About Lipogems® and the Regenerative Woman Clinic
The MFAT procedure and technique has been available worldwide for approximately 7 years, primarily in orthopaedics and aesthetics. In the UK, it was first started by us almost 5 years ago.
MFAT for Gynaecology has been used on a smaller scale for approximately 5 years, primarily in Italy. The Regenerative Woman is working exclusively with Lipogems to launch MFAT as a gynaecological treatment in the UK.
This technology is still undergoing assessment. There are some studies that clearly demonstrate its efficacy but in order for new and novel treatments to make their way on to the NHS or private medical insurance, there is invariably rather onerous processes that may take a number of years before it is approved. A good example of this is the use of platelet rich plasma which has been around for approximately 25 years, but it is only recently that it has found its way to the NHS and is being offered across the board now. There still continues to be some insurance companies that do not approve platelet rich plasma despite overwhelming evidence for its efficacy.
The Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) procedure
The cells that we’re interested in collecting are called pericytes (Mesenchymal cells) as these cells have naturally regenerative properties, there’s a very high concentration of these cells in your fat tissue, what we call adipose tissue.
Quite simply what we do in the MFAT procedure is remove a small amount of your fat tissue from your tummy. We then put this tissue in a closed loop system and wash it with a saline fluid to get rid of any of the impurities and then re-inject the tissue into the genitourinary area.
The pericytes then stimulate healthy cell growth and repair. The cells encourage the nourishment and hydration of the cells of the vaginal mucosa, alleviating symptoms such as dryness, soreness, burning and discomfort during intercourse. The procedure itself is performed in just under one hour and you are free to leave the clinic the very same day.
The injecting phase of the procedure is tailored specifically to each patient. The exact quantity and location of the injections is determined by your gynaecologist and is dependent on your condition. The majority of the injections are concentrated around the vulva but can also be internal inside the vagina and externally towards the rectum. In total an average of 15-30ml of Lipogems will be injected which will take around 30 minutes.
It is a very small amount of fat, around 100ml. This is then reduced to about 15-30ml which is injected in the genitourinary area.
The MFAT treatment is a natural solution relying on the bodies own capacity to heal itself. There are no hormones, oestrogen or synthetic chemicals involved in the treatment meaning the treatment is also suitable for post cancer patients. It is designed to be a single treatment and the healing effects have been clinically proven to last for 3 + years.
The harvesting of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow is an invasive treatment, conducted under general anaesthetic that can be very painful. The mesenchymal cells present in the fat tissue are easier and less painful to access. There is also research to show that the quality of stem cells in bone marrow decreases significantly as you get older, especially in women. Age and gender has no effect on the quality of stem cells present in fat tissue. Both methods of harvesting have been tried, tested and have proven to be very affective.
The Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) consultation
Absolutely, if you would also like to see an orthopaedic or plastic surgeon to discuss the additional applications of the MFAT technology you can do so free of charge.
The outcome and aftercare of Lipogems® for woman
The initial benefits of the treatment can be experienced in as little as 4-6 weeks and definitive changes will be felt after 3 months. At 6 months patients are likely to feel the peak benefit and cases have reported benefits for up to 5 years post treatment.
There are no reports of conditions worsening as a result of the treatment. For non-responders, MFAT also does not impact the effectiveness or eligibility for future treatments.
Cases of very severe Lichen Sclerosus and Planus may need to consider repeat treatment at 6 months/1 year. MFAT will also not treat cancer or infertility.
No, this will have no effect on the outcome of the treatment. You can proceed with the MFAT treatment 6 weeks after your last laser therapy session.
All patients are offered 4 follow-up appointments with their gynaecologist as part of their MFAT package. Patient progress will be monitored closely in these appointments and for non-responders they can discuss an on-going alternative treatment plan with you. All non-responder cases are reviewed by The Regenerative Woman MDT team.
Everybody responds to General Anaesthetic differently; however you should be OK to return to work 2 days post procedure. Most of our theatre dates are on a Friday which gives you the weekend to recover.
All patients leave the clinic with an abdominal binder, thrush medication and 2 weeks’ worth of pain medication to be taken as and when required. You will receive a telephone call from our practice nurse 1- and 7- days post-op and you will have follow-up appointments with your gynaecologist at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months post-op.