instead, the fat is mechanically processed into micro-fragmented form and injected directly into the affected area.

How Does MFAT Therapy Work?

  • 1
    Harvesting Adipose Tissue: A small amount of fat is extracted from your body (usually from the abdomen or thigh) using a minimally invasive liposuction technique.
  • 2
    Processing the Fat Tissue: The fat is mechanically processed to remove excess fluids while preserving the natural regenerative cells within the tissue.
  • 3
    Injection Into the Target Area: The microfragmented fat is injected into damaged joints, tendons, or soft tissues to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve function.

This process enhances natural tissue regeneration by reducing inflammation and supporting cellular repair without the need for external additives or enzymes.

Conditions Treated with MFAT Therapy

MFAT therapy is commonly used for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Joint & Cartilage Conditions

  • Osteoarthritis (Moderate to Severe): Knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle arthritis.
  • Cartilage Damage or Degeneration: Joint wear and tear from aging or repetitive use.
  • Meniscus and Labral Tears: Damage to knee or hip joint soft tissues.

Tendon & Ligament Injuries

  • Rotator Cuff Tears (Larger, partial tears in the shoulder).
  • Tendonitis and Tendinopathy (Achilles, patellar, or elbow tendonitis).
  • Plantar Fasciitis (Chronic heel pain from inflammation).

Other Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Chronic Joint Pain & Stiffness
  • Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
  • Sports Injuries & Overuse Syndromes

MFAT therapy is often combined with physical therapy and other regenerative treatments (such as PRP or prolotherapy) to enhance results.

MFAT Therapy FAQs

What Can Patients Expect During the MFAT Procedure?2025-10-23T07:12:16-07:00

MFAT therapy is a same-day, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.

1. Before the Procedure:

  • Your provider will review your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments to determine if MFAT therapy is right for you.
  • You may be advised to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) before the procedure, as they can interfere with the healing response.

2. The Procedure:

  • Fat Harvesting: A small amount of fat is extracted from the abdomen or thigh using a minimally invasive liposuction technique.
  • Processing the Fat: The fat is mechanically microfragmented to remove excess fluids while preserving its regenerative properties.
  • Injection into the Target Area: The microfragmented fat is injected into the joint, tendon, or soft tissue using ultrasound guidance for precision.
  • The entire procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes.

3. After the Procedure:

  • Minimal downtime—most patients can resume light activities within 24–48 hours.
  • Some swelling or soreness at the injection and fat harvesting site is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
  • Gradual improvement in pain, function, and mobility over the following weeks and months.
How Many MFAT Treatments Are Needed?2025-10-23T07:32:10-07:00

Most patients require only one MFAT treatment, though results may continue to improve over several months. Some individuals with more severe conditions may benefit from a second treatment or combination therapy with PRP or physical therapy.

What are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of MFAT?2025-10-23T07:33:42-07:00

MFAT therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated since it uses the patient’s own fat tissue, reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reactions.

Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary):

  • Mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the fat extraction and injection sites.
  • Temporary stiffness or soreness in the treated area.

Rare Complications:

  • Infection (very rare).
  • Temporary nerve irritation or discomfort.
  • Uneven skin texture at the fat extraction site (rare).
What are the Benefits of MFAT Therapy?2025-10-23T07:34:37-07:00
  • Uses your body’s own regenerative cells—no foreign substances or additives.
  • Minimally invasive with low risk—avoids major surgery or joint replacement.
  • Reduces pain and inflammation naturally without long-term medication use.
  • Promotes long-term tissue healing and repair, unlike cortisone injections that only provide temporary relief.
  • Can be combined with other regenerative treatments (PRP, prolotherapy, physical therapy) for enhanced results.
What is the Recovery and Post-Treatment Care of MFAT Therapy?2025-10-23T07:36:31-07:00

Do’s After MFAT Therapy:

✔ Use ice therapy (if recommended) to reduce swelling.
✔ Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to support healing.
Engage in gentle movement to prevent stiffness but avoid high-impact activities.
✔ Follow physical therapy exercises if recommended by your provider.
✔ Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed for pain relief (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen).

Don’ts After MFAT Therapy:

Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications, as they may interfere with the body’s healing response.
Avoid prolonged standing or excessive pressure on the treated area for the first few days.

Who is a Good Candidate for MFAT Therapy?2025-10-23T07:50:27-07:00

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have chronic joint pain, arthritis, or tendon injuries that have not responded to traditional treatments.
  • Want a minimally invasive, regenerative approach instead of surgery.
  • Are looking for a natural, long-term solution to pain and tissue degeneration.
  • Are willing to follow a structured rehabilitation plan for optimal results.

MFAT therapy may not be recommended for individuals with:

  • Severe advanced osteoarthritis where joint replacement is the best option.
  • Active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or bleeding disorders.
  • Severe obesity or metabolic conditions affecting fat quality.

Ready to start on the road to recovery?

Get in touch and schedule your appointment today.

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