Thank you for choosing The Regenerative Clinic for your procedure. Please read the following information carefully as it will help you prepare for your procedure and contains useful advice for your recovery post your procedure. Please call us with any questions, if your call is out of normal clinic times please email and a member of staff will get back to you soon.
At The Regenerative Clinic our clinicians specialise in treating joint pain, degenerative orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries, gynaecological conditions, sports injuries and aesthetics using cells from your own fat, bone marrow or blood.
Independent studies and our own patient results have shown that micro fragmented fat (MFAT), bone marrow aspirate (BMAC) or platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains cells that help promote joint preservation, repairing tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions. Our surgeons can determine whether you would be a suitable candidate and identify an appropriate treatment plan which may help delay surgical intervention.
Patients with degenerative orthopaedic conditions may see a reduction in symptoms like pain and inflammation in their joints 6-12 weeks after the treatment. Although surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases our surgeons will help determine your suitability for the treatment based on your consultation after reviewing your scans.
What is Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)?
There are a number of cell-based therapies offered as treatment for Osteoarthritis and other conditions. These treatments contain cells that can promote healing, reduce pain and reduce inflammation. These cells have been given many different names but are most widely referred to as ‘mesenchymal stem cells’ or MSCs. MSC’s are present in your bone marrow, fat and blood.
As your body fat (also known as adipose tissue) contains MSCs it is an attractive source because fat tissue is easily accessible and relatively expendable.
Thus, Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) treatment is a cutting-edge regenerative treatment, harnessing the natural and powerful reparative capability of your adipose tissue reserves which may provide a natural alternative or addition to surgical intervention to support your body in the reconstruction and repair of damaged or injured tissue.
MFAT is made from lipoaspirated fat, usually taken from the tummy area, that is further disrupted into smaller fragments which can then be injected into the target area (e.g. knee joint). These injections are minimally invasive and are carried out under ultrasound guidance in a day case setting. Altogether the procedure takes about 1 hour to perform with minimal recovery time.
As well as being a potential alternative to surgery, MFAT Injections can also aid post-surgery recovery.
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The Procedure
The MFAT procedure can be performed in under 1 hour and with minimal recovery time. There are 3 steps to the
procedure.
- Harvesting your Fat:
In a minimally invasive and immediate procedure, our clinician will collect a small amount of fat from either your midsection or “love handles” using a
needle. This is known as lipoaspiration.
2. Processing your Fat:
Next, your collected fat will be processed in a unique, closed-system device using only sterile saline solution to wash away any impurities. During this process, your fat is washed, rinsed, and resized into smaller clusters while keeping the natural beneficial properties of your fat.
3. Injecting the MFAT:
Since this method processes micro-fragmented fat, the size of MFAT is ideal to facilitate healing in the treatment site. Our clinician will use a small needle to inject the MFAT into the treatment site under ultrasound guidance.
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What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?
Mesenchymal stem cells or MSC’s are capable of becoming bone, muscle, tendon and cartilage cells. This unique ability allows MSC’s to be used in the regeneration and reconstruction of the musculoskeletal system by replacing cells and tissues damaged by degenerative diseases or trauma. MSC’s can be abundantly found in bone marrow.
The BMAC injections follow the same procedure as MFAT injections, however instead of adipose (fat) tissue being harvested, bone marrow is collected.
1. Harvest Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is a spongy material found inside large bones. During your procedure, under general anaesthesia or sedation, bone marrow is extracted from the iliac crest (the curved section at the top of the hip), using a hollow needle and syringe.
2. Process Harvested Bone Marrow
The harvested bone marrow is processed in a centrifuge and the different components are separated. The plasma, containing beneficial growth and anti-inflammatory proteins, is filtered and condensed into a general fluid concentrate (GFC). Similarly, the fraction of the harvested marrow containing MSC’s is concentrated into bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).
3. BMAC Injection
Once processed, the BMAC and GFC are separately injected into the joint using image guidance after sterile preparation.
How Do I Prepare for my Procedure?
You will be given instructions on when to stop eating and drinking and if you should take medication as normal before coming into hospital/clinic when you receive your admission letter. Your admission letter will also detail the time and location of your appointment and may include other instructions (for example, depending the type of anaesthesia you are having, you may require a companion/chaperone on your discharge from the hospital/clinic or Covid related instructions). Please pay particular attention to any instructions given.
You may receive a call or email to complete a pre-assessment form. This will depend on the location of your procedure and the type of anaesthesia you are having. As a minimum, we may need to ask you some questions regarding your height/weight, medical conditions, medication and allergies. Please answer this promptly and as fully as possible, as we may be required to provide additional instructions based on medical conditions, or for certain medications.
You will receive an electronic consent form. Please read this carefully as it details the procedure you are having and the risks involved. Consent is very important for all medical procedures. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions at this time. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even after given. Please sign this consent form once you are happy with all the information and you have asked any questions you have.
The questionnaires will ask about all aspects of your condition, from pain and flexibility to how your day to day activity is affected. If you have any difficulty completing the questionnaires online, we will be delighted to assist and can complete them with you over the telephone.
What Happens on the Day of my Procedure?
Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation
After your treatment, we recommend that you undertake a physiotherapy or rehabilitation program. It is important to start moving as soon as possible after the procedure, as instructed by your consultant.
We can refer you to our business partners at Isokinetic Medical Group for physiotherapy, or you can discuss a rehabilitation program with your own physiotherapist. You should ensure that a tailored plan is put in place during your recovery (and beyond).
On the day of your procedure, a physiotherapist will discuss some simple exercises to get you started. You should continue these exercises for the first few weeks. Thereafter, follow the advice provided by your physiotherapist.
Isokinetic Medical Group
Isokinetic is a specialist Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Group, recognised as FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, and a reference point in the orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation sectors. They are a 33 year old, internationally recognised and CQC certified, Central London sports injuries and orthopaedic rehabilitation clinic. Whenever an injury happens you can trust their team of professionals in sports medicine: doctors, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, osteopaths, and sports reconditioning experts. All close to you and focused on getting you back to what you love.
Frequently Asked Questions and Post Procedure Information
Please read out FAQ section at Frequently Asked Questions if you have any specific questions
Our Post Procedure Information page will also provide details of what to expect after your procedure Post Procedure Care
Covid - 19
A mask must be worn whilst visiting the clinic and please follow all the latest guidelines set by the UK Government. Additional requirements may be required by the hospital/clinic.
