Patient Testimonials
Discover what our patients have to say regarding their office visit, surgical experience or recovery process. We also encourage our existing patients to share their own experience!
One day as I was squatting down to dry off the shower walls, i could not squat down all the way with my left knee. Out of the blue, there was major inflammation in the knee. I went to the orthopedist, who started with an xray and nothing showed up, but when I mentioned to my school’s Athletic Trainer that my knee was buckling, she recommended going back to the orthopedist to get an MRI. Well the MRI showed several meniscus tears. I really didn’t want surgery so I began my search for regenerative medicine within a reasonable distance of my home. A former colleague had had a lipogems procedure for her knee that was bone on bone and she swore by it. I found NJ Regenerative Center in my search and decided to give it a try. I called and got an appointment with Dr. Bowen. A week later our Athletic Trainer said she ran into a former Dr colleague at a football game and found out that he had established a practice with 2 other doctors and she emailed me his business card. She told me that this doctor was EXCELLENT and to consider making an appointment to see him. It was Dr. Bowen! After consulting with Dr. Bowen I decided to go ahead with the procedure and the rest is history. He injected my left knee and left ankle (had so many high ankle sprains) and I walked out with crutches. Probably the worst part of the procedure was the crutches. I used them for just 2 days and then I was able to walk on my left foot. A week after Lipogems I returned to the gym, though I could not stay on the Elliptical or Recumbent bicycle for more than a minute or two. The second week after the procedure I was able to do so much more and every week I was able to do more and more. My Lipogems procedure was Nov 2018. I went to physical therapy for a couple of months and by April 6 I was back in my advanced ballet class. My ballet instructor could not believe that within 5 months I was dancing again! I have been dancing ballet for over 50 years and Lipogems fixed my knee and I was good as new! When I am in my garden picking my yellow beans, in a squat and practically sitting on my heels, I thank my lucky stars that I found Dr. Bowen! This horrible inflammation from the torn meniscus started in May and even waiting 6 months, it never went away until after I had the Lipogems procedure! I will do whatever I can to avoid surgery. It really works and would recommend it any day over surgery! Dr. Bowen is a wonderful and caring doctor!! Great bedside manner and just a really smart guy!
Yvonne
LipogemsPerformed by Gerard Malanga, MD – 9 Month Follow-Up I had Lipogems procedure done 9 months ago on my left knee, 3 meniscus tears, bone on bone arthritis, 3 bakers cysts. I am fully healed, meniscus tissue regenerated, bakers cysts dissipated, and smooth surface on formally arthritic joint. Could not say more positive feedback ABOUT this Lipogems. My life is so much better, NO pain climbing 2 flights of stairs to enter my home, RESUMED walking on the beach. Thank you Dr. MALANGA.
Denise L.
Meniscus Tears, Bone on Bone Arthritis and Baker CystsOn January 27, 2017, I was scheduled for a knee replacement after I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that my knee was “bone on bone”. He told me not even a cortisone shot would give me relief. At 62, I was finding it difficult to go up and down stairs without pain and I had stopped practicing yoga which I had been doing for the past five years. I started researching online alternatives to knee replacement and with x-rays in hand, I met with Dr. Agesen at the New Jersey Regenerative Institute. He looked at my x-rays and told me that I was a candidate for Lipogems.
It is now 8 weeks later and a visit with Dr. Agesen yesterday has put me on a path to a full recovery. I feel I have 85% recovery and hopefully with another month of stem cell growth, I will be even better. Going up and down stairs is no longer a problem. I do feel some tenderness,but nothing like before this procedure.The staff has been wonderful, answering any questions that I had…even when I called 4 weeks out and felt discouraged. After 4 weeks, each day has shown improvement and I am looking forward to resuming my activities like bike riding and yoga.
I am so happy that I did not go down the surgery path, avoiding months of recuperation and possible complications. I have already recommended Lipogems to a number of people who were also thinking that surgery was their only option. I am happy that my body is healing itself with the help of Lipogems!
Diane B.
Bone on Bone KneeMy quality of life was hugely improved this year by new medical experiences, starting with your PRP shots on January 6th, then you sending me to Dimitry Polyakov for his expertise in NKT, plus the art-and-science custom orthotics handmade by Michael Pezzotta in Denville which have also helped to stabilize my low back & posture.
Since you last saw me, I played tennis 3x/week May through October, added pickleball weekly starting in September, biked almost every weekend, & I’ve also started substituting on an indoor tennis team. So THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH.
I’ve told so many people about you & PRP that I hope it’s gotten you some new customers!
Have a happy new year & thank you again
Catherine Roy
PRPBenny C.
KneesGarry
Consultation with Dr. AgesenAfter exploring the options of using my own stem cells to treat this process, I was fortunate to be referred to the physicians at New Jersey Regenerative Institute. I underwent a treatment process that included using my own stem cells along with super concentrated platelets to stimulate the healing of my cartilage injury. These procedures were performed at a state of the art facility using enhanced guidance such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound to directly place my stem cells into the injured area of my knee. The procedure did not require hospitalization, anesthesia or any type of incision. I was surprised by how little pain there was both at the time of harvesting my stem cells as well as at the time of the injection procedure. There was very minimal downtime following this procedure and I was back to running and jumping and other strenuous activities 6 weeks after the procedure.
I am happy to say that now several months following this procedure, my knee feels totally normal. I am able to perform all normal daily activities without any pain or swelling. In addition, I am now been able to return to strenuous sports activities that involve running, jumping, cutting and aggressive exercise without pain and without the need for any medication such as anti-inflammatories.
I am very grateful to Dr. Malanga and his staff for their dedication in providing the highest level of available care that is at the cutting edge of nonoperative orthopedic treatment. I would highly recommend them to any one at any level of sports capability who is looking for a nonoperative solution for an injury such as mine.
David Garrard, NFL Quarterback
Both KneesJust so you know where I’m coming from, I was a former professional athlete and competed in college prior to that. I have always wanted to be active, and when I couldn’t be, it was very discouraging. It also affected how my other metabolic conditions were managed. Stem cells were not my first attempt at feeling better. I never let pain stop me. I’d already been through a spinal fusion procedure and Dr. Agesen guided me through that. During a future appointment to express my challenges with my hips and shoulder, he introduced me to the idea of a stem cell treatment. I was very skeptical to say the least. During my research, I was unable to find a lot of public data or other doctors who knew much about it. Not even believing totally in the treatment prior, the stem cell therapy has been a game changer for me. I had mild to moderate arthritis in both hips, a torn rotator cuff and a labrum with a lot of scar tissue in my right shoulder. Having been a former athlete and someone who enjoys being active, I was very restricted as to what I could do, I was unable to throw a ball without some pain and weakness. Since the procedure, I have been able to throw with minimal pain and weakness, and the soreness 1-2 days later subsides normally. Previously, I’d struggle to throw and my shoulder would hurt for at least a week. The stem cells were extremely helpful in resolving my hip discomfort in both legs. Previously I would limp when I walked, and could only run at about 30-40% speed and that was painful. I’d also be extremely sore and in pain for 1-2 weeks after trying to be active. Prior to the procedure, I couldn’t keep up with my daughter and now I can beat her in a race again. Not only that, I’ve been able to play soccer with her team while I coach. Additionally, I thought it was hopeless even trying to stretch and do core work or yoga. My body was unable to sustain the movements and my stretching was extremely limited. Since the procedure, I’ve been able to go on an occasional jog, and actually walk the next day pain free. I’ve been able to re-engage in my core work & PT, as well as, improve my flexibility in my hips. If you have any thoughts of considering it, I would recommend not discounting the option, and exploring your possibilities with Dr. Agesen’s practice.
Eric
Stem cells: Right hip, Left Hip & Left ShoulderFinally relief! I was suffering from inflammation of my pelvic bones for 10 months (including 5 doctors and various screening tests) when I finally made my way to Dr. Malanga’s care. He examined me, and prescribed anti-inflammatory supplements and physical therapy. After a month of following his treatment plan, I am essentially pain free! I wish I had seen him sooner. Now I hope to restore my strength through therapy and Dr. Malanga’s guidance.
Joan M.
Pelvic BonesWhen I heard about New Jersey Regenerative Medicine, the first person I spoke with was Amy Kaslander. She was absolutely wonderful. She explained what they did there and invited me to a free seminar that was led by Dr. Thomas Agesen.
Of course I was extremely skeptical, but I went and listened to what they had to say. With Rotator Cuff surgery, you are out of work for 6 weeks and then you lose mobility for 4 to 6 months. They will only operate on 1 shoulder at a time…that means losing 8 months to a year for recovery plus a lot of physical therapy.
When I spoke with Dr. Agesen, he told me that I would be out of work for two weeks only. After that I would have use of both my shoulders. Total recovery is 6 months. But as a chef, I would still be able to do my work within two weeks. He told me that my shoulders would heal by 80%.
I had my Lipogems procedure done on July 5, 2016. It was performed by Dr. Agesen and Dr. Dunn. Both doctors had a great bed side manner and made me feel very comfortable. The procedure took less then 3 hours for both shoulders. In retrospect, if you are highly active, I would probably allow 3 weeks for recovery….2 weeks was definitely not enough.
It is 9 months later. My shoulders are probably 99% better. I get a small jolt once in a while if I move a certain way. Other than that, I have full, 100% range of motion in both shoulders. I have 80% of my strength back. The two best parts…l am now sleeping at night with absolutely no pain whatsoever and more importantly, I can now play basketball with my son without any pain.
I highly recommend New Jersey Regenerative Institute.
I cannot thank Dr. Agesen, Dr. Dunn and of course Amy, enough.