Adipose-Derived Cell Therapy (MFAT) for Joints & Spine

Name: Adipose-Derived Cell Therapy (MFAT) for Joints & Spine
Brand: Regen Axis Health

Micro-fragmented adipose tissue uses your own fat to cushion joints, reinforce spinal ligaments, and modulate inflammation. Regen Axis Health offers physician-led MFAT therapy for patients seeking durable, non-surgical support for movement.

Adipose-Derived Regenerative Care for Joints and Spine

Inflammation and tissue degeneration often outpace the body's natural ability to repair. Cartilage thins, ligaments loosen, discs lose height, and the structures that support movement gradually break down.

Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) is a unique regenerative therapy that combines biologic signaling with physical structural support, making it especially well-suited to joint cushioning and spinal ligament reinforcement. At Regen Axis Health, MFAT is delivered by board-certified physicians under image guidance, anchored by Dr. Leon Reyfman's leadership in interventional pain and regenerative medicine.

What Is MFAT Therapy?

MFAT is created from a small amount of the patient's own adipose (fat) tissue, typically harvested from the abdomen or flank through a minimally invasive procedure. The tissue is then mechanically processed to break it into microfragments while preserving the structural integrity of the cells and removing inflammatory oils.

The resulting MFAT is rich in pericytes, mesenchymal-like stromal cells, and a supportive extracellular framework. Once processed, it is injected into the joint, ligament, or other targeted area using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.

Unlike treatments that only deliver cellular signaling, MFAT also provides structural support, a kind of biologic scaffolding that can cushion joints and reinforce weakened connective tissue.

How MFAT Differs From Other Regenerative Treatments

While several regenerative treatments are used in joint care, MFAT therapy has distinct characteristics that make it particularly useful for inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions. Key differences include:

Uses adipose-derived regenerative cells and anti-inflammatory signaling factors
Focuses heavily on inflammation modulation within the joint
Avoids steroids and synthetic medications
Designed to support joint health rather than temporarily suppress symptoms

This makes adipose-derived cell therapy a valuable option for patients seeking longer-term joint support.

Conditions Treated With MFAT Therapy

MFAT may be appropriate for patients with joint conditions involving inflammation, degeneration, or soft-tissue compromise, including:

Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, or other joints
Chronic joint inflammation, contributing to pain and stiffness
Degenerative joint conditions not responding to conservative care
Post-injury joint degeneration
Joint pain where inflammation is a primary driver of symptoms

Careful evaluation is essential to determine whether MFAT therapy is appropriate for a specific joint and condition.

How MFAT Supports Joints, Discs, and Spinal Ligaments

MFAT can be applied to multiple anatomical targets within a regenerative care plan:

Joint cushioning. When injected into a joint, MFAT provides immediate structural support that can act as a biologic shock absorber, particularly helpful in joints with significant cartilage wear.

Spinal ligament reinforcement. For patients with spinal instability, MFAT can be delivered to the supraspinous, interspinous, and other ligamentous structures of the spine to help thicken connective tissue and reduce the micro-motion that drives chronic back pain.
Soft tissue support. The viscous nature of MFAT makes it useful for tendon tears and ligamentous injuries that benefit from more than cellular signaling alone.
Inflammation modulation. MFAT is particularly active against the inflammatory mediators that contribute to chronic joint and spine pain.

Same-day appointments. Walk-ins welcome. Relief starts now.

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“Dr. Reyfman is the best. I did an intradiscal PRP for my herniated disc, and I feel great!”

Lika Gabrichidze

Who Is a Candidate for MFAT Therapy?

MFAT may be appropriate for patients who have chronic joint or spine pain related to inflammation, degeneration, or injury; have imaging showing joint or ligament changes appropriate for regenerative care; have not achieved lasting relief from conservative care or other injections; want to avoid or delay surgery; and are medically appropriate candidates for autologous biologic therapy.

The MFAT Procedure at Regen Axis Health

MFAT is a same-day, outpatient procedure performed under sterile conditions. After local anesthesia at the fat harvest site, often the abdomen or flank, a small volume of adipose tissue is collected using a minimally invasive technique. The tissue is then mechanically processed to create microfragmented adipose tissue. From there, the prepared MFAT is delivered via image-guided injection into the targeted joint, ligament, or other structure. Recovery monitoring and post-procedure guidance follow.

Most patients return home the same day. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available at all 16 Regen Axis Health locations.

What to Expect After MFAT Therapy

Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising at the harvest and injection sites is normal during the first several days. Symptom improvement develops gradually over weeks to months as inflammation decreases and the tissues respond to MFAT's structural and biologic effects.

Activity modification and a guided return to movement during early recovery protect the treated area while it heals.

How MFAT Fits Into a Regenerative Joint Care Plan

MFAT therapy is often combined with other regenerative strategies, depending on the joint and condition being treated. These may include PRP for joints or the spine, intraosseous PRP, BMAC, shockwave therapy, regenerative laser therapy, or photomodulation.

This integrated approach allows Regen Axis Health to address inflammation, tissue health, and biomechanics comprehensively rather than relying on a single intervention.

Results of MFAT Treatment

Results depend on the area treated, the severity of degeneration, and individual response. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that MFAT can deliver durable improvements in pain and function for patients with knee osteoarthritis, including those with advanced disease. Improvement often continues for several months as the treated area responds to regenerative signaling.

Why Choose Regen Axis Health?

Regen Axis Health is led by Dr. Leon Reyfman, board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, fellowship-trained at Columbia University, and an Attending Physician at Mount Sinai. Working alongside him are board-certified physicians, Dr. Dvoskin, Dr. Kosharskyy, Dr. Shulkin, Dr. Elbaz, Dr. Cohen, and Dr. Koutsospyros, each with advanced training in regenerative joint, ligament, and spine care.

Every MFAT procedure is physician-performed using image guidance, within a care model designed around precision, patient comfort, and joint preservation. Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and New Jersey, our 16 locations make advanced regenerative care accessible.

Schedule an MFAT consultation with Regen Axis Health today.

Frequently Asked Questions Adipose-Derived Cell Therapy

How Is MFAT Different From BMAC?

MFAT uses adipose-derived cells and provides physical structural support alongside cellular signaling. BMAC concentrates a broader mix of cells from bone marrow. Each has unique strengths, and our physicians often use them together in a single regenerative plan.

Is MFAT Therapy Painful?

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthesia is used at the fat harvest site and the injection site. Temporary soreness or bruising is common but resolves quickly.

Can MFAT Help With Back Pain?

Yes. MFAT is particularly useful for spinal ligament instability, where the structural and anti-inflammatory properties of adipose tissue help reinforce weakened connective tissue.

How Long Does It Take to See Results From MFAT?

Most patients experience gradual improvement over several weeks to months. Peer-reviewed studies have documented sustained benefits up to a year or longer.

Is MFAT Safe?

When performed by experienced, board-certified physicians using sterile technique and image guidance, MFAT is considered safe for appropriately selected patients. Because MFAT is autologous, the risk of allergic or immune reaction is very low.