What is Lipogems treatment?
Relieving osteoarthritis without surgery? Lipogems treatment uses your body's own cells to calm inflammation, improve mobility and delay the need for a prosthesis.
This innovative technique involves injecting micro-fragmented autologous fat, harvested from the patient, purified, and then reinjected into the joint. Adipose tissue is naturally rich in mesenchymal cells, growth factors, and other active compounds.
Together, they create a regenerative environment capable of reducing joint inflammation, improving lubrication, and promoting greater joint comfort.
The process is entirely biological, carried out without enzymes or chemicals. It therefore constitutes an alternative 100 % natural to conventional treatments for osteoarthritis.
Who is Lipogems for?
Lipogems treatment knee is particularly indicated in the following cases:
- Stage I to III femorotibial or femoropatellar osteoarthritis.
- Chronic pain resistant to medication, conventional infiltrations (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids) or PRP.
- Patients wishing to avoid or postpone a knee prosthesis.
- Active people, wishing to preserve their joint capital without implants or heavy drug treatments.
This therapy is suitable for both young and older patients, as long as the joint retains some mobility potential.
How does Lipogems work?
Unlike PRP, which uses only blood platelets, Lipogems treatment relies on the injection of whole-body adipose tissue. This tissue contains not only cells, but also a network rich in anti-inflammatory and regenerative factors.
Its action combines three complementary mechanisms:
- Reduction of inflammation, for lasting pain relief.
- Improved joint lubrication, promoting smoother movements.
- Stimulation of tissue regeneration, to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
This triple effect helps create a healthier, less painful environment in the joint. Lipogems does not rebuild destroyed cartilage, but it can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and significantly improve quality of life.
How does the injection work with Dr. Coulin?
Lipogems treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia or light sedation. The procedure lasts approximately one hour and involves several steps:
- Fat sampling (most often in the abdomen or thighs).
- Immediate purification adipose tissue, in a closed and sterile system.
- Reinjection into the joint using fine needles, under medical guidance.
The after-effects are simple: temporary discomfort may appear at the site of the sample, but daily activities are quickly resumed. Intensive sports should be avoided for two to three weeks.
What are the expected consequences and effects?
The first benefits usually appear between 4 and 6 weeks after the injection, with gradual improvement over 3 to 6 months. Among the most common effects:
- Significant reduction in pain.
- Better joint mobility.
- Reduced use of anti-inflammatories.
- Possible slowing of joint deterioration.
The duration of effectiveness is on average 1 to 2 years, depending on the initial condition of the knee and the patient's lifestyle.
The regeneration mechanism of Lipogems follows three natural phases:
- Inflammatory phase (1 to 3 days): activation of growth factors, sometimes accompanied by slight swelling.
- Repair phase (1 to 4 weeks): collagen production and progressive improvement of function.
- Remodeling phase (1 to 6 months): tissue stabilization, lasting pain reduction and increased mobility.
Lipogems, a natural and innovative alternative
Lipogems treatment is distinguished by its biological and autologous nature: it uses only the patient's own resources, without any chemical additives. It aligns with the principles of regenerative medicine and offers a natural alternative between conservative treatments and prosthetic surgery.
Many patients find it an effective solution to continue their daily or sporting activities, while delaying the need for a prosthesis for as long as possible.
Want to know if Lipogems is right for you?
Dr. Coulin sees patients in Geneva for consultations to establish a precise diagnosis, analyze your imaging studies, and determine if Lipogems treatment is suitable for your situation. With his specialized expertise, he offers a personalized strategy to relieve your pain and protect your joints.
