LIPOGEMS is an innovative, FDA approved office based procedure that uses your own fat to help with tissue and joint healing. It involves making a small puncture in the skin and then removing your own fat from your midsection or “love handles” which is relatively painless. Then the fat is processed and within about 15 minutes injected into your shoulder in a targeted fashion using ultrasound guidance. The idea is that the injected fat can aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to improved function and pain relief. Dr. Simovitch has found this procedure to be well tolerated. He uses it for nonoperative treatment, when appropriate, of conditions such as shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff degeneration , and rotator cuff tears. Some patients also choose to have LIPOGEMS injected into their shoulder at the time of surgery when undergoing arthroscopic treatment for rotator cuff disorders in order to improve healing capacity. Like most biologic regenerative treatments, LIPOGEMS is considered experimental by insurance carriers and hence are not covered by insurance. There is a nominal fee to cover the procedure.
After the Lipogems injection, there may be a period of rest for a few days but then light use of the shoulder can resume. A complete return to strenuous shoulder activity is often recommended to wait until 8 to 10 weeks.
If you are interested in Lipogems, please contact Claire Felisma at (561) 657-4610 or email at Simovitchoffice@hss.edu.