Adipose-Derived Cell Therapy in Atlanta
Adipose tissue therapy uses your own fat tissue, prepared and reinjected in a single visit. The tissue is collected through a small mini-liposuction, washed, and mechanically reduced to a smaller particle size, then placed into the treated joint or tendon under ultrasound guidance. It is used in osteoarthritis, chronic tendon injuries and cartilage damage, where the evidence is still developing.
Abundant Cells.
Powerful Healing.
At Paragon we use your own adipose tissue, which is easier to collect than bone marrow and is harvested through a simple, minimally invasive mini-liposuction. The tissue is washed and mechanically microfragmented. It is not enzymatically digested and no cell population is separated out, so what is reinjected is your own tissue at a reduced particle size with its natural structure intact. Adipose tissue naturally contains stromal cells, pericytes and signalling proteins. Autologous tissue therapies are not FDA approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition.
The Science Behind
Adipose Tissue Therapy
What the prepared tissue contains:
Minimally Manipulated Tissue
Adipose tissue is a richer per-volume source of these cells than bone marrow. Reported yields vary widely across published methods, and collection is minimally invasive.
How These Cells Behave
In laboratory studies, cells found in adipose tissue have formed cartilage, bone and tendon cells. What that means for any individual patient is not established.
Potent Growth Factor Release
Adipose tissue naturally contains signalling proteins including VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, bFGF and TGF-β, which are involved in normal tissue repair.
Anti-Inflammatory Modulation
Adipose tissue has been studied for its effect on local inflammation. Results in humans vary and are not established for orthopedic use.
Paracrine Signaling & Tissue Support
Adipose tissue also releases bioactive molecules that take part in normal localrepair signalling.
Cellular Healing for
Diverse Conditions
Adipose-derived therapy is used for joint degeneration, chronic soft tissue injuries, and inflammatory conditions. Fat tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal cells, and the harvest is less invasive than bone marrow aspiration. It is generally considered where tissue damage is significant, degenerative changes are advanced, or previous treatments have not given lasting relief. Unlike platelet therapies, it delivers mesenchymal cells as well as growth factors. Whether adipose therapy or a platelet-based treatment makes more sense for you is a judgement Dr. Garten will make from your examination and imaging.
Adipose-derived therapy is studied in: Osteoarthritis and joint degeneration, Chronic tendon and ligament injuries, Cartilage defects and soft tissue damage. The evidence in these conditions is still developing and outcomes vary.
Osteoarthritis & joint degeneration
Knee, hip, shoulder and ankle arthritis, where the aim is to reduce pain and improve function rather than to rebuild cartilage.
Chronic tendon & ligament injuries
Tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, ligament sprains, and soft tissue injuries.
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Cartilage defects & soft tissue damage
Cartilage loss, meniscal tears, labral tears, and degenerative conditions. These procedures should not be expected to regrow a normal joint.
Your Journey
to Cellular Recovery
Harvest Site Preparation
You'll be positioned comfortably for access to the adipose collection site (typically abdomen or flanks). The area is cleaned, sterilized, and local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the mini-liposuction procedure.
Adipose Tissue Collection
Using a small cannula, Dr. Garten performs a mini-liposuction to collect adipose tissue. The procedure is well-tolerated under local anesthesia and typically takes 15-20 minutes. Only a small amount of fat is needed (typically 30-60cc).
Cellular Processing & Concentration
Your adipose tissue is washed and mechanically reduced to a smaller particle size. It is not enzymatically digested and no cell population is separated out. This takes 30-45 minutes.
Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Using real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound, Dr. Garten injects the prepared adipose tissue directly into the treated joint, tendon or ligament.
Recovery Protocol
You'll receive activity modification guidelines, recovery strategies, and a phased rehabilitation plan. Follow-up assessments track your progress over subsequent months.
What to Expect Over the First Six Months
Adipose tissue therapy is not an immediate fix. Any change in pain and function tends to develop gradually over several months. Understanding this timeline helps set realistic expectations.
Precision Expertise. Advanced Cellular Medicine.
Adipose tissue therapy depends on proper harvesting and processing technique. Several factors matter:
With over two decades in regenerative medicine, Dr. Garten performs every adipose procedure under real-time ultrasound guidance.
Choosing Between the Options
Adipose vs. BMAC
Key differences: Both use your own tissue, from different sources. Adipose tissue is easier to collect and less uncomfortable to harvest than bone marrow. Bone marrow concentrate has been studied more in bone and cartilage applications. Dr. Garten selects the source based on your condition and goals. Neither is FDA approved for orthopedic conditions.
Adipose vs. PRP
When adipose is preferred: PRP concentrates platelets and growth factors from your blood. Adipose tissue therapy uses your own fat tissue and delivers a different preparation. For many injuries PRP is the appropriate starting point. Neither procedure rebuilds lost cartilage.
Adipose vs. Surgery
Non-surgical alternative: Adipose therapy is delivered as an injection. It does not involve a surgical incision, general anesthesia, or implanted hardware, and it does not close off future surgical options. Some conditions still require surgery, and Dr. Garten will give you an honest assessment of whether adipose therapy is appropriate for yours.
Combination Therapies
Synergistic approach: Adipose tissue therapy is sometimes combined with PRP. Some patients have the two sequentially, others as a combined injection. Dr. Garten designs the plan around the condition.
Your Own Tissue
Adipose tissue is a richer per-volume source of these cells than bone marrow. Reported yields vary widely across published methods, and the cells are collected in a single minimally invasive harvest.
Minimally Invasive Collection
Mini-liposuction under local anesthesia is significantly less invasive and more comfortable than bone marrow aspiration. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after harvest, with faster recovery at the collection site.
Potent Growth Factor Profile
Adipose cells release powerful growth factors (VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, bFGF, TGF-β) that promote vascularization, reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular activity, and support comprehensive tissue repair.
Autologous Safety
Because the material is your own tissue, rejection and disease transmission are not concerns. As with any injection, bleeding, infection and pain at the injection and harvest sites remain possible.
Surgical Alternative
For some conditions, adipose tissue therapy is an option worth considering before surgery. It avoids surgical trauma and lengthy rehabilitation, and it does not rule out surgery later. Results vary and not everyone responds.
The Adipose Advantage
Adipose Therapy:
Your Questions, Answered
Schedule a
consultation
We treat injuries and we work on what caused them. Whether you're facing joint degeneration or chronic soft tissue damage, our programs combine clinical assessment, current evidence, and carefully selected protocols.Our approach brings together diagnostics, ultrasound-guided delivery, personalized rehabilitation and recovery planning. Progress here isn't accidental — it's planned.
Adipose and bone marrow derived cell therapies are not FDA approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition. Their use here is based on clinical judgment and the current published evidence, which is still developing. Individual results vary.
Schedule a
consultation
We treat injuries and we work on what caused them. Whether you're facing joint degeneration or chronic soft tissue damage, our programs combine clinical assessment, current evidence, and carefully selected protocols.Our approach brings together diagnostics, ultrasound-guided delivery, personalized rehabilitation and recovery planning. Progress here isn't accidental — it's planned.
Adipose and bone marrow derived cell therapies are not FDA approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition. Their use here is based on clinical judgment and the current published evidence, which is still developing. Individual results vary.