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What is Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)?
Body fat, or adipose tissue, is connective tissue that is found throughout the body. It can be found under the skin, around internal organs, and inside bones, known as subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and bone marrow adipose tissue, respectively. Adipose tissue contains a rich supply of immune cells that can repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles since it is an active organ in the endocrine system. Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) is typically used as a regenerative medicine injection to help repair injuries. MFAT treatment is a nonsurgical treatment that uses a patient’s own fat cells to heal and repair tissue. MFAT is created by breaking down fat tissue into small fragments using mechanical, enzymatic, or ultrasonic methods.
What are the benefits of MFAT treatment?
MFAT injection treatment can help patients who are not surgical candidates and those who do not want surgery. This treatment can help heal injured tissues by decreasing pain, improving function, and restoring quality of life. MFAT is used to treat chronic pain from: osteoarthritis and tendon and joint injuries.
What is the MFAT treatment procedure and how does it work?
A board-certified provider would perform liposuction to collect the adipose tissue. The adipose tissue is then filtered and a X-ray or ultrasound guidance is used to inject it into joints, tendons, and ligaments. Adipocytes, adipose-derived stem cells, pericytes, pre-adipocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, perivascular cells, and blood vessels are the multiple cells that make up the MFAT injection. The image below shows multiple cells capable of contributing to repair of damaged tissues.
MFAT procedure involves:
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- Removing a small amount of fat tissue from the abdomen, sides, or thighs
- Cleaning and passing the tissue through a filter.
- Injecting the tissue directly into the affected area under ultrasound guidance
Adipocytes also known as fat cells or lipocytes, are cells that store energy in the body as fat. They are the primary component of adipose tissue and are responsible for many important functions, including energy storage, endocrine functions, regulating energy balance, and mammary gland expansion.
Pericytes are cells that play a vital role in the body’s vascular system and immune response through blood vessel function, immune response, neurovascular unit, and diabetic retinopathy.
Pre-adipocytes are recursor cells that develop into adipocytes when fully differentiated
Macrophages are a type of white blood cell of the innate immune system that engulf and digest pathogens.
Endothelial cells are the primary cells that line the inside of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. They are responsible for blood pressure, blood clotting, immune response, reducing toxins, and regulating issue inflammation.
Perivascular cells are a group of cells that play a role in tissue repair, vascular homeostasis, and angiogenesis. Vascular homeostasis is the process of maintaining the function of blood vessels over time. Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessels forming from existing blood vessels.
What to expect from MFAT treatment?
Treatment success mainly depends on the extent of tissue damage present in the joint, tendon, or ligament. The sooner you seek treatment the better the response. It takes about 4-6 weeks before the symptoms start to improve. There is increased pain and soreness for about 1-2 weeks following the liposuction and the injection. The improvement in symptoms can last 1-2 years or longer.
Thinking about getting MFAT treatments?
Living with pain is something no one wants. When a solution is available that alleviates daily pain and helps you enhance your quality of life, that’s good news! At Spine Center Atlanta, we offer cutting-edge regenerative medicine treatments in the greater Atlanta area that deliver the pain relief you deserve.
Our dedicated team has in-depth knowledge and experience, as well as the compassionate approach you’re looking for. Let our experienced providers guide you to the best treatment that works for your unique symptoms.
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