Microfat & Adipose Therapy
A small amount of your own fat tissue, gently processed and placed into a painful joint to cushion and calm irritated surfaces.
What it involves
Fat is harvested through a tiny cannula, usually from the abdomen or flank, under local anesthetic. It is processed into a fine suspension and injected into the joint, where it acts as both padding and a source of supportive cells.
Who it helps
- +Moderate arthritis where injections have stopped working
- +Knees, hips and shoulders that are not ready for replacement
- +Patients who want a durable non-surgical option
Recovery
Mild bruising at the harvest site for a week or so. Walking the same day is normal; higher-impact activity returns gradually.
In the office
Done in a procedure setting with local anesthetic. You go home the same day.
Common questions
How is this different from a stem cell injection?+
It is not marketed as one. Microfat is your own fat tissue, minimally processed, used for cushioning and its supportive cell population. Anyone selling you a cure from a jar of cells is overselling it.
Where does the fat come from?+
A small amount from the abdomen or flank, taken through a tiny cannula under local anesthetic. It is a small harvest, not liposuction.
Who is it best for?+
Moderate arthritis where cortisone or gel injections have stopped helping, and joint replacement is either not wanted yet or not appropriate.
What is recovery like?+
Bruising and tenderness at the harvest site for a week or so. Walking the same day is normal; higher-impact activity comes back gradually over four to six weeks.
Not sure this is your path?
Two quick questions will point you to a sensible starting point.
Other treatments
PRP
A concentrate made from your own blood, injected into an irritated tendon, ligament or joint to support the body's own healing response.
Non-surgicalBMAC
Cells drawn from your own bone marrow, concentrated and delivered to a damaged joint or tendon to support repair.
Non-surgicalShockwave
Non-invasive acoustic energy directed at a painful tendon or bone to stimulate blood flow and reduce chronic pain.
Non-surgicalConservative care
The first line of treatment for most joint and tendon problems: activity modification, anti-inflammatories or acetaminophen, ice, bracing or a cane when helpful, and physician-directed physical therapy.
SurgicalArthroscopy
Small-incision joint surgery using a camera and precise instruments — for repair work that biologics and therapy cannot reach.
SurgicalShoulder reconstruction
Rebuilding a shoulder that has lost its stability or its cuff — from anchor-suture repair to complex revision and instability surgery.
Non-surgical & surgicalShoulder arthritis
A worn shoulder joint doesn't have to mean giving up what you love. Care ranges from therapy and biologic injections to total shoulder replacement when the joint is truly worn out.
Non-surgicalSports medicine & longevity
Care for active adults who want to stay in the game, protect their joints and perform at their best — from injury prevention to recovery and long-term resilience.
General information only — not medical advice. Your plan is confirmed in person after an exam and imaging review.