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Lipogems for Knee Arthritis in Fort Lauderdale

An orthobiologic option using your own fat tissue, with Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD, triple board-certified

If knee arthritis still hurts after therapy, bracing and other injections, and you are not ready for a knee replacement, you may be looking for other non-surgical options. Lipogems prepares a small sample of your own fat tissue and places it into the knee in a single visit. An evaluation determines whether it is a reasonable option for you.

At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale offers Lipogems as one of several autologous orthobiologic treatments, with ultrasound-guided injection, for appropriate candidates.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Lipogems for Bone-on-Bone Arthritis | Fort Lauderdale Patient Pt 1
Important Notice from IROSM: Lipogems therapy is a customized medical treatment performed by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez using your own (autologous) fat tissue. A thorough clinical evaluation at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale determines whether Lipogems, PRP, another orthobiologic treatment, or an alternative approach best fits your condition.

What is Lipogems?

Lipogems is a system used to prepare micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) from a small sample of your own fat. The fat is washed and gently broken into smaller clusters inside a closed device, without enzymes or added chemicals, and then injected into the painful joint in the same visit. It is one of the autologous orthobiologic treatments offered at IROSM, meaning it uses material from your own body.

For some patients with knee arthritis, Lipogems may help reduce pain and improve function. Results vary from person to person, and not everyone improves. Whether it is a reasonable option for you is decided at your evaluation.

Who may be a candidate for Lipogems?

Lipogems is usually discussed for people with knee arthritis who fall into what doctors call the treatment gap in orthopedics: their pain continues despite basic care, but they are not ready for, or not able to have, a knee replacement.

It may be worth discussing if you

  • Have knee pain from osteoarthritis confirmed by exam and imaging
  • Have tried therapy, bracing, weight management or other injections
  • Want to explore non-surgical options before joint replacement
  • Have been told surgery is not a good option for you right now

It may not be suitable for people with an active infection, certain bleeding problems, or some other medical conditions. Dr. Gonzalez reviews your history, exam and imaging before recommending any treatment. Learn more about degenerative osteoarthritis and non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement.

What happens during a Lipogems procedure

The whole process is done in one visit at IROSM, under local anesthetic.

1. Collecting the fat

A small area of the belly or flank is numbed, and a small amount of fat is collected through a thin tube, similar to a mini liposuction.

2. Preparing the tissue

The fat is processed in the closed Lipogems device, which washes it and gently breaks it into smaller clusters.

3. Guided injection

The prepared tissue is injected into the knee with ultrasound guidance. Read how image-guided injections support accurate placement.

4. Aftercare

Soreness, swelling and bruising at the collection site and knee are common for several days. You may be asked to wear a compression garment and follow an activity plan.

Possible risks include pain, bruising, swelling, and, rarely, infection or bleeding. Dr. Gonzalez will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives in your case.

Lipogems vs PRP and other knee options

PRP therapy uses a concentrate from your own blood and needs only a blood draw. Lipogems uses your own fat tissue and adds a small collection step. Each has trade-offs in preparation, recovery and cost, and neither is right for every patient. Some patients are better served by other injections, therapy, or a surgical opinion. See how the options compare in our guide to PRP vs stem cell vs laser.

Video: a patient’s Lipogems experience, part 2

Part 1 of this patient’s story is at the top of this page. In part 2, the patient, who has advanced knee arthritis, continues sharing their experience with Lipogems at IROSM. This is one patient’s experience; individual results vary, and not every patient improves.

Lipogems patient experience, part 2

Lipogems patient experience, part 2

What the Research Says

  1. Baria MR et al., 2024, Orthop J Sports Med: in a randomized trial of 71 adults with knee osteoarthritis, patients received either micro-fragmented adipose tissue or PRP. Both groups reported improvement at 12 months, with no significant difference between the two treatments. The study was small, and more research is needed. Source

Lipogems in Fort Lauderdale

Providing Lipogems and other orthobiologic treatments to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.

Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990

Frequently Asked Questions About Lipogems at IROSM

What is Lipogems?

What is Lipogems?
Lipogems is a system that prepares micro-fragmented adipose tissue from a small sample of your own fat. The tissue is washed and gently broken into smaller clusters, without enzymes, and injected into the painful joint in the same visit.

Who is a candidate for Lipogems?

Who is a candidate for Lipogems?
It is usually discussed for people with knee osteoarthritis whose pain continues despite therapy, bracing or other injections, and who are not ready for or able to have a knee replacement. Candidacy is decided after an exam and imaging.

Does the fat collection hurt?

Does the fat collection hurt?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic first, and most patients find the procedure tolerable. Soreness and bruising at the collection site are common for several days afterward.

What is recovery like after Lipogems?

What is recovery like after Lipogems?
Many patients have soreness, swelling and bruising at the collection site and knee for several days. You may wear a compression garment and follow a gradual activity plan. Any change in knee symptoms, if it happens, varies from person to person.

How is Lipogems different from PRP?

How is Lipogems different from PRP?
PRP is prepared from your own blood and needs only a blood draw. Lipogems is prepared from your own fat tissue and adds a small collection step. One small trial found similar results for both at 12 months. Dr. Gonzalez can help you weigh the options.

Is Lipogems covered by insurance?

Is Lipogems covered by insurance?
Coverage varies, and many regenerative treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team can go over costs at your consultation before you decide.

Do I need a referral to be seen for Lipogems?

Do I need a referral to be seen for Lipogems?
It depends on your insurance. Many HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans need a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Please check with your plan, or call us at (954) 751-6990 before your visit to confirm.

Could Lipogems Be an Option for Your Knee?

Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find out whether Lipogems or another treatment is right for your condition.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD
Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
Last reviewed: September 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Lipogems therapy at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.