Concierge orthobiologics · London
Lipogems (micro-fragmented adipose) - London
A single-visit, autologous orthobiologic for knee, hip, shoulder and tendon pain. Your own fat is harvested, micro-fragmented to protect its regenerative cell niche, and injected under image guidance the same afternoon.
What it is
Your own fat, gently prepared, put back to work.
Lipogems is a proprietary, sterile single-use device regulated in the UK as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product. The workflow is simple: a mini-liposuction harvests around 60 mL of subcutaneous fat from your abdomen or flanks under local anaesthetic; the tissue is washed and mechanically micro-fragmented inside the closed Lipogems system, without enzymes or centrifugation; and the resulting micro-fragmented adipose tissue is injected the same visit into the target joint or tendon under ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The key point is what is kept, not what is removed: the stromal vascular fraction, the pericyte niche and the native micro-architecture that supports mesenchymal stromal cell activity stay intact.
Versus BMAC
Why adipose, not bone marrow.
- Higher viable cell yield per volume. Adipose tissue is a much richer source of mesenchymal stromal cells than iliac crest aspirate.
- Kinder harvest. Soft flank or abdomen under tumescent local, rather than a bone trocar into the pelvis.
- Better preservation of the stromal niche. Mechanical micro-fragmentation, no enzymes, no centrifugation.
- A different, not necessarily better, tool. BMAC has a longer track record and remains the right pick for some indications and patients.
When it fits
Indications we treat.
- Knee osteoarthritis, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 to 3.
- Moderate hip osteoarthritis, where replacement is on the horizon but not this year.
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial-thickness cuff tears.
- Gluteal tendinopathy (greater trochanteric pain syndrome).
- Common extensor tendinopathy (tennis elbow) that has failed PRP or eccentric loading.
- Chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Foot and ankle osteoarthritis, including talar dome lesions.
Evidence
What the literature actually says.
Randomised trials and larger case series suggest 60 to 80 per cent of appropriately selected patients report meaningful functional improvement at 12 to 24 months. The evidence base is heterogenous, with variation in device version, injectate volume, image guidance and rehabilitation protocol. NICE has not routinely approved adipose orthobiologics for osteoarthritis; the treatment is offered privately, and we are candid about what is proven, what is plausible and what is still under study. It is not a substitute for joint replacement in end-stage disease.
The procedure
One visit, around ninety minutes.
Harvest, 15 to 20 minutes. Tumescent local anaesthetic to the abdomen or flanks, two 3 mm ports, and around 60 mL of fat collected into the Lipogems syringe system.
Processing, 15 minutes. Closed, single-use device, mechanical washing and micro-fragmentation, no enzymes.
Injection, 15 minutes. Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided delivery into the target joint or tendon, with the needle position confirmed on image.
Total in-clinic time is typically 90 minutes. You walk out the same day, drive after 24 hours, and start graduated loading in the second week.
Efficacy in knee OA
What to expect if your knee is KL 2 or 3.
Published series in Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 to 3 knee OA report WOMAC pain reduction of 50 to 70 per cent at 12 months, with a majority of responders holding gains at 24 months. Response is less reliable and less durable in end-stage KL 4 bone-on-bone disease, where the honest conversation is about whether a knee replacement pathway serves you better. We image and score every knee before recommending Lipogems for it.
Cost
London pricing: £4,500 to £7,500 all-inclusive.
The quote covers consultant orthobiologics review, the sterile single-use Lipogems device, theatre and nursing, ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance, consumables, and a 12-week clinical review. Bilateral treatment or a second target on the same visit is quoted at a modest uplift rather than a full second fee.
Where in London
Vetted London units for Lipogems.
- The Regenerative Clinic, Marylebone (UK Lipogems reference centre)
- HCA The Wellington Hospital Orthopaedic, St John's Wood
- Fortius Clinic Orthobiologics, Marylebone
- The London Orthopaedic Clinic, Harley Street
- London Sports Injury Clinic, Marylebone
Related
Sits alongside these options.
- BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) as the bone-marrow alternative.
- Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as a lighter orthobiologic first step.
- Prolotherapy for ligamentous and enthesopathy pain.
- Ultrasound-guided HA knee injection for milder knee OA.
- Knee arthroscopy for mechanical symptoms.
- Hip and knee replacement for end-stage disease.
- Arthritis condition guide for the wider picture.
FAQs
Common questions.
How much does Lipogems cost in London?
£4,500 to £7,500 all-inclusive. The bundle covers consultant time, the sterile Lipogems device, theatre, image guidance, consumables and a 12-week review.
Is it better than BMAC?
Adipose gives more viable cells per volume, a kinder harvest and a better-preserved stromal niche. BMAC has the longer track record. Both are tools, and the choice depends on target tissue and patient factors.
What are the results in knee osteoarthritis?
Series in KL 2 to 3 knee OA report WOMAC pain reduction of 50 to 70 per cent at 12 months, with functional gains often holding at 24 months. Less impressive in end-stage bone-on-bone disease.
Is Lipogems NICE-approved or on the NHS?
The device is MHRA-registered as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product, but NICE has not routinely approved adipose orthobiologics for OA. It is a private, self-pay treatment.
Is the fat harvest painful?
Under tumescent local anaesthetic, most patients describe pressure rather than pain. Two 3 mm ports on the abdomen or flanks that heal to faint marks.
When will I feel the benefit?
A quiet first fortnight, improvement from week 4 to 6, peak effect at 3 to 6 months, plateau commonly holding for 12 to 24 months.
Pulse Atlas Health
Book a Lipogems consultation in London.
Consultant orthobiologics review, a candid conversation about whether Lipogems fits your knee, hip, shoulder or tendon, and a firm quote back within one working day.