SVF (stromal vascular fraction) is prepared from a small amount of your own fat, taken from the abdomen or thigh under local anaesthesia, processed to concentrate its regenerative cells, and injected under ultrasound into an arthritic joint or injured ligament. Like BMAC, it is a regenerative option for selected patients when simpler treatment has not been enough, offered with clear expectations about developing evidence.
Bone-on-bone arthritis, complete tears, active infection, very low body fat, and patients unable to complete rehabilitation.
Bruising and tenderness at the harvest site for one to two weeks; soreness in the treated joint for several days. Anti-inflammatories avoided for two weeks. Rehabilitation from week two. Improvement, where it occurs, develops over eight to sixteen weeks.
Harvest-site bruising, temporary joint flare; infection and bleeding are rare. Evidence for SVF in knee arthritis comes from early clinical studies with mixed results; it is not a cure and does not reliably regrow cartilage. It is offered after discussion of the evidence and the regulatory position, which Dr. Kiruthika will explain plainly.
SVF contains stem cells among other cell types. It is described here as a regenerative injection; it is not a cure and results vary.
Both are options in mild to moderate arthritis. The choice depends on the joint, your body composition, your other conditions and preference; Dr. Kiruthika will advise.
No. The amount removed is small.
Where it helps, improvement is measured over one to several years, with variation between patients.
Yes, though a second session is uncommon.