Fat-Derived Stem Cell Injections in California
An autologous, minimally invasive regenerative procedure using your own adipose (fat) tissue stem cells, available at R3 Stem Cell California provider locations across Northern and Southern California. Your first consultation is always FREE.
Fat Derived Stem Cell Injections at R3 Stem Cell California
The human body normally works like a well oiled machine, but even in this complicated machine, there is still one vital component necessary to create the framework of tendon, bones, cartilage and ligament. That vital component is the stem cell. A stem cell has the ability to turn into many different cell types and regenerate damaged tissue.
Using stem cell therapy has the potential to help heal damaged musculoskeletal tissue such as ligament injury, cartilage damage, tendonitis, and joint arthritis. This may result in a more active, healthier life.
Note on experimental status: Fat derived stem cell injections for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions are considered investigational by the FDA and are not FDA-approved for these indications. R3 Stem Cell California discloses this to every patient as part of the consultation process.
Adipose Tissue as a Stem Cell Source
Adipose tissue (fat tissue) has been identified as being a great source for stem cells. Another important advantage with fat derived stem cell injections is that the tissue does not involve embryos and it is taken from the same person so there is no risk of rejection.
How Are Stem Cells Harvested From Fat?
A few small incisions are made in a person’s abdomen, and a small amount of adipose tissue is taken through a procedure pretty much like a liposuction. Afterwards, the stem cells are isolated from fat through spinning in a centrifuge. As a therapy, the concentrated solution is then injected afterwards into joints, tendons, or ligaments that need repair.
How Is the Adipose Stem Cell Procedure Performed?
It is actually a 7 step process.
- The patient's blood is taken.
- The blood is spun down "centrifuged" to create a heavy concentration of platelets, stem cells and growth factors (this is called platelet rich plasma).
- A small amount (~50–100 cc) of fat is taken from the waist area.
- An enzyme is used to break down fat cells, leaving concentrated stem cells.
- The stem cells are mixed with the PRP.
- The stem cells and PRP are activated with light (Adi-Light 2).
- The concentrate is injected into the area of injury/degeneration for potential regeneration.
What Research Is There to Support Fat Derived Stem Cells?
Fat derived stem cells have animal studies that have been promising for tissue regeneration.
Multiple studies in animals have shown effectiveness of adipose derived stem cells in bone defect repair, along with having excellent proliferative capacity in a human in-vitro model. (Choudhery et al 2013, Kang et al 2013).
Not Sure If Fat Derived Stem Cell Injections Are Right for You?
That is exactly what the free consultation is for. Your R3 Stem Cell California provider will review your condition, answer your questions honestly, and give you a clear recommendation — with no obligation to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fat Derived Stem Cell Injections in California
Fat derived stem cell injections — also called adipose derived stem cell therapy — are a regenerative procedure in which a small amount of fat tissue is harvested from the patient's own abdomen, processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing concentrated stem cells and growth factors, and then injected into the area being treated. Because the material comes from the patient's own body, there is no risk of immune rejection.
At R3 Stem Cell California, adipose derived stem cell injections are used for musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions including joint arthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle), cartilage damage, ligament injuries, tendonitis, and soft tissue degeneration. Your provider will confirm whether your specific condition is a candidate during your free consultation.
Fat derived stem cell injections for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions are considered investigational by the FDA and are not FDA-approved for these indications. R3 Stem Cell California informs every patient of this clearly before any procedure is recommended or scheduled.
The fat tissue is harvested from the waist area through a small minimally invasive procedure similar to liposuction. Only a small amount — approximately 50 to 100 cc — is needed. Local anesthesia is used throughout. No general anesthesia is required.
Most patients experience mild discomfort at the harvest site, well managed with local anesthesia during the procedure. Some soreness at the harvest site and the injection site is normal for a few days afterward. The procedure is outpatient and does not require a hospital stay.
The full procedure — fat harvest, processing, mixing with PRP, activation, and injection — is completed in a single outpatient visit. The entire process typically takes 90 minutes to two hours from start to finish.
Stromal vascular fraction is the concentrated cellular material isolated from adipose tissue after processing. It contains a high density of mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and other regenerative components that may support tissue repair. SVF is what is ultimately injected into the treatment area after the fat is harvested and processed.
Both procedures are autologous — using the patient's own cells — but draw from different tissue sources. Fat (adipose) tissue typically yields a higher volume of stem cells per unit of harvested tissue compared to bone marrow. Bone marrow is harvested from the iliac crest of the hip, while fat is harvested from the abdomen. Your R3 Stem Cell California provider will recommend the most appropriate source based on your condition and clinical picture.
PRP (platelet rich plasma) concentrates platelets and growth factors from the patient's blood but does not contain stem cells. Fat derived stem cell therapy includes mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue, which are often combined with PRP as part of the procedure at R3 Stem Cell California. The two can be used together to enhance the regenerative environment at the treatment site.
Most patients return to light daily activity within one to two days. Some soreness at both the harvest site and the injection site is expected for a few days. Heavy physical activity is typically restricted for a short period as directed by your provider. Full post-procedure guidance is provided at your appointment.
R3 Stem Cell California has affiliated provider locations across both Northern and Southern California, including cities in the Bay Area, Sacramento region, Orange County, and San Diego. Call (844) GET-STEM or use the contact form on this site to find the nearest provider and schedule a free consultation.
Cost varies depending on the area treated, the volume of material processed, and the specific provider location. Most regenerative procedures are not covered by insurance and are an out-of-pocket expense. R3 Stem Cell California offers financing options and provides transparent pricing at the consultation with no obligation to proceed.
Yes. Multiple animal studies have shown effectiveness of adipose derived stem cells in bone defect repair, and research demonstrates excellent proliferative capacity in human in-vitro models (Choudhery et al 2013, Kang et al 2013). R3 Stem Cell California is part of a broader network that has performed over 29,000 regenerative procedures globally, with IRB-approved clinical research registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Take the First Step — It Costs Nothing
The free consultation at R3 Stem Cell California is not a sales call. It is a clinical conversation with a qualified provider who will give you honest information about whether fat derived stem cell injections make sense for your situation, what the procedure involves, and what it realistically may or may not do.