What it is
Lipogems is a brand name for a commercial system used to process a person's own fat (adipose) tissue. In general, a clinician collects a small amount of fat, the device rinses and breaks it into smaller pieces, and the processed tissue is then used by the clinician in a setting they judge appropriate.
People sometimes call this a stem cell therapy because fat tissue contains a variety of cell types. That label can be confusing. Whether a given use counts as a stem cell treatment, and how it is regulated, depends on how the product is made and what it is used for.
Regulatory status matters. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders, used in specialist transplant settings. Most clinic-based adipose, SVF, MSC, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, perinatal and exosome treatments are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products. No exosome product is FDA-approved.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Fat tissue has long been handled in surgical and cosmetic settings, and clinicians have used a person's own tissue in a range of procedures. Adipose processing systems grew out of that background and are one of several tools that have been discussed in orthopedic and reconstructive practice.
In orthopedic regenerative medicine, joint and soft-tissue concerns have traditionally been approached with a mix of conservative options, such as activity changes, physical therapy, and medications, and sometimes surgery. Some clinicians also offer adipose-based or other biologic procedures, and these are discussed alongside the conventional options.
The evidence for adipose-based approaches is limited or still investigational for many uses. Researchers and clinicians continue to study them, and views differ. Reading about the topic is a starting point, not a substitute for an individual evaluation.
How the right provider may help
A licensed clinician may help you sort out what is actually going on and which options fit your situation. A first visit generally includes a conversation about your history and goals, a physical exam, and possibly imaging or other tests the clinician considers useful. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Good questions to bring include: What is the regulatory status of this specific product and use? Is it FDA-approved or cleared for what you are proposing? What are the risks, the alternatives, and the option of waiting? What is the evidence for my situation, and where is it limited?
You can also ask whether any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight, and confirm the clinician's license with your state medical board. Ask for written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives, and take time to decide. A trustworthy provider will welcome these questions and will not promise results.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain or limited movement can influence sleep, mood and daily stress, and stress can in turn change how the body feels and how tense it is. Looking at the whole person, including rest, movement, relationships and emotional wellbeing, often gives a fuller picture than looking at one joint or tissue alone.
Some people find body-based support helpful alongside medical care, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences. Others value talking through worry, uncertainty or decision stress with a counselor, such as those found through Therapists.plus. These are optional supports that may complement, not replace, the care of a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Most adipose-based and other clinic stem-cell treatments are not FDA-approved, and "holistic" or "alternative" framing never changes FDA status; ask any provider to explain a product's status in writing.
- Watch for red flags: claims that a treatment cures or treats everything, paying to join a "clinical trial," testimonials offered in place of evidence, and pressure to travel abroad or across states for treatment.
- Do not expect guaranteed results; no one can promise tissue regrowth, avoiding surgery, or any particular outcome, and costs and outcomes vary by person and provider.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for serious conditions. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lipogems procedure?
The Lipogems procedure refers to the use of a commercial system that processes a person's own fat tissue so a clinician can use it in a chosen setting. It is a brand name, not a single standardized treatment. Whether it is appropriate for you is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Is the Lipogems procedure a stem cell therapy?
It is often described that way, but the label can be misleading. Fat tissue contains many cell types, yet regulatory status depends on how the product is made and used. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived HPC products for certain blood and immune disorders.
Is the Lipogems procedure FDA-approved?
Ask your clinician to explain the exact FDA status for the specific use being proposed, because it can differ from the status of the device itself. Most clinic-based adipose and stem-cell treatments are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell products. Request this information in writing.
Does the Lipogems procedure work?
Evidence for adipose-based approaches is limited or investigational for many uses, and no outcome can be promised. Individual situations differ, and experts hold different views. A licensed clinician can discuss what is known and unknown for your circumstances.
What should I ask a provider about the Lipogems procedure?
Ask about the product's FDA status, the evidence for your situation, the risks, and the alternatives, including not treating. Ask whether any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight, and confirm the clinician's license with your state medical board. Get written informed consent before deciding.
How do I find a qualified provider for the Lipogems procedure?
Start by looking for licensed clinicians, such as those in orthopedic regenerative medicine, and verify their license with the state medical board. Directories like Providers.plus list licensed providers. Be cautious of anyone promising cures, pushing you to decide quickly, or asking you to pay to join a trial.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.