At the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we are seeing positive results from an additional source of mesenchymal stem cells. In the past, most autologous mesenchymal stem cells were harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow. While this type of regenerative medicine procedure is still often done in our clinic, we can now also use autologous stem cells from adipose tissue or fat instead of bone marrow. There are several advantages of using lipoaspirate (fat cells) instead of mesenchymal cells from bone marrow concentrate.
What is Lipoaspirate?
Lipoaspirate cells are harvested from fat and reinjected into a person to help treat a variety of joint issues. We typically harvest the fat cells through liposuction. As technology in the regenerative medicine space improves, more procedures are seeing positive outcomes using lipoaspirate autologous mesenchymal stem cells.
Advantages of Using Lipoaspirate Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells
There are several advantages to using lipoaspirate instead of bone marrow concentrate for regenerative medicine procedures, a few of which include:
- No bone marrow draw – With lipoaspirate, the necessary mesenchymal stem cells are harvested from fat in your body, which is not the case with bone marrow concentrate. This can appeal more to those who are hesitant about a bone marrow draw.
- Higher concentration of mesenchymal stem cells – Studies have shown that lipoaspirate has a higher concentration of mesenchymal stem cells per volume than bone marrow concentrate.
- Patient preference – Some patients prefer lipoaspirate instead of bone marrow aspirate.
- Additional options for patients – At The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we want to be the most comprehensive provider of regenerative medicine procedures in the area. Offering procedures using lipoaspirate and bone marrow concentrate gives our patients more options based on their unique needs and medical journey.
What Are The Most Popular Regenerative Medicine Procedures That Use Lipoaspirate?
Lipoaspirate is used most often to treat the following joints:
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Ankles
While there may be other uses for lipoaspirate, these are the most popular. Spine procedures continue to utilize bone marrow concentrate rather than lipoaspirate.
Interested In Learning More About Your Regenerative Medicine Options?
Whether your joint pain will be most receptive to lipoaspirate or bone marrow concentrate depends on several factors. At The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we have a team of Board-Certified doctors who are well-versed in the latest regenerative medicine methods and would be happy to consult with you to determine the best treatment path forward. To learn more about the best options for your current condition, call The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine today at (248) 216-1008 to schedule your first consultation with one of our physicians.