Ep. 8: 5 Reasons I love MFAT
Hey everyone, welcome back to the NJRI channel. It’s Dr. Jay Bowen here and today I’m going to be talking about MFAT. This stands for Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue Treatment.
This is the second video in a series my team and I kicked off last week titled “The Good, The Bad, and The TRUTH About Regenerative Medicine”. Last week, I talked about PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment. You can click here (point to right) to watch that video. MFAT treatment is one of my favorites that we offer so I wanted to focus today’s video on 5 reasons why I love the procedure. As I go through each reason I’ll reveal the good, the bad and the truth about MFAT.
So, let’s get rolling!
This is the second video in a series my team and I kicked off last week titled “The Good, The Bad, and The TRUTH About Regenerative Medicine”. Last week, I talked about PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment. You can click here (point to right) to watch that video. MFAT treatment is one of my favorites that we offer so I wanted to focus today’s video on 5 reasons why I love the procedure. As I go through each reason I’ll reveal the good, the bad and the truth about MFAT.
So, let’s get rolling!
Alright let’s start at #5 and count down. For number five, I love MFAT because of its regenerative power. MFAT uses your body’s own fat cells to stimulate healing and repair. We take a small sample of fat, usually from your abdomen or thighs, and process it to isolate micro fragmented fat cells. These cells contain a wealth of growth factors and stem cells that promote tissue regeneration and repair. The good news is that this method taps into your body’s natural healing processes. So, it’s perfectly in line with NJRI’s overarching goal to unleash your intrinsic ability to heal.
But here’s the bad: Like any procedure, results can vary. Some patients experience fantastic improvements, while others might see more modest benefits. The truth is, while MFAT has shown great promise, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and outcomes can depend on various factors including the specific condition being treated and individual health conditions. Another bad thing about MFAT is that some of my most athletic patients who could really benefit from the procedure don't have enough adipose tissue for us to take. Thus, they are not eligible for the procedure. In the United States, all regenerative procedures MUST be autologous. This means that the cells or tissues used in the procedure must come from the same individual undergoing the treatment. So, we can’t take someone else’s fat and use it on another individual. Now, let’s review the next reason I’m a huge fan of the MFAT procedure.
MFAT is minimally invasive compared to traditional surgical options. The procedure involves a small liposuction to harvest fat and a simple injection to deliver the micro fragmented tissue into the treatment area. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery. You can often return to your daily activities sooner compared to more invasive surgeries. Most of our patients are in the office for about two hours and only need to take a few days off of work.
50% of my patients with knee osteoarthritis have bilateral pathology, meaning that they have pain in their right and left knees. Out of this 50%, most have enough adipose tissue to allow me to do both knees at the same time. While operating on both knees makes the recovery time a bit longer, it is by far a more efficient option than any other operation for knee osteoarthritis with bilateral pathology.
However, the bad news is that minimally invasive doesn’t mean no invasiveness. There can still be risks of infection, bruising, or swelling. The truth is, while it's less invasive than surgery, it’s not without its own set of potential complications, which is why it’s essential to follow post-procedure care instructions closely. After the procedure, I tell my patients to avoid.
One of the standout features of MFAT is its versatility. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from joint pain and arthritis to skin rejuvenation and even hair restoration. This wide range of applications makes it a valuable tool in regenerative medicine. While our channel has mainly been focused on knees so far, we also treat a ton of shoulder issues. My partner, Dr. Thomas Agesen, is an expert on shoulder treatment and in the coming weeks will start rolling out videos on how he uses the versatility of MFAT to treat the most common shoulder issues.
On the flip side, the bad news is that the effectiveness can vary depending on what you're treating. Much like I reviewed with PRP in our last video, it works wonders for some conditions, and isn’t as effective for others. Large tendinopathy with tearing, like partial rotator cuff tears tend to not respond to PRP but they respond super well to MFATs. Like I said in the last video, it’s important to find a good doctor who can work with you to decide which treatment option is best for YOU.
Here at NJRI, I do a thorough evaluation with my patients before recommending a procedure. Since we are a small practice, I have the time to sit down with you and explain what I think is the best option for getting you back to full health. If you feel like a PRP or MFAT may be right for you. Give my office a call to schedule an appointment!
Next up at #2, one of the reasons I’m enthusiastic about MFAT is its potential for reduced side effects. Because MFAT uses your own cells, the risk of allergic reactions or severe complications is generally lower compared to procedures involving foreign materials or substances. The cells are biocompatible with your body, which means they're less likely to cause adverse reactions. However, the downside is that while side effects are minimized, they are not entirely eliminated. Some patients might still experience mild discomfort or transient side effects, such as temporary swelling or minor pain at the injection site. The truth is that while MFAT reduces the likelihood of major complications, it's essential to monitor your body's response and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. At NJRI, we typically schedule a follow up appointment days after the procedure to make sure that you’re doing well and not suffering from any major side effects.
But here’s the bad: Like any procedure, results can vary. Some patients experience fantastic improvements, while others might see more modest benefits. The truth is, while MFAT has shown great promise, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and outcomes can depend on various factors including the specific condition being treated and individual health conditions. Another bad thing about MFAT is that some of my most athletic patients who could really benefit from the procedure don't have enough adipose tissue for us to take. Thus, they are not eligible for the procedure. In the United States, all regenerative procedures MUST be autologous. This means that the cells or tissues used in the procedure must come from the same individual undergoing the treatment. So, we can’t take someone else’s fat and use it on another individual. Now, let’s review the next reason I’m a huge fan of the MFAT procedure.
MFAT is minimally invasive compared to traditional surgical options. The procedure involves a small liposuction to harvest fat and a simple injection to deliver the micro fragmented tissue into the treatment area. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery. You can often return to your daily activities sooner compared to more invasive surgeries. Most of our patients are in the office for about two hours and only need to take a few days off of work.
50% of my patients with knee osteoarthritis have bilateral pathology, meaning that they have pain in their right and left knees. Out of this 50%, most have enough adipose tissue to allow me to do both knees at the same time. While operating on both knees makes the recovery time a bit longer, it is by far a more efficient option than any other operation for knee osteoarthritis with bilateral pathology.
However, the bad news is that minimally invasive doesn’t mean no invasiveness. There can still be risks of infection, bruising, or swelling. The truth is, while it's less invasive than surgery, it’s not without its own set of potential complications, which is why it’s essential to follow post-procedure care instructions closely. After the procedure, I tell my patients to avoid.
One of the standout features of MFAT is its versatility. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from joint pain and arthritis to skin rejuvenation and even hair restoration. This wide range of applications makes it a valuable tool in regenerative medicine. While our channel has mainly been focused on knees so far, we also treat a ton of shoulder issues. My partner, Dr. Thomas Agesen, is an expert on shoulder treatment and in the coming weeks will start rolling out videos on how he uses the versatility of MFAT to treat the most common shoulder issues.
On the flip side, the bad news is that the effectiveness can vary depending on what you're treating. Much like I reviewed with PRP in our last video, it works wonders for some conditions, and isn’t as effective for others. Large tendinopathy with tearing, like partial rotator cuff tears tend to not respond to PRP but they respond super well to MFATs. Like I said in the last video, it’s important to find a good doctor who can work with you to decide which treatment option is best for YOU.
Here at NJRI, I do a thorough evaluation with my patients before recommending a procedure. Since we are a small practice, I have the time to sit down with you and explain what I think is the best option for getting you back to full health. If you feel like a PRP or MFAT may be right for you. Give my office a call to schedule an appointment!
Next up at #2, one of the reasons I’m enthusiastic about MFAT is its potential for reduced side effects. Because MFAT uses your own cells, the risk of allergic reactions or severe complications is generally lower compared to procedures involving foreign materials or substances. The cells are biocompatible with your body, which means they're less likely to cause adverse reactions. However, the downside is that while side effects are minimized, they are not entirely eliminated. Some patients might still experience mild discomfort or transient side effects, such as temporary swelling or minor pain at the injection site. The truth is that while MFAT reduces the likelihood of major complications, it's essential to monitor your body's response and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. At NJRI, we typically schedule a follow up appointment days after the procedure to make sure that you’re doing well and not suffering from any major side effects.
And finally, at #1, the thing my partner and I love MOST about MFAT is its potential for long-lasting results. Many patients find that MFAT provides durable relief and improvement in their symptoms, often seeing benefits that last longer than some other treatments. This longevity can be particularly valuable for conditions like chronic joint pain where sustained results are crucial for quality of life. Typically, my patients get years of relief with MFAT Some patients may need follow-up treatments to maintain the benefits over time. The truth is that while MFAT can offer lasting improvements, it’s not a guaranteed permanent fix, and ongoing management might be necessary depending on your condition and lifestyle.
There you have it folks. The five reasons NJRI loves MFAT: for its long lasting results, reduced side effects, versatility, being minimally invasive, and its regenerative power.
Thanks for tuning in to this video on the five reasons NJRI loves MFAT. Remember, while MFAT has many advantages, it’s important to discuss all potential outcomes and alternatives with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment tailored to your needs. If you have any questions or are considering MFAT, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.
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